The MIRA 3.0.0 sequence assembler is now available here, and documentation for the software can be found here.
According to the developers, the new version "is the result of a long development to make de novo and mapping assemblies of Sanger, 454 and Solexa (Illumina) data as easy and straightforward as possible while keeping a maximum accuracy." Through the introduction of coverage equivalent reads, which reduces the data volume by up to 90 percent, MIRA 3.0.0 also allows researchers to use results from Illumina mapping projects in finishing programs. In addition, the time to find and evaluate differences in mapping assemblies has been reduced.
Bioo Scientific has launched Air barcoded adapters for multiplexing samples in small RNA next-generation sequencing reactions. The adapters are designed to work with Illumina's sequencing systems and are available in sets of 10, 20, or 30.
Epicentre Biotechnologies has released Nextera kits for the preparation of Illumina-compatible sequencing libraries. The kits enable libraries to be prepared from as little as 50 nanograms of DNA in less than two hours, according to the company. They use Epicentre's patented transposon-based technology to randomly fragment template DNA and tag the ends in a single-tube reaction.