25/01/12: IDT Launch gBlocks, a Revolutionary New Approach to Gene Synthesis & Alternative to Cloning
January 25, 2012 by Peter
I am sooo excited about this new product from IDT. By making genes more affordable, while significantly increasing the speed of delivery, IDT are making synthetic genes more accessible to labs than they have been before.
In short, gBlocks™ Gene Fragments are double-stranded, sequence-verified DNA blocks up to 500 bp in length that can be shipped in 3–4 working days. You define the sequence. Prices are great (EUR 89/DKK 662/ SEK 787), which makes them a realistic alternative to cloning. Users can simply order individual gBlocks, assemble them and drop them straight into their favourite vector.
Anyway, enough from me. If you want to learn some more, please visit the IDT website and try them out!
Update, 27th January:
There are several resources on isothermal assembly, which is one of the recommended methods by which gBlocks can be used to create larger gene fragments. Here is the protocol on the Megason Lab wiki page. The page also contains a link to the original Nature Methods paper, describing the technique.
I wonder if it is just a matter of time before a commercial kit comes out for this…
25/01/12: Agilent Launch Feature Extraction v.11
January 25, 2012 by Peter
This should be of interest to all of you who are using an Agilent scanner to scan your microarrays.
Agilent are pleased to announce the launch of the new standalone Feature Extraction version 11. Feature Extraction 11 represents an evolution in Agilent’s standalone software capability and is able to extract data from all Agilent’s microarrays, including CGH+SNP arrays.
Along with Feature Extraction 11 there is the introduction of the new QC Chart Tool v2.0, which is now integrated to Feature Extraction and installed with it.
In addition, the Feature Extraction product page has been updated to include the link to download the new FE 11.
23/01/12: Upcoming Agilent Webinar on “Array CGH and Genomic Medicine in Hematological Malignancies,” Feb. 9th
January 23, 2012 by Peter
This looks like an interesting event, because it covers the subject of using aCGH microarrays for cancer in a clinical setting.
The webinar will be run on WebEx and you can learn more/register here.
Event Description
Traditional cytogenetic techniques such as chromosome analysis and FISH have provided valuable genetic information for the evaluation of hematological malignancies. However, many genomic abnormalities remain undetected due to the limitations intrinsic to these techniques. Recently, the introduction of DNA array-based technologies has enabled the identification of previously undetected copy number changes with an increased resolution and sensitivity and a more precise determination of genomic break points and gene content. We have designed and validated a combined targeted-whole genome custom oligonucleotide microarray for the evaluation of hematological malignancies in clinical research. The use of this technology not only allowed us to confirm genetic alterations identified by chromosome analysis or FISH, but also enabled the detection of novel genomic imbalances in myeloid, lymphoid and plasma cell disorders. Several copy number alterations were observed in karyotypically normal patients allowing the discovery of potential tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes important in the pathogenesis of several hematological neoplasms such as myelodysplastic syndrome, multiple myeloma and chronic lymphocytic lymphoma. Our work also emphasizes the importance of incorporating this technology into current algorithms used in clinical cancer research.
20/01/12: Upcoming Conference in Denmark: Integrative Network Biology 2012, 11-13 May 2012
January 20, 2012 by Peter
This conference in Denmark looks really interesting for anyone interested in Systems and Network Biology. The organizers have done a great job in getting together a good set of international speakers and it is not too expensive. Plus, May is one of the nicest months to visit Denmark. The conference venue is reasonably close to the nice beach at Snekkersten, if my memory is correct.
Check out the conference homepage here.
The only downside (for me at least) is that I won’t be able to make it!!
17/01/12: Agilent Pre-Conference Workshop at AGBT 2012, February 15th
January 17, 2012 by Peter
Sounds pretty good:
Agilent’s Pre-Conference Workshop at AGBT
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 | 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Save the Date! Register for Agilent’s Pre-Meeting Workshop and be the first to hear about Halo Genomics’ revolutionary products for Next Gen Sequencing. Agilent will be hosting keynote researchers for an in-depth review of cutting-edge research.
Speakers Include:
Edwin Cuppen Ph.D., Hubrecht Institute
Alexander Hoischen Ph.D., Radboud University Medical Centre
Andrew Brown Ph.D., Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR)
John Stamatoyannopoulos Ph.D., University of Washington
John Mcpherson Ph.D., The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research
Somasekar Seshagiri Ph.D., Genentech
And more keynotes TBA!
More details and Registration Here
