• Labcyte (Sunnyvale, California) reported the introduction of the new Deerac Q which integrates two liquid-handling systems into a single platform for preparing low-volume genomic assays. By combining the Deerac magnetic feedback control dispensing technology with a 96-channel pipettor with disposable tips, the Deerac Q saves time, reduces process risks, and eliminates the need to transfer plates between workstations.

• MDS Analytical Technologies (Sunnyvale, California) reported the availability of MetaMorph 7.6 software, which features new application modules for three-dimensional motion tracking and micronuclei detection. "MetaMorph software is the gold standard in research imaging and analysis," said President Andy Boorn. "This latest release was designed to address the changing needs of our imaging and analysis customer base, and exemplify our continued focus on maintaining our leadership position in the market." Another enhancement to MetaMorph 7.6 is the Micronuclei Application Module, a new product that allows users to find, evaluate and quantitate micronuclei in any nucleated cell. This is an improvement over competitive application modules that only allow users to find micronuclei in a multi-nucleated cell. Using additional probes, the new module also enables users to differentiate between mitotic, apoptotic, and necrotic cells.

• Positron (Indianapolis) said that the FDA has received the company's 510(k) submission for the Attrius Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanner product line. The Attrius is a cardiac-specific PET-only device that competes with other cardiac imaging modalities with its quantification capabilities and disease management. Positron is involved in the field of cardiac nuclear medicine. The company operates through two segments: Radiopharmaceutical Products and Molecular Imaging Devices.

• Sage (Tampa, Florida) reported the launch of Sage Intergy version 5.5 integrated electronic health records and practice management system, to help improve the health and well being of physician practices and their patients. The system's enhancements are designed to further expand interoperability with other systems and devices; further address specialty needs in obstetrics, pediatrics and cardiology; and streamline billing and collections, especially for larger practices.

• Sciformatix (Los Gatos, California) reported the release of SciLIMS Samples and Storage Management, a solution for small- to medium-sized labs. The new professional laboratory information management system (LIMS) operates via the Internet under the Software as a Service (SaaS) concept, eliminating the need for complicated installation, downloading, or user training. SaaS has proven itself as a secure, reliable, and easy-to-use platform for many applications, and promises to become the dominant delivery model for many others.

• Uroplasty (Minnetonka, Minnesota) reported the completion of patient enrollment in the randomized, controlled multicenter clinical study of its Urgent PC neuromodulation system for the treatment of overactive bladder symptoms of urinary urgency, urge incontinence and frequency of urinary voids. The study is designed to directly compare the effectiveness of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation using Urgent PC to a non-active sham. The Urgent PC neuromodulation system is a minimally invasive nerve stimulation device designed for office-based treatment of urge incontinence, urinary urgency and urinary frequency, symptoms often associated with overactive bladder. Application of neuromodulation therapy targets specific nerve tissue and disrupts the signals that lead to these symptoms.

• Varian Medical Systems (Palo Alto, California) and BrainLAB (Munich, Germany) reported the introduction of the Novalis Tx platform which enables doctors to perform image-guided radiosurgery on tumors of the lung, as well as of the brain, spine, liver, and prostate, without making a single incision. Novalis Tx performs stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), a form of non-invasive radiosurgery that uses precisely-shaped and targeted radiation beams to treat tumors and non-malignant growths from outside the body. The Novalis uses a linear accelerator, which rotates around the patient to target surgical beams at tumors from virtually any angle. A set of sophisticated image guidance and motion management tools provide clinicians with detailed information about the shape, size, and position of the targeted lesion, guide patient set up and positioning, and monitor motion during treatment.