RECENT PRODUCT NEWS

Astrovirus is a relatively newly discovered family of non-enveloped RNA viruses that cause gastroenteritis in animals and humans. Young children and the elderly are most susceptible due to underdeveloped or waning immune systems, respectively. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration.

Hamilton has expanded its product range for single-use applications to cater for the growing demand of sophisticated sensors in single-use bag and benchtop applications. The completed line of pH sensors for single-use applications have a length of up to 425mm. Such long length is nowadays needed for single-use applications in rigid wall bioreactors. The sensors of the OneFerm product line are available with various electrical connector configurations.

With expanded imaging capabilities, Olympus has launched version 2.1 of its imaging platform cellSens. Enabling researchers to create clean and detailed images in less time, this latest version of cellSens delivers faster deconvolution and improved feature sets across all software levels.

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a Flavivirus spread by mosquitos in South-East Asia and the Western Pacific regions. Most infections cause little or no symptoms; however, occasional inflammation of the brain can occur. Mortality is highest in children but an effective vaccine is available.

EKF Diagnostics has announced US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for its hand-held, reagent-free haemoglobin analyser, the DiaSpect Tm, for use in point-of-care (POC) testing.

Horiba UK Medical has launched its new Yumizen G range of instruments and reagents. Marking a milestone in the company’s product development programme, the Yumizen G range extends its haematology portfolio into the complementary field of haemostasis.

Bio-Techne has expanded the automation capabilities of its Advanced Cell Diagnostics (ACD)-branded RNAscope in situ hybridisation (ISH) technology with the launch of several new and updated assays. The developments increase both access to, and use of, RNAscope and improve overall robustness and ease of use. The continued investment in automation builds on successful agreements with equipment providers and is driven by Bio-Techne’s desire to facilitate drug discovery and development via rapid, easy, and accurate gene expression detection and localisation.

SpeeDx’s ResistancePlus MG Positive Control kit has now been listed with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for sale in the United States. The ResistancePlus MG Positive Control kit contains synthetic DNA to simulate Mycoplasma genitalium, as well as five mutations known to confer resistance to macrolide antibiotics.

Phenomenex has introduced Strata-X-Drug B Plus, a solid-phase extraction (SPE) sample preparation product for urine drug testing in clinical and forensic toxicology. An expansion of Phenomenex’s drug testing product line, the new Drug B Plus option joins the original Strata-X-Drug B, which is designated for matrices such as plasma, whole blood and serum.

Radiometer has announced the commercial launch of its CE-marked point-of-care tests for creatinine and urea, the latest additions to the ABL90 FLEX PLUS blood gas analyser’s test menu. The versatile ABL90 FLEX PLUS is the only compact blood gas analyser to offer such an extensive range of critical care parameters – blood gas, electrolytes, metabolites and co-oximetry.

Stago has launched a compact platelet aggregation system for the faster exploration and evaluation of platelet function in citrated platelet-rich plasma. The eight- and four-channel instruments, the TA-8V and TA-4V, bring specialist testing for potential platelet disorders closer to the patient. This helps to speed the diagnostic pathway while saving laboratory time and costs.

Oxford Gene Technology (OGT) has launched a new version of its Cytocell fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) probes website, which is designed to provide information and advice, offer refined functionality, and be easy to use. Cytocell is known for its complete and comprehensive range of FISH probes, customer support, service and expertise. In order to share this expertise and knowledge, OGT has redeveloped the website to increase accessibility.

PIPETMAX is an easy-to-use, automated liquid-handling platform that increases the reproducibility and pace of experiments. With a multitude of applications at a user’s disposal, such as quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) cell-based assays, scientists can maximise their time at the bench.

Syngene has introduced its new red InGenius3 gel documentation system. Designed with a small darkroom for use with a choice of ultraviolet (UV), blue and white lighting, the InGenius3 is aimed at laboratories looking for a versatile, budget system to image both DNA and protein gels accurately.

Integra has launched the ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot to put automated pipetting within reach of virtually every laboratory. Using any Integra electronic multichannel pipette, this compact system offers laboratory automation at an affordable price, providing reproducible and error-free processing while eliminating repetitive manual pipetting tasks.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is found on the skin of many adults and does not usually cause disease. However, when passed to infants at birth, GBS can cause severe disease that can be fatal. This makes it a leading cause of infections in newborns. Fortunately, antibiotic treatment during delivery can protect the baby, and now ViroStat has released a new rabbit monoclonal antibody specific to GBS

Mast Group has announced its new CRYOBANK, which is based on a cryovial system that comprises chemically treated beads covered with a special cryogenic preserving solution. CRYOBANK offers a reliable, convenient and versatile system for storing and preserving fastidious bacteria for long periods. CRYOBANK permits the easy establishment of a culture collection for laboratory accreditation or research purposes.

Syngene has introduced its new GeneGnome XRQ, a dedicated chemiluminescence imaging system designed to image chemiluminescent Western blots rapidly and accurately. The new blue GeneGnome XRQ houses a high-quality F/0.95 fixed focus, cooled camera with on chip integration and GeneSys software, all packed into a light-tight darkroom.

Next-generation collagen producer Jellagen has developed a new kit for cell culture and tissue engineering researchers to enable them to easily create 3D cell scaffolds. The new Jellagen 3D Hydrogel kit includes everything required to make 3D scaffolds and other matrices for a wide range of cell lines.

New from the Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group (WMFTG) is the Flexicon PF7 peristaltic tabletop aseptic liquid filling machine optimised for operation in GMP-regulated areas such as biotechnology and diagnostics. Engineered with Flexicon’s trademark precision performance, the PF7 adds a more intuitive, validation-friendly operator interface to reduce the risk of costly filling errors.