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Against a backdrop of some of the most savage spending cuts in the developed world, the UK science budget has emerged relatively unscathed, but funding priorities may yet prove problematic.
The fields of immunology, microbiology, nutrition and metabolism are rapidly converging. Here we expand on a diet-microbiota model as the basis for the greater incidence of asthma and autoimmunity in developed countries.
Jim Gowans opened a new era of immunology by combining physiological in vivo studies with prospective enrichment of small lymphocytes, validating the clonal selection theory, discovering lymphocyte homing and recirculation, and training others to follow.
Diseases preventable by underused vaccines cause the death of approximately 3 million children per year. The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) was launched 10 years ago to tackle this appalling situation.
Complexities in sample handling, instrument setup and data analysis are barriers to the effective use of flow cytometry to monitor immunological parameters in clinical trials. The novel use of a central laboratory may help mitigate these issues.
The archaic nature of English libel law and its pernicious effect on scientific and medical reporting is widely criticized. Despite some recent positive developments, the situation remains perilous.
