• Applied Biosystems (Foster City, California) reported the release of the first TaqMan assays for microRNA (miRNA) analysis that are configured in an array format. The TaqMan is a molecular tool that can help researchers in pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions more rapidly and efficiently search for miRNA biomarkers associated with disease and accelerate research related to how microRNAs impact biological processes. The arrays require lower amounts of starting RNA sample than other analysis methods, providing a more efficient solution for researchers with limited quantities of tissue sample available. The arrays also enable researchers to conduct experiments to evaluate expression changes in miRNA genes normally expressed at levels too low to detect using other methods such as hybridization microarray techniques. The Applied Biosystems Group of Applera serves the life science industry and makes instrument-based systems, consumables, software, and services.

• Matria Healthcare (Marietta, Georgia) reported the introduction of its new Total Maternal-Newborn Solution (TMNS), an integrated solution to assist health plans with the management of pregnancies across the entire continuum of care. Early results have shown that in a managed population, TMNS has reduced the preterm birth rate to 11.2%, which compares to an increasing national average of 12.5% — a reduction of 11%. By prolonging the pregnancy closer to term, the rates of low birth weight and very low birth weight single infant births also improved by 20% and 45%, respectively, compared with the national average. Matria Healthcare provides comprehensive health enhancement programs to health plans, employers and government agencies.

• North American Scientific (Chatsworth, California) reported that its NOMOS radiation oncology division will introduce Batcam Multi-probe, its new IGRT solution. Batcam integrates a new multi-probe capable ultrasound system into the company's IGRT product, Batcam. The new system features an updated abdominal ultrasound probe featuring color doppler ultrasound enabling IGRT for liver and pancreas treatments in addition to prostate and gynecology. Optional add-ons to the system include a bi-planar rectal probe for prostate volume studies and prostate brachytherapy, and a wideband, linear probe for verification of Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) brachytherapy devices such as ClearPath. North American Scientific makes radiation therapy products and services in the fight against cancer.

• Predictive Biosciences (Lexington, Massachusetts) reported that results from a pilot study will be presented at the GTCBio's Rediscovering Biomarkers Conference, July 23-24 in San Diego. The results will be used to optimize tests detecting MMPs in urine to manage bladder cancer. The study assessed the impact of different sample collection methods on sensitivity and specificity of the MMPs as diagnostic biomarkers for bladder cancer. At a fixed protein level resulting in 90% sensitivity (detecting nine of 10 individuals with cancer), the optimal urine sample collection protocol significantly increased MMP-9 marker specificity, from about 74% (11 false positives of 42 disease-free individuals) to about 91% (five false-positives of 54 disease-free individuals). Predictive Biosciences is an emerging venture that makes diagnostic products for cancer management.

• TomoTherapy (Madison, Wisconsin) reported that it will introduce StatRT at the annual American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) meeting in Minneapolis, July 22-26, 2007. StatRT is a new software package for the TomoTherapy Hi-Art treatment system. It allows the full radiation therapy process—CT scanning, treatment planning and treatment delivery—to be completed in as little as 30 minutes. The software is designed to enhance the quality of care for time-critical cancer cases. With StatRT, Hi-Art users can initiate a fractionated image-guided, intensity-modulated radiation therapy treatment plan, or provide emergency palliation. TomoTherapy makes radiation therapy systems for the treatment of a wide variety of cancers.