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The Quips XL and Quips LS Genetic Workstations were developed for clinical use in karyotyping as well as research use in fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) analyses. The Quips XL workstation includes a Macintosh PowerPC computer, a printer, a 1.3-million-pixel cooled charge-coupled device (CCD) camera, a triple-band pass filter set, and an automated filter wheel. Both workstations are equipped with Quips Karyotyping Software, which enables users to automatically or manually classify chromosomes and separate touching or overlapping chromosomes. In addition, they offer SmartCapture FISH imaging software for capturing, enhancing, analyzing, and printing images of FISH probes with a variety of user-defined features. The Quips XL system also uses Quips CGH Analysis Software, which contains tools designed to simplify CGH analysis and allow users to produce quantitative interpretation and reports from a common user interface. VYSIS Downers Grove, IL For Micromanipulation And Microinjection The Axiovert 25 inverted microscope now features two new stage mounting adapters-MNZ 13 and MNZ 131-that enable full-range use of Narishige micromanipulators and positioners. These adapters make the microscope useful as a micromanipulation and microinjection system for cell injection, cellular microsurgery, and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Zeiss is also offering the new Narishige G-100 Thin Wall Capillary Tube specifically designed for IVF and intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection. With the Axiovert 25, which incorporates the new VAREL variable relief contrast technique, users can perform phase contrast, brightfield contrast, darkfield contrast, and relief contrast without the need to change condensers or objectives. The microscope has full fluorescence and documentation capabilities. It uses long working distance condensers for observing all types of culture vessels. Carl Zeiss Inc. Thornwood, NY Dynabeads Oligo (dT)25 can be used to produce reusable subtracted cDNA probes for the screening and isolation of rare, differentially expressed mRNAs. The Dynabeads are used to isolate poly A+ RNA from one cell type. Then, direct cDNA synthesis of the mRNA template extends from the oligo-(dT)25 primer on the magnetic beads. Following elution of the mRNA template, cDNAs bound to the beads are annealed to mRNA of a second cell type. After these hybrid molecules are removed by magnetic separation, unique mRNA sequences are captured with a second aliquot of Dynabeads Oligo (dT)25 . First-strand synthesis of these differentially expressed mRNAs generates a pool of cDNAs unique to the second cell type. Subtracted cDNA probes bound to magnetic beads can be stored and reused for screening of multiple libraries. DYNAL Inc. Lake Success, NY Rotisserie For Ovens, Incubators The LabQuake Rotisserie is designed for hybridization in bottles or tubes and can be used in most ovens or incubators. The rotisserie uses a tri-directional rotation of 8 rpm for washing membranes. The user may remove tubes without turning off the motor. The rotisserie accommodates four standard 35-38 x 150 mm bottles/tubes or four standard 25 x 150 mm test tubes. The operating environment ranges are 4!C to 60°C and 80 percent humidity, non-condensing. Barnstead/Thermolyne Dubuque, IA The Spectroline CC-80 and CC-81 ultraviolet (UV) viewing systems are designed for instant photodocumentation. Four snap-on camera adapters make these systems compatible for use with the Polaroid DS-34, MP4+, or CU-5 cameras as well as any 35 mm single-lens reflex camera. The new systems are applicable to chromatography, electrophoresis, genetic research, forensic science, and other research areas. The CC-80 can use any one or two of 19 optional and interchangeable UV lamps, which are available from the company in 254 nm, 312 nm, and 365 nm wavelength combinations. The CC-81 additionally is equipped with a high-intensity long-wave/short-wave combination UV lamp offered by the company. Both systems features built-in white light sources. A removable bottom panel allows either instrument to be placed directly over a Spectroline transilluminator for higher UV intensity and greater fluorescent contrast. The flexible, contoured eyepiece has a built-in UV-absorbing window to provide protection to the eyes. Spectronics Corp. Westbury, NY The FMBIO II is a filmless, nonradioactive imaging system designed to read fluorescently labeled electrophoresis gels and blots. As opposed to automated sequencers, this system has adjustable gel size capacity and is an off-line scanner. Other features include simultaneous two-color detection and three-color image analysis. Applications include DNA sequencing, micro-satellite, STR, and SSCP gels, blots, ELISA, and CAT assays. The system's software reads and calls DNA sequence data, quantitates bands, recognizes and identifies similar scan profiles, and enables fully annotated documentation for every scan. Hitachi Software Engineering America Ltd. San Bruno, CA The UltraClean Mini Plasmid Prep Kit is designed for automated sequencing, transfections, restriction digest, labeling, polymerase chain reaction, ligations, and other applications. It is based on alkaline lysis with a neutralizer that pellets the SDS precipitate into a tight pellet that does not need to be filtered. The plasmid DNA is then bound directly to a silica membrane spin-filter and washed once; pure plasmid DNA is recovered in water or Tris. DNA quality and purity are claimed to equal those of cesium chloride or anion exchange methods. Typical A268 /A280 ratios are 1.8 to 2.0, and the yield is 100 percent of the plasmid contained in a 1 ml to 2 ml culture, the company reports. Every reagent in the kit, including the ethanol in the wash, is already prepared and ready to use. The kit also includes all necessary tubes. Mo Bio Laboratories Inc. Solana Beach, CA The Fluoroskan Ascent fluorometer has been upgraded with the addition of new dispensers and a built-in incubator. As many as three dispensers can now be added to facilitate easy reagent addition. These on-board dispensers reportedly are essential for fast kinetic reactions in which the timing of reagent addition is crucial. The new on-board incubator provides constant temperature for applications in which temperature control is critical. The incubator is capable of controlling temperature from 3°C above room temperature to 45°C. Thus, the incubator facilitates enzyme kinetic studies as well as fluoroimmunoassays in which higher temperatures can be used to accelerate reactions. In addition, Ascent software enables users to choose optimal measurement conditions. The instrument is also robot-compatible for high-volume applications. Labsystems Needham Heights, MA New upgrades have been announced for the DataPlot, Transform, and Slicer visualization software tools for Windows and Macintosh, which were originally developed by Spyglass Inc. All three tools are designed to help scientists and engineers visualize and analyze large amounts of data. DataPlot is used for visualizing column data, Transform for 2-D matrix and image data, and Slicer for 3-D volumetric data. The upgrades include the use of new Hierarchical Data Format v3.3 libraries in the Windows versions of all three products. Transform for Windows and Macintosh also now contains enhanced Kriging operations that include separate range settings for two dimensions. Other upgrade features include new suites of sample macros with improved documentation capabilities. Each product has backward capability with data from previous preference files. Fortner Research LLC Sterling, VA The new line includes affinity purified monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to STAT 3, STAT 5A, STAT 5B, and STAT 6. Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) reportedly mediate a variety of biological effects, including signal transduction for approximately 30 cytokines having diverse biological functions, regulation of genes that provide innate immunity, and induction of a variety of genes that increase with tissue injury and inflammation. The antibodies in the new line react with human, rat, and mouse and are useful for western blot analyses, immunoprecipitations, ELISAs, and supershift assays. The antibodies are specific and do not cross-react with other STAT family members, according to the company. Zymed Laboratories Inc. South San Francisco, CA Combinatorial Chromatography System The HPLC Combinatorial Chromatography System now accepts up to 10 standard or deep-well microplates. Other vessel options are also offered for processes requiring purification or analysis of larger volumes. Users can choose from arrays that include hundreds of 13 x 100 mm test tubes or 2 ml vials. Large-volume 185 ml bottles are also available. The system uses a dual-function instrument for both fraction collection and injection, enabling samples to remain in position throughout the process; this reportedly eliminates the chance for error in tube transfer. The unit is highly automated, requiring no manual intervention for replumbing or reconfiguration. When reanalysis is required, the system may be set to automatically reinject collected fractions once purification has been completed. The system can automatically switch from preparative and analytical volumes. It also features graphic sample-tracking software that automatically matches injections, chromatograms, and fractions, eliminating the need to count event marks. Gilson Inc. Middleton, WI The UVIdoc Gel Documentation System is also designed for analysis of a variety of stained gels, ELISA plates, spots, and blots. It combines a darkroom, a charge-coupled device (CCD) video camera, and a transilluminator with 312 nm and white light source. The darkroom clamps over the transilluminator for light-tight conditions. The built-in CCD camera requires no separate controls to adjust exposure times. The camera is fitted with a 12.5 mm to 75 mm zoom lens and filter to allow framing of areas as small as 50 mm x 40 mm. The Imagelink Gel Analysis Port and software package enables direct linkage to any computer without an additional frame card. A monitor and thermal printer are also available. Integrated Separation Systems Natick, MA The company offers a line of more than 50 different high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-grade solvents. These distilled-in-glass solvents are claimed to be characterized by high purity, excellent ultraviolet properties, low water content, and low residue. All solvents are packaged under nitrogen to maintain quality and increase safety. Included in the line are commonly used solvents such as acetonitrile, ethyl alcohol, 2-methylbutane, and water as well as special-use solvents like pentane, cyclohexane, and chlorobenzene. The solvents are available in 100-ml, 1-liter, 2-liter, and 4-liter bottles as well as case quantities of 1-, 2-, and 4-liter bottles. Sigma Chemical Co. St. Louis. MO The Teflon Minipet is a syringe-style repetitive dispenser designed for corrosive and high-purity applications. It uses a Teflon three-way valve to provide contact only with Teflon and borosilicate glass. The design allows for repeated aliquotting of virtually any solvent or acid, except hydrogen fluoride. The instrument is available in four sizes-1 ml, 4 ml, 10 ml, and 30 ml. The volume dispensed is adjustable over the full range of the syringe barrel. The self-locking plunger reportedly does not move from its setting even during multiple dispensings. Bel-Art Products Pequannock, NJ

New Products

The Scientist Staff

Oct 27, 1996

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