NIST Extends Call for RNA Sequences
The National Institute of Standards and Technology has extended to April 28 the deadline for RNA sequence contributions to be included in its first round of testing.
The sequences, which will be used in a manner mimicking portions of typical mammalian mRNA transcripts, must be released to the public domain.
NIST is building a library of RNA reference materials as part of a program with the External RNA Controls Consortium. The library of controls is expected to lead to commercial products.
Further details on selection of sequences can be found at http://www.clsi.org
Sigma-Aldrich to Provide Complementary Protocols From Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press
Sigma-Aldrich said this week that it will provide complementary protocols from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.
The agreement will enable researchers to freely access a new set of protocols each month through the Featured Protocols section of BioSupplyNet.com, an online directory of laboratory supplies.
"Given the diversity of research tools needed to explore genomic and proteomic applications, we recognize the need for easily accessed protocols," Diane Gaige, eMarketing manager at Sigma-Aldrich, said in a statement.
The company said it will "extend [the resource] further by creating an easy-to-use materials list for each protocol."
Fisher to Acquire Athena for $283M, Buys 9-Percent Stake in Nanogen in Bid to Grow Dx Business
Aiming to increase its presence in molecular diagnostics, Fisher Scientific said last week it will acquire privately held Athena Diagnostics and has paid $15 million in cash for a 9-percent stake in Nanogen.
Fisher will pay Athena owner Behrman Capital $283 million for the company, which makes immunohistochemical and molecular diagnostics for neurological, nephrologic, and endocrine diseases, such as Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, obesity, and kidney disease.
Terms of the Nanogen equity investment calls for Fisher to buy approximately 5.7 million shares of Nanogen common stock at $2.65 per share, Nanogen said in a separate statement today. The shares closed at $2.52 on the Nasdaq Exchange the day before the acquisition and investment were disclosed, meaning that Fisher paid a 5-percent premium for its stake.