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TREK1 activity offers a key target for fluoxetine and other antidepressant drugs

Using a unique and relatively simple cell-based fluorescent assay they developed, scientists with the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the University of California, Berkeley have identified a means by which fluoxetine, the active ingredient in Prozac, suppresses the activity of the TREK1 potassium channel.

8 Feb 2011

Data generated on Ion Torrent PGM sequencer to be presented at AGBT

Life Technologies Corporation, today announced that just six weeks following the launch of the Ion Torrent PGM sequencer, independent researchers will present data they generated with the system at the annual Advances in Genome Biology and Technology (AGBT) conference.

4 Feb 2011

NIST team demonstrates a method for controlling different-sized nanoparticle production

The same properties that make engineered nanoparticles attractive for numerous applications-small as a virus, biologically and environmentally stabile, and water-soluble-also cause concern about their long-term impacts on environmental health and safety.

3 Feb 2011

Nanosilver used in medications as early as 1889

Nanosilver is not a new discovery by nanotechnologists - it has been used in various products for over a hundred years, as is shown by a new Empa study. The antimicrobial effects of minute silver particles, which were then known as "colloidal silver", were known from the earliest days of its use.

1 Feb 2011

Scientists discover key clue that can lead to sudden cardiac deaths

Australian researchers have come one step closer to understanding how the rhythm of the heartbeat is controlled and why many common drugs, including some antibiotics, antihistamines and anti-psychotics, can cause a potentially fatal abnormal heart rhythm.

29 Jan 2011

Molecular mechanism in nerve fibers ensures rapid conductance of nervous system impulses

New research from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine describes a key molecular mechanism in nerve fibers that ensures the rapid conductance of nervous system impulses.

27 Jan 2011

Researchers discover new sensory neurons that mediate BP and metabolism regulation in liver

For 60 years, scientists have puzzled over the possibility of a hepatic osmoreceptor that influences blood pressure regulation. Now, researchers of the Max Delbr-ck Center for Molecular Medicine Berlin-Buch, the Experimental and Clinical Research Center of the MDC and Charit- and the Hannover Medical School appear to have made a breakthrough discovery.

27 Jan 2011

New investigative tool may explore intracellular processes with unprecedented clarity

Nongjian Tao and his colleagues at the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University have pioneered a new technique capable of peering into single cells and even intracellular processes with unprecedented clarity.

25 Jan 2011

Covidien launches Puritan Bennett 520 ventilator in Europe

Covidien, a leading global provider of healthcare products and recognized innovator in mechanical ventilation and respiratory care devices, today announced that the Puritan Bennett™ 520 ventilator is now available in the European Union.

20 Jan 2011

New study provides insight into developing therapeutics for airway disease

Researchers from Duke University Medical Center have identified how nanoparticles from diesel exhaust damage lung airway cells, a finding that could lead to new therapies for people susceptible to airway disease.

19 Jan 2011

Researchers find kidney-specific gene defects may increase risk of heart failure

Scientists have identified the first DNA sequence variant common in the population that is not only associated with an increased risk of heart failure, but appears to play a role in causing it.

18 Jan 2011

'Pacemaker' Hcn4 gene responsible for generation of repetitive activity in SAN tissue and heart rate regulation

The study of Dario DiFrancesco and his equipe identifies the "pacemaker" Hcn4 gene as the gene functionally responsible for the generation of repetitive activity in sinoatrial node tissue and for the regulation of heart rate. Hcn4 codes for HCN4 channels, the molecular components of "funny" ion channels of pacemaker cells of the sinoatrial node (SAN) tissue.

14 Jan 2011

Life Technologies announces new DNA sequencing portfolio for lab research

Life Technologies Corporation today announced a series of new product innovations across the company's DNA sequencing portfolio. To date, most sequencing technologies have primarily addressed the needs of researchers in the highest throughput laboratories, limiting widespread accessibility of these powerful next-generation sequencing technologies.

12 Jan 2011

Two signaling molecules communicate across nerve cells to regulate electrical, chemical activity: Study

In the Old West, camps sent smoke signals across distances to share key developments or strategy. Likewise, two important signaling molecules communicate across nerve cells to regulate electrical and chemical activity, neuroscientists from the UT Health Science Center San Antonio reported today.

10 Jan 2011

ANAVEX 2-73 named 2010's 'most promising trial drug' by Alzheimer's Weekly

Anavex Life Sciences Corp. announced today that ANAVEX 2-73 has been named 2010's "most promising trial drug" by the editorial staff at Alzheimer's Weekly. The publication selected the ANAVEX 2-73 trial from a field of over 100 trials that treat dementias such as Alzheimer's and following the review of more than 10,000 articles.

7 Jan 2011

Cells that give rise to neurons maintain high levels of ROS

For years, the majority of research on reactive oxygen species (ROS) - ions or very small molecules that include free radicals - has focused on how they damage cell structure and their potential link to stroke, cardiovascular disease and other illnesses.

7 Jan 2011

State roundup: Minn. Medicaid expansion, Mass. health costs, Calif. free clinic

[Gov.] Dayton is scheduled to sign an executive order that would expand Medicaid coverage in Minnesota -- a move Republicans in the Legislature oppose. Dayton's decision won't put an end to the debate (Scheck, 1/5).

6 Jan 2011

Removal of ZIP proteins from hippocampus cell protects them from injury

Researchers in the Blue Bird Circle Developmental Neurogenetics Laboratory in the department of neurology at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered that zinc enters cells through specialized protein gates known as ZIP transporters, and removing these ZIP proteins from cells in the hippocampus significantly protects them from injury.

5 Jan 2011

TRPM2 in pancreatic beta-cells may control insulin secretion levels

The research group led by professor Makoto Tominaga and Dr. Kunitoshi Uchida, National institute for Physiological Sciences, found TRPM2 ion channel in pancreatic beta-cells is important for insulin secretion stimulated by glucose and gastrointestinal hormone secreted after food intake. Their finding was reported in Diabetes.

4 Jan 2011

Genocea announces close of $35 million Series B venture financing round

Genocea Biosciences Inc., a vaccine discovery and development company pioneering a new class of T cell-based vaccines, today announced that it has closed a $35 million Series B round of venture financing, with new investors Johnson & Johnson Development Corporation (JJDC), Skyline Ventures and MP Healthcare Venture Management, Inc. (MPH) joining existing investors Polaris Venture Partners, Lux Capital Management, SR One, Cycad Group, Auriga Partners and Morningside Ventures.

3 Jan 2011