Imagine cloning a gene into several different expression vectors without restriction enzymes or ligations. Invitrogen's Echo Cloning System promises just that. Based on the Univector Plasmid-fusion System developed by Steve Elledge at Baylor College of Medicine, the Echo System avoids having to PCR amplify and sequence an insert every time it is subcloned into a new vector.1 The newly released Echo System combines Invitrogen's proven TOPO® Cloning System for five-minute cloning of PCR produ

Graphic: Cathleen Heard Because most drugs undergo development and approval for seven to 10 years before coming to market, researchers are always looking for ways to speed the process. Preclinical drug testing involves both in vitro and animal assays that assess efficacy and potential side effects to predict how the agent will affect humans. Drug toxicity can result in such things as cancer and birth defects, so government agencies have set forth strict guidelines for toxicological testing. In p

Turn the Tide on Antibody Screening with Surf-Blot Idea Scientific's Surf-Blot The Surf-Blot Antibody Screening System eliminates the need to cut blots into strips in order to probe with multiple antibodies. A blot is produced as usual and then clamped into the Surf-Blot. The apparatus forms channels on the surface of the blot in which to carry out antibody incubations. After rinsing, the blot is removed from the Surf-Blot, and signal visualization can be performed on the intact blot without lin

A minor alteration in a single gene of the human body can be a major contributor to the development of a wide spectrum of diseases ranging from cystic fibrosis to cancer. With the Human Genome Project in full swing, the number of genes available to analyze for these changes is growing daily. The increased demand for genetic testing also requires rapid screening capabilities. Transgenomic Inc. recognized this need and has designed an automated high-throughput system for mutation detection. Trans