Stem cell transplants involve completely eliminating and then replacing the immune system of a patient, often by transplanting the bone marrow.
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Patients with blood cancer undergoing stem cell transplantation have a high risk of complications. The bacteria in their gut, however, can help their immune system recover and fight infections.
While the gut microbiome has gotten much of the spotlight, the microbes in the lungs also play an important role in health.
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Matt Zinter, University of California, San Francisco
Disruptions to the lung microbiome are linked to a number of respiratory conditions in both children and adults.
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), shown here as tiny purple spheres, causes the disease known as AIDS.
Mark Ellisman and Tom Deerinck, National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research
Headlines around the world declared that a second person was cured of their HIV. But while the results are encouraging, we’re a long way from a cure.
Google co-founder Sergey Brin arrives for the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences awards on Dec. 12, 2013, in Moffett Field, Calif. The Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences recognizes excellence in research aimed at curing intractable diseases and extending human life.
(AP Photo/Ben Margot)
The nomination deadline for science’s most lucrative prize – the Breakthrough Prize – is looming. Why has no Canadian ever received this prize, despite groundbreaking discoveries?