A chemical discovered in a UC Davis lab may be a new, innovative tool to control depression. Studies involve an enzyme (soluble epoxide hydrolase or sEH) which is found in many species from bugs to humans.

Karen Wagner, a researcher in the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, will be talking June 30 at Sierra Nevada College about this enzyme and how it might be a tool for depression therapy.

Research in animal models of depression suggests that sEH plays a key role in modulating inflammation, which is involved in depression. Years of research and discovery around this enzyme led from investigating insect biology to translating the basic science into a potential therapy for man.

Registration for this event is required. The program will begin at 6pm, with refreshments and no-host bar from 5:30-6pm at 291 Country Club Drive in Incline Village.

Seating is open at 5:30pm to guests who have preregistered, open seating starts at 5:50pm. Cost is $5.