RECENT PRODUCT NEWS

Developed to improve the isolation and identification of a variety of microorganisms, Lab M’s Harlequin chromogenic media can help to eliminate or reduce the need for subculture and confirmatory biochemical tests. The Harlequin range now includes media for the isolation of Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella species.

Roche has launched its new CoaguChek XS Connect device, which makes anticoagulation therapy monitoring with the CoaguChek XS system even more convenient, whether that be in the home or in the clinical setting.

Applied Biosystems has launched a new family of TaqMan Cells-to-CT kits for cell-based gene expression research. The kits eliminate the timeconsuming step of RNA purification, reducing the amount of time needed to prepare and analyse RNA from cultured cells using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods in applications such as siRNA-mediated gene silencing and microRNA analysis.

Medical professionals around the world use NOW rapid tests to identify the pathogens responsible for infectious diseases. BinaxNOW technology, now available in the UK from Inverness Medical, is regarded as the gold standard in rapid infection disease technology.

The new range of Anachem KeyZyme Taq and Pfu DNA polymerases provides the solution for a wide range of molecular biology applications. KeyZyme polymerases ensure excellent reliability and quality, with enzyme performance controlled for sensitivity and consistency, thus ensuring reproducibility and reassurance in the handling of samples.

A recent breakthrough in the treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU) is set to stimulate demand for more regular screening of blood phenylalanine (Phe) levels in PKU patients. The introduction of the first FDA-approved prescription medication that reduces blood Phe levels in patients will result in more regular screening of PKU patients to monitor their Phe levels.

Building on the success of the UV/Vis BioPhotometer, the BioPhotometer plus from Eppendorf features a new keypad design, three additional wavelengths and the ability to use microlitre cells as well as cuvettes. This compact, low-weight photometer is very easy to operate, and produces reliable and reproducible results fast.

Appleton Woods has extend its special offers on a variety of Corning products until 31 March.

Lab MÆs range of microbiological culture media for the enrichment and isolation of Listeria species from food samples covers the requirements of FDA, ISO 11290 and USDA methods. Key products, including Buffered Listeria Enrichment BrothPLUS, are available in a complete blend format.

Syngene has introduced a new version of the G:BOX Chemi XT16 automated chemiluminescence and fluorescence imaging and analysis system. It features many innovations to make it the most sensitive and flexible system available in its class.

Oxoid has launched the IDEIAT range of products for the diagnosis of viral gastroenteritis. These rapid enzyme immunoassays can be used to detect the four leading causes of viral gastroenteritis (norovirus, rotavirus, astrovirus and adenovirus) in human stool samples.

Anachem, the exclusive distributor for Gilson UK, has launched the new GX-281 analytical liquid handler, which is designed specifically for low-volume liquid handling and injection applications.

Thermo Fisher Scientific has launched its 2008û2009 Chromatography Columns and Consumables catalogue, which is a complete product and technical reference guide that consolidates the extensive collection of Thermo Scientific chromatography columns and consumables in one comprehensive resource.

Across Europe and the USA, community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) affects 100 per 100,000 adults a year and has a mortality rate of 10û20%. However, where antibiotic therapy has been received within four hours of admission there has been a 15% reduction in mortality.

Randox has introduced a range of 25 liquid and ready-to-use protein assays, which are manufactured to meet high performance specifications. The assays have wide ranges, excellent precision and long shelf lives.

For applications that monitor high-speed chemical and biochemical reactions, Ocean Optics has produced its fastest spectrometer ever. The USB2000+ miniature fibre-optic spectrometer can transfer 1000 scans per second into memory when connected to a computer via the high-speed USB port.

Shimadzu has introduced its latest UVVis spectrophotometer, the UV-1800, which functions either as a standalone instrument or can be PC-controlled with USB memory. UVProbe data processing software comes as standard so users can ædrag and dropÆ data from an optional USB memory stick to a PC.

The novAA 300 fully automated flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer, complete with an SFS6 injection module, is available from Analytik Jena UK. This versatile combination is ideally suited to small sample volumes, samples with high acid content or a difficult background matrix, and gives accurate and reproducible analytical results.

Tecan has launched the latest version of its easy-to-use, intuitive Freedom EVOware software, designed to control and maximise the performance of the Freedom EVO series of liquid-handling platforms. Freedom EVOware version 2.1 contains many new features that offer substantial improvements in throughput and operating speed, userfriendliness and data management.

Qiagen has launched a new product that supports the genomic analysis of fixed tissue samples. The REPLI-g FFPE kit, the latest development in QiagenÆs whole-genome amplification portfolio, eliminates problems associated with DNA fragmentation and damage caused by formalin fixation.