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Mutations in ion channels cause rare inherited pain disorder: Research

A mutation that enhances the function of a specific ion channel has been identified as the cause of a rare inherited pain disorder. The research, published by Cell Press in the June 10 issue of the journal Neuron, proposes a potential treatment for the disorder and may lead to a better understanding of chronic pain in humans.

10 Jun 2010

Perspectives on computational methods applied to membrane proteins

There have been impressive advances in computational methods, allowing researchers to better understand biological and physiological systems at the atomic level. In its latest Perspectives in General Physiology series, the Journal of General Physiology (JGP) offers an in-depth look at several of these methods and the advantages of each as applied to membrane proteins, with special focus on ion channels.

1 Jun 2010

Scientists present data on denufosol tetrasodium for CF at ATS 2010 International Conference

Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced today that Inspire scientists and collaborators will present data on denufosol tetrasodium, an investigational therapy for cystic fibrosis, during an oral presentation at the American Thoracic Society 2010 International Conference May 14 - 19, 2010 in New Orleans, LA.

20 May 2010

Molecular Devices' foundational planar patch-clamp patent upheld by European Patent Office

Molecular Devices today announced that European Patent Office (EPO) has upheld Molecular Devices foundational planar patch-clamp patent (EP No 1 040 349 B1). The board will issue a written decision to this effect in the near future. The ruling will be the final determination of the EPO and cannot be appealed.

19 May 2010

University of Leeds researchers identify natural defence mechanism against heart disease

A natural defence mechanism against heart disease could be switched on by steroids sold as health supplements, according to researchers at the University of Leeds.

18 May 2010

TRPV4 activity vital to prevent skin dehydration

Japanese research group led by Prof. Makoto Tominaga and Dr. Takaaki Sokabe (National Institute for Physiological Sciences: NIPS) found that TRPV4 ion channel in skin keratinocytes is important for formation and maintenance of barrier function to prevent dehydration. Their finding was reported in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

15 May 2010

MaxCyte STX Scalable Transfection System acquired by CCS Cell Culture Service

MaxCyte, Inc., the pioneer in scalable, high performance cell loading systems, is pleased to announce that CCS Cell Culture Service GmbH has acquired the MaxCyte® STX™ Scalable Transfection System to develop and optimize cells for the pharmaceutical industry.

12 May 2010

Icagen reports revenues of $1.5M, net loss of $3.2M for first-quarter 2010

Icagen, Inc. reported today its financial results and operational highlights for the first quarter ended March 31, 2010. For the first quarter of 2010, the Company reported revenues of $1.5 million and a net loss of $3.2 million. As of March 31, 2010, the Company's cash and cash equivalents totaled $14.3 million.

7 May 2010

CombinatoRx reports $41.3M total revenue for first-quarter 2010

CombinatoRx, Incorporated today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2010.

6 May 2010

Medication used to treat heart arrhythmias also reduces myotonic dystrophy: Researchers

A medication most often used to treat heart arrhythmias also reduces a central symptom of myotonic dystrophy, the most common type of muscular dystrophy in adults.

5 May 2010

Anavex reports promising results from ANAVEX 2-73 Alzheimer's disease compound in animal studies

Anavex Life Sciences Corp. is pleased to report promising results from animal studies with ANAVEX 2-73, the company's lead compound for the treatment and modification of Alzheimer's disease.

5 May 2010

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.