Within a decade of its discovery in 1983, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) evolved into one of biology’s most useful tools. PCR amplifies specific segments of genes so accurately that an early National Institutes of Health publication dubbed the

Thanks to work at LLNL, sub-three-minute amplification of DNA and RNA via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is now possible.

Problem: Mass spectrometry (MS) has become an indispensible technology for the analysis of compounds of biological interest, is widely available and offers rapid and accurate detection with broad applicability.

The power supply in electrophoresis equipment runs at a sufficient enough voltage and amperage to deliver an electric shock that could be fatal. The electric shock can also cause burns, damage to the skin, muscles, and nerves. 

Today, PCR is used routinely in dozens of approved medical tests in diagnostic labs and physician offices, and by millions of scientists worldwide.

Dr. Gregory Shipley, director of the Quantitative Genomics Core Laboratory at The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, discusses how he goes about evaluating and investing in new technologies and reagents.

IDT has recently developed its PrimeTime qPCR assay portfolio. This complete range of assay scales enables more affordable gene studies which better reflect the needs of the customer.