Author: Aparnaa Ananthakrishnan

Immunology

Initiation of an Inflammatory Response

The inflammatory response is crucial to protecting our body from injury and infection. The collaborative coordination of immune cells to specifically target and eliminate infection while also working to heal lacerations is essential to our survival. To understand the mechanisms behind inflammatory signaling, we must first address the clinical signs of an inflammatory response as well as how an inflammatory response is initiated. Everyone has … Continue reading Initiation of an Inflammatory Response

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Immunology

B Cells vs T Cells – How Do These Cell Types Recognize Antigens Differently?

The adaptive immune system is incredibly robust, recognizing and eliminating a variety of different pathogenic contexts. The driving force behind the adaptive immune system are B and T cells. These cells have the same generic function – eliminate specific foreign invaders via antigen recognition. Remember from our previous Immunology blog that antigens are anything that the immune system can recognize, which is not limited to … Continue reading B Cells vs T Cells – How Do These Cell Types Recognize Antigens Differently?

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Immunology

Antigen Recognition Molecules

In the complex world of immunology, antigen recognition molecules play a crucial role in identifying and responding to pathogens. These molecules are structured with two distinct components that each contribute to their function. The first component, known as the variable regions, serves as the specific antigen binding sites, allowing the immune system to target a diverse range of antigens. Complementing this, the second component is … Continue reading Antigen Recognition Molecules

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Immunology

Lymphocytes & The Process of Antigen Recognition

Lymphocytes, consisting of T-Cell, B-Cell, and Natural Killer Cells, are the attacking force of the acquired/adaptive immune system. Their overarching function is to selectively target and eliminate a wide variety of invading pathogens. Now, you may be wondering what exactly is the process that enables T-Cells and B-Cells to successfully eliminate different foreign bodies. The answer lies in ligand-receptor binding. To begin, let’s define and … Continue reading Lymphocytes & The Process of Antigen Recognition

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Immunology

The Clonal Selection Hypothesis

The immune system showcases a diverse array of specialized cells, each with distinct functions, capabilities, and specificities. What many may not realize is that all of these immune cells originate from a single type of cell—the hematopoietic stem cell. The normal differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells occurs in three main steps: It’s crucial to note that differentiation is a one-way street. Once a cell commits … Continue reading The Clonal Selection Hypothesis

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Immunology

The Phases of the Immune Response

The immune system has one primary task: protecting the body by eliminating foreign pathogens while avoiding attacks on self. To fulfill this duty, the immune system must perform several critical functions: For the immune system to effectively execute these tasks, it must possess: These attributes collectively empower the immune system to defend the body against pathogens while preserving its own tissues and functions. Having reviewed … Continue reading The Phases of the Immune Response

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Immunology

The Fundamentals of the Immune System

Have you ever wondered why a small cut doesn’t make you sick? Or how your body heals from serious illnesses? Your current state of health is governed by your immune system, your body’s dual-layered defense mechanism that safeguards you from external threats while also preventing internal self-attacks. The Immunology Blogs will delve deep into the study of immunology, beginning with fundamental concepts and advancing to … Continue reading The Fundamentals of the Immune System

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Basic Biology

Theories vs Speculations

Have you ever considered explanations for why the Earth is spherical or why there are so many animals in the world? You might propose a “theory” to explain these phenomena or the nature of existence itself. However, your use of the word “theory” is incorrect. In society, the word “theory” often implies speculation or hypothesis. However, its meaning in science differs significantly. There are three … Continue reading Theories vs Speculations

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Basic Biology

The Basics of Scientific Experimentation

In the previous Basic Biology blog titled The Scientific Method, we explored the fundamentals of the scientific method, a structured approach that scientists employ to drive discovery and expand our understanding of the natural world. While the method outlines a systematic sequence of steps, in practice, scientific inquiry often deviates from this rigid framework. A notable example arises when researchers embark on experiments only to … Continue reading The Basics of Scientific Experimentation

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Biopsychology

Careers in Biopsychology

Biopsychology is a field not widely familiar to many; therefore, there should be greater discussion on its potential career pathways. For those intrigued by biopsychology, numerous career options await. Some opt for research roles, finding employment in universities, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, or various industries. Others prefer direct patient interaction, aiding individuals coping with brain damage or conditions significantly impacting their behavior and functioning. Hence, … Continue reading Careers in Biopsychology

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