News Archive

Stem Cell-Derived Human Neurons in CNS Drug Discovery 07 Jun 2010: In this application note from Molecular Devices reproducible batches of human neurons are generated that will significantly improve and impact CNS drug discovery. The stem cell-derived neurons express all known markers typically associated with mature neurons and are functionally active. These neurons have been used in a recent screen to identify antagonists of a novel GPCR target implicated in schizophrenia. Molecular Devices

Cytotoxicity in Cells: Easy Determination Using Lonza ViaLight Plus and ToxiLight BioAssays on the SpectraMax L Microplate Luminometer 07 Jun 2010: The Lonza ViaLight® Plus and ToxiLight® Bioluminescent Cytotoxicity Assays exploit the cell characteristics of ATP levels and adenylate kinase release respectively, as cytotoxicity measures and enable detection using bioluminescent methods. This application note demonstrates that the SpectraMax L Microplate Luminometer and SoftMax Pro Software from Molecular Devices combine well with both assays providing a fast and sensitive combination of technologies in the field of cell death. Molecular Devices

New Double Beam Biochrom Libra Brings High Performance UV-Vis Spectrophotometry into Range 03 Jun 2010: Global scientific instrument manufacturer Biochrom now offers high performance, double beam and variable bandwidth UV-Vis spectrophotometers as part of the popular Biochrom Libra range. Application-led design with colour touch screens and USB data port means each new Biochrom Libra instrument can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of a wide range of academic, research, or industry applications. Biochrom Ltd

New Roche Troponin Assay Has Proven Advantages for the Diagnosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction 19 May 2010: Doctors in a specialist cardiology clinic in Heidelberg, Germany, have shown that the Elecsys® Troponin T high sensitive (hs) assay helps to identify more patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) earlier, compared to less sensitive 4th generation cardiac troponin assays. Roche Diagnostics UK

Oxoid Launches Xpect Legionella for Rapid Diagnosis of Pathogenic Legionella Species 19 May 2010: Oxoid has launched Xpect™ Legionella, a rapid immunochromatographic test for the direct detection of Legionella pneumophila serogroups 1 and 6 antigen in human urine samples. Oxoid (part of Thermo Fisher Scientific)

Ambry Genetics Introduces AmbryScreen™, A Genetic Test Screening For Some of The Most Common And Severe Genetic Disorders Affecting Newborns 19 May 2010: Ambry Genetics announces the launch of AmbryScreen™, a genetic screening test used to identify carriers of some of the most severe and common childhood diseases affecting pan-ethnic populations. Ambry Genetics

New Early Rapid Test for Dengue Fever 14 May 2010: Inverness Medical launches the new Panbio® Dengue Early Rapid immunochromatographic test for the early detection of dengue infection. Designed for use in conjunction with other dengue serology tests, the Dengue Early Rapid test can help to diagnose active dengue infection from the very first day fever appears. Alere International

Randox Annouces New Lithium Kit to Avoid Toxicity and Optimise Treatment 14 May 2010: The new and improved Lithium kit from Randox is intended for the quantitative in vitro determination of Lithium in serum and is suitable for use on a wide range of clinical analysers. Lithium administered as Lithium carbonate has a narrow therapeutic and toxic range and it is important to monitor lithium levels in the serum to avoid toxicity, optimise therapeutic effect and ensure compliance. Randox Laboratories Ltd

BIOTECHNICA 2010: From Biomedicine Industry to the Future of Our Food 12 May 2010: BIOTECHNICA 2010 is open for business in Hannover from 5 to 7 October, with new focus topics and more wide-ranging coverage. “Those in search of current trends, new ideas and inspiration need look no further than BIOTECHNICA”, says Stephan Ph. Kühne, who sits on the Board of Management at Deutsche Messe AG in Hannover. Deutsche Messe AG

MEDICA 2010: Healthy Number of Registrations a Sign of Optimism in the Medical Technology Industry 11 May 2010: Advance registrations for MEDICA 2010, World Forum for Medicine - International Trade Fair and Congress (from 17 – 20 November in Düsseldorf) are a clear sign of optimism in the medical technology industry. Messe Dusseldorf GmbH