Immune System

Scientists studying HIV and Ebola have noticed another virus hitching along for the ride in some blood samples. Now they're trying to figure out whether the lurker helps the body fend off disease.

When Bob Smithson could no longer breathe on his own and surgeons wanted to operate, his doctor decided to take a chance on a different treatment. That decision gave Bob another chance at life.

In parts of southern Africa, HIV has picked up mutations that slow down its ability to grow inside a person's blood. That's a good sign. But will it be enough to make a difference in the epidemic?

FAST FACTS:· In order to distinguish self from other, the immune system processes proteins from inside and outside the body in different ways.· A new…

Ebola virus has captured the attention of the world since the outbreak in West Africa began months ago, so far claiming nearly 5,000 lives.Closer to home,…

The heart holds its own pool of immune cells capable of helping it heal after injury, according to new research in mice at Washington University School of…

Cells derived from embryos appear to have improved vision in more than half of the 18 patients who had become legally blind because of two progressive, currently incurable eye diseases.

http://media.soundmedicine.org/segments/122108_full.mp3Topics for this week include: Holiday Medical Myths Debunked; Did You Know?: Women's Heart Attacks…