Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) and a method for automatically eliciting a thermal avoidance response in nematodes, particularly in order to test pharmaceutical substances. The device (10) has a bearing surface (12) on which sample containers (14) of nematodes (16) are disposed, a laser (18), a selective laser-beam interrupter (27) to regulate the length of the laser pulse, aft and a scanner (22) for projecting and focussing the laser beam and for controlling a deflection. A light source (28) illuminates the sample container (14) with light, which brings about a contrast in the nematodes in the container. An additional light source (29) can also illuminate the sample container (14) with light in order to excite fluorescence-labeled areas of the nematodes, causing them to fluoresce. A real-time image processing device connected to the camera (30) determines the respective positions of all areas relevant for laser irradiation of the nematodes and makes this information available to a controller (32).

Abstract: The invention relates to nematodes as model organisms for the investigation of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular, Parkinsons disease, uses and methods for the discovery of substances and genes which can be used in the treatment of the above disease states and identification of a nematode gene, From C elegans, which is homologous to the human parkin gene associated with Parkinsons disease. The invention further relates to those nematodes which contain an aberrant or missing expression of at least one gene, preferably a parkin gene and/or a ?-synucleine gene, which is connected with Parkinsons disease. According to the invention, the above organisms can be used for the identification and characterization of medicaments for the treatment of said disease states.

Abstract: The invention relates to nematodes as model organisms for the investigation of neurodegenerative diseases in particular. Parkinsons disease, uses and methods for the discovery of substances and genes which can be used in the treatment of the above disease states and identification of a nematode gene, from C. elegans, which is homologous to the human parkin gene associated with Parkinsons disease. The invention further relates to those nematodes which contain an aberrant or missing expression of at least one gene, preferably a parkin gene and/or a ?-synuclein gene, which is connected with Parkinsons disease. According to the invention, the above organisms can be used for the identification and characterisation of medicaments for the treatment of said disease states.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fat products based on whole egg or egg yolk which have a high content of triglycerides and/or phospholipids of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids having at least 20 carbon atoms and of specific unsaturated C18 fatty acids. These products are distinguished by a low carbohydrate content and a high oxidation stability and bioavailability of the bioactive fatty acids. The fat products are used in the animal and human nutrition sector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) and a method for automatically eliciting a thermal avoidance response in nematodes, particularly in order to test pharmaceutical substances. The device (10) has a bearing surface (12) on which sample containers (14) of nematodes (16) are disposed, a laser (18), a selective laser-beam interrupter (27) to regulate the length of the laser pulse, aft and a scanner (22) for projecting and focussing the laser beam and for controlling a deflection. A light source (28) illuminates the sample container (14) with light, which brings about a contrast in the nematodes in the container. An additional light source (29) can also illuminate the sample container (14) with light in order to excite fluorescence-labeled areas of the nematodes, causing them to fluoresce. A real-time image processing device connected to the camera (30) determines the respective positions of all areas relevant for laser irradiation of the nematodes and makes this information available to a controller (32).

Abstract: The invention relates to nematodes as model organisms for the investigation of neurodegenerative diseases in particular. Parkinsons disease, uses and methods for the discovery of substances and genes which can be used in the treatment of the above disease states and identification of a nematode gene, from C. elegans, which is homologous to the human parkin gene associated with Parkinsons disease. The invention further relates to those nematodes which contain an aberrant or missing expression of at least one gene, preferably a parkin gene and/or a &agr;-synuclein gene, which is connected with Parkinsons disease. According to the invention, the above organisms can be used for the identification and characterisation of medicaments for the treatment of said disease states.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for establishing the neurologically relevant properties of a material, for which a nematode is used.