• Illumina (San Diego) reported the introduction of the Infinium HumanHap550-Duo BeadChip, the company's fourth multi-sample DNA Analysis solution for genome-wide association studies. The HumanHap550-Duo provides the same content as the HumanHap550 BeadChip in a dual-sample format, resulting in significantly greater throughput and lower cost per sample. Illumina makes life-science tools and integrated systems for the large-scale analysis of genetic variation and biological function.

• Precision Dynamics (San Fernando, California) reported the release of color-coded alert band wristbands for patient safety. Each band is equipped with Precision Dynamics SecurSnap closure for optimum patient comfort and safety. The color coded alert wristbands provides healthcare professionals with the following advantages: clear visibility of patient alerts even if the patient shifts or the patient cannot be disturbed, SecurSnap closures for patient security, safety and comfort, flexibility in size for patient comfort, custom printed text to fit any standardized level now and in the future, and custom alert logos to allow for less common conditions such as "Limb alert" or "Lymphedema Alert" etc. Precision Dynamics makes automated wristband identification products.

• Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis) reported the release of its new ProteoPrep 20 LC column that will simplify biomarker discovery by removing more biological "noise." With this tool, proteomic researchers will be able to delve deeper into the plasma proteome and save significant time with less fractions to assess in the analysis phase, the company said. The ProteoPrep 20 LC can accommodate a plasma or serum sample of 100 microliters and can be used to deplete a minimum of 100 samples. This effectively enables immunodepletion of more than 10,000 microliters of serum or plasma. The new liquid chromatography version of the ProteoPrep20 technology is compatible with chromatography systems and is therefore more automated. Sigma will also continue to offer the spin column formats. Sigma-Aldrich is a life science and high technology company.

• Smart Products (Morgan Hill, California) recently introduced its 101 micro barbed check valve. The small valve, which fits 1/8" ID (inner diameter) tubing, is ideal for medical applications that incorporate tubing, including blood pressure cuffs, kidney dialysis, and post-surgery instrumentation – or any application where space is at a premium. The 101 micro barbed check value delivers a range of precise opening pressures that range from 2 PSI to 20 PSI. Due to the spring-loaded design, the 101 barbed check valve does not require pressure to close and can also be used as a pressure relief valve. The valve easily inserts into tubing, which eliminates potential leak points. Check valves are used in applications to restrict the ability of a fluid to flow in one direction (the check direction) while allowing fluid to flow freely in the opposite direction (flow direction). Smart Products makes check valves, pumps, and related components.

• Thermage (Hayward, California) introduced the new ThermaTip STC treatment tip designed to promote substantial treatment time savings and help improve patient outcomes. The ThermaTip STC (smoothing, tightening and contouring) treatment tip is a premium version of the existing ThermaTip TC with modified temperature parameters. The STC parameters allow a greater volume of tissue to be heated, while still safely protecting the epidermis. Increased heat delivery in the dermal layer helps improve smoothing and tightening at the superficial level of the skin while maintaining depth of heating to contour tissue. Thermage provides a non-invasive procedure designed to tighten and contour skin.