Qiagen has introduced a BioRobot LiquiChip System for automated microplate setup and transfer of high-content xMAP assays. The product is intended for multiplexing of up to 100 different biomarker or biomolecule analytes in a small sample. Applications, according to the company, include high-throughput analysis of endocrine and paracrine mediators, cell-signaling pathways, and serological profiles among other biomolecules. Qiagen will sell specialist packs containing all relevant accessories such as protocol template, installation, and training.
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Softberry has released Pdisorder V 1.0, a program designed to predict ordered and disordered regions of protein sequences. The underlying algorithm is based on a three-layered neural net, in which each layer has 10 neurons, according to the company. The minimum required sequence length is 40 amino acids. The program is rooted in the recent evidence that protein regions that are intrinsically unstructured are found in cell signaling, in regulatory pathways, and in cancer; and therefore these regions in particular can be used to aid in the discovery of anti-cancer therapeutics.