I went for my booster shot. About 3 weeks before I am departing for my trip to Israel. That way I should have the prime immunity against COVID, as I travel through the airport and am stuck on an airplane for 10 or 11 hours.
A recent symposium was held in the UK (28-29 April 2021) that examined various aspects of COVID-19 and our immunologic system. (Collaborative Covid Immunology/ UK Covid Immunology Consortium [UK- CIC] and the British Society for Immunology.). While the immune responses to COVID-19 are clear, we have little information about potential long-term effects. Which is why I will share the results of several very interesting papers presented at the symposium.
Continue reading Long Term COVID- what? why?
Although we are going to be talking how our cells react to viral intrusions, you can consider that most of this is the same response to other sorts of cellular attacks.
Continue reading Immune System Response
We spoke of opening schools yesterday. The consideration has to include the fact that seemingly healthy folks are absolutely capable of infecting others. As a matter of fact, we know that little kids harbor more viruses (10 to 100X more!) in their upper respiratory tract than the rest of us- which means they are MORE likely to infect the rest of us. And, asymptomatic folks (which seem to equal about 30% to 40% of the population harboring the coronavirus) have the same viral load in their respiratory tract as those who manifest symptoms.
Continue reading COVID-19 Immunity
So, we’ve discussed SARS-CoV-2 ad infinitum. (Or, at least it so feels.)
To remind you of a few facts- these are coronaviruses- so that means the surface of the virus is replete with spikes. This particular virus’ spikes afford it the ability to bind even more effectively with our cells. And, since it binds specifically to ACE2 receptors- which regulate our blood pressure (recall many folks with high blood pressure take ACE2 inhibitors)- that means folks with high blood pressure are even more susceptible to virulent attacks.
Continue reading An unlucky response?
Oh, no, Roy. Another article about antibiotic resistance?
Continue reading A new protein yields resistance
Not exactly the news for which we hoped.
Most of us know in our bones that stem cells can provide a great deal of benefit for us. Whether we grow those stem cells to create new kidneys or new hearts to deal with our ailing folks or use stem cells to create new skin for those who have suffered terrible burns, we look forward to the day that stem cell research will be fully allowed.
Continue reading To the rescue- and it’s not mighty mouse
One of my earliest memories.
Fighting with my pediatrician, Sid Isaacson. Yelling at him that it was illegal to cut one’s body intentionally. It was like getting a tattoo.
We all dread these six letters. C A N C E R. The second largest killer of humans in advanced societies.
Continue reading Have I got an infection for you!
I was speaking with someone about some information she heard on the Anderson Cooper TV show. While that show was about divorce (four key errors that will indicate you are bound to divorce), Dr. Gottman mentioned something that intrigued her. That feelings of contempt (which is a form of stress) damages one’s immune system.
Continue reading Stress affects our Immune Response
