Randox Food Diagnostics recently launched an array to screen for ergot alkaloids.
Ergot alkaloids are mycotoxins produced by several species of fungi in the genus Claviceps. Contaminated feed with toxic levels of ergot alkaloids has been found to affect the reproductive cycles of pigs, poultry, and cattle, causing animals to terminate pregnancies, Randox said. They also have been shown to impact upon digestive systems, resulting in poor weight gain for meat production.
Randox's new chip allows users to test for the presence of ergot alkaloids in each sample. The test is based on the firm's Biochip Array Technology and can be processed using the firm's Evidence Investigator analyzer, the company said.
Platypus Technologies has launched its Oris Pro 96-Well Invasion Assay for multiplexed quantitative real-time and end-point measurements of cell invasion. The assay facilitates 3D cell invasion analysis with measurement of cellular invasion in the Z-plane. Platypus' new assay is designed to be compatible with fluorescence microscopes, automation, and high-content screening.