Health organizations, doctors, and scientists agree that vaccines are safe and effective. Despite this, there is a growing movement of parents and caregivers choosing not to vaccinate their children. Anti-vaccination myths are almost certainly contributing to this trend. Many health organizations advise that children receive vaccinations for their individual health and for the health of […]
A recent discovery could help to explain further why living with dirt can benefit human health. Scientists have found that a bacterium that lives in soil makes an anti-inflammatory fatty acid that can promote resilience to stress. A bacterium called Mycobacterium vaccae could protect against stress and anxiety. Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder […]
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes systemic, or widespread, inflammation. The disease can affect the skin, joints, and blood vessels, as well as multiple organ systems. The exact causes of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remain unclear. However, genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors may contribute to the development of the disease. SLE […]
Probiotics are live organisms that occur naturally in the gut. Many supplements and fermented foods also contain probiotics. Some people wonder if probiotics can help them lose weight. Taking a probiotic supplement may help keep the intestinal flora balanced and promote a healthy body by boosting the digestive and immune systems. While the research is […]
How do fermented foods, such as yogurt and sauerkraut, benefit health, and the immune system in particular? A new study has uncovered a cell mechanism unique to humans and great apes that could offer an explanation. Foods such as yogurt can help our bodies fight disease, and new research explains why. The mechanism involves a […]
Scientists have developed a way to increase the effectiveness of pancreatic islet transplantation, a promising therapy for type 1 diabetes. New findings could make pancreatic islet cell transplants more effective. Immune rejection by the recipient is a major barrier to pancreatic islet transplants from donors becoming routinely available for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. […]
New evidence could explain why stress is a risk factor for autoimmune disease. A recent study in mice reveals that persistent social stress changes gut microbiota, or microorganisms, in ways that can trigger certain immune responses. Why does stress influence the risk of autoimmune diseases? Autoimmune conditions develop when the immune system attacks the body’s […]
Research in mice now shows that a specific cell death mechanism can lead to rheumatoid arthritis. Stopping this mechanism could help prevent this condition from developing, the authors argue. Researchers uncover a key cellular mechanism involved in RA that has potential therapeutic implications. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized mainly by pain […]
Fruits and vegetables are the best food sources of vitamin C. Eating a variety of these healthful foods will help people meet their daily requirements. Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, plays many important roles in the body. In particular, it is key to the immune system, helping prevent infections and fight disease. The human […]
Scientists have developed a test for chronic fatigue syndrome that detects the reaction of the immune cells and blood plasma to stress. The findings may also help screen effective drugs for the condition. Scientists have developed and tested a new diagnostic tool for ME/CFS. Myalgic encephalomyelitis, or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), is a serious condition […]