Like the dengue and Zika viruses, Oropouche virus causes a febrile illness. There are recent indications that infections during pregnancy can cause damage to unborn babies. Researchers have now determined that the virus is much more widespread in Latin America than previously assumed. Their study also suggests that climatic conditions have a significant influence on the virus's spread.
Read more …A mysterious pathogen: Oropouche virus more common in Latin America than previously thought
A new study has revealed that a special group of cells in the intestines tamp down the immune responses caused by exposure to food proteins. Called 'tolerogenic dendritic cells,' these cells enable food to pass through the body without triggering an immune reaction, unless they malfunction to cause allergies.
Read more …Recently discovered immune cell type is key to understanding food allergies
A new study by neuroscientists shows that our brain deals with different forms of visual uncertainty during movements in distinct ways. Depending on the type of uncertainty, planning and execution of movements in the brain are affected differently. These findings could help to optimize brain-computer interfaces that, for example, help people with paralysis to control prostheses or computers with their thoughts alone.
Read more …How the brain controls movement under uncertainty