Bioscience Technology articles from August 2008

Bioscience Technology archives from August 2008

Stem cells branch out: researchers are optimistic about getting induced, pluripotent stem cell-based therapies into patients.
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For a field that's been plagued with technical difficulties, funding bans, and even threats against its practitioners, stem cell science is enjoying a banner year. In January, New York's recently created office of...

Genes, disease and behavior.(Editor's Note)
August 1, 2008... I listened with great interest not too long ago to a radio interview with Richard Preston (the station and dates are not longer with me, though it was likely an NPR outlet). Mr. Preston was describing his research for an article on Lesch-Nyhan...

Synthetic peptide hydrogel.(Editor's Choice)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This peptide hydrogel is a synthetic biomaterial that is used to create defined three-dimensional (3D) microenvironments for a variety of cell culture experiments. When it is exposed to physiological salt conditions...

Microfluidic proteomic, genomic research systems.(Editor's Choice)
August 1, 2008... Microfluidics-based separations systems LabChip GX and LabChip GXII benchtop automate 1-D electrophoretic separations of protein, DNA, and RNA samples. The GX is targeted at genomics applications, while the GXII can be used in both genomic and...

Peptide synthesis and synthesis automation.(Editor's Choice)
August 1, 2008... The automated Activo-P11 peptide synthesizer increases coupling efficiency for difficult or long sequences, without the need for microwave treatment. The instrument is available with recently introduced reactor heating. Peptide wizard software...

Digital imaging system.(Editor's Choice)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The ImageQuant 350 is used for quantitative imaging of Western blots and for other monochromatic fluorescence and colorimetric imaging applications It has the sensitivity to detect and quantitate low abundant...

Spectrophotometry of DNA/RNA, proteins.(Editor's Choice)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The IMPLEN NanoPhotometer, a UV/Vis spectrophotometer, provides users with the ability to perform ultra low and standard volume (starting from 0.7 microliters) applications with no dilution necessary. Cuvetteless and...

3D, label-free biomolecular interaction analysis.(Editor's Choice)
August 1, 2008... The 3D nano-porous silicon-based SKi Pro platform facilitates biomolecular interaction analysis in disease pathway research, biomarker discovery and drug discovery. SKi Sensor biochips feature a 3D nano-porous surface, which allows sensitivity...

Microscope for electrophysiology.(Editor's Choice)
August 1, 2008... Electrophysiological experiments can be performed with the Axio Examiner Fixed Stage Microscope with maximum flexibility and safety. It is well suited for patch clamp experiments on nerve cells, examinations of brain sections, and for measuring...

Automated electrophoresis system for DNA/RNA analysis.(Editor's Choice)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MultiNA microchip-based capillary electrophoresis analyzer provides high-speed analysis of DNA and RNA samples. At recommended conditions, chips can process 3,600 or more analyses before needing to be replaced, with...

Neural stem cell line models Parkinson's disease.(Signal Transduction Focus)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] By suppressing the PINK1 gene in neurons derived from the VM cell line, scientists showed that loss of PINK1 function resulted in increased programmed cell death, more free radicals, decreased long-term survival of...

Functional kinome collection.(Signal Transduction Focus)
August 1, 2008... Comprehensive kinome collection includes the functional kinases and their kinase-deficient counterparts. Scientists from University of Helsinki, Institute of Molecular Medicine developed the line with scientists from OriGene Technologies...

Kit measures JAK2 phosphorylation.(Signal Transduction Focus)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Complete ELISA assay quantitatively detects phosphorylated JAK2. Phosphorylation is an integral part in the signal transduction pathway called JAK/STAT. Activation is implicated cell differentiation, cell survival...

Non-radioactive SAM methyltransferase assay.(Signal Transduction Focus)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SAM510 SAM methyltransferase colorimetric, continuous enzyme-coupled assay, for kinetic analysis of protein SAM methyltransferase enzymes, does not use radioactive labels or endpoint measurements. In use, the assay...

Ozone-stable dye for microarrays increases long-term stability: parts of the CGH arrays were re-scanned multiple times in a period of 14 days. During this period, environmental ozone concentrations were monitored.(Biochemicals & Kits)
August 1, 2008... In array-CGH (comparative genomic hybridization), well-characterized short DNA fragments of a genome are spotted on a glass slide matrix, and are then hybridized with differentially fluorescent-labeled sample and reference genomic DNA....

Mass tagging kits enable quantitative protein expression analysis.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] These mass tagging kits for protein quantitation and characterization enable the identification and quantitation of protein expression levels from multiple sample types including cells, tissues and biological fluids....

Protein biomarker discovery and measurement in tissue.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
August 1, 2008... These protein biomarkers come in the form of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples. They provide a mass spectrometry based alternative to immunohistochemistry for identification and analysis of tissue proteins, reducing drug...

CYP450 antibody panel.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
August 1, 2008... This panel of human and rodent cytochrome P450 (CYP450) antibodies, is for use in drug discovery programs and play an essential role in drug metabolism in the liver. Understanding drug metabolism is critical in designing more sensitive, and...

Chromatography media for tagged proteins.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dextrin Sepharose High Performance and StrepTactin Sepharose High Performance affinity chromatography media--small, evenly sized 34 um Sepharose beads--ensure that proteins elute in narrow peaks, minimizing the need...

Rabbit monoclonal HER2 IHC test.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This rabbit monoclonal antibody is for c-erbB-2. It is a derivitive of the HER2/neu gene and is over-expressed in breast, ovary and some other carcinomas. The c-erbB-2 antibody is available as an ASR in the United...

Reagent enhances PCR sensitivity.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
August 1, 2008... PCRboost enhances PCR and RT-PCR performance by improving sensitivity and specificity during amplification of genomic DNA or RNA templates. The product makes it easy to amplify templates that are traditionally difficult to amplify and present...

miRNA assay solutions.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
August 1, 2008... Two ready-to-use microRNA (miRNA) assay technologies are standardize gene-regulation research, miScript miRNA Mimics and miScript miRNA Inhibitors are ready-to-transfect for use in gene regulation and cellular pathway analysis. By directing a...

Protease inhibitor cocktail.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ProteaseArrest is provided as a 100 x concentrated, ready-to-use solution that inhibits over 95% of protease activity, even in tissues known to have higher than normal protease activity. The optimized concentration...

PARP family and ADP ribosylation for cellular function research.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
August 1, 2008... A new brochure and technical resource is available that highlights reagents for the study of cellular functions such as DNA damage detection and repair, transcriptional regulation, intracellular trafficking, chromatin modification, mitotic...

Pro-human diabetes assay panel.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
August 1, 2008... This human diabetes assay panels for a suspension array system is offered as one multiplex and two singleplex assays to achieve optimal working assay ranges. The pro-human diabetes assay delivers accurate and reproducible multiplex measurements...

Reagents transfect, label cells.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FeOfection and FeOsilence transfection reagents utilize uniform, lipid-coated, iron oxide nanoparticles to facilitate DNA/siRNA binding and cellular uptake with minimal impact on cell viability. Additionally, due to...

Baculovirus titration kit.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The baculoQUANT one-step virus titration kit can provides accurate result within two hours without the need for plaque assays or immunoassays. It is based on quantitative PCR, which uses a set of primers and a probe...

Homogeneous PARP Inhibition Assay.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
August 1, 2008... HT Fluorescent Homogeneous PARP Inhibition Assay is based on the consumption of NAD + in the PARP ribosylation reaction where NAD + not consumed by PARP is subsequently measured by a cycling reaction in which a highly fluorescent molecule is...

Protein affinity columns.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
August 1, 2008... MBPTrap HP provides affinity purification of recombinant proteins tagged with maltose binding protein (MBP). The columns are pre-packed with Dextrin Sepharose High Performance, a stable Sepharose-based medium that enables elution of a target...

Extraction buffer solubilizes proteins.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 2D-Xtract protein solubilization/extraction buffer for 2D electrophoresis is a dry buffer that has optimized concentrations of urea, thiourea, CHAPS and non-detergent sulfobetaine (ND SB) 201. Users can add an...

Mammalian Expression Vector System.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] StrataClone Mammalian Expression Vector System comnbines accurate PCR amplification with reliable topoisomerase-based cloning and expression. In the protocol, add PCR product to the vector mix, incubate for 5 minutes...

Fluorescence Polarization Assay Kit.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
August 1, 2008... The Predictor[TM] hERG Fluorescence Polarization Assay Kit provides a set of validated components to perform hERG channel biochemical binding studies in the absence of radioligands. The assay was designed to identify potential hERG channel...

HTRF Terbium platform for GPCR screening.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
August 1, 2008... IP-One Tb and cAMP Tb assays incorporate Lumi4-Tb cryptate. Lumi4-Tb, a Terbium cryptate developed by Lumiphore, Inc., is licensed exclusively to Cisbio for drug discovery. HTRF technology detects molecular interactions in vitro and is widely...

Gene expression from small numbers of cultured cells without RNA purification.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TaqMan Cells-to-CT Kits (Applied Biosystems) reduce the amount of time necessary to prepare and analyze RNA from cultured mammalian cells using real-time PCR in applications such as siRNA-mediated gene silencing and...

Software for gel electrophoresis analysis.(Focus: Microscopy Image Analysis)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Version 7 of ImageMaster 2D Platinum software for the visualization, exploration and analysis of 2-D gel data includes 2-D DIGE (two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis). With interactive analysis modes and an...

Track moving specimens on a microscope.(Focus: Microscopy Image Analysis)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Combined with Applied Scientific Instrumentation's (ASI) closed-loop DC servo motor stages, PhotoTrack device allows free-moving samples to be kept in the field-of-view no matter where they want go. PhotoTrack uses a...

4D confocal imaging.(Focus: Microscopy Image Analysis)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] UltraVIEW VoX 4D confocal imaging system features a CSU-X1 spinning disk head. ProSync technology synchronizes the scanning disk speed, camera acquisition, wavelength selection and Z position for high acquisition...

FTIR Microscopes interface with spectrometer.(Focus: Microscopy Image Analysis)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] These FT-IR Microscopes can be interfaced with spectrometers and feature functions such as "Smart Mapping", for infrared microanalysis and IR imaging. The IRT-5000 microscope features dual detector capability and...

Workstation for active substance research on transporters.(Product News: Instruments & Systems)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SURFE2R Workstation--the next generation of IonGate's label-free measurement system for research on ion transporters and channels--is designed for high throughput applications in transporter-based drug discovery. The...

Web-based notebook.(Product News: Instruments & Systems)
August 1, 2008... This web-based Electronic Laboratory Notebook for Routine Analysis features ReDI (Rapid eForm Development and Implementation)--an eForm implementation technology that allows users to go paperless. It takes existing paper worksheets, documents...

Compact vibration cancellation system.(Product News: Instruments & Systems)
August 1, 2008... Active hard-mount vibration cancellation system is used with small precision instruments, particularly in buildings where floor vibration is severe. It offers a lightweight, compact design; extended stroke piezoelectric actuators; sub-Hz...

Automatic cell counting.(Product News: Instruments & Systems)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The NucleoCounter automatic cell counting system is an easy to use instrument for counting viable mammalian cells. Sample contact is restricted to the disposable cassette, which is internally pre-coated with a...

siRNA search tool.(Product News: Instruments & Systems)
August 1, 2008... The siLentMer siRNA search tool, at www.bio-rad.com/rnaisearch, offers a way to review a library of validated gene targets by searching for an siRNA (by gene symbol or NCBI accession number) or browsing either the research panels they are...

Analysis of polymers only soluble at elevated temperatures.(Product News: Instruments & Systems)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Model 350 High Temperature GPC, a detector for the characterization of polyolefins and other synthetic polymers that are soluble only at elevated temperatures, provides absolute molecular weight without extrapolation...

2-D DIGE trial kit.(Product News: Instruments & Systems)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Protein labeling trial kit for 2-D fluorescence Difference Gel Electrophoresis (2-D DIGE) contains two nmol each of the three DIGE Fluor minimal dyes Cy2, Cy3 and Cy5, sufficient to run five gels (10 protein samples...

Chiral HPLC/SFC columns.(Product News: Instruments & Systems)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This line of polysaccharide-based columns, for the identification and resolution of enantiomers, is offered with two chiral stationary phases (CSPs), both of which use coated derivatized cellulose as the chiral...

Capillary columns.(Product News: Instruments & Systems)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] These capillary columns are individually tested, have high temperature limits and produce low bleed characteristics. Each column receives individual rigorous testing to insure that columns meet standards for...

Stereomicroscope, multiple illumination paths.(Product News: Instruments & Systems)
August 1, 2008... M205 FA automated fluorescence stereomicroscope, with fully apochromatically-corrected 20.5:1 zoom, is equipped with FusionOptics. Based on the human eye and brain, it quickly calculates a 3-D image using data provided by the right beam path...

In situ AFM and SPM.(Product News: Instruments & Systems)
August 1, 2008... Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning probe microscopy (SPM) solutions provide in situ imaging capabilities for an expanding set of life science applications. The MAC Mode III offers a simple, gentle method for AFM scanning in fluid. This...

High res gel imaging.(Product News: Instruments & Systems)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This imaging system features a 15" VGA screen and touch screen capabilities with a built-in computer. The all-in-one arrangement allows viewing images on the screen and using the touch technology to control settings....

LC/GC TOF MS.(Product News: Instruments & Systems)
August 1, 2008... The API-TOF MS system features resolution greater than 16,500 and mass accuracy to 1-2 ppm. High levels of mass accuracy provide confidence in formula determination and identification, even in complex mixtures. The instrument can be equipped...

Bioreactor for 3D cell culture.(Focus: Bioreactor)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The ZRP bioreactor features a rotating bed design that facilitates the growth of adherent cells. Gentle motion and tight system controls promote natural 3D culturing of cells while utilizing minimal amounts of growth...

Culture mammalian, insect, plant cells.(Focus: Bioreactor)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CelliGen 310 bioreactor provides high yield growth of many mammalian, animal, insect and plant cell lines. RPC controller enables simultaneous regulation of up to 32 parameters, including pumps, sensors and external...

Small culture bioreactor.(Focus: Bioreactor)
August 1, 2008... The Cell Optimizer System, offered for use as a small-volume, cell-culture bioreactor, provides quick and accurate determination of the optimum environment for cell growth parameters. The system is available with a 250 or 500 mL working volume...

Disposable bioreactor for protein production.(Focus: Bioreactor)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The SuperSpinner D 1000 fully disposable, pre-assembled bioreactor features a membrane stirrer that provides gentle mixing, bubble-free aeration and minimal foam generation. The gassing membrane ensures high oxygen...

Automated tube capping instrument.(Product News: Apparatus & Consumables)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Automatic Capmat Sealer is an easy-to-use device for producing a high integrity seal on 96-tube sample storage racks. The sealer caps a full (or partially filled) 96-tube rack in less than 5 seconds. Capable of...

Stockroom cart.(Product News: Apparatus & Consumables)
August 1, 2008... This cart combines a sturdy, two-step ladder conforming to OSHA and ANSI design guidelines with a cart that transports loads up to 400 pounds. The steps withstand loads up to 1000 pounds and are spring-loaded with 4" diameter casters (two with...

Pharmacy isolators, negative pressure models.(Product News: Apparatus & Consumables)
August 1, 2008... Negative-pressure pharmacy isolators provide a safe and clean environment for the compounding of hazardous, sterile drug preparations including antineoplastics and cytotoxics, in compliance with USP 797 criteria. Barrier isolation systems...

Easy powder handling pipettors.(Product News: Apparatus & Consumables)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] DryPette Varix hand-held and lightweight powder pipette reproducibly and accurately dispenses solids and difficult powders (statically charged materials and other materials which tend to stick). Important powder...

Slide holders.(Product News: Apparatus & Consumables)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] These holders facilitate the organization and classification of slides for instant reference and fingertip retrieval. Use the index-card microscope slide holders to sort, classify, or arrange slides in any order....

Sterile tips for electronic pipettors.(Product News: Apparatus & Consumables)
August 1, 2008... Large volume sterile tips, individually wrapped, sterile versions of 5 mL GripTip's, work with 5 mL VISION single channel electronic pipettors. The units are packaged in quantities of 100, 5 mL tips to a case, each in an easy-tear bag. This tip...

Dual display temperature limit controllers.(Product News: Apparatus & Consumables)
August 1, 2008... This series of temperature limit controllers provides an independent shutdown for thermal processes. Dual 4-digit displays allow viewing of the process temperature and limit set-point simultaneously. The unit is constructed of a lightweight,...

High intensity UV viewing cabinets.(Product News: Apparatus & Consumables)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] These high-intensity UV viewing cabinets are designed for peak efficiency to provide maximum ultraviolet irradiance and fluorescent contrast. The CX-20 and CX-21 cabinets combine separate long-wave and short-wave...

Protein-free serum replacement.(Product News: Apparatus & Consumables)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CDM-HD chemically defined, protein-free serum replacement permits any basal medium to be used without serum and is designed for high density cell culture and hollow-fiber bioreactors. Secreted products like...

Interlocked Vial/Insert.(Product News: Apparatus & Consumables)
August 1, 2008... Interlocked Vial/Insert offers a 100 and 300 [micro]L inserts permanently interlocked into a variety of vial designs. Vial and insert are fused together to eliminate insert movement, which could cause needle breakage. The flange of the insert...

Syringe pump.(Product News: Apparatus & Consumables)
August 1, 2008... Fusion 400 syringe pump system has an LCD and an imbedded syringe library with a menu-prompt set-up system. It features a 4-channel micro-syringe holder with the option of an in-pump multi-step automation program. With high step precision at 20...

Metabolic cart for cardiovascular, neuromuscular analyses.(Product News: Apparatus & Consumables)
August 1, 2008... This metabolic cart is useful for measuring breath-by-breath oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production in exercising subjects. Built-in LabScribe2 analysis software measures and calculates rates of oxygen consumption, rates of carbon...

Refrigerated thermostatic baths and circulators.(Product News: Apparatus & Consumables)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Thermostatically controlled low temperature baths and circulators are useful in many routine applications, and in analytical procedures including spectrometry, refractometry, and electrophoresis. A choice of four...

Parts and garb dispensers.(Product News: Apparatus & Consumables)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] These dispensers keep the rooms organized and tidy. They save space and organize gloves, safety glasses, wipers, bouffants, files, and cleanroom garb. They are ideal as benchtop or wall-mounted storage bins for small...

Nanostruture Plate promotes 3D cell culture.(Product News: Apparatus & Consumables)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NanoCulture Plate (NCP) promotes 3D cell growth without the use of gel matrix or matrixplate coating. Nano-structure on the surface enables in vivo like 3D spheroid formation, with 3D cell growth using conventional...

Small animal treadmill.(Product News: Apparatus & Consumables)
August 1, 2008... These treadmills enable forced exercise training and accurate testing of fatigue. Multiple options adapt tp various species and number of lanes. Speed can be adjusted up to 150 cm/s. Positive and negative slopes are standard. Lane width allows...

Genome-wide maps of DNA methylation.(Innovators)
August 1, 2008... What do epigenetics and stem cell biolohave in common? In two ground-breaking recent papers, Alexander Meissner, PhD and his colleagues, show that these two exciting areas of research are intricately connected by DNA methylation. DNA...