Previous human studies have suggested that early life exposure to microbes (i.e., germs) is an important determinant of adulthood sensitivity to allergic and autoimmune diseases such as hay fever, asthma and inflammatory bowel disease.
This concept of exposing people to germs at an early age (i.e., childhood) to build immunity is known as the hygiene hypothesis.
Medical…
Archive for the ‘Immunology’ Category
Getting the Dirt On Immunity: Scientists Show Evidence for Hygiene Hypothesis
Monday, April 23rd, 2012
What is Immunology?
Monday, April 23rd, 2012
Immunology is a broad branch of biomedical science that covers the study of all aspects of the immune system in all organisms. It deals with, among other things, the physiological functioning of the immune system in states of both health and disease; malfunctions of the immune system in immunological disorders (autoimmune diseases, hypersensitivities, immune deficiency,…
Childhood Exposure To Germs May Help Immunity
Wednesday, March 28th, 2012
A new study of mice supports the idea that exposure to germs in childhood helps develop the immune system and thereby prevent allergies and other immune-related diseases such as asthma and colitis later on in life. Researchers at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, US, led the study, a report of which is in…
Growing Up On a Farm Directly Affects Regulation of the Immune System, Study Finds
Wednesday, March 28th, 2012
Immunological diseases, such as eczema and asthma, are on the increase in westernised society and represent a major challenge for 21st century medicine.
A new study has shown, for the first time, that growing up on a farm directly affects the regulation of the immune system and causes a reduction in the immunological responses to food…
Growing Up On a Farm Directly Affects Regulation of the Immune System, Study Finds
Friday, February 24th, 2012
A new study has shown, for the first time, that growing up on a farm directly affects the regulation of the immune system and causes a reduction in the immunological responses to food proteins.
The research, led by the University of Bristol’s School of Veterinary Sciences, found that spending early life in a complex farm environment…
Growing Up On A Farm Directly Affects Regulation Of The Immune System
Thursday, February 16th, 2012
Immunological diseases, such as eczema and asthma, are on the increase in westernised society and represent a major challenge for 21st century medicine. A new study has shown, for the first time, that growing up on a farm directly affects the regulation of the immune system and causes a reduction in the immunological responses to…
Ways to improve indoor air quality
Friday, September 30th, 2011
Keep a relative humidity of 30-50 percent. This helps reduce mold and dust mites, which die when the humidity is below 40 percent, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
Be cautious of products marketed to “clean” the air, like sprays and plug-in fresheners that release particles.
While room-sized air cleaners can…
Three ways to fight mold at home
Wednesday, September 21st, 2011
Most people know that heavy rains and water leaks can lead to mold and mildew problems at home. But what do you do when the worst happens?
Glad you asked. September is National Mold Awareness Month, and the non-profit Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics recommends consumers be vigilant about preventing mold, dealing with it…
Researchers Identify Gene Pivotal For Immune System Balance
Thursday, July 21st, 2011
A team led by St. Jude researchers identified a gene pivotal for immune system balance. Ultimately, the discovery may aid efforts to tame allergies and asthma.
Named Mina, the gene is part of a signaling pathway that may provide novel targets for new treatments and provide further insights into the disease-fighting immune system, explained Mark Bix,…
Don’t Just Eat Dirt, Breathe Dirt!
Wednesday, April 13th, 2011
Colonization with a variety of microbes from early childhood appears to be important for balanced immunologic development,
Studies have shown that growing up on a farm is associated with reduced risk for asthma, possibly through stimulation of the innate immune system in early life. These data are supportive of the so-called hygiene hypothesis.
Recently, researchers in…
