Marine Biological Laboratory puts Genomic Solutions instruments to use
Instruments provide automated hybridization and imaging of DNA microarrays spotted on standard glass slides
Genomic Solutions Inc. (GSI; Ann Arbor, MI), a leading, worldwide supplier of instruments, consumables and research services for genomic and proteomic research, supplied advanced instrumentation used in the "Biology of Aging" course at the Marine Biological Laboratory (Woods Hole, MA). The course, which ran during the month of August 2000, was part of the Laboratory's annual Summer Education and Research Program. Faculty and students participating in the 2000 program at Woods Hole represented 85 countries worldwide.
The GSI instruments used in the course provided automated hybridization and imaging of DNA microarrays spotted on standard glass slides. The GeneTAC Hybridization Station provides automated heating, cooling, washing and sample agitation of up to 12 biochips simultaneously, reducing experiment time while improving sensitivity and uniformity in biochips for maximum reproducibility. The GeneTAC LS IV Microarray Analyzer provides 2-to-4-color, laser-based imaging of microarrays. The DNA spots are identified and analyzed using the LS IV's accompanying software.
"Genomic Solutions is proud of its continuing role in the Summer Education and Research Program at MBL," says Jim Galt, manager, technical support and training, Genomic Solutions. "In addition to helping faculty and students make important strides in understanding the biology of aging, our participation in the lab's partnership program provided excellent exposure for our instruments, systems and services for genomic research. The Laboratory encouraged us to do demos and workshops on campus to get the word out on our technology. We also were invited to develop relationships with the home institutes of all faculty and students participating in the program. It was an excellent opportunity to bring our technology story to the people whom our systems are designed to help."
The GeneTAC Hybridization Station and LS IV Microarray Analyzer supplied to MBL by Genomic Solutions are components of the larger, fully integrated GeneTAC Biochip System. This highly automated system enables the user to focus on research results rather than dwelling on technical competencies. It provides gene expression analysis, DNA library management, microarray production, hybridization, microarray imaging, microarray analysis and results reporting. GSI's in-house laboratories also provide a wide range of genomic research services on a fee-for-service basis.
Genomic Solutions Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells instruments, software, consumables, and services used to determine the activity level of genes and to isolate, identify and characterize proteins. The company's products and systems enable researchers to perform complex, high volume experiments at a lower cost and in less time than traditional techniques. As a result, Genomic Solutions products and systems facilitate more rapid and less expensive drug discovery. Genomic Solutions markets products through its corporate headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan USA, and offices in the United Kingdom and Japan. Remaining worldwide distribution is provided by PerkinElmer Life Sciences through a strategic alliance with Genomic Solutions. The two companies also cooperate to sell co-branded products and collaborate to leverage their intellectual property and technologies.
For more information: Kathleen Murphy, vice president of corporate communications for Genomic Solutions Inc., at 734-975-4800 or kathleen.murphy@genomicsolutions.com.
Source: Genomic Solutions Inc.