Articles tagged with Polymerase Chain Reaction
This article provides optimization strategies for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and a method for loading individual cells with fluorescent probes via patch pipettes. The techniques are described in detail, including touchdown PCR and hot-start PCR, and their applications in neuroscience research.
A study of 65 female commercial sex workers found that remote screening using tampon-based self-collection was easy and preferred over traditional methods. The method proved to be more accurate in detecting gonorrhoea and Chlamydia, with a higher number of cases identified compared to traditional tests.
A middle school student collaborated with his father and researchers to develop a simplified DNA fingerprinting method using food dyes. The experiments are designed for classrooms or teachers with limited experience and can be conducted inexpensively.
A new gastric juice PCR test has been evaluated as a highly specific and rapid method for detecting H. pylori infection in patients taking acid-reducing drugs. The study found that the test was more accurate than other methods for diagnosing the infection, which is associated with various gastrointestinal diseases.
Scientists at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health used MassTag PCR to detect a new human rhinovirus as the cause of severe pediatric respiratory tract infections in Europe. Human rhinoviruses are frequent causes of respiratory illness worldwide, and this discovery confirms earlier findings in New York.
Scientists have developed a rapid prenatal test for Down syndrome that produces accurate results within two hours. The new method uses digital polymerase chain reaction and is potentially cheaper and simpler than existing tests, reducing the workload of lab personnel.
Scientists reanalyzed 151 New York State samples using MassTag PCR, identifying nine previously undiagnosed pathogens, including six viruses and three bacteria. The analysis found that rhinoviruses were a major cause of influenza-like illness in the state during 2004.
The Biodesign Institute developed a mobile, rapid assessment device to respond to potential bioterror threats using automated miniaturized lab-on-a-chip cartridges. A portable biodosimetry system was also designed for identifying radiation exposure in 'dirty bomb' victims.
Researchers develop molecular test to detect M. bovis in badger setts and latrines, revealing high prevalence rates and correlations with infectious status. The study's findings support non-blanket culling of badgers and propose targeted cull strategies using the new tool.
A study found that withdrawing full karyotyping from prenatal diagnosis for Down's syndrome could lead to undetected other chromosome abnormalities, resulting in preventable mental or physical handicaps. The researchers suggest using PCR plus karyotyping for more efficient detection of clinically significant chromosome abnormalities.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health have developed a new technology platform that can identify multiple pathogens simultaneously, providing high sensitivity and breadth. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize differential diagnosis and detection in various fields, including clinical medici...
A new quick test has been developed to detect drug-resistant strains of gonorrhea by identifying genes linked to resistance in urine samples or leftover products from other diagnostic techniques. The test uses probe technology to simplify analysis of samples that cannot be used for culturing organisms.
HDA (helicase-dependent amplification) is a new DNA copying technique that mimics nature's method of replicating DNA using a helicase enzyme. This approach eliminates the need for thermocycling and expensive equipment, making it suitable for hand-held diagnostic devices.
A study of 374 people with HIV-1 infection found that CMV-positive status was significantly associated with accelerated progression to AIDS and death. Randomised clinical trials are needed to investigate the role of CMV in HIV disease progression.
Rosmarin developed a new probe, the C-probe, to detect bacterial infections more accurately. This innovation has great promise for rapidly diagnosing serious infections like meningitis and improving patient outcomes.
A new nanoscience-based diagnostic method called bio-bar-code amplification (BCA) has been developed, rivaling PCR in sensitivity and selectivity. BCA can detect as few as 10 DNA molecules in a sample in minutes, making it suitable for point-of-care diagnostics at various locations.
A Virginia Tech undergraduate, Cindy Schreiber, developed a PCR machine that rapidly identifies mismatched base pairings and mutations in DNA samples. The machine also automates the process, making it more efficient and cost-effective for high school and undergraduate labs.
Researchers developed a molecular test that detects residual cancer cells with high accuracy, outperforming standard cytogenetic analysis. The test predicts disease progression and can be used to stratify patients according to their level of remission, potentially shortening clinical trial duration.
Researchers have discovered that heat shock proteins from deep ocean vent microbes can increase the sensitivity of DNA tests by up to ten times. These unique proteins also enable genetically modified bacteria to survive at higher temperatures.
A global network of scientists identified a new coronavirus as the cause of SARS, rapidly developing diagnostic tests and sharing data in real-time. Three diagnostic tests are now available, but limitations exist, highlighting the need for further work to develop reliable and sensitive tests.
A new detection method uses gold nanoparticles and DNA probes to quickly identify multiple diseases, surpassing conventional methods in sensitivity, selectivity, and speed. This technique has the potential to be inexpensive and widely available.
The new sensor can detect specific biological agents even at trace amounts in air or water, enabling quick diagnosis and treatment in remote medicine scenarios. The device's optical-based system improves response time and enables personalized medicine through genotyping.
Northwestern University scientists developed a new DNA detection method that excels in sensitivity, selectivity, cost, ease of use, and speed. The technology can detect hundreds of pathogenic agents simultaneously and pinpoint single-base mismatches missed by conventional methods.
A new study reveals that a commonly used DNA polymerase can withstand an unprecedented number of mutations without compromising its function. Researchers have identified 8,000 active mutant forms, which may have significant implications for understanding evolution, cancer research, and the development of new biotechnological applications.
Researchers at Northwestern University Medical School have developed a rapid diagnostic test to detect vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), a growing threat to hospital patients. The new method, called hot-start polymerase chain reaction (PCR), detects VRE in 13 of 15 specimens, allowing for early isolation and treatment.
Researchers discovered a strong correlation between mumps virus infection and infantile rapid progression of congestive heart failure (EFE), with 72% of cases positive for the virus. The study's findings support the development of a vaccine against adenovirus, which is currently being produced but not widely available.