Latest news with #immunesystem
ABC News
14 hours ago
- Health
- ABC News
Hobart has the highest incidence of multiple sclerosis in Australia, could our DNA provide the answers?
Tennille Luke Hobart has one of the highest rates of MS in Australia. And while genetics can play a role, the evidence points more strongly to environmental factors. So one of the key reasons is Hobart's latitude, it's quite southern, and so there's less sunlight, which means there's lower vitamin D levels, and that's a known risk factor for developing MS. So this geographic pattern has also been seen globally, not just in Australia. So that's why research like this is important, especially in Tasmania, where MS is more common. If we can detect biological changes before symptoms appear, we might be able to intervene earlier and improve outcomes. It's about understanding who is at risk of developing MS based on their DNA, and how the immune system responds to common viruses. So what it does highlight is the importance of early detection and personalised research. And the more we understand genetic risks, the better we'll be able to support people with MS in the future. Kylie Baxter And just one thing more coming back to the UV exposure. So vitamin D, how is it that lack of vitamin D can increase the risk of developing MS? What is the link there? Why is that? Tennille Luke That is a really good question. And we're all trying to understand that in more detail. There is a link in the immune system, but scientists are still trying to answer that. And I'm not exactly the expert to answer that. So it's an ongoing research area. And we're still trying to understand the link there.
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Health
- The Guardian
Sight of someone potentially infectious causes immune response, research suggests
Whether it's the person brandishing a tissue on the train or the child with the telltale signs of chickenpox, the threat of an infection can be enough for us to beat a retreat. Now researchers using virtual reality avatars have shown that the mere sight of a potentially contagious person is enough to mobilise our immune system too. 'Although surprising, our finding that immune responses can be triggered by simulated infections presented in VR is consistent with the principle of the smoke detector in biological systems,' the authors said, adding the behavioural system that helps us avoid catching diseases is 'exquisitely sensitive' to cues that may suggest someone is sick. Writing in the journal Nature Neuroscience, the researchers reported how they fitted 248 healthy people with VR headsets and carried out five experiments, each involving a minimum of 32 participants. In each experiment, participants initially watched three faces of the same sex as themselves repeatedly loom towards them, bearing a neutral expression. Participants were then split into groups and shown the same three faces multiple times, either with a neutral expression or signs of viral infections such as skin rashes. In some experiments, an additional subset of participants were shown the faces displaying an expression of fear. In one experiment, participants were asked to press a button as fast as possible after receiving a mild touch to their face while an avatar was shown. The team found that when the avatars showed signs of sickness, participants pressed the button when the faces appeared further away than for faces showing a neutral or fearful expression. Results from EEG tests to investigate the electrical activity of the brain tallied with these findings. As expected, as avatars loomed closer, the brain system that represents the space closely surrounding our body became activated. However, this activation differed when the avatars showed signs of infection compared with neutral expressions, even when they appeared far away. These differences, the team add, were localised in areas of the brain involved in detecting and filtering threats. The team found that functional MRI (fMRI) brain scans supported these results, further revealing that when infectious avatars were shown there was a greater connection between this threat-detection network and part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which acts as a key regulation centre for the body. The team also found differences in participants' blood when they were shown the infectious avatars compared with neutral or fearful faces. '[In terms of cells], we saw mainly that there is an activation of an immune cell family called the innate lymphoid cells (ILCs)that [are] early responders in immunity to basically alarm other immune cells,' said Prof Camilla Jandus of the University of Geneva and an author of the study. The team added that they found a similar activation of ILCs when they examined the blood of individuals who had received an influenza vaccine but had not been exposed to the VR setup. Dr Esther Diekhof of the University of Hamburg, who was not involved in the work, said the study chimed with previous research, including that of her own team. 'The study provides yet another good example for the existence of a mechanism that responds to potential contagion threats even before the immune system has come into contact with pathogens,' she said. But Prof Benedict Seddon, of University College London, said questions remained, including whether the observed responses help the immune system actually fight an infection. 'When we get infected, by Sars-CoV for instance, it can take a day or two for the infection to establish and for the immune system to become aware of it and respond, a long time after the initial encounter that stimulated this short-lived mobilisation,' he said.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Top doctor reveals the surprising lifestyle factor that has a huge impact on our immunity - it's not food or drink
Socialising can boost your immune system and increase life expectancy, according to a leading doctor. In an age of longevity clinics and 'biomaxxing' influencers like Bryan Johnson—who has spent millions of dollars on trying to live longer—immunologist Dr Jenna Macciocchi says that a long life doesn't have to cost a thing. Instead she says that a simple lifestyle change can help prevent illness, and it's as simple as enhancing your social interactions. This is because it boosts the immune system—the body's defence against infections—and in the longer term, it can reduce inflammation, a process linked to multiple diseases. Dr Macciocchi, author of the bestselling Immune to Age book which outlines her hacks to live longer, said: 'I think humans have this idea where if you're paying money it therefore must work—the thinking that says: "I'm taking 20 supplements so I'm good—it doesn't matter that I feel really wired and stressed out all the time." 'But our immune system is the single greatest arbiter of both how long we live and the quality of those years.' One of the tricks Dr Macciocchi says is the key to a longer and happier life is social interaction—particularly for people over the age of 60. 'Focus on socialising, connection, and finding joy in the small moments—that is all good for the immune system,' Dr Macciocchi, told the I paper. 'If you're stressed, it puts your immune system on red alert—primed for inflammation. If your thought patterns are calm and relaxed and you have a social connection.' On the Happy Place podcast with Ferne Cotton Dr Macciocchi explains this is because of the 'mind body connection' – or the psychoneuroimmunology. 'The immune system is not in one place in the body, it is everywhere,' says Dr Macciocchi. 'Particularly with the brain, if you see danger with your eyes, that is information that your brain is taking and making an imprint of hormones it puts out into the body your immune cells pick up the signal and get ready for a threat,' which increases inflammation according to the doctor. One of the key hormones for improving the immune system is oxytocin—the love hormone. Oxytocin, also known as the 'cuddle hormone', is released by the body during 'tender moments' - including while hugging and during sex. Immune cells have receptors for oxytocin, which is why the doctor believes that it holds the key to a longer happier life. 'What you are thinking and feeling directly impacts your immunology,' says Dr Macciocchi. 'I am safe, I am loved, these are really key feelings.' 'The oxytocin that's released is calming and anti-inflammatory.' The doctor explains that online interaction is not enough to feel the benefits of socialising. 'There's something about the physical contact—your heart is electromagnetic—eventually your heart beats will synchronise when you're spending time with other people,' says Dr Macciocchi. 'It is why you want to hug a friend, it is why you want to meet with people in real life and have that physical connection. Co-regulation we have is really physical. It's great that we have technology but there is this fundamental thing we can't replace.' Dr Macciocchi also says rather than considering it only when we're unwell, we 'have to think of it as a companion across the decades – befriend it and understand it early in life.' Her other tips include lift weights and limit takeaways in your 30s, destress in your 40s and 50s while focusing on remaining active in your 60s.
Associated Press
4 days ago
- Health
- Associated Press
T-NeuroDx to Present Advances in Blood Test for Early Alzheimer's Detection at Major Conference
'We believe that studying the body's adaptive immune system will play a pivotal role in the early detection of Alzheimer's'— Dr. Wheeler ALBUQUERQUE, NM, UNITED STATES, July 27, 2025 / / -- T-NeuroDx, a company pioneering new diagnostic tools that use abnormalities in the immune system to detect Alzheimer's Disease, will present its latest research at the 2025 Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) in Toronto, Canada, from July 27–31. Dr. Christopher Wheeler, the company's Chief Science Officer, will share new findings about the company's promising blood test for Alzheimer's. The research focuses on identifying specific aged immune cells in the blood that act as an early warning sign, or 'biomarker,' for the disease. A significant breakthrough in this new study is the enhancement of the test to be effective for all Alzheimer's patients, a critical step toward making this technology widely available. This builds upon Dr. Wheeler's initial discovery of the biomarker announced last year . 'We believe that studying the body's adaptive immune system will play a pivotal role in the early detection of Alzheimer's,' said Dr. Wheeler. 'Our results strengthen our case for a scalable, blood-based diagnostic that can move us closer to timely intervention and improved outcomes.' T-NeuroDx's vision is to create simple, accessible blood tests that can help doctors diagnose Alzheimer's sooner, allowing for earlier treatment and better patient care. Presentation Details: • Poster Title: #107315 - Levels of age-related blood CD8 T cells binding a non-self peptide/HLA epitope track with Alzheimer's disease status in HLA-A2+ and HLA-A2- cohorts: a T cell biomarker assay applicable to all patients. • Session: Biomarkers (non-neuroimaging) track. • Event: Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) 2025 • Date: Monday, July 28, 2025 • Time: 7:30 AM – 4:15 PM EDT • Location: Toronto, Canada For more information about T-NeuroDx, please visit John Chavez T-NeuroDx +1 505-660-1046 [email protected] Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
What Happens to Your Body When You Take Zinc
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD Zinc is a vital mineral that your body relies on to stay healthy. Since your body can't produce zinc on its own, you need to get it through your diet. Foods like meat, shellfish, nuts and seeds are great natural sources of zinc. This nutrient plays a big part in keeping your immune system strong, helping wounds heal and even supporting your body's production of DNA and proteins. Zinc is especially important for growth and development during key life stages like childhood, adolescence and pregnancy. But why do you need zinc? Having sufficient zinc levels is key to keeping your body running smoothly. Without enough of this powerhouse mineral, you might experience symptoms like weakened immunity, hair loss or slower wound healing, so getting the right amount through your diet or supplements is a simple yet effective way to support your health. Why We Love Zinc Supports the Immune System Zinc is renowned for its immune-supporting properties. Research has shown that zinc is essential for all types of immune cells, helping them respond effectively to various challenges like infections or environmental stressors. It supports key biological processes, including the development of immune cells and their ability to fight off bacteria, viruses and parasites. Additionally, zinc has been linked to conditions like autoimmune diseases and certain cancers which involve the immune system either overreacting or underperforming. Supports Cell Growth and Development Especially important for children and adolescents, zinc is necessary for proper growth and development. Rhyan Geiger, RDN, explains, 'One of the main functions of zinc is to help with DNA synthesis. Zinc helps cells grow and multiply, which is especially important in times of fast growth, like in pregnancy and childhood. Without proper zinc intake, cells may not be able to grow and multiply as effectively.' Improves Wound Healing Zinc may play a role in wound healing. Specifically, zinc may have an impact on pressure injuries (PIs), often known as bedsores. A review was conducted to highlight whether taking zinc supplements can help wounds like these heal faster, and found that zinc supplementation did improve the healing process significantly, making the wounds heal faster and reducing their size. Promotes Eye Health A lesser-known benefit of zinc is supporting eye health, specifically when focusing on age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that affects eyesight, particularly in older adults. One reason zinc might help is that it stimulates a process called autophagy, which helps cells clean up waste, and this process tends to slow down in AMD. Common Signs of Deficiency A zinc deficiency can lead to a range of symptoms, many of which are subtle and may go unnoticed initially. Some common signs include: Weakened immunity Frequent colds or illnesses Slower wound healing Skin conditions such as rashes or acne Zinc deficiency may also result in hair thinning or loss, diminished appetite and changes in taste or smell. Severe deficiencies, though rare, can contribute to stunted growth in children and delayed sexual development in adolescents. Ensuring adequate zinc intake through diet or supplementation is crucial to avoid these potential issues. Recommended Dietary Allowance The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for zinc varies based on age, sex and life stage. For the average adult, the RDA is 11 milligrams per day for men and 8 milligrams per day for women. Those who are pregnant and lactating require more zinc, with RDAs increasing to 11 to 12 milligrams per day to support fetal development and milk production. For children, daily requirements range between 2 to 9 milligrams, depending on age. Meeting these levels ensures your body has enough zinc to perform essential functions, such as supporting immune health and growth. Food Sources of Zinc Here are some good food sources of zinc to help you meet your needs, per the USDA. We especially love how there are both animal and plant sources with zinc readily available: Cooked Ground Beef: 3 ounces provides 5.3 mg of zinc (48% of the Daily Value [DV]) Lentils (cooked): 1 cup provides 2.5 mg of zinc (23% DV) Chickpeas (cooked): 1 cup provides 2.5 mg of zinc (23% DV) Nonfat Plain Yogurt: 1 cup provides 2.4 mg of zinc (22% DV) Cooked Chicken Breast: 1 cup provides 1.4 mg of zinc (18% DV) Cashews: 1 ounce provides 1.6 mg of zinc (15% DV) Choosing a Supplement When dietary intake isn't adequate, choosing the right zinc supplement can help bridge the gap and support your nutritional needs. Zinc supplements come in various forms, including zinc gluconate, zinc sulfate and zinc picolinate, each offering different levels of bioavailability. Consulting with a healthcare professional is strongly recommended before beginning supplementation. They can help determine the appropriate dosage and form based on your individual circumstances. It is also important to be mindful of how zinc supplementation affects the absorption of other minerals, particularly copper. Excessive zinc intake may deplete copper stores in the body, potentially leading to deficiency-related issues. To avoid such complications, consider opting for a supplement that includes copper or incorporate copper-rich foods into your diet. Staying within the recommended upper limit of 40 milligrams of zinc per day for adults is crucial unless otherwise directed by a medical professional. Additionally, prioritizing products that have undergone independent verification can ensure their quality, purity and accurate labeling, giving you confidence in your choice. Our Expert Take Understanding the importance of zinc and ensuring adequate intake can have a significant impact on your overall health and well-being. This mineral is a powerhouse for supporting immunity, growth and repair processes in your body, making it indispensable in your daily diet. By incorporating zinc-rich foods or supplements, when necessary, you can help sustain your health and meet your nutritional needs. Always remember to consult with a healthcare professional if you suspect a zinc deficiency or are considering supplements, ensuring your approach is both safe and effective. With zinc playing such a vital role, prioritizing it in your nutrition plan is a small step that can yield big benefits for your health. Frequently asked Questions What are symptoms of zinc deficiency? Common signs of zinc deficiency include weakened immune function, hair loss, delayed wound healing, loss of appetite and changes in taste or smell. In more severe cases, it can also affect skin health and stunt growth. Can you take too much zinc? Yes, excessive zinc intake—usually from supplements—can lead to nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, and headaches. Long-term overconsumption may interfere with the absorption of other minerals like copper and impair immune function. For adults, the tolerable upper limit for zinc is 40 milligrams. What foods are high in zinc? Zinc-rich foods include ground beef, lentils, chickpeas, yogurt, chicken breast and cashews. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
