Molecular Designs

If you’ve ever been curious as to the narrative history of how PCR was developed, see this article from “The Scientist,” which breaks down how scientist Kary Mullis was inspired with the solution for targeted DNA synthesis while on a moonlit drive, how he partnered with Henry Erlich and Fred Faloona to execute it, the skepticism they faced, and how they overcame the challenges associated with achieving specific target amplification. According to Henry Erlich, “Once you’ve shown that it works, this idea is kind of simple and almost seems, in retrospect, obvious, but the idea that you could amplify a specific targeted DNA sequence using an oligonucleotide primer and DNA polymerase was not at all obvious.” #pcr #pcrtesting #pcrindustrynews #molecularbiology #KaryMullis #researchhistory #scientificbreakthrough News Source: The Scientist - https://hubs.li/Q02PQcjN0

A recent study by researchers from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Vanderbilt University found that COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (RATs) had a sensitivity of 47% compared to PCR which displayed 80% accuracy. This study suggests that PCR may be the most appropriate choice in high-risk patients eligible for antiviral drugs. According to the researchers, “The low sensitivity of antigen testing among persons with asymptomatic infections illustrates that these tests should only be used once symptoms are present.” #pcr #pcrtesting #pcrindustrynews #COVID19 #rapidtesting #publichealth #pandemic News Source: UMN CIDRAP - https://hubs.li/Q02PQrtq0

Avian flu crosses species, infecting cats and cattle in Texas and Kansas As the world reacts to the news of an Avian flu strain crossing species into birds and cattle, PCR was instrumental in measuring the crossover event. The recent outbreak of Avian flu began with a Eurasian strain of the virus (H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b) and is of specific concern since it was detected in severe flu cases among humans in Chile and Ecuador. In animals, infected cattle showed reduced milk production and systemic illness, and approximately half of the cats that consumed milk from infected cows died from the contracted virus. The study underscores the importance of surveillance in domesticated animal populations to prevent the spread of avian influenza across species, and ultimately to humans. #pcr #pcrtesting #pcrindustrynews #avianflu #H5N1 #publichealth News Source: News Medical Life Sciences - https://hubs.li/Q02NnNNw0

Gut microbiome study challenges established cancer biomarkers, identifies new bacterial links to colorectal cancer. PCR continues to enable researchers in the understanding of complex illnesses. A recent study published in Nature Medicine challenges what was previously understood about the link between gut bacteria and colorectal cancer. Using PCR to analyze 600 samples from colorectal cancer screenings, researchers surprisingly found that some of the “known” markers for cancer were not found to be significantly correlated to cancer development, while other bacterial species which had not previously shown relevance ended up being strongly associated with the disease. This suggests that the role of gut bacteria in colorectal cancer may be more complex than previously thought and new markers for the disease continue to emerge. #pcr #pcrtesting #pcrindustrynews #colorectalcancer #cancerscreening #colonoscopy News Source: News Medical Life Sciences - https://hubs.li/Q02Np3f40

Immunocompromised patients show prolonged SARS-CoV-2 infection and unique mutations. A new PCR-based study on SARS-CoV-2 revealed that specific immunocompromised patients, namely those with malignancy or B-cell depletion or dysfunction, suffered prolonged COVID infections, often with associated increased opportunity for mutations. Drawing conclusions form the study, the authors suggest that “Populations at high risk should be targeted for repeated testing and treatment and monitored for the emergence of antiviral resistance.” #pcr #pcrtesting #pcrindustrynews #COVID19 #COVID #pandemic #immunocompromised News Source: The Lancet Microbe - https://hubs.li/Q02NnXs10

PCR stands to change the future landscape of cancer diagnostics and monitoring. Next-gen sequencing can be used for the same outcomes in cancer therapy, but it can be cost-prohibitive and difficult to justify. That said, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) offers many of the same benefits, but with better affordability and accessibility, especially for smaller research institutions. “As more and more studies continue to demonstrate the effectiveness of ddPCR technology in ctDNA and MRD monitoring, it is likely that its use will become increasingly widespread in clinical research. Ultimately, this could lead to more personalized and effective treatments for cancer patients and improved outcomes for those living with this devastating disease.” #pcr #pcrtesting #pcrindustrynews #cancerresearch #ddPCR #PrecisionMedicine News Source: Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine - https://hubs.li/Q02Np3g-0

"How PCR Testing Enhances Surveillance Capabilities for Gastrointestinal Pathogens In an interview with Dr. Davidson Hamer, Professor of Global Health and Medicine at Boston University, he broke down the emerging importance PCR in detecting and managing gastrointestinal pathogens. Norovirus, Salmonella, Listeria, and Campylobacter are common culprits, and PCR has the ability to test for all of them simultaneously. Dr. Hamer sees it particularly important in public health measures: “People are increasingly using multiplex PCR platforms for diagnosis of intestinal parasites, and trying to define at the population level what the relative prevalence of a parasite is.” At Molecular Designs, we also believe in the importance of rigorous molecular testing for GI agents - our new GI panel can test across common parasites, viruses, and bacteria. #pcr #pcrtesting #pcrindustrynews #gastrointestinalPCR #GastrointestinalHealth #publichealth News Source: Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine"

Excitement is building at ADLM 2024! The Molecular Designs team is ready to showcase our game-changing Simplicity™ product line at booth #4938. Come meet our friendly experts and discover how we're revolutionizing lab automation and simplifying workflows. Don't miss this chance to discover our Simplicity™ products and chat with the minds behind the innovation. Stop by for more information, a discussion, or just to say hello! #ADLM2024 #MolecularDesigns #LabAutomation #SimplifyYourLab Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine

Excited to announce that Molecular Designs will be exhibiting at ADLM 2024! Visit us at booth #4938 to learn more about our Simplicity™ product line. From pre-plated PCR panels and automated extraction systems to sample collection solutions and comprehensive LIS integration, our experts are ready to assist you with all your inquiries. We'll be available before, during, and after ADLM to ensure you get the support you need. Looking forward to connecting with colleagues and industry partners. See you there! Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine #ADLM2024 #MolecularDesigns #Innovation #moleculardiagnostics

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