Chemical Engineering @ChemengFiles.Com

Researchers at the Neurosciences Institute (Joint Council for Scientific Research, CSIC, and Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche) have discovered the role of omega-unsaturated fatty acids in the development of some degenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease. The work, published in Neuron, is the result of a collaboration
between United Kingdom, Germany, Russia, Slovenia and Spain.

The omega-unsaturated fatty acids are part of the lipids constituting the cell membranes and are released when these lipids are degraded. Known to be beneficial in the diet and have cardioprotective functions, although until now, when it has been shown to trigger neurotransmission, did not know what exactly his role in the nervous system.

Investigators from the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) suggests that the TC21 oncogene, a gene precursor of cancer, while ensuring the survival of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell responsible for controlling the defenses pathogens in humans. The work, published in the latest issue of Nature Inmunology concludes that an overactivation of the TC21 gene may be key in the transformation of lymphocytes in cancer cells, making TC21 in a
potential antitumor target.

Lymphocytes are responsible for recognition of pathogenic microorganisms, whether bacteria, parasites or viruses. Succeed thanks to a substance that incorporate these invading microorganisms, antigens that recognize through some housed in its membrane receptor (TCR receptors for the class T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes to BCR).

A study by the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) provides new data on the activation of T lymphocytes, a type of white blood cells whose function is crucial for starting the body's immune response against pathogens. The investigation, which is published in the journal Nature Inmunology, reveals a new function of the immunological synapse in this activation process and confirms its importance in the articulation of the immune response.

The activation of T lymphocytes occurs in lymph nodes, regions throughout the human body, which is similar to the meeting points at airports or stations. They bet on other immune system cells of the human body, such as dendritic cells, which have previously engulfed microorganisms in the infection zone, then migrate to the lymph nodes and present antigens to T lymphocytes Through the lymph nodes, T lymphocytes continuously pass feel that dendritic cells to membrane receptors that recognize a TCR specific antigen, which comes from the area of infection, and is exposed on the dendritic cell. When this happens, the cell stops and form immunological synapse with a dendritic cell. This is a complex subcellular structure, formed in the area of interaction between T cells and dendritic cells, which keeps the two cells produced during cell activation. When it happens, the T cells proliferate and leave nodes to participate in the immune response.

Investigators from the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Cantabria and the University of Harvard (United States) have discovered new clues about the origin of the focomelia, a rare disease that causes a deficient development of the long bones of the extremities, making them shorter than normal and, in extreme cases, the hands, feet or fingers directly arising from the trunk. The findings, which allows a better understanding of how they.

The focomelia is a very rare malformation, which affects about one in 20,000 newborns and is caused by genetic or environmental causes. In the 60 years its incidence has increased dramatically due to the prescription of thalidomide to relieve the nausea of pregnancy, drug later was shown to cause focomelia. Although easily detected during pregnancy, no treatment and those affected have a high mortality.

Helsinn has announced new plans to create a competitive organization focused on manufacturing highly potent compounds with a remarkable capacity for R & D and production. Both investments and manufacturing facilities of the new organization of Ireland and Switzerland are part of this strategy.

In March this year, Helsinn made an investment of around EUR 13 million, receiving support from the Government of Ireland through the IDA (Irish Development Authority) to build a center of excellence in the field of research and development of oral solid dosage (OSD), creating 10 positions for high-value research in one of its facilities near Dublin (Ireland). Now, Helsinn Chemicals in Biasca Organization (Switzerland), after an initial investment of 5 million euros completed in recent years, aims to expand its services in developing and manufacturing facilities in Switzerland Helsinn Advanced Synthesis.

AMRI has announced that it has completed construction of a new facility for chemical R & D in Budapest (Hungary). The completion and transfer to the 3,000 square feet of laboratory and administrative space represents an important milestone in the business plan initiated in 2008 to transform its central European business services discovery of higher value through the consolidation of several locations equipment and operating costs.

In addition to significant improvements in operational efficiencies and improved technology transfer, the new site provides capacity for the planned expansion of the synthetic chemistry, which currently is expected to double over the next five years.

A team of researchers led by Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) Juan José Calvete has characterized the protein composition of the venom of the rattlesnake Crotalus atrox U.S., which together with Crotalus adamanteus, is responsible for Most poisoning accidents in the U.S.. The research is part of a larger project that seeks to understand the molecular basis of the evolution of venoms of the genus, widely distributed throughout the American continent. The study will improve the production and effectiveness of antidotes that neutralize the toxicity of the venom of these snakes. The work is published in the Journal of Proteome Research.

Calvete detailed research: "We identified by proteomic techniques which families of toxins are present in the venom of this snake, and also had given his relative concentration. This information is relevant to know what arsenal against biological antidotes should be prepared" .

Scientists at the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), University of Pittsburgh and Brigham and Women's Hospital Boston (USA) have identified a new defense mechanism of cells in the lung against bacterial infections, such as emphysema or pneumonia. The investigation, which is published in the latest issue of the journal Nature, helps to understand the mechanisms of human body's defense against bacterial attacks, and could lead to new antimicrobial therapies.

The study, in which the researcher has participated CSIC, F. Xavier Gomis-Ruth, Institute of Molecular Biology of Barcelona (CSIC), located in the Barcelona Science Park, focuses on the enzyme matrix metalloproteinase 12 (MMP-12). This enzyme, expressed by macrophages (a type of white blood cell) lung, has antimicrobial activity. In fact, it is known to be implicated in diseases such as emphysema, but no data were available about the role they played. In this work, which has contributed to the investigation of the CSIC, is described how it works and it has been determined the region of the protein responsible.

Tauw has been contracted by the World Bank to advise it on how to deal with old pesticides and organic pollutants that are difficult to decompose (POP) in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Tauw consultants will be engaged in knowledge transfer for the delineation of an inventory and how to treat the former storage space of these toxic substances.

In each of the three countries, ten people will be trained to locate and make an inventory of former storage space. Moreover, inspecting a landfill site in each country more closely, after which they will design a technical sanitation.

2009 is the year of the 40th anniversary since the introduction of the first global flow cytometer based on fluorescence, the ICP 11.

Currently, the German biotechnology company Partec celebrates anniversary in Saxonia State Wackerbarth Vineyard Castle near Dresden. For the festive ceremony, the director Roland Göhde receive 100 guests from the scientific, economic and political.