Are we really alone in space? One major stressor astronauts encounter during their missions is isolation. But are they really alone in space? The answer is a resounding NO when you consider all the tiny microbes that give them company (not to mention aliens and conspiracy theories). Some of these microbes live inside our own bodies, and some hitchhike along on missions to outer space, adapting to conditions there. This blog explores humanity's longest-known companions, micr

"About 99% of people breathe air that does not comply with the WHO Air Quality Guidelines." - WHO, 2021 Air pollution is undoubtedly increasing around the world. Every time I see a high AQI reading on my weather app, I wonder just how bad it's going to be for us. Key Takeaway High AQI levels are not just a warning for our lungs. It may also be a warning for our immune system. Fine particles like PM2.5 can reach deep into the lungs, disrupt immune cells, and leave the body

I first heard about this when my PhD colleague presented it as part of her mini-proposal- a lab meeting segment where we could pitch and defend cool new experiments to try. I was hooked immediately. Immune cells form a protective shield against deadly infections. So when astronauts travel to space, their immune system needs to be ready to tackle infections (or space bugs). Turns out, they have more to deal with than just bugs. Any cell taken farther from Earth would exp

Thinking of getting a tattoo? New research prompts us to think of one more important question before deciding when to get tattooed: Are you due for a seasonal flu or COVID shot anytime soon? If yes, you may want to time things carefully. A study published in PNAS last November suggests tattoo ink might interact with vaccines in unexpected ways. The research was conducted in mice, with some experiments in human cells. Still, the findings are striking: tattoos reduced anti

Insulin Cream Do you live with diabetes and inject insulin daily, or know someone who does? Early animal studies suggest we might someday decrease needle use by delivering insulin with a topical cream. Introduction One in nine adults worldwide has diabetes. If you have type 1 diabetes, you need insulin daily to stabilize your blood glucose levels. This means giving yourself insulin shots every day for the rest of your life. Many people adjust to this routine, but others n

Background "We are what we eat." We are all familiar with this age-old saying that highlights the importance of a balanced diet. It has long been known that the food we eat directly influences not only our health but also our happiness. A healthy lifestyle also includes the ability of our immune system to defend us against deadly diseases, including cancer. Recent research highlights how a popular sugar substitute - Splenda- affects our ability to fight cancers. Splen

SUMMARY This article summarizes the June 2025 FDA approval of Yeztugo , a long-acting HIV prevention drug for adults and adolescents. I review Yeztugo's mechanism of action, clinical trial data, and discuss potential impacts on HIV prevention. BACKGROUND Understanding HIV and AIDS Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is mainly transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. It originated from a simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV

Rise of Virtual Reality in Healthcare Virtual Reality (VR) games are becoming more popular due to their immersive and almost real-life experiences. In healthcare, VR is being increasingly used in medical training. For instance, VR has been shown to improve surgical precision and prepare for responding to medical emergencies. Recently, researchers used VR headsets to explore neuro-immune mechanisms in the human body. 1 They asked a simple question: What happens to our immu

The Study Scientists have long known that most cancers contain a dense network of nerves. Cancer cells secrete molecules called neurotropic factors to attract nerve growth. They do this to help themselves grow, survive, and move to other sites in the body by evading the immune system. To accomplish all these tasks, cancer cells require a lot of energy, and they are constantly seeking ways to boost their energy production. A new study revealed that cancer cells use nearby

The New Study Tumors are known to be extensively innervated. Tumor cells produce a variety of neurotropic factors to attract neuronal differentiation. Why do they do this? Previous studies revealed that tumor cells use sensory neurons to suppress immune responses from CD8+ T cells. 1 In a new study, Hoover and colleagues identify a previously unknown reason for this close association. They discovered that tumor cells steal neuronal mitochondria to enhance survival, promote