Ion Channel News and Research

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Temperature-sensing ability in proteins remain a mystery

Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute and the Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation (GNF) have shed new light on the molecular mechanism that enables us to sense temperature, such as the heat from a sizzling stove. In addition to contributing to our knowledge of basic biology, the findings could one day lead to new therapies for conditions such as acute or chronic inflammatory pain.

24 Apr 2010

Researchers identify potential drug target for treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified a potential drug target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: a receptor that is embedded in the membrane of neurons and other cells.

21 Apr 2010

New research identifies cellular channel that regulates skin and hair growth

Skin and hair follicles are constantly renewed in the body, maintained by specialized stem cells. New research from Children's Hospital Boston identifies a small cellular channel that regulates skin and hair growth and that could be targeted with small-molecule drugs, potentially treating variety of skin conditions, as well as thinning hair or unwanted hair growth. Findings appear in the April 16, 2010 issue of Cell.

16 Apr 2010

SRU Biosystems receives Notice of Allowance to perform cellular assays on optical label-free biosensors

SRU Biosystems, a leader in highly sensitive label-free detection technologies, today announced the issuance of a Notice of Allowance from the US Patent Office for claims on a fundamental patent application, US Patent Application No. 11/635,934, for performing cellular assays on optical label-free biosensors.

12 Apr 2010

SRU Biosystems extends product line with the introduction of BIND SCANNER

SRU Biosystems today announced the extension of its product line of label-free instrumentation and biosensors with the introduction of its BIND® SCANNER for primary and stem cell applications. The BIND SCANNER is a first-of-its-kind, plate-based, label-free instrument capable of monitoring cellular responses at an individual cell resolution.

7 Apr 2010

Dalfampridine drug for multiple sclerosis now available in the U.S.

A drug whose clinical benefit in treating multiple sclerosis was discovered at Rush University Medical Center was approved by the Food and Drug Administration on January 22 and is now available in the U.S.

6 Apr 2010

Research may help develop new ways to diagnose and treat communication disorders

An international research consortium has identified more than 800 genes that appear to play a role in the male zebra finch's ability to learn elaborate songs from his father. The researchers also found evidence that song behavior engages complex gene regulatory networks within the brain of the songbird- networks that rely on parts of the genome once considered junk.

5 Apr 2010

Some therapies being investigated for Alzheimer's disease may cause cell death: UCSD

Some current therapies being investigated for Alzheimer's disease may cause further neural degeneration and cell death, according to a breakthrough discovery by UC San Diego researchers. By combining three dimensional computer simulations with high resolution atomic force microscopy membrane protein and cell imaging, electrical recording and various cellular assays, UCSD nano-biophysicist Ratnesh Lal and his colleagues investigated the structure and function of truncated peptides, known as nonamyloidgenic peptides, formed by some Alzheimer's drug candidates.

5 Apr 2010

Genome of Australian zebra finch decoded

Nearly all animals make sounds instinctively, but baby songbirds learn to sing in virtually the same way human infants learn to speak: by imitating a parent.

2 Apr 2010

Hamamatsu launches FDSS/uCELL imaging plate reader for kinetic cell-based assay development

Hamamatsu has announced the release of the FDSS/uCELL, an affordable new imaging plate reader for kinetic cell-based assay development, including GPCR and ion channel research. The uCELL ("micro cell") offers a cost-effective way for biotechnology companies, research institutes, and clinical research organizations to introduce the highly reliable and advanced Hamamatsu FDSS (Functional Drug Screening System) technology to their daily operations.

2 Apr 2010

Redpoint Bio announces revenue of $1.9M for full-year 2009

Redpoint Bio Corporation, a company focused on the development of healthier foods and beverages and new approaches to the treatment of diabetes and obesity, today announced financial and operational results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2009.

29 Mar 2010

Evotec AG reports financial results and corporate updates for 2009

Based on the Action Plan 2012, Evotec decided in March 2009 to strengthen its discovery alliances, creating the central vehicle for growth, and to implement strict cost cutting and restructuring measures. The Company reduced headcount in administrative and clinical development functions, reprioritised its R&D activities, concentrated its operations in Europe and closed the former facility of Renovis, Inc. in South San Francisco.

25 Mar 2010

Essen Instruments, Origene Technologies partner to co-develop ion channel cell lines

Essen Instruments Inc. and OriGene Technologies, Inc. today announced a strategic alliance to co-develop ion channel cell lines. Essen, based in Ann Arbor Michigan, is a leading provider of life science products and services, including ion channel discovery and safety assays. OriGene, headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, specializes in the creation and supply of gene-centric products, and has a collection of over 30,000 human full length cDNA clones.

17 Mar 2010

Evotec, Active Biotech announce collaboration to identify small molecule modulators of priority biological target

Evotec AG today announced that it has entered into a collaboration with Active Biotech AB to identify small molecule modulators of a priority biological target, selected by Active Biotech, involved in immune disorders and cancer.

11 Mar 2010

Three researchers to be honored with SBS Award for achievement in biomolecular sciences and lead discovery

The Society for Biomolecular Sciences will honor three researchers for their substantial contributions to the field of drug discovery. Each recipient will accept their award and speak at the SBS 16th Annual Conference & Exhibition in Phoenix, Arizona, April 11-15, 2010.

9 Mar 2010

Researchers reveal new details of the mechanisms of ion channel inactivation

Two studies by researchers at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine reveal new details of the mechanisms of ion channel inactivation. The papers appear in the March issue of The Journal of General Physiology (www.jgp.org).

4 Mar 2010

Sigma-Aldrich unveils new Sigma Life Science brand and website platform

Sigma-Aldrich® today unveiled its new Sigma® Life Science brand and website platform, designed to elevate the Company's current focus on biology and provide a single destination where researchers can access deep biological knowledge and market-leading products and technologies.

2 Mar 2010

Librede to develop technologies for improving ion channel drug discovery and screening at CNSI incubator

Librede Inc. has joined the UCLA on-campus technology incubator space at the California NanoSystems Institute, where the startup company will work on developing technologies to improve ion channel drug discovery and screening.

26 Feb 2010

Mechanosensitive ion channels play a key role in pain sensation

Humans and animals are able to perceive even the slightest vibration and touch of the skin. Mechanosensitive ion channels play a crucial role in the mediation of these sensations. Ion channels are pores in the cell membrane which are highly responsive to external signals.

19 Feb 2010

New research units established for Japanese-German research collaboration

With its ten new Research Units, the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) is intensifying interdisciplinary and multiple-location collaboration among researchers pursuing specific scientific questions and new avenues of research.

17 Feb 2010