RECENT PRODUCT NEWS

The ISS Group has announced the availability of RMCÆs family of electron microscopy (EM) sample preparation products. The line includes microtomes, ultramicrotomes, cryosectioning systems, automatic EM tissue processors, glass knife makers, propane jet freezers, freeze fracture systems, freeze substitution systems, freeze dryer systems and a wide range of associated accessories.

A completely integrated hands-off system for managing, observing and recording the growth of cells in culture has been launched by Nikon Instruments. By combining the precise environmental control capabilities of a high-performance CO2 incubator with the advanced optics needed for drift-free live-cell imaging, the BioStation CT removes the need for culture dishes to be transported from one location to another for observation.

Research has focused increasingly on the detection and functional characterisation of microRNAs (miRNAs). Leading the way in this exciting field, QIAGEN has added to its miRNA portfolio with the introduction of the miScript system, which detects and quantifies miRNA, mRNA and other small RNAs using the SYBR Green-based realtime polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Olympus has introduced the updated dotSlide digital virtual microscopy system, which scans entire slides at high resolution and fidelity, making them accessible and fully navigable anywhere around the world.

Beckman Coulter has introduced two additions to its line of cell signal transduction reagents û Phospho- MAPKAPK-2 and Phospho-STAT3 kinase antibodies.

The risks of crosscontamination during thawing of frozen plasma are well known to transfusion scientists. This can be a particular concern when using traditional wet methods such as water baths, and some of the newer thawing methods introduced have either taken unacceptably long or have run the risk of overheating the plasma, with potentially disastrous consequences.

Invitrogen has launched the Dynabeads M-270 immunoassay (carboxyl) from Dynal, developed to provide precise immobilisation of antigens such as proteins, peptides, steroids and hormones for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) magnetic bead-based immunoassay applications. The antigens are coupled directly or via a cross-linker to carboxylic acid groups on the new 2.8 micron Dynabeads.

Beckman Coulter has introduced two additions to its line of cell signal transduction reagents û Phospho- MAPKAPK-2 and Phospho-STAT3 kinase antibodies.

Research has focused increasingly on the detection and functional characterisation of microRNAs (miRNAs).

The new Variant Reporter software from Applied Biosystems accelerates sequence data analysis in biomedical research by automating the detection of genetic variants and streamlining the analysis process.

Invitrogen has launched the Dynabeads M-270 immunoassay (carboxyl) from Dynal, developed to provide precise immobilisation of antigens such as proteins, peptides, steroids and hormones for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) magnetic bead-based immunoassay applications.

Preston-based Image Solutions has launched the personalDV system to provide highresolution fixed- and live-cell imaging in a single integrated bench-top format.

The risks of crosscontamination during thawing of frozen plasma are well known to transfusion scientists.

Thermo Fisher Scientific has developed a special polymerase chain reaction (PCR) buffer that enables samples to be loaded directly on an agarose gel after thermal cycling, thereby reducing the number of pipetting and reagent handling steps in PCR testing protocols.

Carl Zeiss has overcome the challenge of imaging deep inside living tissues with the launch of the LSM 5 MP multiphoton laser scanning microscope.

Thermo Fisher Scientific has introduced its new Thermo Scientific AquaTec water preservation cell for the prevention of waterborne contamination in CO2 incubators and water baths.

Olympus has announced an upgrade to its CellCut laser microdissection system, the CellCut Plus. It features single- or multi-position plug and play automated CapLift with adjustable contact pressure, and offers full access to all motorised functions on the companyÆs IX81.

The UKÆs fastest, easiest and best-value source for molecular biology and tissue culture products has launched a new range of reagents from Molecular Research Center (MRC) in the USA.

Firefly Scientific has launched its OptiChallenge Inhibition Panel for use in evaluating the performance of an assay in the presence of interfering substances.

According to the United Nations, some 200 million people (5% of the global population) have used illicit drugs at least once in the last 12 months.