Hudson Robotics has launched the SOLO/PCR workcell for PCR sample preparation and purification protocols.
The SOLO/PCR workcell combines the company's SOLO single-channel pipettor, two automated vacuum nests, and SoftLinx software with customizable protocols.
The company said that its PlateCrane EX robot arm can also be integrated with the system to automate the transfer of plates between the sample and vacuum nests.
Qiagen has launched QIAsymphony AS, a new module for its QIAsymphony series that enables automated setup of Qiagen assays and PCR kits.
The company said that QIAsymphony AS extends the capabilities of its QIAsymphony SP sample-purification system into assay setup.
Samples processed on the QIAsymphony SP can be automatically transferred to the QIAsymphony AS, "which reduces manual handling steps as well as documentation to free up valuable time," the company said.
Premier Biosoft International has released Beacon Designer 7.7, a primer-design software program that now includes support for high-resolution melting analysis.
Beacon Designer uses "sophisticated algorithms" to design HRMA primers while avoiding template secondary structures, the company said. The software also enables analysis of pre-designed or published primers.
Beacon Designer also supports design of oligos for SYBR Green, TaqMan, LNA spiked TaqMan, MethyLight, molecular beacon, Scorpion, NASBA, and FRET assays.
Idaho Technology has launched new high-volume kits for foodborne pathogen detection.
The new kits include 160 reactions per kit with a simplified protocol, the company said. The assays all use real-time PCR technology to identify the presence of Salmonella, Listeria, or Escherichia coli O157:H7 in food and environmental samples.
The company said that the AOAC Research Institute has granted the kits Performance Tested Methods Status for use with Idaho's R.A.P.I.D. LT Food Security System, a thermal cycler designed for food and environmental testing.
Labcyte has released the Echo Omics Package, a pre-calibrated liquid class package for use with its Echo acoustic dispensers and POD 810 plate assemblers.
The Omics Package enables the Echo platform to support "a wide range of growing applications in genomics and proteomics such as siRNA screening, real-time PCR genotyping, and protein-based arrays," the company said.