Ion News and Research

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Salt can boost antitumor responses of T cells

Elevated sodium levels in tumors boost T-cell metabolic fitness and cytotoxicity, revealing potential avenues for improving cancer therapies.

13 Sep 2024

Heatwaves linked to increased seizures in epilepsy patients

Heatwaves can worsen abnormal excitability of the brain in people with epilepsy, finds a new small-scale patient study by clinical scientists at UCL.

11 Sep 2024

Electric current in gut attracts pathogens like Salmonella

Salmonella typhimurium's infection mechanism involves gut bioelectric signals, influencing its localization and interactions within the intestinal environment.

5 Sep 2024

Novel intermediate form of serotonin receptor identified as therapeutic target for psychiatric disorders

Misha Kudryshev's lab at the Max Delbrück Center has identified a molecular intermediate of a serotonin receptor that is involved in diseases such as depression and schizophrenia.

4 Sep 2024

Understanding gluten's role in autoimmunity and inflammation

The interaction between humans and their environment, mediated by nutrition, plays a crucial role in regulating inflammatory responses.

21 Aug 2024

Study identifies natural molecule that reduces pain sensitivity

Rutgers researchers have found a new way to manage the receptors that control the sense of touch, which could lead to treating chronic pain more effectively.

21 Aug 2024

Greater plant fat intake associated with lower overall and cardiovascular disease mortality

Researchers determined the relationship between animal and dietary plant fat intake with mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other causes.

13 Aug 2024

Human dopamine transporter structure with cocaine revealed, unlocking addiction insights

Researchers have resolved the high-resolution structure of the human dopamine transporter bound to cocaine, providing critical insights into the molecular basis of cocaine's addictive properties.

12 Aug 2024

ATP regulation in ClC-3 exchangers linked to neurodegenerative diseases, study reveals

Researchers structurally analyzed adenine nucleotide control and neurodegenerative diseases in ClC-3 exchangers.

11 Aug 2024

Electrically powered artificial muscle fibers: Emerging power source for robotics and wearable devices

In the dynamic landscape of intelligent technology, electrically powered artificial muscle fibers (EAMFs) are emerging as a revolutionary power source for advanced robotics and wearable devices.

2 Aug 2024

Study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of melanoma progression

Cong Peng et al., at Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China, conducted a study titled "NETO2 promotes melanoma progression via activation of the Ca²⁺/CaMKII signaling pathway" that investigates the role of Neuropilin and tolloid-like 2 (NETO2) in melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer.

2 Aug 2024

Novel electrical impedance technique enhances drug testing for cardiac safety

When developing new drugs, understanding their effects on ion channels in the body, such as the human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) ion channel found in neurons and heart muscle cells, is critical.

1 Aug 2024

Scientists capture NMDAR protein's 'twist' motion, key to brain signaling

Proteins are constantly performing a kind of dance. They move and contort their bodies to fulfill specific functions inside our bodies. The NMDAR protein executes an especially hard dance routine in our brains. One wrong step can lead to a range of neurological disorders. NMDAR binds to the neurotransmitter, glutamate, and another compound, glycine. These bindings control NMDAR's dance steps. When their routine is over, the NMDAR opens. This open ion channel generates electrical signals critical for cognitive functions like memory.

1 Aug 2024

Commonly used anesthetic drug can restore the function of ion channel linked to epilepsy

Mutated variants of a particular ion channel cause difficult-to-treat epilepsy. A study published in the journal Nature now shows that a commonly used anesthetic drug, propofol, can restore the function of this ion channel.

31 Jul 2024

Propofol shows potential for treating epilepsy and neurological disorders

The general anesthetic propofol may hold the keys to developing new treatment strategies for epilepsy and other neurological disorders, according to a study led by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine and Linköping University in Sweden.

31 Jul 2024

Xanthones show promise in diabetes with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

Research reveals xanthones as promising agents in diabetes management, offering antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and insulin-sensitizing benefits.

29 Jul 2024

New zwitterionic polyion developed for effective plasmid DNA delivery in muscle cells

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have created a new drug delivering molecule, a zwitterionic polymer complex that can help get plasmid DNA inside cells when injected into skeletal muscle, a crucial step in the expression of therapeutic RNA and proteins.

28 Jul 2024

Tiny titin mutation linked to developmental heart defects and adult atrial fibrillation

Millions of adults have atrial fibrillation - an irregular beating of the upper chambers of the heart that yields increased risk of heart failure, stroke and death.

25 Jul 2024

Metrion Biosciences appoints Dr Chris Mathes as Chief Commercial Officer

Metrion Biosciences Ltd (“Metrion”), the specialist preclinical contract research organization (CRO) and a leader in ion channel screening, today announced the appointment of Dr Chris Mathes, MBA, as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). Chris will work alongside the Company’s expert leadership team to drive commercial strategy and lead global business development and marketing activities.

24 Jul 2024

Prime editing offers promising path to permanent treatment for cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common genetic disorders, causing thick mucus build-up in the lungs and other parts of the body, breathing problems, and infection.

11 Jul 2024