Polymerase Chain Reaction News and Research

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Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a revolutionary laboratory technique that enables the replication of a specific DNA sequence. Using PCR, millions of copies of a target DNA can be easily synthesized within a short period of time.

Thermo Fisher Scientific to acquire Finnzymes

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Finnzymes, a well-recognized provider of integrated tools for molecular biology analysis, including reagents, instruments, consumables and kits. Headquartered in Espoo, Finland, Finnzymes has 90 employees and generated revenue of $20 million in 2009.

From Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. 2 Feb 2010

Applied Biosystems signs cross-licensing agreement with Idaho Technology

Applied Biosystems LLC, part of Life Technologies Corporation, and Idaho Technology, Inc. have signed a cross-licensing agreement which covers a broad range of products including hardware, software and reagents.

27 Jan 2010

Microfluidic Systems awarded series of patents

Microfluidic Systems (MFSI), a privately-held company, announced today that it has been awarded a series of patents covering both the components and integrated systems that perform fully automated sample collection through identification of air-borne pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins.

5 Jan 2010

Carbon nanotube: A viable alternative for rapid DNA sequencing

Faster sequencing of DNA holds enormous potential for biology and medicine, particularly for personalized diagnosis and customized treatment based on each individual's genomic makeup.

4 Jan 2010

Researchers develop automated system to differentiate strains of influenza

Researchers from the Medical College of Wisconsin, the Children's Research Institute, and the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin have developed a rapid, automated system to differentiate strains of influenza.

30 Dec 2009

Second wave of H1N1 virus infection in the U.S. comes to an end

Rates of 2009 H1N1 influenza virus testing in the U.S. have declined more than 75 percent since their peak in late October, suggesting that the "second wave" of virus infection that sickened tens of millions of Americans since it began four months ago may be coming to an end, according to a new report by Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, the world's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services.

19 Dec 2009

Researchers present new data for diagnosis and management of beast cancer

As therapies for breast cancer continue to emerge, the issues of how to best monitor success and gauge prognosis remain important questions.

14 Dec 2009

Texas researchers identify new detection method for circulating tumor cells

Circulating metastatic breast cancer cells can lose their epithelial receptors, a process that enables them to travel through the bloodstream undetected, according to research from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

14 Dec 2009

Roche launches new automated clinical laboratory system for HPV and CT/NG tests

Roche Molecular Systems, Inc. (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced today the launch of a new clinical laboratory system designed to increase laboratory testing efficiency and to accommodate current and long-term molecular diagnostic needs.

10 Dec 2009

New treatment options for leukemia and myeloproliferative disorders introduced

Leukemia and myeloproliferative disorders are serious and often deadly blood cancers. Research presented today at the 51st Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology introduces potential new treatment options and improved diagnostic methods for patients suffering from acute promyelocytic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and myelofibrosis that are based on a better understanding of the underlying genetic causes of these conditions.

6 Dec 2009

Genomic Health to present its Oncotype DX multi-gene expression test studies at the 32nd SABCS

Genomic Health, Inc. today announced that the company will present results from five studies at the 32nd Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), taking place December 9-13, 2009, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

5 Dec 2009

Study on Helicos BioSciences' single molecule sequencing technology published

Helicos BioSciences Corporation today announced the publication of a landmark study by Dr. Bradley Bernstein of the Massachusetts General Hospital describing the use of Helicos’ single molecule sequencing technology for the performance of genome-wide, epigenomic experiments using minute amounts of nucleic acid.

4 Dec 2009

Novel multi-analyte approach to develop urine-biomarker based diagnostic assay to be presented

Predictive Biosciences today announced that Company scientists will be presenting a novel multi-analyte approach to the development of a non-invasive, urine-biomarker based diagnostic assay during the 10th Annual Meeting of the Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO).

3 Dec 2009

FDA provides marketing clearance for Prodesse's ProParaflu+ assay

Gen-Probe Incorporated announced today that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared for marketing Prodesse's ProParaflu+(TM) assay, a molecular test that detects and differentiates parainfluenza 1, 2 and 3 viruses, which cause lower respiratory tract infections.

25 Nov 2009

BD acquires HandyLab for $275 million

BD today announced the completion of its acquisition of HandyLab, Inc., an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based company that develops and manufactures molecular diagnostic assays and automation platforms.

From BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) 20 Nov 2009

DxNA announces successfull evaluation of its GeneSTAT PCR system

DxNA, a molecular diagnostics company headquartered in St. George, Utah, announced today that the DxNA GeneSTAT PCR system has successfully completed evaluation studies under the direction of a California laboratory supported by the Joint FAO/IAEA Programme in Food and Agriculture.

19 Nov 2009

Quest Diagnostics' Simplexa Influenza A H1N1 (2009) test receives CE mark

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, the world's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, today announced that the Simplexa Influenza A H1N1 (2009) test developed by its Focus Diagnostics business has been CE marked and is now available as a test kit for distribution to approximately 35 countries in Europe.

From Quest Diagnostics 18 Nov 2009

Agilent Technologies acquires MassCode Tag technology from Eurofins MWG Operon

Agilent Technologies Inc. today announced it has purchased the MassCode Tag technology from Eurofins MWG Operon, a division of Eurofins. The purchase includes the MassCode trademarks and intellectual property, including four families of patents.

17 Nov 2009

Gen-Probe receives FDA emergency use authorization for its Prodesse ProFlu-ST test

Gen-Probe Incorporated today announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted an EUA (emergency use authorization) for its test, the Prodesse ProFlu-ST(TM), to be used in CLIA high complexity laboratories for the diagnosis of 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection, aided by an algorithm that relies on seasonal influenza A/H1 virus and seasonal influenza A/H3 virus results, from a single sample in individuals who are diagnosed with influenza A by currently available FDA-cleared or authorized devices.

29 Oct 2009

Emodin raises hope for treatment of fibrotic liver diseases

In the last decade, advances in the understanding of genes promoting hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation are impressive. However, there are few breakthroughs in therapeutic intervention of hepatic fibrogenesis. Efficient and well-tolerated antifibrotic drugs are lacking and current treatment of hepatic fibrosis is limited to withdrawal of the noxious agent. Research identifying innocuous antifibrotic agents is of high priority and urgently needed.

24 Oct 2009