Mascon introduced EXOMEBlast, an iterative and comparative BLAST tool. This is a customized tool, which facilitates to perform BLAST against local databases and NCBI Blast database and user defined/created databases as well. One can compare, filter and append the results and store in the local databases. The EXOMEBlast offers iterative blast, quick building of local databases, comparative blast, efficient filtering, visualization and operates in a user-friendly environment.

For further details, contact: Vibhav Garg
(g.vibhav@mascon.co.in)

Thermo introduces LTQ Orbitrap for small molecule research
Thermo Electron Corporation introduced a hybrid mass spectrometer, LTQ Orbitrap, for small molecule research, drug discovery, proteomics, metabolite identification, and metabolomics. The LTQ Orbitrap is claimed to represent the first totally new mass analyzer to be introduced to the market in over 20 years. Combining patented Orbitrap technology with its successful Finnigan LTQ front-end, the LTQ Orbitrap enables faster, more sensitive and more reliable detection and identification of compounds in complex mixtures. This product is touted as a clear alternative to the existing hybrid Time-of-Flight systems.

For more details, contact: shashin.shah@thermo.com

Waters to introduce new emitter, sprayer
Waters Corporation will introduce a new emitter and sprayer for capillary and nanoflow mass spectrometry applications. Waters NanoEase Emitter can also be used at nanoscale or capillary flows ranging from 100 nL/min up to 10 m L/min compared to alternative emitter designs requiring different pulled or tapered-tip diameters based upon operating flow.

The NanoEase Emitters are optimally developed for use with Waters new Universal NanoFlow Sprayer. This Sprayer is designed with a nebulizing gas sheath and has a slide-and-lock union holder to facilitate alignment of the Emitter in the union. The Sprayer utilizes a zero-dead-volume micro union so that the Emitter and column outlet are precisely mated end-to-end.

For more details, contact: lp_raman@waters.com

Corning announces new surface products for enhanced cell attachment
Corning Life Sciences, a global supplier of scientific laboratory and drug discovery products for more than 90 years, announced the addition of 6, 12, and 24 well plates, 35, 60, and 100mm style dishes and the 235 cm2 expanded surface flask to the new Corning CellBIND Surface family of products. The Corning CellBIND Surface represents the first innovation in cell culture surface treatment in more than 20 years. The unique surface improves consistency and provides more uniform cell attachment across well, dish and flask bottoms, allowing for higher cell yields.

The Corning CellBIND Surface is a patented technology using a microwave process to improve cell attachment by modifying the polystyrene and incorporating more oxygen into the cell culture surface, rendering it more hydrophilic and increasing surface stability. The increased stability of the surface allows for more consistent cell attachment, as cells are less likely to be removed during washing steps and media changes.

The Corning CellBIND Surface is a nonbiological surface and does not require special handling or storage. Additional Corning CellBIND Surface products include roller bottles, flasks, and CellSTACK Culture Chambers and, 96 and 384 microplates.

For more details, contact: clsindia@corning.com

Proteome Profiler Array launched
US-based R&D Systems has introduced Human Phospho-Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (Phospho RTK) array kit for the parallel determination of the relative level of tyrosine phosphorylation of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs). The Human Phospho-RTK array is a rapid, sensitive and economical tool used to simultaneously identify the relative levels of phosphorylation of 42 different RTKs. The development of protein array technology allows the screening of multiple proteins without performing numerous immunoprecipitation and/or western blot analyses. Each capture antibody is carefully validated by using lysate samples prepared from ligand-treated cell lines known to express the target receptor or cell lines transfected with a cDNA encoding a particular RTK. Recombinant tyrosine phosphorylated RTKs are used to validate capture antibodies when ligand-treated lysates were not available. The proteome profiler array is being distributed in India by Delhi-based Biotech India.

For further details, contact: Info@BiotechIndia.com

PerkinElmer launches BioXPRESSION biomarker platform
PerkinElmer Inc., a leading provider in genetic screening, drug discovery, life science research, and analytical solutions, has launched BioXPRESSION biomarker discovery and screening platform. This BioXPRESSION platform provides a complete solution that can speed the discovery of biomarkers through its unique biomarker sample enrichment technology and highly accurate mass pattern recognition approach. The BioXPRESSION platform introduces new Proteomic Signature Technology (PST) that delivers high throughput and ultra-high mass accuracy and stability, resulting in comprehensive and high-confidence proteomic signatures.

The BioXPRESSION Biomarker platform includes the novel prOTOF 2000 MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer, ProXPRESSION carrier protein-based blood biomarker enrichment kits and BAMF technology from Predictive Diagnostics, Inc.

For more details, contact: sodhiak@labindia.com

Cambrex Bio Science announces availability of gene expression data
Cambrex Bio Science Walkersville, a subsidiary of Cambrex Corp., announced the availability of gene expression data and summary analyses for several primary human cell types. A comparison of the gene expression patterns between the undifferentiated and differentiated states revealed results that will aid in understanding the cell differentiation process and cell function. Additionally, new insights were uncovered in the difference between differentiated subcutaneous and visceral fat cells.

In a collaborative effort with Paradigm Array Labs, a service unit of Icoria Inc., genetic expression profiles were generated and analyzed for Cambrex Bio Sciences Walkersville's Poietics Osteoclast Precursors, Subcutaneous Preadipocytes, and Visceral Preadipocytes before and after differentiation.

The unique Poietics family of Cells and Media Systems coupled with recent advancements in transcript profiling provide biologists with efficient tools to further their understanding of the molecular events underlying cellular differentiation. Cambrex intends to expand the analysis to its broad offering of other cell types in its Poietics and Clonetics product lines in future projects with Paradigm Array Labs.

For more details, contact: vivek.verma@cambrexindia.com