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Lydia Becker Institute

@lydiabeckeriii.bsky.social
851 followers 301 following 156 posts

Researchers from the Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology & Inflammation at The University of Manchester. Fundamental and translational immunology addressing key concepts in health & disease. sites.manchester.ac.uk/lydia-becker…

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Lydia Becker Institute @lydiabeckeriii.bsky.social · 22h
At 12 PM today, the @britsocimm.bsky.social Manchester Immunology Group Seminar takes place in the Smith Lecture Theatre. Dr Julie Ribot from the Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine presents her work on immune system-brain interaction: “γδ17 T cells in neuro-immune cross-talks”. #ImmunoSky
At 12 PM Oct 1, the BSI Manchester Immunology Group Seminar takes place in the Smith Lecture Theatre.

Dr Julie Ribot from the Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine presents her work on immune system-brain interaction: “γδ17 T cells in neuro-immune cross-talks”.
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Prof Sheena Cruickshank @sheencr.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Been lovely to catch up with @dandavis101.bsky.social and Emily Gwyer Findlay for a top secret thing in London. So looking forward to sharing in the future! @lydiabeckeriii.bsky.social @exposomeimmunology.bsky.social
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Prof Sheena Cruickshank @sheencr.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Been great meeting our very first cohort of students to @exposomeimmunology.bsky.social yesterday and today. Also been wonderful seeing the interactions with other new and existing students working on exposome research. Our Immunology and Exposome community is growing @lydiabeckeriii.bsky.social
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Andrew S. MacDonald @profandrewmac.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Congratulations Dr Shorthouse! Very proud of Olivia defending her #PhD thesis today - no corrections! And huge thanks to examiners @immunobladder.bsky.social and @kathelse.bsky.social too. @lizziemannlab.bsky.social @lydiabeckeriii.bsky.social
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Sustainable Futures @sustainableuom.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
How can research, innovation and community collaboration help create a more sustainable and resilient future? Register: lnkd.in/eNJNB-qX
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Hepworth Lab @hepworth-lab.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Final bump for our two PDRA positions that close end of week. Important info for anyone who may be unsure, these positions are open to visa sponsorship for foreign nationals (despite incorrect wording originally included in the adverts)... so positions open to candidates far and wide!
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Holly Sedgwick @hollysedgwick.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Had a wonderful time at the BSI "Signals and senses" event in London yesterday. Prof. Yasmine Belkaid’s keynote was a standout, and I’m genuinely honoured to have picked up the Best Talk award. Thanks to the organisers and everyone I got to meet and listen to!
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Prof Sheena Cruickshank @sheencr.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Wow- a great honour to be part of the line up for today’s @london-immuno.bsky.social meeting - on signals and senses. Amazing talks with key note from Yasmine Belkaid who as ever wowed with the science and made us think. Also incredible young researcher presentations poster n talks. What a day!!
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Prof Sheena Cruickshank @sheencr.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
There have been a few cancer stories in the press of late so I hope you enjoy my summary of some of the ways that immunology is transforming cancer care 🧪🧵
urldefense.com
How Immunology is Transforming Cancer Care
A summary of recent highlights and emerging directions in immunotherapies and cancer care
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Lizzie Mann @lizziemannlab.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Research briefing also now published @natimmunol.nature.com - summary and behind the paper re our recent paper on the overlooked roles of monocytes in the uterus in health and reproductive disease rdcu.be/YKCwSaon3JKa @lydiabeckeriii.bsky.social
rdcu.be
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Hepworth Lab @hepworth-lab.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Super exciting meeting in London at end of month, great lineup of speakers at interface of environment and immunology. Registration is free and places still left - come and present your work (poster slots available)
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Lizzie Mann @lizziemannlab.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Delighted to share our paper out today in @natimmunol.nature.com on the overlooked roles of monocytes in the uterus. It has been quite a journey! @lydiabeckeriii.bsky.social www.nature.com/articles/s41...
nature.com
The dual roles of uterine monocytes in regulation of tissue homeostasis throughout reproductive cycles in health and disease - Nature Immunology
Mann and colleagues reveal key roles for monocytes in replenishing the subsets of uterine macrophages involved in tissue remodeling and inflammation. These processes maintain tissue homeostasis in hea...
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Hepworth Lab @hepworth-lab.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
We have a Research Technician post that has just gone live (closing 18/09/26). Ideal for someone looking to build their research experience before a PhD or other scientific role. Details below - please share via your networks: www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/Job/JobDetai...
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The University of Manchester @manchester.ac.uk · 18/08/2026
WORLD-LEADING IMMUNOLOGIST TAKES UP TOP UOM ROLE ⬇️🦠 Leading immunologist and cytokine biologist, Prof. Sarah Gaffen has been appointed as the new director of The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation. Welcome, Sarah! 💫 @lydiabeckeriii.bsky.social
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Hepworth Lab @hepworth-lab.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
HUGE news in Manchester. Excited to welcome @slg1717.bsky.social and her lab to the institute!
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Tracy Hussell @tracyh9494.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
The Becker moves on to a bright future with the fantastic appointment of Sarah Gaffen. A brilliants scientist and team player. Im thrilled the Becker is in safe hands.
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Lydia Becker Institute @lydiabeckeriii.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
📣 We are delighted to announce world-leading immunologist Prof Sarah Gaffen as the incoming Director of the Lydia Becker Institute. Prof Gaffen succeeds founding Director @tracyh9494.bsky.social on Jan 1, 2027, as Tracy steps down after 8 years to focus on mentoring talent. 👉 tinyurl.com/3n4x5ave
Professor Sarah Gaffen Quote - "I am delighted to take on the role of 
Director of the Lydia Becker Institute. 
The ecosystem in Manchester provides opportunities to bridge immunology across disciplines. I'm eager to work across partner centres in fields like cancer immunology, neuroimmunology, and women’s health."Professor Duncan Ivison Quote - "Sarah is an outstanding choice to lead the Lydia Becker Institute. Her vision and leadership will build on existing strengths, helping to drive innovation, deliver real-world impact, and further enhance our world-leading immunology research."Professor Tracy Hussell Quote - “Every institute benefits from a fresh perspective. Sarah shares the same energy and enthusiasm I have for thinking beyond traditional research silos and nurturing people at all stages of their career.”
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Prof Sheena Cruickshank @sheencr.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
A new immunology 101 that digs into how different factors like viral infection and pollution can drive chronic inflammatory conditions. Hope you enjoy it! #Exposome @exposomeimmunology.bsky.social @lydiabeckeriii.bsky.social
sheenacruickshankimmunology.substack.com
Immunology 101: Chronic inflammatory diseases and "exposome" factors.
A follow up article to Immunology 101: Chronic inflammatory diseases that digs into some of the research into the Exposome and chronic inflammatory diseases
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Lydia Becker Institute @lydiabeckeriii.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
We're partnering with @uommib.bsky.social and @exposomeimmunology.bsky.social to launch the Manchester Immuno-Biotechnology Initiative (MImmBI), bringing together immunology, environmental health and bioengineering to drive new discoveries. Read more: sites.manchester.ac.uk/lydia-becker...
sites.manchester.ac.uk
Lydia Becker Institute, MIB, and MRC CoRE Partner on Immuno-Biotechnology Initiative
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Lydia Becker Institute @lydiabeckeriii.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
A low-cost breath test could boost early lung cancer diagnosis. Led by Dr Sean Knight, the ExPel study showed "Inflammacheck' detects tumour markers in exhaled breath-potentially reducing the need for CT scans. Read more: www.ncaresearch.org.uk/newsIbreath-...
ncaresearch.org.uk
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Worboys Lab @worboyslab.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
New research that our group was involved in is now out at BioRxiv, where we helped determine the nanoscale architecture of the NLRP3 inflammasome. www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...
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Prof Sheena Cruickshank @sheencr.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
My very quick take on what Trump’s executive order targeting vaccines means - top line little for now which is good but could have repercussions later down line. .
open.substack.com
Can Trump override the CDC vaccine schedule?
What Trump's Executive Order targeting childhood vaccines means.
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Worboys Lab @worboyslab.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
How does the immune checkpoint TIGIT know when to inhibit a T cell? Our new research suggests the answer is logic: TIGIT needs both its ligand, CD155, and TCR stimulation to signal. A short summary 🧵
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Prof Sheena Cruickshank @sheencr.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Climate change has enhanced the number and frequency of wildfires across the globe. This has huge health implications too especially for those with respiratory conditions.
ukhsa.blog.gov.uk
Why severe wildfires are becoming more frequent in the UK and how to cope with the health risks
Wildfires are actually common in the UK, although most are typically small and of short duration. Hot, dry weather can dry out vegetation providing fuel for fires and increase the risk of wildfires. C...
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Hepworth Lab @hepworth-lab.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
🚨 We are hiring!! 🚨 2 postdoctoral research associate roles available in our lab - adverts now open, closing date 18/09/26. Details below - please spread the word far and wide!
jobs.manchester.ac.uk
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Immunology:Oxford Road
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Worboys Lab @worboyslab.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Our lab’s latest research is now published at Cell Reports. Inhibitory TIGIT signaling is dependent on T cell receptor activation: Cell Reports www.cell.com/cell-reports...
cell.com
Inhibitory TIGIT signaling is dependent on T cell receptor activation
Immune checkpoint receptors, such as TIGIT, act to restrain T cell responses, but their regulatory mechanisms are poorly understood. Zammit et al. discover that inhibitory TIGIT signaling requires bot...
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Lydia Becker Institute @lydiabeckeriii.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Discover the latest from the Becker! Our August newsletter features new grant awards, new networks in Immuno-Biotechnology and Cancer Immunology, ECR highlights, community updates, and our latest publications. Read the full issue: documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx... #ImmunoSky
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Prof Sheena Cruickshank @sheencr.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
A few people have asked me to write a simple explainer about chronic inflammatory conditions like autoimmunity or allergy so here is an immunology 101 about what we understand about why they occur. Will dig into more research studies in a future post. Hope u enjoy
open.substack.com
Immunology 101: Chronic inflammatory diseases are increasing but why?
An overview of some of the ideas as to why some of us get chronic inflammatory diseases
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Mahima Swamy @mahimaswamy.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Excited to announce I am starting as Professor of Immunology at the University of Manchester this week! I am #hiring a #postdoc in Manchester, to work on human intestinal lymphocytes in #Coeliac disease, please get in touch if interested. @lydiabeckeriii.bsky.social
static.klipy.com
Camp Summer2023: We're Hiring
ALT: Camp Summer2023: We're Hiring
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Hepworth Lab @hepworth-lab.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Incredibly exciting news to be welcoming @mahimaswamy.bsky.social to Manchester. Looking forward to discussions, collaborations and hearing more about all the exciting work coming out of the Swamy lab!!!
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Lydia Becker Institute @lydiabeckeriii.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
📢 We are excited to announce Professor Mahima Swamy is joining the Becker! Mahima brings exceptional expertise in mucosal barrier immunity, focusing on how intraepithelial lymphocytes protect against infection and inflammatory bowel diseases. Find out more 👇 www.manchester.ac.uk/about/news/l...
manchester.ac.uk
Leading mucosal immunologist Professor Mahima Swamy Joins University
An internationally recognised researcher in intestinal immunology  is to join the University of Manchester’s Lydia Becker Institute as Professor of Immunology from  1 August  expanding the Becker’s wo...
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Worboys Lab @worboyslab.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
I have a technician post available in my lab and am looking for a passionate and ambitious team player to join our group. If you're interested in the role, please get in contact. www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/Job/JobDetai... @lydiabeckeriii.bsky.social
jobs.manchester.ac.uk
Research Technician:Oxford Road
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GJBrainResearch @gjbrainresearch.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
🧠Could the hours after brain tumour surgery hold the key to better #glioblastoma treatment? New Manchester-led research suggests they might. 🔗https://shorturl.at/DIv9N The team will now seek funding to take this work towards patient studies 🌟 #Nanotechnology #Nanomedicine
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Lydia Becker Institute @lydiabeckeriii.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
🔬 Our latest publication round-up is now available! Highlights from March to July 2026 include research on allergy and asthma, stroke recovery, vaccine development, gut immunity, environmental exposures, and cutting-edge spatial omics technologies! tinyurl.com/bpth6n39
tinyurl.com
Publication round-up: March-July 2026
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Jon Lim, FRCP PhD @drjonlim.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗙𝗘𝗦𝗧 is truly a team effort. 💡 Humbled to hear our very first patient share his perspective. Experiences like his will shape how we scale up & are already helping us learn how more. Watch this space. @manifest-cirrp.bsky.social 📰 As featured today in @theobserveruk.bsky.social 👇
observer.co.uk
‘It won’t help me, but it might help someone like me’ say...
Mark England says numb fingers help him play guitar as researchers hope to change how disease is treated by investigating why immunotherapy does not benefit all
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Dr Hannah Tompkins @hetompkins.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
New paper alert 🔬📣 Extracellular matrix phenotyping by imaging mass cytometry defines distinct cellular matrix environments associated with allergic airway inflammation | @molsystbiol.org 🔗 doi.org/10.1038/s443...
link.springer.com
Extracellular matrix phenotyping by imaging mass cytometry defines distinct cellular matrix environments associated with allergic airway inflammation - Molecular Systems Biology
The extracellular matrix (ECM) forms the scaffold in which cells reside and interact. The composition of this scaffold guides the development of local immune responses and tissue function. With the ad...
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Lydia Becker Institute @lydiabeckeriii.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Meet Argyro Olympitis, a PhD student studying how tumor environment changes drive glioblastoma progression. From growing up in the British Virgin Islands to competing on University Challenge, read how she’s tackling brain cancer research in our latest profile👇 sites.manchester.ac.uk/lydia-becker...
Argyro Olumpitis, PhD student, Couper Lab, Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation
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GJBrainResearch @gjbrainresearch.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
On #WorldBrainDay 🧠we’re celebrating the impact of lived experience in brain healthcare. @manchester.ac.uk student Leilah Applegarth is using her #epilepsy journey to help educate future clinical psychologists.🎓 🔗Read more: shorturl.at/VwDBu 🌐https://shorturl.at/vIEPa
shorturl.at
#worldbrainday #worldbrainday #brainhealth #epilepsy #neuroscience #clinicalpsychology | Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre
Today, on #WorldBrainDay, we're celebrating the power of education and lived experience in shaping better brain healthcare. 🧠 After years of living with epilepsy, Leilah Applegarth underwent surgery ...
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Lydia Becker Institute @lydiabeckeriii.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
📺 Argyro Olympitis from our Wellcome Trust ICD PhD Programme will be taking part in this evening's episode of University Challenge, where Manchester face off against Durham! Tune in at 8.30pm on BBC Two or watch on iPlayer #ImmunoSky www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
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Lydia Becker Institute @lydiabeckeriii.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Dr Sara Federici @sarafederici.bsky.social has secured a prestigious Academy of Medical Sciences Springboard Award. Her research explores how to harness phages—viruses that kill harmful bacteria—to design precise alternatives to antibiotics and tackle antimicrobial resistance. tinyurl.com/yw8x84kn
tinyurl.com
Dr Sara Federici secures AMS Springboard Award for precision phage therapy research
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British Society for Immunology @britsocimm.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
📢 We've already received a fantastic response to #BSI26 abstract submissions, and we'd love to see even more! There's still time to secure your place in this year's scientific programme. Submit your abstract for an oral or poster presentation by 7 Sept: vist.ly/5bech
BSI Congress 2026, 30 Nov-3 Dec, SEC Glasgow, registration open.
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Lydia Becker Institute @lydiabeckeriii.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Today is National Glioblastoma Day, a vital moment to highlight the urgent need for new therapeutic avenues for this aggressive brain cancer. In this video, Dr Michael Haley explains how the Becker is collaborating with the @gjbrainresearch.bsky.social to make a direct impact on patient care.
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Lydia Becker Institute @lydiabeckeriii.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
How do our lungs heal after viral infections like flu or COVID-19? New research from @douglaspdyer.bsky.social @tracyh9494.bsky.social and Ziyun Zhang shows how the glycocalyx—a sugar layer on lung immune cells—adapts to inflammation to coordinate tissue repair. #ImmunoSky tinyurl.com/39eatz9r
tinyurl.com
How lung immune cells repair after viral infection
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The University of Manchester @manchester.ac.uk · 10/07/2026
What is the sun doing to your skin's body clock? As another heatwave hits the UK, and with high temperatures becoming more common, it's more important than ever to understand the effects of sun exposure ☀️ Professor of chronobiology, Qing-Jun Meng, has studied body clocks at UoM for 21 years...
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Sustainable Futures @sustainableuom.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
The University of Manchester is 1st in the world for our Sustainability Impact according to Times Higher Education announced at Global Sustainable Development Congress. Our students are a *HUGE* part of that impact.
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GJBrainResearch @gjbrainresearch.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
🎙️ The latest episode of The Brain Fix podcast is out now... Allanah & Olly, Masters students in @fbmh-uom.bsky.social discuss their respective Masters programmes in neuroscience and what it is like to be a student at Manchester! 👉 share.transistor.fm/s/b2956f78
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Lydia Becker Institute @lydiabeckeriii.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
This week we're delighted to host Dr Sarah Mundt from Universitätsspital Zürich for our next @britsocimm.bsky.social Manchester Immunology Group Seminar: "Phagocytes across the course of neuroinflammation: initiation, injury and progression" 📅 Thursday 9th July 🕛 12:00pm 📍 Smith Lecture Theatre
BSI Manchester Immunology Group Seminar Dr Sarah Mundt from University Hospital Zurich
Talk: "Phagocytes across the course of neuroinflammation: initiation, injury and progression"
Thursday 9th July
12:00pm
Smith Lecture Theatre
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Lydia Becker Institute @lydiabeckeriii.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
👏 Congratulations to @mcsinton.bsky.social on receiving the Pride in STEM 2026 Decadal Award for his commitment to improving the lives of LGBTQIA+ people in STEM and beyond! 🏆 prideinstem.org/2026/04/01/t...
prideinstem.org
These Are The Pride In STEM Decadal Award Recipients | Pride in STEM
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GJBrainResearch @gjbrainresearch.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
📬 Our latest newsletter is out today! Catch up on our latest news, research highlights, events and achievements. 🔗 mailchi.mp/26166b35aa58...
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Doug Dyer @douglaspdyer.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
We can now share the peer reviewed version of our story exploring the effect of location specific queues in regulating the lung macrophage glycocalyx www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
sciencedirect.com
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