Zinc and the zebrafish
Fluorescent fish could hold the key to understanding diabetes and other diseases
2011-07-03
(Press-News.org) Scientists from Queen Mary, University of London have discovered a new way of detecting zinc in zebra fish, that could pave the way for furthering our understanding of diseases like type 2 diabetes, prostate cancer and Alzheimer's.
The results will be announced today (3 July) at the Sixth International Symposium on Macrocyclic and Supramolecular Chemistry, in Brighton.
Zinc is found throughout the body and involved in many metabolic pathways that affect the function of the immune system and brain, reproduction, and sexual development. Zinc is also increasingly recognised as a key element in the treatment of a range of diseases, for example type 2 diabetes, prostate cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
It's unclear whether zinc is a cause of disease, or if it's employed to prevent its development or progression, and there is great interest in developing a molecular probe which can detect zinc in the body. While a lot of work has been done in vitro, very few people have looked at how zinc works in whole organisms.
In this new study, Professor Mike Watkinson, Dr Stephen Goldup and Dr Caroline Brennan, from Queen Mary's School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, have focused their efforts on the development of a sensor for zinc to be used in studies on zebrafish (Danio rerio). Due to their fast development, zebra fish can be grown outside the mother's body, and their embryos are transparent, allowing for a clear observation of their organs.
The team designed a sensor which switched on fluorescence in the fish when zinc was present. Professor Mike Watkinson explains:"Our probe is able to visualise zinc in various parts of the fish embryos, including the pancreas and we are excited that we can develop the technology further to help understand the role of zinc in the development of important disease like Type 2 Diabetes."
The team used a technique called 'click' chemistry, which is designed to generate substances quickly and reliably by joining small units together.
The sensor was found to be particularly sensitive to identifying zinc rather than other anions such as iron or copper, and it is hoped that with further development the technology can be used by other scientists working in these important fields.
INFORMATION: END
ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:
2011-07-03
Proposed Changes to New Jersey Hit-and-Run Laws
At about 12:30 pm on December 15, 2010, Millville, New Jersey, police officers investigated a report of a body on the side of Silver Run Road. When they arrived, they found 36-year-old Edward Morrison unresponsive on the roadside. Medical personnel transported Morrison to a hospital, where doctors pronounced Morrison dead about an hour later.
Police offered a $1,500 reward for information about what happened to Morrison and they received a tip the next day that a local man's 2000 Hyundai Elentra appeared to have been ...
2011-07-03
An Introduction to the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
If you have ever known someone who has struggled with debt, you may be familiar with stories of rude, upsetting or even downright offensive debt-collector behavior. But, even though many consumers are not aware of it, there are legal limits on what creditors can do to collect payment. Knowing the basics about your rights during the debt-collection process is imperative to avoid creditor harassment.
Federal Protection
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, known as the FDCPA, is a federal law that ...
2011-07-03
Stena Line has expressed its delight at the announcement that its acquisition of the DFDS routes from Belfast to Liverpool (Birkenhead) and Belfast to Heysham has been fully approved by the Competition Commission.
The acquisition, which amounts to approximately GBP40M investment, will enable Stena Line to improve its service on the Irish Sea by offering several different alternatives for transportation between Northern Ireland and Great Britain and will improve service and frequency for passengers and freight.
Irish Sea Area Director Michael McGrath said: "We ...
2011-07-03
Swinglifestyle, the largest swingers site will be attending a parade with their own float on July 6th 2011. The parade is scheduled to start at 8:30 pm on bourbon Street. This is the first time a swingers site has created a float to be in the parade. The parade is in recognition of swingers and a Naughty in N'awlins convention.
Swinglifestyle, which receives millions of visits each month continues to be the largest site for the lifestyle. Swinglifestyle pioneered the online swinging industry. Swinging has been growing at an astronomical rate and more people are embracing ...
2011-07-03
P&O Cruises today announced that it will expand its fleet with a 141,000-tonne cruise ship, built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, scheduled to enter service in March 2015.
The as-yet-unnamed 3,611-passenger vessel will be the largest in the P&O Cruises fleet, as well as the largest cruise ship built specifically for the British market.
To be built at Fincantieri's Monfalcone yard, the all-in cost is approximately EUR155,000 per lower berth. Ushering in an exciting era for P&O Cruises, the ship will offer a stylish and innovative new design and an unprecedented ...
2011-07-02
Selectress Iriela will spin a spicy and rhythm-centric blend drawing upon her extensive travels and forward looking world beat vision. As the creator and producer of festivals and films, she'll invite her friends to play alongside her live : including renowned and award winnng producers, international musicians, innovative artists and DJs. Dance, chill and take in that Summer breeze with the open air splendor of BOOM restaurant and lounge in the Summer. Enjoy this intimate vibe each Friday this Summer - a sexy throwback to the artist's Soho - the real deal!
Featured ...
2011-07-02
Located just a few miles north of Manhattan, Westchester County is truly a barometer for the luxury real estate market of homes in the United States. Real Estate Guru, Jonathan Lerner, Broker of Five Corners Properties located in Scarsdale, NY reports that the 1st half of the year results for 2011 show a mixed bag for the area. "The good news is that the average price for a home ticked upward about 1.5%, said Jonathan, however we saw home sales decline about 14% as roughly only 1,700 homes sold compared to the previous year when nearly 2,000 properties were purchased."
We ...
2011-07-02
Valley of the Sun Dog Rescue has been named the July 2011 beneficiary for Rescue Chocolate, the vegan chocolate company which donates 100% of its profits to various animal rescue organizations.
Based in Mesa, Arizona, Valley of the Sun was founded in the year 2000. The organization focuses on helping ill, injured, maimed, abandoned or unwanted American Pit Bulls and Staffordshire Terriers. But no breed in need is turned away. Dogs come to the group from various animal shelters in the area and from private citizens.
Before the dogs leave the shelter and go to their adoptive ...
2011-07-02
New York Pizza in Springfield, Ohio, has recently launched a Giant Pizza Challenge. As many residents in Springfield already know, New York Pizza offers a very tasty New York style pizza. Now the pizzeria is offering a pizza challenge for all big eaters.
"The challenge is for a two-person team to consume a 36 inch pizza in fifty minutes or less." says Phil Fogliani, local owner of New York Pizza. "Successful completion will earn the participants a refund of the $49.00 entry fee, their picture on the Wall of Fame, and New York Pizza gift certificates."
Fogliani ...
2011-07-02
The CDM Media team announced today the launch of a new technology event for media and entertainment industry CIOs. The CIO CME Summit will be held September 18-21, 2011 in Scottsdale, Arizona.
The CIO CME Summit is an opportunity for CIOs and IT executives from print, television, film, and cable organizations to discuss best practices and IT pain points in an exclusive business setting. The event includes networking opportunities and interactive agenda sessions, including think tanks, analyst Q&As, roundtables and panel discussions.
CDM Media developed the CIO ...
LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:
[Press-News.org] Zinc and the zebrafish
Fluorescent fish could hold the key to understanding diabetes and other diseases
