Category Archives: DNA

LONDON and HILDEN, Germany, March 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

A new DNA test launched today cuts the time it takes to find horsemeat in food from two days to less than four hours. The process was developed by QIAGEN, the world's leading provider of molecular sample and assay technologies.

The new testing method can detect in real time even minute traces of horsemeat (

"Current and previous scandals reveal a fundamental flaw in Europe's food surveillance systems. The consumer is asking for rules and testing standards that ensure our food contains what it says on the label. Only such tests can ensure that the economic future of Europe's farmers and food industry will not be jeopardised by a few rogue traders," said Dr. Dietrich Hauffe, Senior Vice President and Head of Life Sciences at QIAGEN. "A regulatory framework with a comprehensive and standardised testing regime will benefit grocery shoppers, food producers, retailers and testing service providers."

There are currently only limited rules in the European Union on how to test food ingredients for their authenticity. Furthermore, test outcomes differ from country to country and test lab to test lab. That's because the two most common test methods - ELISA tests for proteins, and end-point PCR tests for DNA - are cumbersome, lack common standards and, in the case of the ELISA test, don't always work for processed food.

In contrast, QIAGEN's solutions can be implemented across Europe to contribute to uniform testing standards. The testing system is based upon real-time PCR and incorporates proprietary technologies for the reliable and fast extraction of DNA, which is regarded as one of the most challenging steps in food testing. The new test complements QIAGEN's existing offering of more than 30 different tests for food safety, which is considered to be the broadest range of real-time PCR tests in the industry. QIAGEN technology also helps to diagnose a wide range of diseases, and is widely used in forensics, veterinary testing as well as life science and pharmaceutical research.

A range of images of the QIAGEN Horsemeat testing process can be found here: http://www.qiagen.com/About-Us/Press-and-Media/Photo-Archive/

PCR test: Polymerase chain reaction, a method of producing multiple copies of specific DNA and RNA sequences for detection and evaluation. PCR is one of the most frequently used techniques in many areas of basic and applied research, from forensics and medical diagnostics to food testing. QIAGEN offers several PCR technologies and a proprietary PCR detection platform.

Elisa test: The Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assaytest uses antibodies and colour changes to identify proteins or other substances in liquid or wet samples.

About QIAGEN

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New DNA Test Cuts Time to Find Horsemeat in Food from Two Days to Less than Four Hours

A painting in the Olduvai Gorge Museum, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania.

Some time in humanitys past, a small group of Homo sapiens migrated out of Africa before spreading out to every possible corner of the Earth. All the women of that group carried DNA inherited from just one woman, commonly known as mitochondrial Eve, whose DNA was inherited by all humans alive today. But the exact timing of this migration is not clear, and it has sparked debate among geneticists. Now, new research published in Current Biology may help calm both sides.

Studies of evolutionary events often involve the use of molecular clocks based on changes in DNA that accumulate over time. To accurately calibrate a clock, it helps to have a measure of the rate of mutations.

In 2012, UK Researchers used a method of analysis that involves DNA from the nucleus of present day humans. Armed with data from parents and their offspring, they estimated a new, much lower rate of DNA mutation. Based on their results, it would seem that human DNA may change much more slowly than was previously thought. The slow mutation rate puts the date of human migration out of Africa at somewhere between 90,000 and 130,000 years ago.

"This was very surprising," says Alissa Mittnik, a researcher at the University of Tbingen in Germany. "It contradicts what we know from fossil studies."

Those fossil studies have used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which is easily preserved in old fossils, to estimate the mutation rate. The mutation rate was then used to calibrate events in humanitys past.

This data spills into other areas of research. For example, when combined with evolutionary models, this information can help predict which humans were able to build the various things that have been dug up by archaeologists. Carbon dating can give the precise age of the objects, but depending on the mutation rates, the species that made and used the object could be, for instance, modern humans or the Neanderthals.

In Current Biology, Mittnik and her colleagues report a new mutation rate. This rate may help researchers find a middle ground on the period when the African migration happened.

Their estimate relies on mtDNA too, but they claim it is much more reliable, in part because it uses mtDNA from ten different fossils, ranging from 700 to 40,000 years old. The new estimated rate is higher than the UK researchers got using nuclear DNA, but lower than older estimates of mtDNA studies. The lower rates reported by UK researchers, Mittnik says, could be because of their use of too stringent filterstheir analysis missed out on mutations that might have actually occurred (technically called false negatives).

Mittnik admits that, if it were possible, she would have studied nuclear DNA of fossils. That is because mtDNA only has 37 of the roughly 20,000 human genesthe rest are in nuclear DNA. But each cell has only two copies of nuclear DNA. Whereas it has hundreds of copies of mtDNA because it has many mitochondria in each cell, and each of them have multiple copies of the mtDNA. This makes it much harder to study nuclear DNA from fossil remains.

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Fossil DNA used to reset humanity’s clock

NPR Illustration/iStockphoto.com

NPR Illustration/iStockphoto.com

If you think programming a clock radio is hard, try reprogramming life itself. That's the goal of Drew Endy, a synthetic biologist at Stanford University.

Endy has been working with a laboratory strain of E. coli bacteria. He sees the microbes as more than just single-cell organisms. They're little computers.

"Any system that's receiving information, processing information and then using that activity to control what happens next, you can think of as a computing system," Endy says.

Normally the E. coli follow their own program. Is there food? Is the temperature all right? The bacteria process this information and make simple decisions about what to do next. Mainly, they decide whether to reproduce. Endy sees potential for them to do much more. He wants to take control of a cell's genetic machinery and use it to do human computing.

"For us, what's become exciting is the idea that we could get inside the cells in sort of a bottom-up fashion," he says.

Endy is talking about more than splicing in a few extra genes, as scientists already do with crops. He wants to make cells that can follow different programs, just like a computer. To do that, he needed to create something all computers have to have: the transistor.

Transistors are simple on/off switches. Computers are made of many millions of these switches. And to program a cell, you need a biological version. As Endy reports this week in Science, he's managed to make one out of DNA.

His switch, which he's called a "transcriptor," is a piece of DNA that he can flip on and off, using chemicals called enzymes. Endy put several of these DNA switches inside his bacteria. He could use the switches to build logic circuits that program each cell's behavior. For example, he could tell a cell to change color in the presence of both enzyme A and enzyme B. That's a simple program: IF enzyme A AND enzyme B [are present] THEN turn green. For an in-depth look, check out Endy's own explanation on YouTube.

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Tiny DNA Switches Aim To Revolutionize 'Cellular' Computing

An inmate convicted of murder and sent to prison in 2002 for 65 years might have a glimmer of hope for DNA testing in his case based on a decision Wednesday by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Instead of dismissing William Harris' civil rights claim, a Houston federal judge should have given him the opportunity to amend his complaint to "state his best case," according to the federal appellate court's opinion issued Wednesday.

Harris, 48, has filed lawsuits in various courts claiming his constitutional rights were violated because the Harris County D.A. would not use DNA testing on evidence in his case.

According to the appeals court opinion, district courts should not dismiss pro se complaints - those filed on one's own behalf without a lawyer - "without first providing the plaintiff an opportunity to amend, unless it is obvious from the record that the plaintiff has pled his best case."

In September 2002, a Harris County jury found Harris guilty of the strangulation of his wife, Wenona Lynn Morris-Harris, 29.

The Texas Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction in 2004. The state appeals court also denied two motions for post-conviction DNA testing.

Sued D.A. Pat Lykos

In 2006, Harris filed a habeus corpus petition in federal court challenging the conviction, based on the lack of DNA testing, and was denied relief.

Then last year, Harris sued then-Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos, accusing her of denying him due process by repeatedly refusing to seek or recommend DNA testing of evidence.

The case was dismissed by U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes less than three weeks later.

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Court ruling could mean DNA testing for convicted murderer

DUBLIN, Ireland, March 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "DNA Sequencing and PCR Markets" report to their offering.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130307/600769 )

DNA sequencing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are two major technology platforms of value in life science research, drug discovery and clinical diagnostics. The markets for sequencing are extremely competitive, driven by rapid technological advancements and aggressive price wars. Next-generation sequencing presents an exciting area of growth for life science tool vendors, including those providing sequencers, ancillary instrumentation, reagents and software.

This TriMark Publications report provides an in-depth analysis of key technology and market trends in the high-throughput sequencing space while analyzing the main drivers of growth in markets for PCR products and applications. The study provides a thorough overview of DNA sequencing and PCR, including applications, opportunities, technological trends, and market share and dynamics with a particular focus on the U.S, Japan, European, and Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) markets.

This report also analyzes almost all of the companies known to be marketing, manufacturing or developing DNA sequencing and PCR products in the U.S. and worldwide. Each company is discussed in extensive depth with a section on its history, product line, business and marketing analysis, and a subjective commentary of the company's market position. Detailed tables and charts with sales forecasts and market data are also included.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Overview

2. Introduction to DNA Sequencing and PCR Technology

3. DNA Sequencing Technologies and Market Analysis

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DNA Sequencing and PCR Markets

DNA has helped police nab the suspect in the 2011 shooting death of a man at an apartment complex in south Houston.

Rodrick Damion Mitchell, 36, is charged with murder in the fatal shooting of Hao Anh Huynh, 22, about 2:30 a.m. Dec. 18, 2011 at the Catalina Village Apartments at 3560 Dixie Drive.

Police said officers were dispatched to the complex after residents complained about loud noise. When the officers arrived, they heard several gunshots. Then they found Huynh lying in the complex courtyard. He had been shot twice and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said witnesses told investigators they saw a man driving away from the scene after the shooting in a white Chevrolet. Also, crime-scene investigators gathered firearms evidence and other items at the scene. The evidence was later tested for DNA. The results, police said, were put into a national DNA database. On March 20, investigators learned Mitchell's DNA was identified on one of the articles tested.

He was arrested Tuesday without incident.

Witness identified him as the man they had seen driving away from the scene moments after the shooting.

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DNA helps nab suspect in 2011 fatal shooting

Continuing the trial on Thursday, Cassandra Campbell, a forensic scientist at theMichigan State Police forensics lab in Lansing, told the jury that a DNA sample taken from the Budweiser beer can found at the scene matched a DNA sample obtained from the inside of Hollman's cheek.

When examining a breadknifefound near Nelson's body, Campbell said the lab determined the DNA in Nelson's blood was the main source of DNA, so the lab used a DNA test that allows them to isolate and examine male DNA only.

Using the test onskin cells on the handle of the knife, Campbell said the lab identified three different sources of male DNA. Hollman's DNA profile matched that of the "largest donor" of the three male profiles found.

She said the test is useful for examining a small amount of male DNA in the presence of much more female DNA, but noted that males on a person's paternal side would have the same DNA profile. For example, DNA from Hollman's father would be indistinguishable from Hollman's own DNA, she said.

She testified that fingernail clippings of Cassandra Nelson contained only Nelson's own DNA.

Detective Sgt. Kenneth Binder of the MSP Bridgeport Crime Lab testified that no fingerprints were found on several items found at the scene, including a television found on Nelson's body, a blue plastic mug, a cardboard kitchen knife sheath and a steak knife, along with the blood-covered bread knife and the Budweiser beer can.

Amanda Sanchez, 20, identified herself as Hollman's girlfriend and told the jury she spent time with him on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012, when the couple went to Isabella County, paying Hollman's fines at the court house before gambling for several hours at the Soaring Eagle Casino in Mount Pleasant.

Upon request by the prosecution, Sanchez pointed out Hollman, wearing a white shirt and hat, and herself walking around the casino and playing slot machines and said they were there for most of the day before returning to the Saginaw area to stay at a hotel for the next two nights.

The couple went to Fashion Square Mall Friday, Sanchez said, where she bought Hollman a pair of Nike shoes.

Grigg testified that the witness did not board the train as instructed and agreed upon, and told Grigg during a phone call that he received online messages from Hollman's mother asking him not to come to Saginaw to testify. On another phone call, Grigg said a woman who identified herself as the man's girlfriend said he has received threats online from others about coming to Saginaw to testify.

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DNA on bloody knife, beer can at homicide scene matches Saginaw man, expert testifies

Mar. 21, 2013 The discovery of the Rosetta Stone resolved a longstanding puzzle, permitting the translation of Egyptian hieroglyphs into Ancient Greek.

John Chaput, a researcher at Arizona State University's Biodesign Institute has been hunting for a biological Rosetta Stone -- an enzyme allowing DNA's 4-letter language to be written into a simpler (and potentially more ancient) molecule that may have existed as a genetic pathway to DNA and RNA in the prebiotic world.

Research results, which recently appeared in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, demonstrate that DNA sequences can be transcribed into a molecule known as TNA and reverse transcribed back into DNA, with the aid of commercially available enzymes.

The significance of the research is three-fold:

In the case of biomedical applications, XNAs may be developed into aptamers -- molecular structures that can mimic the properties of naturally occurring polymers, folding into a variety of 3-dimensional forms and binding with selected targets. Aptamers are useful for a range of clinical applications including the development of macromolecular drugs.

"TNA is resistant to nuclease degradation, making it an ideal molecule for many therapeutic and diagnostic applications," Chaput says.

The structural plans for organisms ranging from bacteria to primates (including humans) are encrypted in DNA using an alphabetic code consisting of just A, C, T & G, which represent the 4 nucleic acids. In addition to their information-carrying role, DNA and RNA possess two defining properties: heredity, (which allows them to propagate their genetic sequences to subsequent generations) and evolution, (which allows successive sequences to be modified over time and to respond to selective pressure).

The chemical complexity of DNA has convinced most biologists that it almost certainly did not arise spontaneously from the prebiotic soup existing early in earth's history. According to one hypothesis, the simpler RNA molecule may at one time have held dominion as the sole transmitter of the genetic code. RNA is also capable of acting as an enzyme and may have catalyzed important chemical reactions leading eventually to the first cellular life.

But RNA is still a complex molecule and the search for a simpler precursor that may have acted as a stepping-stone to the RNA, DNA and protein system that exists today has been intense.

A variety of xenonucleic acids are being explored as candidates for the role of transitional molecule. In the current study, threose nucleic acid or TNA is investigated. Chaput says that establishing TNA as a progenitor of RNA would require demonstrating that TNA can perform functions that would help support a pre-RNA world. Of particular importance, would have been the ability replicate itself in the absence of protein enzymes.

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Enzymes allow DNA to swap information with exotic molecules

LAS VEGAS, March 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --NANOTECH ENTERTAINMENT (NTEK) today announced from the DNA association as a founder member. Amusement Expo 2013 that it has accepted an invitation to join. The DNA is a young, rapidly-growing association of individuals and companies developing social and networked out-of-home entertainment applications, found in amusement and theme parks, retail centers, educational institutions and sports, fitness and leisure facilities.

Kevin Williams, Founding Chairman of the DNA stated, "We are very excited for NanoTech to join the association. The NanoTech team brings a wealth of industry experience and cutting edge innovation to the changing landscape of out-of-home entertainment." The focus of the DNA Association is to define the amorphous groups that comprise a vibrant industry and illustrate how they all interact but also to show what technology actually brings to those that operate them with statistical data for members and exclusive information circulation through membership. All this supported by special conferences to be held internationally. "NanoTech is always looking beyond the cutting edge of technology and is a welcome member to join our association and share their ideas and concepts that will help shape the future of this industry."

David R. Foley, founder of NanoTech stated, "Kevin has always had a keen eye on the industry and a more in depth understanding than many of the people in the industry. The DNA association represents a democratic concept of trying to better the market and share valuable ideas and information amongst its members. NanoTech will benefit greatly from this association."

For all details on the DNA Association contact Kevin Williams (KWP / DNA Association), kwp@thestingerreport.com, +44 7785 254 729, http://www.dna-association.com.

The NanoTech Entertainment logo is a trademark of NanoTech Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. "The Future of Television" is a service mark of NanoTech Entertainment, Inc., All Rights Reserved

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NanoTech Entertainment (NTEK) Joins DNA as Founder Member

King Wu of Zhou the Fifth and Empress Li Lihuana, now living in Philadelphia, Pa., were recently joined together at a joyous celebration that was followed by much speculation as to when they might start a family. Their adopted relatives at least were assured the pair had a good chance of siring healthy offspring. You see, this was a coupling of Himalayan cats and not royal humans, and their relationship had already received a veterinary thumbs up, thanks to new breakthroughs in feline DNA research.

Perhaps the biggest boost in this scientific field was the recent announcement that the domestic cat genome was sequenced. But what exactly does that mean, and how could it affect you and your cat now and in the future?

DNA is like a somewhat secretive code made up of words that consist of only four letters: G, C, A and T. Like lottery numbers, the letters combine in all sorts of different ways in the genome, which is an individuals full set of DNA. Each word contains instructions that help to make and run each and every cell in the living creatures body. The individual could be a human or all other species on the planet, including your cat.

Cats are the greatest predators that ever lived, says Stephen OBrien, PhD, who led the Cat Genome Project. Dr. OBrien, a scientist at the U.S. National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Md., and a feline fancier himself was thrilled when he and his team recently announced that the domestic cat genome had at last been sequenced. He explains that he and his team identified the order of the DNA words, or building blocks, which was like decoding the secret genetic recipe for what makes up a cat. The arduous process entailed the identification of a whopping 20, 285 genes in the feline genome, proving that cats are indeed complex critters.

As exemplified by the planned, guilt-free joining of the two Himalayan cats from Philly, pet owners like you can already benefit from the DNA secret code unravelings. Randall Smith, spokesman for DDC Veterinary, a division of DNA Diagnostics Center in Fairfield, Ohio, oversaw King Wu of Zhous DNA paternity testing. Breeders like his owners, who wish to remain anonymous, are really fueling advances in this field, Smith says. If an animal is a purebred, we can help to confirm and trace back its family lineage, but there are big health benefits too.

Smith explains that his laboratory also tested the royal, handsome feline for a deadly disorder among Himalayan, Persian and other exotic cats called polycystic kidney disease, or PKD. This inherited disease causes cysts to form on a cats kidneys. Eventually PKD may lead to a painful death. King Wus tests came back completely negative, meaning that neither his father nor his mother carried the PKD gene, so hes now good to go for breeding umpteen litters of PKD-free kittens, so long as his mates also test negative.

PKD is the primary DNA health-related test for felines now, but Smith predicts that others will soon be possible. Cats have been slow to come on to DNA testing, perhaps because more dogs are purebreds and are easier to study for genetically inherited disorders, he says. But advances likely will come very quickly, since many hereditary disorders in felines mirror similar ones in people.

Cats May Benefit Human Health

One amazing realization made possible through the recent advances in genetics is how similar cats are to humans on the DNA level. In fact, all mammals that have had their genomes decipheredcows, dogs, mice, chimpanzees, rats and moreshare similar chromosomes, which are the specialized structures that hold genes in each cell. For researchers, such comparisons are like analyzing the primary ingredients of a bunch of different cookies. One may be peanut butter and another chocolate chip, but the basic formula remains the same, so theyre all cookies. In this case, a comparable formula encodes for all mammals.

This story was published on Gadzoo.com via The Daily Cat.

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DNA findings will revolutionize cat health