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.

Agilent expands life sciences business with two strategic acquisitions

Agilent Technologies Inc. today announced it is expanding its life sciences business with two strategic acquisitions.

2 Dec 2011

Celldex launches rindopepimut Phase 3 trial in EGFRvIII-positive glioblastoma

Celldex Therapeutics, Inc. today announced that it has launched a pivotal, randomized, double-blind, controlled Phase 3 trial of rindopepimut in patients with surgically resected epidermal growth factor variant III (EGFRvIII)-positive glioblastoma, the "ACT IV Study."

1 Dec 2011

Abbott, GSK expand collaboration to develop additional companion diagnostic test

Abbott announced today that it will expand its existing agreement with GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals S.A. to include the development of an additional companion diagnostic test in support of GSK's cancer immunotherapy research program.

29 Nov 2011

New rapid method for detection of BRAF V600E gene in thyroid tissue

During surgical removal of thyroid tissue suspicious for cancer, fast, reliable, and cost-effective techniques are needed to analyze the resected tissue for biomarkers—including BRAF V600E, is a molecular biomarker for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC)—that can confirm the presence and type of cancer cells. Researchers have developed a new, rapid method for direct detection of the BRAF V600E gene in thyroid tissue without the need to purify DNA from tumor cells—high resolution melting analysis.

28 Oct 2011

New sequencing method can identify genetic variants linked to ASD

Geneticists at Emory University School of Medicine have demonstrated a method that enables the routine amplification of all the genes on the X chromosome. The technology allows the rapid and highly accurate sequencing and identification of novel genetic variants affecting X chromosome genes.

19 Oct 2011

Belfast Health, Social Care Trust license new meningitis test to HiberGene

Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has licensed its novel rapid meningitis diagnostic test to HiberGene Diagnostics Ltd, an Irish start-up client company of NovaUCD, the Innovation and Technology Transfer Centre at University College Dublin.

7 Oct 2011

Study provides insight into earliest stages of some cancers

A novel technique that enables scientists to measure and document tumor-inducing changes in DNA is providing new insight into the earliest events involved in the formation of leukemias, lymphomas and sarcomas, and could potentially lead to the discovery of ways to stop those events.

30 Sep 2011

Henry Ford study identifies 23 microRNAs for laryngeal cancer

A Henry Ford Hospital study has identified 23 microRNAs for laryngeal cancer, a discovery that could yield new insight into what causes certain cells to grow and become cancerous tumors in the voice box.

14 Sep 2011

Combining cell biology and molecular genetics for single-cell research

Fluidigm Corporation has announced a collaboration with BD Biosciences, a segment of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), to co-host a public seminar series on the isolation and analysis of single cells. Entitled 'A Powerful Technique for Single-Cell Analysis', the public seminar series will showcase cell isolation using the BD FACSAria™ III Cell Sorter and analysis using the Fluidigm BioMark™ HD System.

13 Sep 2011

Noninvasive prenatal DNA test can detect fetus at risk for sex-linked disorders

As a noninvasive method of determining the sex of a fetus, tests using cell-free fetal DNA obtained from the mother's blood after 7 weeks gestation performed well, while urine-based tests appear to be unreliable, according to a review and analysis of previous studies, reported in the August 10 issue of JAMA.

10 Aug 2011

BD Biosciences, Fluidigm to co-host public seminars on isolation and analysis of single cells

Fluidigm Corporation announced today a collaboration with BD Biosciences, a segment of BD, to co-host a public seminar series on the isolation and analysis of single cells. Entitled A Powerful Technique for Single-Cell Analysis, the public seminar series will showcase cell isolation using the BD FACSAria III Cell Sorter and analysis using the Fluidigm BioMark HD System.

From BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) 5 Aug 2011

Gold nanoparticles for rapid, accurate diagnosis of flu

Arriving at a rapid and accurate diagnosis is critical during flu outbreaks, but until now, physicians and public health officials have had to choose between a highly accurate yet time-consuming test or a rapid but error-prone test.

4 Aug 2011

NanoString introduces new assay for leukemia fusion gene analysis

NanoString Technologies, Inc., a privately held provider of life science tools for translational research and developer of molecular diagnostics, today announced the availability of a comprehensive multiplexed assay for the simple and cost-effective analysis of fusion genes linked to leukemia.

From NanoString Technologies 29 Jul 2011

Genetic ID introduces new 96-well extraction kit for isolation of pure DNA

Genetic ID, the global leader in GMO identification, introduces its new FAST ID 96-Well Extraction Kit for isolation of exceptionally pure DNA from a variety of agricultural and food products.

21 Jul 2011

Altogen Labs introduces pyrosequencing services for hospitals, research institutions

Altogen Labs, a biology contract research organization and provider of pre-clinical research services, announced its launch of a pyrosequencing service today.

20 Jul 2011

Mayo Clinic licenses M. tuberculosis complex speciation test from QIAGEN

Mayo Clinic has licensed patent rights from QIAGEN to enable Mayo Medical Laboratories to offer an M. tuberculosis complex speciation test. The test expands Mayo Medical Laboratories' current offering for tuberculosis testing, which already includes M. tuberculosis complex culture, molecular identification and drug susceptibility testing.

From QIAGEN Manchester Limited 19 Jul 2011

Cumulus cells can provide information about genetic and chromosomal status of eggs

At present, when a woman undergoes preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) in a fertility clinic, doctors are trying to select an egg or an embryo that is healthy and doesn't have a chromosome abnormality such as an extra copy of chromosome 21, which causes Down's syndrome. In order to establish this, they either have to biopsy a part of the egg called the polar body or remove a cell from the embryo for screening. Both procedures are expensive, invasive and can damage the egg or embryo.

6 Jul 2011

New 3D herpes infection model brings hope

Herpes infections on the lips, in the eyes or on the nose are painful, long-lasting and unpleasant. A new 3D herpes infection model brings hope: active ingredients and new treatments can be reliably tested with this model. Animal tests could soon be a thing of the past.

27 Jun 2011

QIAGEN to acquire Ipsogen

QIAGEN N.V. has made an offer and entered into exclusive negotiations to purchase a 47% initial stake in Ipsogen S.A. and subsequently make a public offer to fully acquire a global leader in molecular profiling and personalized healthcare diagnostics for a broad range of hematological cancers.

From QIAGEN Manchester Limited 15 Jun 2011

Pall's GeneDisc System helps German authorities screen for deadly E.coli strain

Pall Corporation's GeneDisc System is helping German authorities screen for a deadly strain of E.coli that has sickened nearly 3000 people and disrupted that nation's food industry. Pall's GeneDisc technology is being used by Germany's national reference laboratory to expedite testing of food samples for the toxic strain of the pathogen known as E.coli O104:H4.

From Pall Corporation 10 Jun 2011