The Immune System

A landmark study is due to start in the coming months, and if successful it could ultimately revive our immune system in older age and even treat chronic illnesses like autoimmune disease. The Phase 1 trial is aiming to rejuvenate senescent T cells.

People who don’t like to work out will sometimes joke that they’re “allergic” to exercise. But what many don’t realise is that an allergy to exercise is a real thing – and it can be dangerous if not caught in time.

Exactly how birds follow invisible maps around the globe has long eluded scientists – but in a first, scientists have discovered some surprising biological processes taking place inside pigeons that could change how we look at animal navigation.

A recent study by researchers from the US biotech company Tuning Fork suggests that at least some cases of post-viral depression in people recovering from COVID-19 may have measurable biological underpinnings.

Instead of focusing on your sore arm after your next vaccine, you might want to think good thoughts. A new study that trained people in the power of positive thinking showed that the practice can significantly boost antibodies created by the jab.

Researchers have discovered a new way to potentially treat liver disease. By blocking a key inflammatory pathway it could be possible to reduce liver damage and improve blood vessel function in patients suffering cirrhosis.

Tattoos have gained widespread popularity but according to a new study they may not be harmless decorations. Tattoo ink doesn’t just stay in the skin; it travels and accumulates in the lymph nodes, potentially causing lifelong changes to the immune system.

Avian influenza viruses have a gene that makes them incredibly resistant to heat, rendering our body's natural defense system – fever – powerless in fighting infection. In fact, higher temperatures actually help those bird-derived bugs replicate.

Scientists have found the clearest evidence yet that Epstein-Barr virus – which nearly all of us carry for life – is directly responsible for hijacking our immune system's cells to cause lupus, a chronic disease that affects up to a million Americans.

Researchers have demonstrated how a secret weapon made in the gut, produced by consuming pomegranate and walnuts, can rejuvenate the immune system in middle age, shielding us from cell damage, inflammation and chronic diseases including cancer.

In a world-first breakthrough, scientists have discovered how a sugary “cloak” helps bowel cancer hide from the immune system, and how stripping it away could turn the body’s anti-cancer defenses back on.

Even in death, cells leave a trace. Scientists have discovered a microscopic “Footprint of Death” that not only helps the immune system clean up but can also give viruses a new way to spread infection.