Category Archives: Transhuman News

IPSWICH, Mass., May 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- New England Biolabs (NEB) announces the release of the NEBNext Microbiome DNA Enrichment Kit, which uses a novel method to separate microbial DNA fromhost DNA, thereby reducing the high cost of sequencing microbiome DNA to a more practical level.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090921/NE79207LOGO-b )

Microbiome samples are commonly dominated by host DNA (up to 99%). This complicates the genetic analyses of these samples, particularly total microbiome DNA sequencing studies. Since only a small percentage of sequencing reads pertain to the microbes of interest, obtaining sufficient sequence coverage of the microbiome DNA can become cost-prohibitive or even technically infeasible.

The NEBNext Microbiome DNA Enrichment Kit utilizes the MBD2-Fc protein, which binds to CpG-methylated DNA (including human genomic DNA) with very high specificity. The MDB2-Fc protein is attached to Protein A-coated magnetic beads, enabling quick and easy removal of the contaminating host DNA in about 30 minutes. The microbial DNA-enriched sample is then ready to be processed for multiple downstream applications, including next generation sequencing, qPCR and endpoint PCR.

"Although microbiome whole genome sequencing provides more information than other methods, such as 16S analysis, this method has proven difficult for many samples, due to the presence of contaminating host genomic DNA," says Fiona Stewart, Product Marketing Manager, Next Generation Sequencing at NEB. "The NEBNext Microbiome DNA Enrichment Kit makes it possible to substantially enrich samples for non-host, microbial DNA, while retaining microbial diversity, thereby improving the quality and cost-effectiveness of downstream analyses."

For more information, visit http://www.neb.com/microbiome

About New England BiolabsEstablished in the mid 1970's, New England Biolabs, Inc. is the industry leader in the discovery and production of enzymes for molecular biology applications and now offers the largest selection of recombinant and native enzymes for genomic research. NEB continues to expand its product offerings into areas related to PCR, gene expression, library preparation for next generation sequencing, cellular analysis, epigenetics and RNA analysis. Additionally, NEB is focused on strengthening alliances that enable new technologies to reach key market sectors. New England Biolabs is a privately held company, headquartered in Ipswich, MA, and has extensive worldwide distribution through a network of exclusive distributors, agents and seven subsidiaries located in Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore and the UK. For more information about New England Biolabs visitwww.neb.com.

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New England Biolabs Releases the NEBNext Microbiome DNA Enrichment Kit

STONY BROOK, NY--(Marketwired - May 7, 2013) - Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (OTCBB: APDN), (Twitter: @APDN), a provider of DNA-based anti-counterfeiting technology and product authentication solutions today issued its latest progress update to its program for SigNature DNA-marking of electronics supplied to the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA).APDN lists forty-two electronics companies that are either under contract, have entered into contract negotiation, or have requested and received a SigNature DNA quotation.The companies include Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Original Component Manufacturers (OCMs), and as designated by DLA, Qualified Manufacturers (QML), including both qualified independent and authorized distributors.

DLA announced in late January that it would subsidize costs for companies implementing SigNature DNA marks.Once the reimbursement policy was instituted, and initial DNA-marking customers trained and certified, APDN began incremental DNA shipments in March.

APDN noted that both the number and rate of contract signings have increased since the reimbursement policy was announced.The accelerated sales cycle is a sign of additional momentum in the DNA-compliant electronics vertical.Other developments include the recruitment of a second company providing third party SigNature DNA marking services and increased efficiency in the certification times for onboarding customers.

APDN stated that 10 companies have now signed contracts to provide SigNature DNA marking on parts provided to DLA, while 9 more have contracts under negotiation, and 23 possess requested quotations for DNA.(APDN noted that the negotiation process does not guarantee or automatically lead to a signed agreement.) These suppliers also support U.S. Department of Defense prime contractors and other military/aerospace companies.Many are looking to expand their SigNature DNA-marking capabilities beyond DLA and offer the forensically secured supply-chain platform to their existing and new OEM and Contract Manufacturer (CM) customers.

Manufacturers using the SigNature DNA platform will use an Authentication Mark, forensically verifying originality of a component anywhere along the supply chain.Distributors are assigned a SigNature DNA Provenance Mark, verifying the immediate source of the part.The Provenance Mark assures the identity of the distributor and verifies that the distributor possesses original component manufacturer traceability or test method paperwork using the widely accepted anti-counterfeiting standard SAE AS6081.

The company notes that SigNature DNA is approved only for companies certified by DLA as trusted sources.As such, the APDN platform is closely linked to DLA quality programs, and is one piece in the effort to prevent counterfeit parts from entering the supply chain.Certifications of the DNA-compliance include the Qualified Manufacturers List (QML), the Qualified Products List (QPL), and the Qualified Testing Suppliers List (QTSL.)In order to qualify for QTSL, companies are required by DLA to implement SigNature DNA marking on designated parts.

Some members of the electronics industry resisted the requirement for DNA marking due to concerns over increased costs or process impact. Early adopters are seeing a rapid return on their investment, with increasing sales to DLA. APDN views the contract increment as evidence of increasing industry acceptance.

Dr. James A. Hayward, CEO and President of Applied DNA Sciences, stated, "I believe that our company's significant commitment of resources to aid the military electronics program is bearing fruit.Our road map for implementation began with the independent distributors, and continues systematically through authorized distributors, OCMs and the prime contractors. We are seeing steady progress in all categories."

Janice Meraglia, APDN Vice President for Military and Government Programs, stated, "We are now strongly branded in the electronics industry, and that brand is recognized and bringing more companies to us.We believe there is a large potential for this technology to transition to other high reliability supply, beyond defense, such as medical and automotive equipment."

About Applied DNA Sciences

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Applied DNA Sciences Expands Base for Signature DNA Marking of Electronics: Forty-Two Companies Rally to DNA Mark