Biomolecular mass spectrometry: top names gather for conference

Waters Corporation and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) will bring together some of the world’s leading life science researchers and practitioners of mass spectrometry (MS) at a conference next week to discuss the ways they are applying time-of-flight mass spectrometry to complex biomolecule research and analysis.

Vended foods and beverages 'may be linked to obesity, diabetes and coronary artery disease'

School children who consume foods purchased in vending machines are more likely to develop poor diet quality – and that may be associated with being overweight, obese or at risk for chronic health problems such as diabetes and coronary artery disease, according to research from the University of Michigan Medical School.

Ultra-fast, full spectrum absorbance microplate reader

SPECTROstar Nano is an ultra-fast, full spectrum absorbance microplate reader with cuvette port is perfect for all absorbance assays. Its rapid full spectrum analysis at a resolution of 1nm allows for absorbance assays never before possible on a microplate reader.

Laboratory mills for rapid loss-free ultra fine grinding

FRITSCH Planetary Mills are effective laboratory mills for rapid loss-free ultra fine grinding down to colloidal fineness of hard to soft materials dry or in suspension. In addition to Comminution, you can also use them for mixing and homogenising of emulsions and pastes or for mechanical alloying and activation in materials research.

Agilent Technologies ships 300th X-Ray Crystallography System

Agilent Technologies Inc today announced that it has shipped the 300th X-ray crystallography SuperNova system. The system was manufactured by Oxford Diffraction Ltd, part of Varian, Inc, which was acquired by Agilent in May, 2010.

Fully automated DNA extraction

The Regional Molecular Genetics Service (RMGS) at St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester, UK, is using a Freedom EVO liquid handling workstation in combination with chemagen’s proven nucleic isolation technology to perform fully automated DNA extraction.

Supplied by chemagen’s UK distributor, Auto Q Biosciences, this integrated system is housed within a Class 1 biological safety cabinet and provides walkaway processing of up to 24 samples in a single run. 

Joint project to develop microRNA target validation system

Sigma Life Science, the  biological products and services research business of Sigma-Aldrich, and SwitchGear Genomics, Inc have announced a joint project to develop and distribute a novel microRNA (miRNA) target reporter system.

Combining SwitchGear Genomics’ expertise with Sigma’s lentiviral technology, these ready-to-use reporter vectors are expected to simplify miRNA target validation, enabling researchers to investigate gene regulation in a variety of biological pathways.

Sera Lab highlights portfolio of human- and animal-based research material

At ELRIG’s Drug Discovery 2010 meeting yesterday, Sera Laboratories International Ltd (Sera Lab), the serum specialist, is highlighting its portfolio of human- and animal-based tissues and control matrices, recognised as one of Europe’s largest ranges of biological products. 

This variety of material from both normal and disease state donors, as well as rare human plasma, is sourced by Sera Lab following stringent regulatory guidelines. To ensure rapid delivery times, a comprehensive inventory of more frequently requested samples is retained, whilst more esoteric material is collected to order.

Lab M and bioTRADING celebrate business success

Microbiology specialist Lab M, Bury, Lancashire, UK, is celebrating the anniversary of another enduring partnership. It is now 28 years since Lab M entered into a distribution partnership with bioTRADING Benelux B.V., based in Mijdrecht in The Netherlands. This strong partnership continues to ensure the efficient delivery of Lab M microbiological culture media to laboratories throughout The Netherlands and Luxembourg.

Myconostica announces CE Marking of MycAssay product family on additional platforms

Myconostica Ltd, the UK-based medical diagnostic company developing and commercialising rapid and highly specific tests for life-threatening fungal infections, has announced the CE marking of its lead products MycAssay Aspergillus and MycAssay Pneumocystis on the Roche Lightcycler 2.0 and Stratagene Mx3000 series platforms.

Institute reports on genetic analysis results

Fluidigm Corporation has announced that the Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées Genomic Platform - Genotoul INRA core facility is now providing a wide range of services on a BioMark System for Genetic Analysis to a diverse range of French researchers.

These services include SNP genotyping, gene expression analysis and digital PCR quantification of DNA libraries for next-generation sequencing. The INRA has been validating the performance of the system on several projects over the past year.

Magnetic beads enable faster protocols

AMSBIO has announced a new range of MagSi magnetic beads that incorporate a novel ferro fluid to combine the advantages of small beads and large surface with the magnetic performance and strength of larger beads.

DNA purification and sequencing

An applications bulletin is available from Agilent Automation Solutions that describes an automated system that provides for quick and reliable DNA purification and sequencing.

The demand for quick and reliable DNA sample preparation for sequencing has risen dramatically during recent years. The long and complex pipetting protocols needed for DNA preparation have been a challenge for many lab automation systems.

Novozymes showcases biopharmaceutical solutions at BioProcess International 201

Novozymes Biopharma, part of Novozymes  A/S, will be showcasing its portfolio of biopharmaceutical technologies and solutions at the 2010 BioProcess International Conference and Exhibition, 20-24 September at Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence, RI, USA.

Generex Biotechnology initiates social media product campaign

Generex Biotechnology Corporation, a leader in drug delivery for metabolic diseases through the inner lining of the mouth, has initiated an integrated social media campaign across its corporate website as well as its e-commerce websites for its various consumer diet, glucose raising and energy products, including Glucose RapidSpray , Crave-NX Diet Spray, BaBoom! Energy Spray and Glucose RapidSpray for Pets.

Epistem announces agency agreement with Veritas Japan

Epistem plc, the UK biotechnology company, announced today that its Contract Research Services division has entered into an agreement with the Veritas Corporation to exclusively market and distribute Epistem's scientific research services in Japan. 

MorphoSys initiates programmme against drug-resistant MRSA infections

MorphoSys AG announced today a new proprietary development programme against novel infectious disease targets. As part of this initiative, MorphoSys has signed a license and collaboration agreement with UK-based Absynth Biologics, providing access to novel target molecules associated with Staphylococcus aureus infections including MRSA (methicillin-resistant S. aureus). 

Agilent Technologies introduces sample prep workbench

Agilent Technologies Inc today introduced the 7696 Sample Prep Workbench, a new instrument for automated preparation of analytical samples.

The 7696 Sample Prep Workbench offers customers increased productivity through automation as well as easy-to-use of software and hardware. In addition, the 7696 reduces the cost per sample because it consumes smaller amounts of chemicals and solvents, produces less waste, and does not require glassware other than sample vials. Finally, the 7696 reduces laboratory workers’ exposure to chemicals, providing potential safety benefits in the workplace.

Complete automation of quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay

Agilent Automation Solutions has released a new application note that demonstrates how its Bravo Automated Liquid Handling Platform provides an effective way to automate setup of a variety of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays.

qPCR assays have become widespread for detecting and measuring the abundance of specific genetic targets. Technologies developed to detect and monitor PCR product formation and accumulation include TaqMan and Molecular Beacons, which measure accumulation of PCR product-specific fluorescent probes. Another method involves measuring the increase of fluorescent DNA intercalating dyes such as SYBR Green.

Novozymes announces master file for recombinant albumin

Novozymes Biopharma has announced that the US Food and Drug Administration Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (FDA /
CBER) has accepted a Type IV Master File for its recombinant albumin,  albucult.

The dossier which contains proprietary information on the manufacture and safety of albucult, can help support the company's customers in applications such as drug formulation and medical devices. By providing customers with access to a single source of information filed with the FDA as part of their product applications, Novozymes can help to accelerate the regulatory process for products that use albucult.

Increase in growth potential of pharmacy automation systems market

The pharmacy automation systems market in Europe is experiencing a tremendous growth spurt. Until recently, most pharmacies have been either without automation or have employed very basic automation systems. In response, the adoption rate of automation systems across Europe has been progressing from basic prescription management systems to advanced medication pick-up and drug dispensing automation systems. Likewise, although the adoption of automation systems has been most prevalent among hospital pharmacies, there is significant potential for growth in the retail pharmacy market across Europe.

QIAsymphony RGQ: a novel automated system for molecular testing needs

QIAGEN NV has launched its highly flexible automated solution QIAsymphony RGQ. This novel, integrated system sets new standards for molecular testing and incorporates all workflow steps from sample to detection. QIAsymphony offers many features which create exceptional flexibility, such as continuous loading, random access, open channels for user-developed tests, the broadest menu of commercial assays as well as the ability to process an almost unlimited range of sample types. QIAsymphony thus provides laboratories with a system that transforms their work in the emerging field of molecular diagnostics.

Precision multichannel pipetting enables fast 3D microtissue multivation

Integra, in association with Insphero, have released an application note (Optimising Methods in Microtissue Cultivation) that describes how a precise pipetting technology enables the efficient use of a hanging drop culture system overcoming many of the drawbacks of conventional cell culture techniques.

Cells cultured in standard suspension or monolayer culture typically lose many features that are characteristic of cells in tissue and limit their use to study certain aspects of cell biology. The major differences to in vivo growth conditions of cells include the absence or limited interaction of cell-cell interaction and cell-matrix interaction, a lack of three-dimensional architectural appearance and changed hormonal, nutritional and physical environment.

High-throughput verification and genotyping of fish populations

A new application poster from Fluidigm Europe describing how its BioMark System and 96.96 Dynamic Array Integrated Fluidic Circuit (IFC) has been used by the University of Washington for verification and genotyping of SNP's in Alaskan populations of Chum Salmon.

Next generation sequencing techniques have dramatically increased the availability of SNPs for studies of population genetics. Cost effective laboratory procedures at sufficient throughput for SNP verification and genotyping have not always kept pace. At the same time, the use of SNPs for tackling very difficult population problems has become very appealing for fish management and conservation.

Newborn screening trial success

Integrated Software Solutions Ltd, the specialist laboratory management software developer, today announces the successful completion of a trial implementation of its OMNI-Lab Newborn Screening management suite at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. OMNI-Lab is being used to manage the screening of bloodspots, taken by heelprick from thousands of newborn infants born each year in East Anglia. The tests are carried out either to exclude five serious diseases of infancy, or alert paediatricians to the need for further testing and/or possible treatment.

Improving the accuracy of tube filling

The Automation Partnership (TAP) has announced its new Fill-It 48-way, benchtop automated dispensing system.

The Fill-it 48-way is an addition to the Fill-It range, and is compatible with Nunc's new racks of 2.0 and 5.0 ml vials, supplied in racks pre-loaded with 48 vials. Offering these bigger vial volumes, Fill-It 48-way allows processing of larger batches, therefore significantly increasing throughput and ultimately reducing quality control overhead costs.

Thermo Fisher Scientific expands ThermoFlex Recirculating Chiller Series

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc today announced the launch of its Thermo Scientific NESLAB ThermoFlex Series of Recirculating Chillers. The ThermoFlex 24000 is the latest addition to the product platform and has a cooling capacity of 24,000 watts to meet the needs of customers who require a higher level of cooling performance.

Asynt DrySyn: one size fits all laboratory heating

The Asynt DrySyn range of laboratory heating blocks offers the ultimate in flexibility for heating (and cooling) round-bottomed flasks, tubes and vials. These efficient heating blocks can now be used with any hotplate stirrer regardless of shape or size and offer controlled heating for single or multiple reaction vessels with volumes from 1ml to 5000ml.

Unlike many other brands, DrySyn blocks can be used on any brand of hotplate stirrer without the need for adapter plates. Excellent reaction visibility and improved safety are additional benefits achieved by eliminating messy, potentially dangerous oil immersion baths.

Microscope features ultra stable specimen stage for high magnification navigation

The new SU8040 Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) from Hitachi High-Technologies features a newly developed Regulus (REGULated Ultra Stable) Specimen Stage for unprecedented smooth sample control even at ultra-high magnification. The SU8040 is an outstanding tool for the leading nanotechnology industries, such as the semiconductor industry and cutting-edge nanotechnology material analysis.

High Performance UV/Vis Spectrophotometer

The new SPECORD PLUS from Analytik Jena UK meets all the requirements for the pharmaceutical industry and can be used for research and development, material analysis and quality control. This new UV/Vis spectrophotometer is characterized by outstanding performance combined with a comprehensive range of built-in analysis methods, and can be used for purity control of raw materials, dissolution tests, testing bio availability or active ingredient screening. The SPECORD PLUS conforms to all international pharmacopoeia as well as the relevant standards of the FDA 21 CFR Part 11.

Centre will develop new drugs for diseases

New treatments for some of our most common diseases and conditions could be on the horizon with the launch of a new drug discovery venture in Aberdeen.

The University of Aberdeen will next month officially open its new Kosterlitz Centre for Therapeutics which will take the findings of researchers and clinicians and support their development towards new patient therapies.

PharmaDiagnostics launches the first SoPRano assay kit for in-house assay development

PharmaDiagnostics NV, a company developing and marketing a broadly-enabling, label-free screening technology that does not require specialized equipment, announces today the launch of its SoPRanoTM assay kit, SoPRano CA1.

Model FS10A Analyzer Flow Switch/Monitor

Process and plant engineers in search of a flow switch/monitor that can be easily incorporated into gas and liquid process sampling systems will find that the Model FS10A Analyzer Flow Switch/Monitor from Fluid Components International (FCI) features a convenient SP76 adapter that supports NeSSI compliant hardware.

FCI’s SP76 adapter for NeSSI modular manifolds allows the FS10A to be installed into a standardized mechanical platform for analyzers and sensors. The NeSSI (New Sampling/Sensor Initiative) has been evolving since 1999 as an industry-driven effort to define and promote analyzer and sensor standardization.