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:: Posted by American Biotechnologist on 07-25-2011
We have written many posts about the MIQE real time PCR standards that are basic requirements for anyone engaged in real time PCR experimets. Now there is a new tool for all ipod/iphone users to add to their arsenal. A MIQE qPCR app!
The MIQE app helps scientitst review scientific work and check their own project’s MIQE compliance. Plus, the app includes a list of the most current qPCR news and events and “emergency” contact numbers that you can call/email should you have any questions about your qPCR experiments.
:: Posted by American Biotechnologist on 07-25-2011
An easy-to-use qPCR resource, Bio-Rad’s Real-Time PCR iPhone application includes the Real-Time PCR Applications Guide for researchers who want to learn more about designing, analyzing, and optimizing real-time PCR experiments. Another feature is the qPCR Doctor, an interactive troubleshooting tool for resolving problems relating to real-time PCR assays. The Real-Time PCR iPhone Application also includes a qPCR Assay Design section which provides guidance for designing a qPCR assay, information on validating and optimizing your qPCR assay, and different methods for analyzing qPCR data. This application puts three of Bio-Rad’s best real-time PCR resources at your fingertips.
:: Posted by American Biotechnologist on 01-27-2011
One of the internet’s hidden gems for molecular biologists is the amplification central gateway by Bio-Rad Laboratories.
The gateway includes a ton of resources for those involved in designing and executing both real time and conventional PCR experiments. There’s a PCR Doctor section which includes a real time PCR doctor for diagnosing and treating real time PCR trouble, and a conventional PCR Doctor for diagnosing PCR trouble after the amplification product is run on an agarose (or PAGE) gel.
The site also has tutorials on Real-Time PCR Fundamentals and Real-Time PCR Chemistries which include downloadable presentations and an Assay design section that includes Primer and PCR Product Design, Assay Validation and Optimization Overview and Quantitative PCR Analysis.
To top it all off, the organizers have included a tip of the week (this week’s tip is: Using a standard curve on two different plates can serve as an inter-run calibrator) which should encourage you to visit the gateway regularly.
That is why we are excited to tell you about Biomed Central’s (BMC) topical series on Quantitative Real Time PCR normalization and optimization, Edited by Joshua S. Yuan. According to BMC, topical series bring together manuscripts published in BMC Research Notes that are associated with individual topics. Through the topical series, BMC Research Notes aims to highlight exciting topical areas of research and provide a home for concise articles that raise awareness and encourage discussion of the subjects covered.
:: Posted by American Biotechnologist on 09-08-2010
Food scientists have traditionally relied upon culture-based methods for food safety testing. Due to the proven reliability of these methods and their long history of use in food safety labs, inspectors have been reluctant to adopt more “modern” technologies such as real-time PCR into their food testing repertoire. The food industry is cognizant of the fact that standard microbiological techniques offer much slower time-to-results than can be obtained by real-time PCR, (culture-based Salmonella detection takes at least 4 d to complete whereas real-time PCR can detect the presence of bugs within an hour or two), and are always looking for ways to speed up the safety inspection process. Nonetheless, before safety inspectors jump on the real-time PCR bandwagon, they will require that the wrinkles inherent in some real-time PCR analysis kits (such as the detection of false positives) be ironed out before the they are used on a routine basis. Well, the time for switching techniques may be near.
In a study published in the Journal of Food Science Investigators from the Division of Food Systems and Bioengineering at the University of Missouri have employed the use of Ethidium bromide monoazide (EMA) to bind to DNA of dead cells and prevent its amplification by PCR thereby eliminating detection of dead cells when testing Salmonella levels in chicken and eggs. While PCR cannot differentiate between DNA from live and dead cells (thus posing a problem if used as a technique for quantifying live cells only in a mixture of live and dead cells), EMA staining step prior to PCR allows for the effective inhibition of false positive results from DNA contamination by dead cells.
Modifications to real-time PCR techniques such as the one described above will certainly enhance the uptake of PCR in food safety testing cutting down on manufacturers time to market thereby increasing their profits.
This news comes just in time for Sonya “black widow” Thomas the new buffalo wing eating champion who weighing in at just 105 pounds, beat out professional eating champion Joey Chestnut (231 pounds) by consuming 181 chicken wings in 12 minutes in the 9th annual National Buffalo wing Festival in Buffalo, NY. Faster food safety testing of chicken wings should translate into more wings available for Sonya to consume in the next gluttonous competition!
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