• Biolog (Hayward, California) reported the launch of its third-generation microbial ID system. The GEN III system is built around a single test panel that can be used to identify more than 1,000 species of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Previous Biolog ID systems identified 800 species and used two panels, one for gram negative bacteria and a different panel for gram positive bacteria. Bacterial ID systems from other companies use 2 or more panels and identify only about 300 species. The 96-well GEN III MicroPlate panel incorporates 71 carbon source and 23 chemical sensitivity assays in a pre-coated dry chemistry format. With these 94 tests, the system analyzes a bacterial cell's properties including its ability to metabolize all major classes of biochemicals and its sensitivity to chemicals that may inhibit growth. The colorimetric pattern or "fingerprint" generated by the bacterium is automatically interpreted against GEN III's extensive species library. Biolog makes cell analysis tools.
  • BioServe (Beltsville, Maryland) reported the introduction of ControlMatch, a new line of fully annotated control DNA and serum samples designed to help biomedical researchers efficiently validate new biomarkers and early-stage clinical trial drug candidates. Leveraging BioServe's Global Repository of 600,000 human biological samples, ControlMatch allows researchers to select and match control samples to the specific needs of their own DNA and/or serum-based studies. ControlMatch DNA and serum controls will initially cover Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. ControlMatch normal samples for Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia are annotated with body mass index, confirmed normal blood glucose levels, confirmed normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and a family history of health status and ethnicity determined by data collected on three generations. BioServe makes diagnostic tests for the practice of personalized, predictive and preventive medicine.
  • Researchers said they were able to record and monitor brain electrical activity with improved precision and detect micro-seizure activity in advance of larger epileptic seizures among patients implanted with Cyberkinetics' (Foxborough, Massachusetts) NeuroPort neural monitoring system. Using the NeuroPort, they said they were able to record and monitor brain electrical activity with higher fidelity than possible with other recording technologies; detect micro-seizures and micro-discharges in patients with epilepsy that may play a role in the genesis of their seizures, but that are not detectible by scalp or standard electrodes placed directly on the brain; and correlate this micro-activity to the onset of significant epileptic seizure activity. The NeuroPort is indicated for the temporary (less than 30 days) recording and monitoring of brain electrical activity. It consists of a 4 mm x 4 mm, 100-microelectrode array and a signal processor. The array is implanted on the surface of the brain where the electrodes sense electrical activity from individual and groups of neurons. Cyberkinetics makes neural stimulation, sensing and processing technology.
  • iWorx (Dover, New Hampshire) reported introduction of the GA-200 oxygen and carbon dioxide gas analyzer. The GA-200 uses laser diode absorption technology and infrared detection to measure 5 to 100% oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration over a 0 - 10% range in gases. A high sampling rate of 10 milliseconds (100 times per second) enables measurement of breath-to-breath samples from an exercising subject or gas from a mixing chamber. The GA-200 incorporates a fluorescent measurement display, a keypad for programming the unit's operation and calibration, and analog outputs that enable connection to data recorders such as the iWorx 214 Data Acquisition System. The compact analyzer measures 190 mm wide x 76 mm high x 280 mm deep and is factory calibrated and ready to run without further set-up requirements. iWorx makes advanced physiology teaching and life science research tools.