Genetics

Two studies reveal genetic variation driving human evolution

A pair of studies published by Cell Press on February 14th in the journal Cell sheds new light on genetic variation that may have played a key role in human evolution. The study researchers used an animal model to study a ...

Immunology

Research team discovers central functions of innate immune cells

Inflammation and increased mucus production are typical symptoms of worm infections and allergies. This immune response involves our innate immune cells, but their exact functions are not yet fully understood. A research ...

Immunology

Natural killer cells played a vital role in human evolution

(Medical Xpress)—Natural killer cells – a vital part of the immune system – have a dual role in protecting against infection and ensuring reproduction. Scientists suggest that the multi-tasking ability of these cells ...

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes

Evidence of host adaptation of avian-origin influenza A virus

The connection between human avian-origin influenza A (H7N9) virus infection and environmental sources of the virus were determined based on clinical data, epidemiology, and virological characteristics of the three early ...

Immunology

Learning to help the adaptive immune system

Scientists from the Institute of Industrial Science at The University of Tokyo demonstrated how the adaptive immune system uses a method similar to reinforcement learning to control the immune reaction to repeat infections. ...

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