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Documenting women's experiences with chromosome abnormalities found in new prenatal test

A new study has documented the experiences of women receiving abnormal prenatal chromosomal microarray testing results, revealing a range of negative reactions. The research highlights the importance of providing emotional support and nuanced counseling to help parents navigate the ambiguities of genetic testing.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateSep 21, 2012

Faster DNA analysis at room temperature

Paul Li's new technique combines DNA microarrays with microfluidic devices, allowing for faster and more efficient DNA analysis at room temperature. The method uses gold nanoparticles to separate single strands of DNA, enabling quicker detection and identification of specific genetic sequences.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateAug 3, 2010

Boston University scientists develop new application to characterize structure of DNA molecules

Researchers have developed a new application called spectral self-interference fluorescence microscopy (SSFM) that characterizes the structure of DNA molecules with sub-nanometer accuracy. Using this technique, the team estimated the shape of coiled single-stranded DNA and double-stranded DNA of different lengths.

SourceBoston University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2006

Ultra-thin coating traps DNA on a leash

Researchers at Penn State have developed a coating made of molecules that binds to glass and grabs onto DNA strands, improving DNA retention on microarrays by over 50%. The coating, which is single molecule thick, allows DNA to act as if it were free-floating.