Membrane Potential News and Research

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Light-activated protein restores mitochondrion function in fruit fly model of Parkinson’s disease

A light-sensitive protein can restore mitochondria function in fruit flies bearing a gene mutation associated with Parkinson’s disease and relieve its symptoms, report researchers at Juntendo University in the journal Communications Biology.

13 Feb 2020

Researchers identify control of a mitochondrial protective mechanism

Mitochondria are known as the "powerhouses" of cells. However, under critical pathophysiological conditions, they can use cellular energy for self-preservation.

12 Feb 2020

Novel drug can simultaneously help diagnose, treat gastric cancer

A novel drug, named "FerriIridium", can simultaneously help diagnose and treat gastric cancer. The initially weakly active precursor (prodrug), based on an iridium-containing compound, is selectively activated only after reaching the interior of a tumor cell. This is possible because of the higher amount of iron present there, report scientists in the journal Angewandte Chemie.

23 Jan 2020

NIH-funded research finds differences in energy use by immune T cells in ME/CFS

New findings published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation suggest that specific immune T cells from people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) show disruptions in the way they produce energy.

12 Dec 2019

Ultra-fast new technology to detect bacteria

A new detection method which can identify the presence of bacteria within a minute, while distinguishing healthy from non-viable bacteria, could save many lives and a lot of money. Scientists at the University of Warwick reported this technology, based on alterations in electrical signaling in bacteria in response to external electrical stimulation.

13 Jun 2019

Researchers investigate how antibiotic produced by the microbiome kills bacteria

A research team from the Universities of Tübingen and Göttingen as well as from the German Center for Infection Research has investigated the mode of action of a new class of antibiotics that is highly effective against multidrug-resistant pathogens.

4 Jun 2019

Nature-based antibiotic molecules for treatment of infections

New developments in antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with antibiofilm properties are rapidly materializing.

2 Jan 2019

Scientists use water molecules to track electrical activity of nerve cells

Researchers have discovered a new way to monitor electrical activity in nerve cells; by observing water molecules surrounding neuronal membranes.

11 Dec 2018

New method uses water molecules to unlock neurons' secrets

Neurons are brain cells that communicate with each other by sending electrochemical signals along axons. When a neuron is about to release a signal - in the form of an electric charge - it allows ions to pass through its membrane via ion channels.

11 Dec 2018

Forming 3D Neuronal Models of the Brain

In this interview, conducted at SfN 2018, Grischa Chandy from Molecular Devices provides insight on 3D imaging solutions for neuroscience research.

From Molecular Devices, LLC 19 Nov 2018

UAB study shows how ion channel differentiates newborn and mature neurons in the brain

The dentate gyrus of the hippocampus is part of the brain that helps form memories. It is also one of just two areas in the adult brain where new neurons are continuously formed.

13 Aug 2018

Researchers develop near-infrared fluorophores-based PDT to cure cancer with less side effects

A KAIST research team developed near-infrared fluorophores-based photodynamic therapy that reduced the downside of existing PDTs.

16 Jul 2018

Study reveals how M. tuberculosis escapes death in macrophages

The bacteria that cause the devastating disease tuberculosis have the ability to escape destruction and grow after they are engulfed by lung macrophages, the immune cells that are supposed to destroy pathogens.

10 Jul 2018

Researchers reveal mechanisms of periodic paralysis in people with rare genetic disorder

A rare genetic disorder in which people are suddenly overcome with profound muscle weakness is caused by a hole in a membrane protein that allows sodium ions to leak across cell membranes, researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle have found.

21 May 2018

Researchers discover unique protein in malaria parasite that could be new drug target

Over a thousand people die from malaria every day. The disease is caused by a single-cell parasite (protozoan) that is transmitted by mosquitoes. Anti-malaria efforts currently focus on effective diagnostics, mosquito nets, insecticides and drugs.

18 Apr 2018

Researchers study how bioelectric signaling between cells influences cancer progression

Although breast cancer mortality has declined in the U.S., it is still the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths in women under 60 years old.

24 Jan 2018

Using AFM to study cancer cells

An interview with Prof. Hermann Schillers, Universität Münster conducted by April Cashin-Garbutt, MA (Cantab).

From Bruker Nano Surfaces and Metrology 14 Nov 2017

Mettler Toledo present webinar on technique for ion determination in food

Learn more about the multiple standard addition for ion determination in food - sodium, nitrate, magnesium, etc. – in a new webinar from METTLER TOLEDO.

From Mettler-Toledo International Inc. 27 Mar 2017

Novel potassium channel genes could be promising therapeutic targets for alcohol use disorder

A handful of FDA-approved drugs exist for treating individuals with alcohol use disorder but they have been largely ineffective at reducing the high rates of relapse. As such, there remains a critical need to identify and develop alternative pharmacological treatment options.

31 Jan 2017

Scientists synthesize and evaluate mono/di-halogenated coumarins for anticancer activity

Throughout the world, many medicinal compounds are being discovered. Scientists have learnt to modify the chemical structures of active compounds so that they can improved therapeutic activity and reduced the toxicity.

30 Jan 2017