• Applied Biosystems (Foster City, California), an Applera business, said that researchers now have a new tool to enable the discovery of microRNAs and other small RNA molecules using the latest genomic analysis technology. The company said it has enhanced its solution for performing sensitive digital gene expression analysis on its next-generation sequencing platform with its new SOLiD RNA expression solution. The offering includes a new sample preparation kit to enable high-throughput discovery of novel RNA molecules without requiring previous knowledge of sequence information. The kit converts total RNA into a library suitable for input into the SOLiD system workflow for high-throughput genomic analysis. The simple protocol reduces the sample preparation workflow to a single day compared to four days with alternative platforms. Applied said that the kit is expected to improve the detection of biologically relevant changes for researchers working with small RNA molecules.

• Education Management Solutions (EMS; Malvern, Pennsylvania) reported the introduction of the Total SIM 2.0, web-based, simulation center management application. Total SIM is designed to meet the teaching, training, and assessment requirements of demanding curricula and goals of medical simulation centers. The latest version lets users manage the workflow of simulation centers at medical, nursing, and allied health colleges and hospitals. EMS makes simulation training and evaluation systems.

• Encision (Boulder, Colorado) said it is launching its next generation of EnTouch handles for its articulating laparoscopic instrument inserts. The new ES8200 and ES8200L handles feature a stiffer shaft design to accommodate the stresses generated by organ manipulation during advanced as well as routine laparoscopic procedures. The new knob design allows a surgeon to lock the electrode tip in the preferred orientation for the particular need during a laparoscopic procedure. The EnTouch model ES8200 is 35 cm in length for normal size patients; the ES8200L is 45 cm long for large patients and many bariatric procedures. Encision makes surgical devices.

• Home Guardian (Charlottesville, Virginia) reported the release of a suite of sensors that non-intrusively monitor the health status of seniors in their homes while enabling professional caregivers to provide needed care. This includes the detection of falls, which constitute the largest cause of injuries for people over age 65 in the U.S. Home Guardian's services provide family and professional caregivers with access to the current health status of their charges through discreet technology.

• Omrix Biopharmaceuticals (New York) said that it has enrolled the first patient in its Phase II clinical trial for the Fibrin Patch in mild-to-moderate bleeding. The Fibrin Patch is a convergence product being developed by Omrix in collaboration with Ethicon (Somerville, New Jersey), a Johnson & Johnson company. The primary endpoint of the study will measure time to hemostasis at 4 minutes and if any re-bleeding occurs during a subsequent 6-minute observation period. Omrix is a biopharmaceutical company that makes protein-based biosurgery and passive immunotherapy products.