Skip to main content
Premium Trial:

Request an Annual Quote

Synamatix, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Epicentre Biotechnologies

Premium
Synamatix has launched two software products designed for analyzing data from next-generation sequencing instruments. The first, SXOligosearch, is designed to map short sequences such as reads from the Illumina Genome Analyzer or oligonucleotide microarray probes. The second is an updated version of the company’s SynaSearch sequence searching software that has been “modified to process and map reads from the GS20 and FLX platforms from 454,” the company said.
 

 
Thermo Fisher Scientific has released a new range of Verso cDNA synthesis kits and RT-PCR kits. The company said that the kits combine a new reverse transcription enzyme with improved priming options and optimized buffers to generate a high yield of full-length cDNA. The new enzyme, called Verso RT, has an improved dynamic range that maximizes sensitivity “and allows users to detect a wider range of starting template concentrations,” the company said.
 

 
Epicentre Biotechnologies has released MasterAmp Tfl DNA Polymerase, a recombinant DNA polymerase with thermostability to approximately 95 degrees Celcius. The kit includes betaine as part of the MasterAmp 10X PCR Enhancer, which improves the yield and specificity of amplification of many target sequences, especially those containing a high G+C content or secondary structure, Epicentre said. The company said that it also improves the yield consistency of PCR products in multiplex PCR reactions.
 
Epicentre also released ScriptGuard RNase Inhibitor, which is designed to protect RNA samples “even when trace amounts of RNase are present,” the company said. ScriptGuard RNase Inhibitor does not interfere with enzymes commonly used to prepare RNA and is “substantially” more resistant to inactivation by oxidation than other RNase inhibitors, Epicentre said.

The Scan

Positive Framing of Genetic Studies Can Spark Mistrust Among Underrepresented Groups

Researchers in Human Genetics and Genomics Advances report that how researchers describe genomic studies may alienate potential participants.

Small Study of Gene Editing to Treat Sickle Cell Disease

In a Novartis-sponsored study in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that a CRISPR-Cas9-based treatment targeting promoters of genes encoding fetal hemoglobin could reduce disease symptoms.

Gut Microbiome Changes Appear in Infants Before They Develop Eczema, Study Finds

Researchers report in mSystems that infants experienced an enrichment in Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Finegoldia and a depletion of Bacteroides before developing eczema.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment Specificity Enhanced With Stem Cell Editing

A study in Nature suggests epitope editing in donor stem cells prior to bone marrow transplants can stave off toxicity when targeting acute myeloid leukemia with immunotherapy.