Nucleic Acid News and Research

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Fluidigm launches new BioMark HD Real-time PCR System for genomic analysis

Fluidigm today introduced the new BioMark HD Real-time PCR System, the company's most advanced instrument for genomic analysis ever. The BioMark HD System is designed for researchers who require the sensitivity and throughput needed to study gene expression down to the single-cell level -- especially those who have limited amounts of sample or study rare populations of cells.

1 Feb 2011

NuGEN, Caliper enter co-marketing agreement in next generation sequencing sample preparation methods

NuGEN Technologies, Inc. and Caliper Life Sciences, Inc. today announced a co-marketing agreement for the development of automated methods for next generation sequencing sample preparation on Caliper's Sciclone® NGS Workstation.

27 Jan 2011

Akonni introduces TruTip kit for extraction of human genomic DNA from fresh, frozen whole blood

Akonni Biosystems, a molecular diagnostics company focused on providing rapid and highly scalable solutions for infectious and genetic disease testing, today announced the launch of a TruTip kit for extraction of human genomic DNA from fresh or frozen whole blood.

20 Jan 2011

Transplant surgeons routinely use fewer organs from high-risk donors

As a response to a 2007 episode in which four patients in Chicago were transplanted with organs from a single donor unknowingly infected with HIV — the only such episode in 20 years — one-third of transplant surgeons in the United States "overreacted" and began routinely using fewer organs from high-risk donors, new research from Johns Hopkins finds.

19 Jan 2011

FDA clears Nanosphere's RV+ test for detection of respiratory viruses

Nanosphere, a leader in the development and commercialization of advanced molecular diagnostics systems, announced today FDA 510(k) clearance for the Verigene Respiratory Virus Plus Nucleic Acid Test on the Verigene System.

14 Jan 2011

Scientists introduce DNA directly into cell nucleus using protein nanodisks

One of the challenges of gene therapy - a set of methodologies aimed at treating several nucleic acid diseases - is to assure that this material arrives directly to the nucleus of the cell without losing a substantial amount along the way and without producing any undesired side effects. With this aim, scientists experiment with the use of different types of vectors, molecules capable of transporting genetic material to the correct place.

12 Jan 2011

Illumina announces acquisition of Epicentre Biotechnologies

Illumina, today announced that it has acquired Epicentre Biotechnologies, a leading provider of nucleic acid sample preparation reagents and specialty enzymes used in sequencing and microarray applications.

From Illumina, Inc. 12 Jan 2011

Enzon to commence EZN-4176 Phase 1a/1b study in castration-resistant prostate cancer

Enzon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced the Investigational New Drug (IND) approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and plan to commence enrollment into a Phase 1a/1b study shortly. The study will evaluate the safety and tolerability of EZN-4176, the company's novel androgen receptor (AR) mRNA antagonist, for the treatment of patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).

10 Jan 2011

Santaris Pharma, Pfizer expand RNA-targeted medicine collaboration

Santaris Pharma A/S, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the research and development of mRNA and microRNA targeted therapies, and Pfizer Inc., today announced that the companies have expanded their collaboration directed to the development and commercialization of RNA-targeted medicines using Santaris Pharma A/S Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) Drug Platform.

5 Jan 2011

Prions responsible for BSE can survive in new host environment

Scientists from the Florida campus of The Scripps Research Institute have shown that prions, bits of infectious protein that can cause fatal neurodegenerative disease such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy or "mad cow disease," have the ability to adapt to survive in a new host environment.

17 Dec 2010

Study: Biomarkers may aid in early diagnosis of breast cancer

Using a new, powerful method for rapidly screening molecules associated with disease, proteomics expert Joshua LaBaer and colleagues from the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University have identified a broad panel of 28 early predictors, or biomarkers, that may one day aid in the early diagnosis of breast cancer.

17 Dec 2010

COPAN announces US patent for evoluton in flocked swab technology

COPAN has enjoyed widespread use of its flocked swabs line, branded as FLOQSwabs, in microbiology for the collection and transportation of bacterial and viral samples.

17 Dec 2010

Scientists discover potential strategy for pancreatic cancer therapy

By determining what goes missing in human cells when the gene that is most commonly mutated in pancreatic cancer gets turned on, Johns Hopkins scientists have discovered a potential strategy for therapy.

15 Dec 2010

Scientists to develop ultra-rapid sexually transmitted infection detection system for clinics

Scientists from the University of Southampton have secured funding to develop an ultra-rapid sexually transmitted infection (STI) detection system for clinics that can detect STIs in under 15 minutes.

9 Dec 2010

Rapid TB test endorsed by WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) said that a new test that can detect tuberculosis (TB), including drug-resistant forms, in less than two hours could revolutionize treatment of the disease. Tuberculosis is still a major killer worldwide killing 4,700 people every day last year. The annual death toll of 1.7 million includes 380,000 people who are at particular risk because they have HIV, the virus that depresses the immune system and causes Aids.

8 Dec 2010

WHO endorses new rapid fully automated nucleic acid amplification test for TB

Today, WHO endorsed a new and novel rapid test for tuberculosis (TB), especially relevant in countries most affected by the disease. The test could revolutionize TB care and control by providing an accurate diagnosis for many patients in about 100 minutes, compared to current tests that can take up to three months to have results.

8 Dec 2010

IRIS announces product acquisition from BioMicro Systems

IRIS International, Inc., a leading manufacturer of automated in-vitro diagnostics systems and a provider of high value personalized medicine products and testing services, announced today that it has acquired the assets of a multi-purpose, bench-top instrument platform for automating highly repetitive, manual laboratory protocols for (F)ISH (fluorescence in-situ hybridization) testing and other slide-based cytogenetic applications.

30 Nov 2010

QIAGEN to supply point-of-need molecular veterinary diagnostics for disease detection in emerging countries

QIAGEN has been selected to contribute to the fight against infectious diseases in animals in emerging countries by supplying an international pilot project associated with the United Nations with portable devices to perform ultra-fast molecular testing in the field.

From QIAGEN Manchester Limited 29 Nov 2010

Blocking miR-375 microRNA in ERalha-positive breast cancer cells slows down cancer cell growth

Two thirds of breast cancers are ERalpha-positive, i.e., many estrogen receptors of the ERalpha- type are found in their cells. "These molecules can interact with the estrogen hormone and, thus, even lead to cancer," explains Dr. Joerg Hoheisel; molecular biologist at DKFZ. "The connection between the levels of the estrogen receptor alpha and the occurrence of breast cancer has been known for some time now.

24 Nov 2010

USPTO, EPO issue key patents for Tekmira's LNP technology

Tekmira Pharmaceuticals Corporation, a leading developer of RNA interference therapeutics, announced today that the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) and the European Patent Office (EPO) have issued key patents covering elements of Tekmira's leading lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology, which is used to deliver nucleic acid therapeutics, including small interfering RNA (siRNA).

23 Nov 2010