A revolution is brewing in psychiatry as scientists uncover the biological roots of mental illnesses, challenging the traditional focus on symptoms. New research points to the role of infections, autoimmune disorders, and metabolic disturbances in conditions like OCD, psychosis, and depression, leading to more targeted treatments and a shift towards a holistic approach.
A study published in Nature Microbiology found that children born by C-section were up to 2.6 times more likely to have an ineffective measles vaccine compared to children born naturally. The researchers attributed this to the different development of gut microbiome in infants born by C-section, which could impact immune system response. The study emphasizes the importance of ensuring that children born by C-section receive their second measles jab to protect against the disease.
Type-1 diabetes occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys beta cells in the pancreas, leading to insulin deficiency. Researchers are exploring ways to replace and protect transplanted beta cells from immune rejection, offering hope for a potential cure for the condition.
For the first time, scientists have created detailed maps of immune cells in the placenta. These maps provide insights into how the immune system defends the fetus from infections during early pregnancy. By studying these maps, researchers hope to develop treatments that prevent pregnancy complications caused by infections. The placenta acts as a barrier between the mother and fetus, allowing essential substances like nutrients to pass through while blocking harmful substances like germs. However, during early pregnancy, the fetus’s immune system is still developing, making it vulnerable to infections.
A new study has found that undernourished household contacts of individuals with tuberculosis (TB) are three times more likely to progress to TB disease. However, the study did not find that undernourished contacts were at increased risk of testing positive for TB infection as compared to well-nourished individuals. This suggests that undernutrition may not increase the risk of infection with the TB germ, but rather may impair the immune system’s ability to contain the infection.
Regular aspirin use has been found to enhance the body’s immune response against bowel cancer cells, potentially explaining its protective effects. Researchers discovered that aspirin increases levels of a protein on immune cells, allowing them to better detect and destroy cancer cells. The study also supports aspirin’s ability to reduce the spread of bowel cancer, particularly in rectal cancer where it boosts immune surveillance in healthy tissue.
