BiotechMashup

Everyone knows that vitamins "from A to zinc" are important for good health. Now, a new research study suggests that zinc may be pointing the way to new therapeutic targets for fighting infections. Specifically, scientists found that zinc not only supports healthy immune function, but increases activation of the cells (T cells) responsible for destroying viruses and bacteria.

Scientists have developed a new molecular sensor that can reveal the amount of zinc in cells, which could tell us more about a number of diseases, including type 2 diabetes. The research opens the door to the hidden world of zinc biology by giving scientists an accurate way of measuring the concentration of zinc and its location in cells for the first time.

(Imperial College London) Scientists have developed a new molecular sensor that can reveal the amount of zinc in cells, which could tell us more about a number of diseases, including type 2 diabetes. The research, published today in Nature Methods, opens the door to the hidden world of zinc biology by giving scientists an accurate way of measuring the concentration of zinc and its location in cells for the first time.

Zinc has long been known to play a vital part in human health. However, the mechanisms for delivering zinc into cells are not well understood. New research has identified one switch which allows zinc to flow. This has implications for a number of diseases, including aggressive types of breast cancer.

New, improved-resolution views of a zinc transporter protein suggest a mechanism for how cells sense and regulate zinc, an element that is essential for life.

Other vitamins and nutrients may get more headlines, but experts say as many as two billion people around the world have diets deficient in zinc -- and studies are raising concerns about the health implications this holds for infectious disease, immune function, DNA damage and cancer. One new study has found DNA damage in humans caused by only minor zinc deficiency.

From its involvement in a healthy immune system to its role in cell growth, zinc is an essential mineral for the human body. However, as with any herb, vitamin, or mineral, excess intake of zinc could pose a potential health hazard. Denture wearers are advised to pay special attention to the amount of zinc they consume.

(Cardiff University) Zinc has long been known to play a vital part in human health. However, the mechanisms for delivering zinc into cells are not well understood. New research from Cardiff University and King's College London has identified one switch which allows zinc to flow. This has implications for a number of diseases, including aggressive types of breast cancer.

(American Chemical Society) Scientists are reporting that particle size affects the toxicity of zinc oxide, a material widely used in sunscreens. Particles smaller than 100 nanometers are slightly more toxic to colon cells than conventional zinc oxide. Solid zinc oxide was more toxic than equivalent amounts of soluble zinc, and direct particle to cell contact was required to cause cell death. Their study is in ACS' Chemical Research in Toxicology, a monthly journal.