Activotec has launched a new automated peptide synthesiser, the Activo-P11, which allows researchers to synthesise complex peptides of any size on a scale of 0.1 to 1 mmol. According to the company, the synthesis is conducted entirely on resins to provide improvements in speed and efficiency over traditional synthesis approaches. Luminex and Exiqon have extended their FlexmiR microRNA (miRNA) analysis product line and signed a non-exclusive distribution agreement allowing Exiqon to sell Luminex systems to laboratories around the world. The new product lines, the FlexmiR microRNA mouse/rat extension panel and microRNA control set, will expand the range of miRNA sequences researchers can study with the system. "FlexmiR is an important innovation in microRNA research, featuring unmatched specificity and efficiency," said Lars Kongsbak, CEO of Exiqon. "We are delighted to launch these two new offerings and expand our partnership with Luminex. The ability to not only offer FlexmiR products to our customers, but to supply Luminex systems as well will allow us to reach a broader base of scientists and researchers." Nonlinear Dynamics has announced a flexible new purchase option for its Progenesis SameSpots and Stats software packages to make the technology accessible to a wider range of laboratories and will suit those operating on lower budgets or short term projects. The software assists in the analysis of 2D gel proteomics analysis and the new purchase option has been made available to purchase the software for a 3 month evaluation period. "When we demonstrate Progenesis SameSpots to most labs, they want to get their hands on the technology straight away - the impact is so huge. Nonlinear developed this purchase option so customers can get up and running immediately. Where a lab is waiting for funding, the money they invest in this offer is discounted off the final price," said Will Dracup, CEO of Nonlinear Dynamics. "Many scientists want the flexibility of an affordable, low commitment offering which falls within reach of consumable budgets - this could be for smaller projects, pilot studies or for scientists considering a return to 2D." Oxford Gene Technology has launched two new aCGH (array comparative genomic hybridization) microarray, dubbed CytoSure, designed to aid the cytogenetics research community. The new CytoSure Syndrome Plus contains 105,000 features that covers the whole genome and includes probes designed to interrogate for 85 constitutional syndromes. The CytoSure Chromosome X exon contains 44,000 features chosen in collaboration with Dr Philippos Patsalis, chief executive and medical director of the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics in Nicosia, Cyprus to provide comprehensive coverage of clinically relevant areas of the X chromosome. "We are very excited at OGT to be launching the CytoSure family - these are the only oligonucleotide arrays designed exclusively for the cytogenetics community and will enable cytogeneticists to achieve accurate, high resolution analysis of chromosome copy number and structural changes," said Mike Evans, CEO of Oxford Gene Technology. SP Industries has named Genevac as its European representative for its FTS SMART Freeze-Dryer Technology that enables researchers to accelerate and streamline the arduous task of developing freeze-drying cycles for protein-based therapeutics. The company claims the SMART Freeze-Dryer technology allows the development scientist to create a streamlined but safe cycle that can shave days off the production cycle eliminating bottlenecks, expanding capacity and reducing production costs. "This system equips any development scientist with the collective knowledge of some of the world's leading lyophilisation experts," said Rob Darrington, Genevac's business development manager. TandD Corporation has launched two new temperature and humidity recorders, the TR-71W and TR-72W, which incorporate an integrated Ethernet/LAN (local area network). The units can be connected to a powerful new software tool using either standard cable Ethernet connections or through an 802.11b wireless connection. The TR-71W can measure temperatures in the range of -40°C to 110°C and the TR-72W can measure the temperature between 0°C and 50°C and the relative humidity from 10 per cent to 95 per cent. Thermo Fisher Scientific has introduced a new continuous flow interface, the ConFlo IV, which allows the simultaneous attachment of multiple sample preparation devices to the same IRMS (isotope ratio mass spectrometer). The device allows immediate switching between LC (liquid chromatography), GC (gas chromatography) and elemental analysis devices to significantly reduce the IRMS idle time and increase sample throughput. Thermo Fisher Scientific has also released a new technical poster describing the use of its Galileo LIMS (laboratory information management system) for in vitro ADMET (absorption, distribution, excretion, metabolism and toxicity) profiling. The system allows template-driven data management in an efficient and appropriate way to enable researchers to make key decisions on drug candidate selection. VWR International has released its new 2007-2009 Safety Catalogue that contains a comprehensive collection of safety products for use in the research laboratory industry. The catalogue features over 7,000 products as well as explanations of industry safety regulations and standards to help customers stay safe.
