RECENT PRODUCT NEWS

Thermo Fisher Scientific has launched a new range of single-shot moulded ultrarigid polypropylene 96-well polymerase chain reaction (PCR) plates, which eliminate the disruption to workflow caused by warped plates.

The fastest biological processes can now be captured at ultra-high resolution as a result of the launch of a new range of confocal laser scanner systems by Nikon Instruments. Two models are available: the fully automated A1 and the high specification A1R.

PolyCheck chips from JRBiomedical are a quick, simple and low-cost range of screening panels for the measurement of allergen-specific IgE.

StickyBobs is the self-adhesive label specialist. It can offer quality PCL office labels for laser and ink jet printers in a wide variety of sizes, colours and adhesives. æDocuments enclosedÆ wallets, tags, postage/franking labels, thermal transfer ribbons and antimicrobial laminating films are all available.

Invitrogen has launched a new colour for its Molecular Probes Qdot fluorescent label product lines. Qdot 625 nanocrystal fluorescent label can be seen as orange and fills an important spectral gap. In addition, Qdot 625 glows more brightly than longer wavelength Qdots.

The Binding SiteÆs new, highly specific and sensitive secondgeneration anti-CCP2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit is the latest addition to the companyÆs comprehensive range of autoimmune BINDAZYME assays.

Beckman Coulter has introduced two new IOTest reagents, Anti-NTB-A-PE and CD226 (DNAM-1)-PE. Both are monoclonal antibodies to cell surface receptors for natural killer (NK) cell studies, which provide important information in disease research. These new flow cytometry reagents are compatible with Beckman CoulterÆs FC 500 series and Cell Lab Quanta SC systems, as well as with other instrument platforms.

Thermo Fisher Scientific has introduced the Macherey-Nagel NucleoSpin RNA XS total RNA purification kit to the UK market. This innovative kit allows the rapid isolation of highly concentrated total RNA from extremely small samples such as microdissected tissues or just a few cells.

The epMotion from Eppendorf is the only open, automated liquid-handling system with pretested, ready-to-go methods for automated nucleic acid purification. Intensive collaboration between Eppendorf and five major vendors of nucleic acid purification chemistries has resulted in this development in automated protocols.

Following the introduction of the EU Biocidal Products Directive, which required withdrawal of substances such as phenol-based products, laboratories are seeking safe, effective alternatives to traditional biocides. Many workers have turned to TristelÆs chlorine dioxide-based disinfectants, and the company now offers Tristel for Labs, a comprehensive system designed to meet a variety of decontamination needs.

The Brady IP series printer system is a revolutionary thermal transfer printing system that safeguards against illegible or impermanent labelling. It will have real benefits in any multidisciplinary laboratory or medical application that requires positive sample identification and traceability, and where a variety of procedures is in use.

High-resolution phase contrast and fluorescence imaging is now possible using the same objective, thanks to the special external phase contrast system on NikonÆs new Ti series inverted microscopes. Furthermore, this flexibility is now achieved with maximum light transmission.

The wide variety of high-performance, easy-touse digital camera systems from Olympus offers users the solution to any imaging application. Each Olympus camera system has been integrated with state-of-the-art technologies that allow users to achieve excellent image quality as seen through the microscope eyepieces.

Applied Biosystems has launched the GeneMapper ID-X software application to automate routine forensic DNA analysis. The suite of integrated software tools makes analysis more efficient by pinpointing specific samples that require further analysis.

Applied Biosystems has launched Silencer Select siRNAs, designed to deliver the most consistent gene silencing results and gene function data available to those performing RNA interference (RNAi) experiments.

Beckman Coulter has introduced the Microfuge 16, the latest advance in the companyÆs generalpurpose bench-top centrifuge line. With a more compact design than previous models, the Microfuge 16 has a smaller footprint, weighs just 14 pounds and is less than seven inches tall.

The comprehensive test menu on SebiaÆs Capillarys system now extends to the identification and quantification of haemoglobinopathies, including Γ-thalassaemia and sickle cell anaemia.

Using patented, innovative technologies, Clearview from Inverness Medical offers a wide range of point-of-care diagnostic tests. These simple one-step tests have demonstrated proven efficiency in clinics, hospitals and laboratories.

Samples collected for CD4 analyses begin to lose their integrity in just a few hours when collected in conventional tubes. Available from Alpha Laboratories, Cyto-Chex BCT is a direct- draw vacuum blood collection tube containing a patented preservative that has been developed to address such a problem.

Computer Imprintable Label Systems (CILS) has launched its CIL 8000 series durable coloured label sets. The colour-coded label sets are available in an unlimited range of colours and formats to suit all laboratory requirements, and are able to withstand temperatures of -80░C to 155░C, moisture, handling, chemicals and solvents.