Bioscience Technology articles from July 2008

Bioscience Technology archives from July 2008

Detecting of circulating epithelial cells: what if a physician could just look to see if there were any CTCs in a patient's blood?(Cover story)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Tumor cells escape. In fact, scientists learned long ago--as early as 1869--that cancer cells can end up in the blood. By the mid-1950s, some researchers thought that these so-called circulating tumor cells (CTCs)...

The New Yorker: Barack Obama cover.(Editor's Note)
July 1, 2008... By the time you read this, the controversy over The New Yorker magazine cover depicting Michelle and Barack Obama as flag-burning terrorists will be about three weeks behind us. (The story literally broke as I was about to do this column, so...

Single Molecule Sequencing without amplification.(Editor's Choice)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] True Single Molecule Sequencing approach to genomic analysis directly measures single DNA molecules, without amplification. The technology accurately interrogates billions of single strands of DNA (or RNA) in...

Multi-dimensional image analysis.(Editor's Choice)
July 1, 2008... Multi-dimensional image analysis platform Definiens XD extracts previously unattainable levels of volumetric and morphological intelligence from digital data. The results provide a deep understanding of the subtle biological changes associated...

Cancer antibodies (BAGE-1, GnTV).(Editor's Choice)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BAGE-1 also known as B melanoma antigen, 1s a secreted protein expressed in 22% of melanomas. 30% of infiltrating bladder carcinomas. 10% of mammary carcinomas. 8% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, and 6% of...

64 channel pipette.(Editor's Choice)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The CappAero 64 64-channel pipette simultaneously pipettes 64 samples in volumes ranging from 0.5-10 [micro]l. The unit is useful for all 384-well liquid handling, including PCR and microarray techniques, as it...

Near-infrared small animal imager.(Editor's Choice)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Pearl Imager (LI-COR Biosciences) features a CCD-based optical system specifically designed for in vivo imaging in the near-infrared (NIR) spectral region where tissue autofluorescence and light scattering are...

Digital protein MS sample prep, analysis.(Editor's Choice)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ProteomeChip technology fractionates proteins or peptides by parallel isoelectric focusing on dPC chips run on the dPC Fractionator for mass spec analysis and Western blotting. Simply reduce, alkylate and desalt...

Multiplexed ELISA arrays.(Editor's Choice)
July 1, 2008... Quansys Bioseiences and Cell Signaling Technology (CST) have teamed up to provide CST's validated antibody pairs and Quansys' multiplex ELISA technology in a single product: Quansys Q-Plex Cell Signaling Arrays. The new ELISA-based tests...

Peptide libraries--an enabling tool for screening applications: high throughput screening of peptide libraries is now affordable.(Biochemicals & Kits)
July 1, 2008... Peptide libraries have long been shunned as drug discovery tools, as production costs were often prohibitive and development tools, such as public databases or algorithms for epitope mapping, were not readily available. These limitations...

Apoptosis monitoring assay.(Focus: Immunochemical)
July 1, 2008... This assay monitors induction and progression of apoptosis and provides all necessary reagent components in a single cocktail. Users can discern between early and late stage apoptotic cells with minimal possible sources of error. The...

DNA fragmentation assay.(Focus: Immunochemical)
July 1, 2008... Internucleosomal DNA fragmentation is a hallmark of apoptosis in mammalian cells. Apo-BrdU-IHCTM Kit is a two-color TUNEL (Terminal deoxynucleotide transferase dUTP Nick End Labeling) assay for labeling DNA breaks to detect apoptotic cells by...

Universal cell migration assembly kit.(Focus: Immunochemical)
July 1, 2008... This universal cell migration assembly kit features cell seeding stoppers to generate real-time results (chemokinesis or 2-D closure studies). A 96-well plate can be coated with any Extracellular Matrix (ECM) component to create a migration or...

Immunofluorescent signal amplification.(Focus: Immunochemical)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Signal amplification reagents, for the Biocare Medical DyLight family of immunofluorescent (IF) Detection Kits, increase fluorescent signal 3 to 5 fold when added to standard fluorescent detection kits, advance...

Custom media for yeast, fungi.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Customization services associated with growth media for yeast, fungi, microbes, and similar organisms are available encompassing specialized ingredients and formulations as well as individualized pack sizes and...

Cell harvesting kit.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
July 1, 2008... The Cultrex Kit is based on a non-enzymatic approach that prevents biochemical degradation during processing and overcomes the problems associated with extracting cells from BME or Laminin I in 3-D culture. The quality of the harvested cells...

Proteomics reagents, software suite.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
July 1, 2008... This suite of integrated mass spectrometry-based solutions for conducting targeted quantitative proteomics studies includes software packages and consumables that enable scientists to effectively quantify proteins in biomarker research or cell...

Non-isotopic hERG channel-blockage screening.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
July 1, 2008... Predictor hERG Fluorescence Polarization Assay is a non-isotopic, homogenous kit for performing hERG ion channel blockage screening. Drug-induced long QT syndrome and adverse cardiotoxic affects have been linked with blockage of the human...

Prolactin assay.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Automated assay allows the measurement of prolactin in evaluating patients with reproductive disorders. It is a two-step immunometric assay with a measuring range of approximately 0.05-300 micrograms per liter....

Colony screening for plasmid DNA with PCR.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] PCR allows for the rapid release of plasmids from transformed bacteria for screening by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). There is no requirement for growing bacteria, performing "mini-preps" or purifying the plasmid...

Transfection Kit for primary cells.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NanoJuice Transfection Kit can be used to transfect a variety of cell types, including those that often resist transfection: primary cells, Saos-2, Caco-2, HUVEC, Jurkat, Raw 264.7 and other mammalian cells. Free of...

Affinity media.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Two new products have been added to the CaptureSelect antibody line--affinity matrices for the purification of IgA and IgM. Both IgA and IgM offer specificity and product purity in a one-step purification process....

Stabilizing reagent enhances PCR performance.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
July 1, 2008... This reagent enhances PCR and RT-PCR performance by improving sensitivity and specificity during amplification of genomic DNA or RNA templates. It can be used to amplify templates that are traditionally difficult and present in limited...

SiRNA sets for multiple gene families.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
July 1, 2008... FlexiPlate gene family lists are flexible siRNA sets which enable RNAi screening of 54 human gene families. Lists for each gene family allow creation of customized sets with a user-friendly web interface. Controls, scales, and plate layout can...

Protein sample prep kit.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This combination kit consists of one pack of SpinTrap columns and one buffer kit. The buffer kit has updated protocols for GE Healthcare's MultiTrap, SpinTrap, GraviTrap and HisTrap columns. The products are a part...

GPCR cell lines.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
July 1, 2008... Cell lines for Human GPR120, GPR41, CB1 and G alpha 16 allow users to evaluate GPCR response levels economically. Receptors are available for these therapeutic areas: Free fatty acid stimulation, adipose tissue and immune cell signaling, and...

HTRF terbium platform for GPCR screening.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
July 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...

Enzyme cleaner removes protein-based soils.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This liquid enzyme cleaner removes protein-based soils in filter membrane applications and other cleaning processes. The blend of protease enzymes, detergents and builders work together to achieve broad cleaning...

Protease inhibitor cocktail.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ProteaseArrest is provided as a 100x 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 of...

Plates for genetic case-control studies.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
July 1, 2008... This product-line for disease case-control studies of DNA consists of 180 cases and 180 matched controls in ready-made 96 and 384-well plate formats with comprehensive, de-identified covariate data such as age, gender, diet, body mass index...

Protein purification resin.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
July 1, 2008... Profinity eXact fusion-tag resin is part of an expression and purification system that simplifies affinity purification and tag removal of fusion-tagged proteins, avoiding additional time and reagent costs. With cleavage incubation times...

Antibody fragmentation kit.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
July 1, 2008... The FabRICATOR Kit cleaves and purifies antibody fragments in less than 1 hour. Precise F(ab')2 fragments are provided in minutes due to the specificity of the proteolytic enzyme FabRICATOR, which cleaves IgG at a singular defined site below...

Cloning vectors offer efficient viral delivery.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
July 1, 2008... Cloning vectors pLenti6.3 and pLenti7.3 offer efficient viral delivery and boost expression in hard-to-transfect mammalian cell lines. Using the woodchuck post-transcriptional regulatory element (WPRE) and the polypurine tract sequence (cPPT)...

Baculovirus titration kit.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
July 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...

Purify DNA from any sample.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
July 1, 2008... This line of nucleic acid isolation products is optimized for troublesome samples, and utilizes a technology that removes enzymatic inhibitors from any sample, including soil, stool, water, environmental and plant samples. Highly pure DNA or...

Hepatocyte isolation system.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] By using the pre-optimized combination of enzymes contained in this kit, it is possible to minimize lot-to-lot variation and improve the quality of isolated hepatocytes. Each lot is use-tested by isolating...

Preserved hepatocytes enhance in vitro genotoxicity testing.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
July 1, 2008... The GreenScreen HC assay can be used to assess the genotoxicity of metabolites generated by either $9 extracts or non-frozen preserved primary hepatocytes. The predictable differences in metabolism provided by $9 extracts and hepatocytes are...

DNA extraction products.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
July 1, 2008... prepGEM and forensicGEM DNA extraction kits are available in a variety of formats for specific applications and types of samples. The kits leverage the properties of thermophilic enzymes to conduct DNA extraction in a single closed tube. A...

Comet assay system detects DNA damage.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
July 1, 2008... This complete assay system includes CometSlides, reagents, control cells and an electrophoresis unit which retains test cells in a uniquely configured electrophoretic field permitting consistent DNA migration patterns, which are critical for...

Peptide management program, consultation services.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
July 1, 2008... A portfolio of peptides and related value-added and consultation services are offered to companies whose drug products are moving from discovery to development and commercialization. The comprehensive platform is comprised of a variety of...

Surfactant improves protein characterization.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
July 1, 2008... ProteasMAX Surfactant enhances the enzymatic performance of trypsin and other proteases in preparation for analysis by mass spectrometry or liquid chromatography. The surfactant enables scientists to obtain a more complete digestion prior to...

Molecular Weight Markers.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] These Molecular Weight Markers make possible the fast and simple identification of proteins on SDS-polyacrylamide gels. The ready-to-load markers provide sharp bands on gels and blots and have improved band spacing...

Reagent provides 20-minute transfection protocol.(Product News: Biochemicals & Kits)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TrojanPORTER Transfection Reagent allows scientists to detach, plate and immediately transfect cells in a rapid 20-minute protocol. This eliminates the need to wait overnight for cells to reach log phase before...

Label-free biosensors enable study of receptor biology in living cells.(Instruments & Systems)
July 1, 2008... Recent studies indicate drug discovery laboratories seek more robust assays that are biologically relevant, sensitive to inhibitors, and enable the study of difficult targets. (1) Optical biosensor-based technologies provide a means of...

Sample management software.(Product News: Instruments & Systems)
July 1, 2008... This database system provides tools for easily and effectively uploading, tracking and retrieving biological sample data. The database can be customized, allowing users to match data to specific sample types, as well as to attach data and image...

Rotary Microwave Reactor.(Product News: Instruments & Systems)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] RotoSYNTH Rotative Solid-Phase Microwave Reactor combines the microwave synthesis with physical rotation of the reaction vessel on an angled axis, facilitating homogeneous temperature distribution. Using this...

Biochemical profiling.(Product News: Instruments & Systems)
July 1, 2008... Data-rich biochemical profiling service leverages Metabolon's platform technology in a format designed for academic and government labs. Offering online study submission and rapid completion times, it represents an opportunity to answer...

Quantitative Mass Spec.(Product News: Instruments & Systems)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Waters Xevo TQ MS System tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer allows scientists with varying levels of expertise to quickly produce high quality data. The technology simplifies instrument setup and time-intensive...

Microarray platforms offer speed, flexibility.(Product News: Instruments & Systems)
July 1, 2008... Enhancements to the Arrayjet Marathon and Sprint microarray platforms bring additional capabilities and functionalities to the company's inkjet microarrayers. Printing of multi-pad or miniarrays can be accomplished with speed. Compatibility is...

Scientific graphing and statistical analysis.(Product News: Instruments & Systems)
July 1, 2008... SigmaPlot 11 software offers statistical analysis features along with graphing templates and utilities for data accuracy, speed, data analysis and presentation. Software flexibility, allows any object on a graph to be customized. A 30-day trial...

High speed mass spec.(Product News: Instruments & Systems)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The maxis Ultra High Resolution Time-of-Flight (UHR-TOF) mass spectrometer combines high resolution and high speed. This combination, together with sensitivity, ppm mass accuracy and high mass range, make the...

TOF mass spec.(Product News: Instruments & Systems)
July 1, 2008... Quadrupole time-of-flight liquid chromatography/mass spectrometer uses high definition TOF technology to provide mass accuracy, mass resolution, dynamic range, sensitivity and speed. It can be used in proteomics, metabolomics and other...

Biotech lab notebook.(Product News: Instruments & Systems)
July 1, 2008... Dell electronic lab notebook (ELN) bundle combines servers and support with the convertible Latitude XT tablets and collaborative electronic research framework (CERF). Users can manage research documents via a laptop computer that makes records...

Protein detection system decreases immunodetection time.(Product News: Instruments & Systems)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SNAP i.d. protein detection system facilitates quick production of Western blots. Requiring 30 minutes for blocking, washing, and antibody incubations, the system facilitates the optimization of immunodetection...

Gene synthesis service.(Product News: Instruments & Systems)
July 1, 2008... DNA 2.0 combines synthetic genomics and design of experiment processes to make sets of genes with systematically varied coding nucleotide sequences. Protein expression in the variants ranges from below level of detection to ~ 200 [micro]g/ml...

Single-cell electroporator.(Product News: Instruments & Systems)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Axoporator 800A electroporator makes single-cell electroporation practical, with high transfection and cell-survival rates. Single-cell electroporation introduces molecules of interest into isolated cells in culture,...

Compund screening benchtop LC-MS.(Product News: Instruments & Systems)
July 1, 2008... Exactive benchtop LC-MS, for compound screening and identification, provides accurate mass and high resolution measurement. For users with routine toxicology and drug development workflows, it streamlines steps that require specialized set-up...

Database incorporates multi-step reactions.(Product News: Instruments & Systems)
July 1, 2008... CrossFire Beilstein has incorporated multi-step reactions into its database. Multi-step reactions enable users to be able to view and understand the individual steps within the overall reaction scheme, as well as find suitable starting points...

Panoramic slide scanners.(Product News: Instruments & Systems)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] These panoramic confocal fluorescence and brightfield slide scanners are offered for use in pathology, medical research, genomics and general microscopy labs. They are equipped with 4 solid state fiber-coupled lasers...

System delivers Type 2 purified water.(Focus: Water Purification)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The compact arium EDI 61215 laboratory water purification system is offered for applications requiring Type 2 purified water. Utilizing a combination of high flux reverse osmosis membranes with proven EDI...

Type I, RO/DI system.(Focus: Water Purification)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Energy efficient Type I and RO + DI systems deliver high purity, reagent grade water. Analytical, Biological, and Ultra-Low TOC systems are easily installed and maintained by the end user. Systems feature continuous...

Multi-stage water monitoring, purification.(Focus: Water Purification)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] PURELAB Ultra Water Purification system's multi-stage monitoring and multi-stage purification systems ensure 18 M[ohm]-cm purity water. The system provides advance warning of cartridge exhaustion and change-out need....

Pure water systems.(Focus: Water Purification)
July 1, 2008... Barnstead NANOpure water system combines reliable delivery of ultra-pure water with easy operation and maintenance and low operating cost. Application-specific models utilize cartridge packs tailored for specific feed water types and end uses....

Chromatography filters.(Product News: Apparatis & Consumables)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Single-use and multi-cycle disposable chromatography products provide bench-scale users with a range of tools for purifying small quantities of biomolecules while improving separation efficiency and productivity. The...

Stirring bar eliminates gel damage.(Product News: Apparatis & Consumables)
July 1, 2008... Spinbar Capsule Magnetic Stirring Bar spins freely inside a small flat capsule. The stirring bar is prevented from contacting gels. The large footprint of the capsule allows it to be positioned in the bottom of vertical electrophoresis units,...

Low power-use freezers.(Product News: Apparatis & Consumables)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] These ultra-low-temperature lab freezers consume roughly half the power of similar size freezers. The Innova models feature low-temperature seals on inner and outer doors, and ice-proof inner door latches to prevent...

Universal homogenizers.(Product News: Apparatis & Consumables)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Homogenizer product line processes sample volumes of 0.3-2 ml, and includes packages for processing small-to-large volumes, and for multi-sample processing. The sealed systems facilitate safe, non-aerosoling...

Ergonomic pipette tips, rack.(Product News: Apparatis & Consumables)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] One Touch pipette tips and tip racks are manufactured using two resins to produce a tight, accurate seal. The top of the tip is made using a flexible resin that produces an optimal seal while requiring minimal force...

Desalting columns.(Product News: Apparatis & Consumables)
July 1, 2008... These 96-well plate and spin column format products are offered for high throughput desalting applications and useful for the small scale preparation of protein samples prior to such techniques as electrophoresis, liquid chromatography and mass...

96-well multiplex arrays.(Product News: Apparatis & Consumables)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SmartPlex 96-well microarrays evolve arrays towards an "ELISA-like" format to increase speed and volume of multiplex applications. The platform conforms to the SBS microplate standard and is amenable to the automated...

Filters treat chromatography samples.(Product News: Apparatis & Consumables)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] These regenerated cellulose (PC) syringe filters remove particulates from samples, prevent buildup and blockage of chromatography columns and frits, and minimize wear on injection valves. Sample filtration can reduce...

Imaging chamber for long-term live-cell studies.(Product News: Apparatis & Consumables)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The CV-30 live cell imaging chamber closed-bath chamber is compatible with any microscope stage capable of accepting a multi-well plate, and is also compatible with stages having a standard microscope slide adapter....

Point-of-use water purification.(Product News: Apparatis & Consumables)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Milli-Q Integral water purifier single-source pure and ultrapure water system provides an alternative to centralized "loop" configurations. The single water production unit produces pressurized pure and ultrapure...

Vertical flow biological safety cabinet.(Product News: Apparatis & Consumables)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Class II, Type B2 100% exhaust, vertical flow biological safety cabinet produces a HEPA-filtered, particulate-free airflow throughout the work area. It offers high standards for safety and performance, and its...

Bead mill disrupts up to 192 samples.(Product News: Apparatis & Consumables)
July 1, 2008... TissueLyser II, a compact version of the TissueLyser, is compatible with all existing TissueLyser accessories, forming a complete system for sample disruption. Accessories include adapter sets, which accommodate racks of 2 x 24 tubes or 2 x 96...

Resin polymer microplates.(Product News: Apparatis & Consumables)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Microplates using cyclo olefin polymer (COP) resin for the plate body and lid have distinctive physical and chemical properties that create a combination of clarity, thermal stability, biocompatibility, low...

LED microscopy light.(Product News: Apparatis & Consumables)
July 1, 2008... RGB (red green blue) LED Light Source provides bright and uniform illumination. Independent control of LEDs creates any desired color and intensity. Images can be produced from monochrome cameras giving full non-interpolated color at every...

Electroporate yeast, bacteria.(Product News: Apparatis & Consumables)
July 1, 2008... Eppendorf Multiporator combines time constants and a wide voltage range to electroporate bacteria, yeasts and other microorganisms. Microprocessor control ensures precision of the pulse discharge and reproducibility. Low conductive buffer,...

Positive pressure pharmacy isolators.(Product News: Apparatis & Consumables)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ULPA filters are tested to a typical efficiency of > 99.999% for 0.1 to 0.3 micron particles. ULPA filters last as long as conventional HEPA filters and have similar replacement costs. ISOCIDE antimicrobial coating...

Multi-channel pipettors.(Product News: Apparatis & Consumables)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] These mechanical pipettors feature an ergonomic design that can be completely autoclaved, and are available in single-channel, multi-channel, and fixed volume models to cover all applications across volumes ranging...

Computational wizardry backs the 1000 Genomes Project.(Innovators)
July 1, 2008... Scientists at a academic and private institutions from around the world have embarked on the 1000 Genomes Project, an effort to sequence the genomes of 1000 individuals within the next three years, with the goal of finding subtle genetic...