CombiMatrix Corp. of Mukilteo will collaborate with the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory to help test for bird flu. The lab, with offices in Pullman and Puyallup, will try CombiMatrix’s diagnostic tools to see if they improve the speed of testing for the potentially deadly H5N1 strain of avian flu along the West Coast. There is concern that the seasonal migration of birds will bring the flu into this region.
Neah Power applies for public status
Neah Power Systems of Bothell, which is developing small, methanol-powered fuel cells, has applied with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to become a fully reporting public company. The company is seeking to trade and list its stock on Nasdaq’s over-the-counter Bulletin Board. Neah Power now is a Pink Sheets stock.
GM issues warning on truck brake lights
General Motors Corp. is recalling about 400,000 pickup trucks due to defective brake lights. The affected vehicles are the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon from the 2004-2006 model years and the 2006 Isuzu i-280 and i-350. GM said some vehicles may permanently lose brake-lamp function or have brake lamps that are always on. Dealers will replace the brake lamp switch assembly in the affected vehicles at no charge.
T-bills climb to five-year highs at auction
Interest rates on short-term Treasury bills rose in Monday’s auction to the highest levels in more than five years. The Treasury Department auctioned $15 billion in three-month bills at a discount rate of 4.685 percent, up from 4.635 percent last week. Another $14 billion in six-month bills was auctioned at a discount rate of 4.780 percent, up from 4.735 percent last week. The three-month rate was the highest since March 5, 2001. The six-month rate was the highest since Jan. 29, 2001. In a separate report, the Federal Reserve said Monday that the average yield for one-year Treasury bills, a popular index for making changes in adjustable rate mortgages, rose to 4.94 percent last week from 4.90 percent the previous week.
Correction
Forecasters from the firm of Conway Pedersen will discuss the Snohomish County economy from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. today at the Snohomish County PUD, 2320 California St., Everett. Saturday’s Herald gave an incorrect time for the meeting.
From Herald staff and news services
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
