What does the appendix do? Biologists explain the complicated evolution of this inconvenient organ
Most people know only two things about the appendix: You don't need it—and if it bursts, you need surgery fast.
Mar 9, 2026
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Tissue: Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue
Medical news and research articles
Genetically identical, but not the same: How gut microbiota composition shapes the immune system in mice
Laboratory mice are often considered the scientific equivalent of identical twins—genetically identical and expected to look and behave the same. But new research from the Faculty of Science, Charles University, shows that ...
Aug 15, 2025
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Multiple sclerosis: Fateful immune cell activation in gut made visible
LMU researchers have shown that auto-aggressive T cells are activated in a specific area of the intestinal canal—and that activation is microbiome-dependent.
Jul 27, 2023
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Flu during pregnancy may lead to changes in offspring's immune function
A new study in mice suggests that having a common form of the flu during pregnancy may affect the next generation by impairing immune function in the gut. The study is published ahead of print in the American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal ...
Jul 19, 2023
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Creating organoids with immune systems
In many ways, our intestines serve as the front gate between our bodies and the world around us. They help digest our food and absorb our medications. They send alarm signals when harmful bacteria, viruses, and allergens ...
Feb 6, 2023
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Scientists find inorganic food additives might make babies more vulnerable to allergies
Nanotechnologies have revolutionized food technology with changes to food production, manufacture, and processing that are intended to make our food safer and healthier. Phytosanitary products, processing aids, food additives, ...
Dec 5, 2022
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