Target Identification/ Validation News for August 2010

Target Identification/ Validation News Archive

Freeze or run? Not that simple Freeze or run? Not that simple

Fear can make you run or fight, or it can glue you to the spot. Now, scientists have identified the part of the brain and the type of neurons that determine how mice react to a frightening stimulus.

Body clock drugs could ease psychiatric disorders Body clock drugs could ease psychiatric disorders

Researchers have used a drug to reset and restart the 24 hour body clock of mice, which could eventually help with human difficulties including some psychiatric disorders, jet lag and the health impacts of shift work.

Scientists uncover Achilles heel of chronic inflammatory pain Scientists uncover Achilles heel of chronic inflammatory pain

Researchers have made a discovery that could lead to a brand new class of drugs to treat chronic pain caused by inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and back pain, without numbing the whole body.

Spindle maintenance machinery identified Spindle maintenance machinery identified

During cell division, microtubules emanating from each of the spindle poles meet and overlap in the spindle’s mid zone. Now, scientists have uncovered the molecular mechanism that determines the extent of this overlap.

Supply and demand Supply and demand

Scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory have discovered that a group of proteins named IRPs ensure that the iron balance is maintained in cells and, as such, are essential for cell survival.