Chimp genome reveals a retroviral invasion
It's been known for a long time that only 2% -- 3% of human DNA codes for proteins. Much of the rest of our genomes -- often referred to as junk DNA -- consists of retroelements: genomic elements that are transcribed into RNA, reverse-transcribed into DNA, and then reinserted into a new spot in the genome. Human endogenous retroviruses make up one class of these retroelements. Retroviruses can in...Gene expands malaria's invasion options
The malaria parasite uses different pathways to invade red blood cells, evading the body's immune system and complicating efforts to create effective vaccines against the disease. A research team led by Australia's Alan F. Cowman, an international research scholar with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, has identified a gene that the parasite uses to switch back and...Researchers identify molecular anchor that allows bacterial invasion of central nervous system
Could be target to block CNS infectionA single molecular anchor that allows bacteria to invade the nervous system may hold the key to treating many types of bacterial meningitis, a University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine study has found. By blocking the molecule's anchoring ability, researchers may be able to find a way to stave off the most common serious infection...Exotic crab poised for widespread UK invasion
An exotic type of crab is spreading at an alarming rate throughout Britain's coast and rivers, a new study suggests. Researchers from the University of Newcastle upon T...Different strategies underlie the ecology of microbial invasions
Infectious disease can play a key role in mediating the outcome of competition between rival groups, as seen in the effects of disease-bearing conquistadors in the New World--or, on a much smaller ecological scale, the ability of bacteria to spread their viruses to competing bacteria. In a new study, researchers have compared two different general ways in which bacteria compete with one another,...Cell invasion Fluorometric (green) Assay Kit, InnoCyte™ from Calbiochem
Description:The InnoCyte Laminin-Based 96-well Cell Invasion Assay is designed to determine the invasive capacity of cells using laminin as a significant barrier to invasion or to screen potential anti-metastatic agents in vitro in a convenient, high-throughput, 96-well format. The 8 mm pore size is appropriate for all types of adherent cells such as epithelial, endothelial, or fibroblast cells. The assay is...Cell Invasion Colorimetric Assay Kit from CHEMICON
Description:Invasion through the extracellular matrix (ECM) is an important step in tumor metastasis. Cancer cells initiate invasion by adhering to and spreading along the blood vessel wall. Proteolytic enzymes, such as MMP collagenases, dissolve tiny holes in the sheath-like covering (basement membrane) surrounding the blood vessels to allow cancer cells to invade.The CHEMICON Cell Invasion Assay Kit p...Invasion of Cicada Hordes Feared in US Midwest
Alarm bells are ringing across the Midwest over the possible invasion of cicadas. Well they dont bite or sting. But they can be quite a nuisance . For their mating calls that produce a din that can overpower ringing telephones, lawn mowers and power tools. Cicadas live only about 30 days as adults, and their main goal is mating. These red-eyed, shrimp-sized, flying ins...UK Army Personnel Involved in Iraqi Invasion Not at Risk from Depleted Uranium
Army personnel involved in the Iraqi invasion of 2003 have not absorbed dangerous levels of depleted uranium, finds research published ahead of print in Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Depleted uranium is used in military combat to pierce armoured vehicles, and spontaneously combusts on impact into fine aerosol particles. These can either be breathed in or eaten/drunk in c...