Data Storage in DNA Becomes a Reality

From Discover Magazine Blog

 

DNA is the building block of life, but in the future it may also be the standard repository for encyclopedias, music and other digital data. Scientists announced yesterday that they successfully converted 739 kilobytes of hard drive data in genetic code and then retrieved the content with 100 percent accuracy.

 

The researchers began with the computer files from some notable cultural highlights: an audio recording of MLK Jr.’s 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech, all 154 of Shakespeare’s sonnets, and, appropriately, a copy of Watson and Crick’s original research paper describing DNA’s double helix structure. On a hard drive, these files are stored as a series of zeros and ones. The researchers worked out a system to translate the binary code into one with four characters instead: A, C, G and T. They used this genetic code to synthesize actual strands of DNA with the content embedded in its very structure.

Common vaccine for all flu

Universal Flu Vaccines Charge Ahead

Researchers and biotech companies are bringing a universal flu vaccine closer to reality.

http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/33933/title/Universal-Flu-Vaccines-Charge-Ahead/

It’s a frustrating fact of life that coming down with influenza one year doesn’t guarantee anyone a flu-free season the next year. Even the flu vaccine doesn’t provide full-proof protection, as it covers only a select few strains of the virus—a selection that’s based on the World Health Organization’s best bet as to which strains around the world will be most prevalent in the coming flu season.

Unfortunately, those predictions are proved wrong about one time out of 20, explained Sarah Gilbert, who leads the Human Influenza Vaccine Programme at the University of Oxford’s Jenner Institute.

However, some researchers are getting closer to creating the ever-elusive universal flu vaccine, which could protect against a number of influenza viruses at once, including pandemic strains. If successful, universal flu vaccines would take the guesswork out of vaccine planning, and only require booster shots every few years.

One antibody to bind them all

Influenza is an RNA virus that uses its hemagglutinin (HA) protein like a key to allow it to enter and infect target host cells. In response to infection, or to a typical flu vaccine, the body produces antibodies that bind the head of the HA molecule, preventing free-floating virus from entering and infecting cells. However, the head is also the part of the HA protein that the virus most frequently changes via mutation, making the antibodies produced against one strain ineffective against another.

Immunology Travel Grant Application

R&D Systems is offering travel grants to Immunology 2013™

To apply for one of ten $1,000 travel grants to attend the 100th meeting of the American Association of Immunologists, held in Honolulu, HI (May 3-7, 2013), simply fill out the application form below.*

^*Terms & Conditions

 

 

• The application submission deadline is February 28, 2013.
• Recipients will be determined via a random drawing by R&D Systems, Inc.
• Applicants must complete the application form in full.
• Recipients will be announced March 15, 2013.

Immunology 2013™ is a trademark of the American Association of Immunologists.

 

http://www.rndsystems.com/rnd_page_objectname_lp_immuno_travel_grants.aspx?utm_source=c4&utm_medium=goURL&utm_term=ImmunoTravel&utm_campaign=2013%20Immunology%20Travel%20Grants

NSF GRANT DEADLINE EXTENDED

* Deadline to reach applications at NSF is extended up to January 31st, 2013 **

National Science Foundation (NSF) promotes technology development and innovation for socio-economic development of Sri Lanka by building public-private, institution-industry partnerships.Accordingly, the NSF supports state, non-state sector organizations as well as individuals not belonging to any organization not only to develop new technologies, products and processes addressing technological solutions industry/ market needs but also to start up businesses based on new technologies. Thus, NSF is inviting applications for technology grants under the following two schemes.

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Support for technology development (  to read more and download applications)
            2. Support for start up businesses based on novel technologies (  to read more and download applications)

Grants are open to all under three categories

Category 1 - Universities and R & D Institutions
Category 2* - Companies
Category 3* - Individuals

* For disbursement of funds stricter conditions apply. Grant amount will be limited to 50% - 70% of project cost.

Some important areas considered under the scheme “support for technology development” are ICT solutions to improve Health, Agriculture & Education sectors and prototype development focusing
electronic industry.

Maximum grant size will depend on proposed work and availability of funds. Only one grant is awarded to one principal applicant ( rst applicant). Completed applications in triplicate should be addressed to the Director, NSF. Please indicate the scheme applied for on the top left hand corner of the envelope. The applications must reach the NSF by January 15th, 2013

The following tax reliefs imposed by the government for research and technology will be applied for the scheme “Support for Technology Development”.

• • Reduction of personal income tax from 24-16% of all those who engaged in research and technology.
  • Reduction of income tax on all institutions engaged in research and technology to 20% and exemption from VAT.
  • Triple reduction of tax in relation to R&D expenditure undertaken by enterprises through government institutions.

Director 
National Science Foundation
Tel: 011-2696771-3

http://www.nsf.ac.lk/index.php/component/content/article/1-latest-news/369-grants-for-technology-development-a-start-up-businesses-calling-applications-for-2013

Last Updated ( Friday, 21 December 2012 14:31 ) 

Top Science Scandals of 2012 - The Scientist

Top Science Scandals of 2012

This year’s roundup of bad behavior in the life sciences and new initiatives to prevent misconduct

 

 

A widely discussed research study published this year showed that more than sloppy mistakes or accidental omissions, retracted papers are most likely to be withdrawn from publication because of scientific misconduct or knowlingly publishing false data. In fact, more than 65 percent of the 2,000 or so papers studied were retracted because of poor ethical judgment.  According to that report, high impact journals have been hardest hit by the increasing rate of retractions over the past decade.

 

Maxwell® 16 MDx Research System

Automated DNA and RNA Extraction for the Research Lab

Better Workflow

The Maxwell® 16 System makes nucleic acid extraction fast and simple. It allows you to extract DNA from up to 16 samples in 30 to 40 minutes. Automating your nucleic acid extraction decreases hands-on bench time spent manually extracting and reduces pipetting errors and repetitive motion injuries. The Maxwell® 16 System speeds front-end processing, enabling you to do more molecular tests for clinical research without adding personnel. It's automated extraction that works for you - so you can process more samples in less time.

No Detectable Cross-Contamination

The robust system design avoids common problems associated with other automated extraction systems, such as clogged tips and partial reagent transfers. In addition, the UV light aids in system cleaning and removal of potential contamination. Most importantly, there is no detectable cross-contamination between samples - no splashing, no aerosols and no drops from pipette tips.

Better Setup and Operation

The Maxwell® 16 MDx System for research provides everything you need for extraction, including pre-filled reagent cartridges, specialized disposable plastics and easy-to-understand instructions. No separate computers or specialized training are required. With the barcode reader and Sample Track software, track your workflow. And, the instrument is compact so it can fit into virtually any lab. You get reproducible yields at the push of a button from every operator and from every sample.

Consistent High Yield

The Maxwell® 16 System used a paramagnetic-particle handling system that processes samples using Maxwell reagent kits, providing consistent yield and purity. It automatically extracts DNA cleanly and consistently, giving you optimal samples for downstream applications. The Maxwell® 16 System provides high yield that allows you to run multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Sequence Specific Primers (SSP), Sequence Based Typing (SBT) or other reactions and still have sufficient DNA available for retest or archiving. You no longer have to worry whether additional samples will be available.

Fast Purification/Extraction

The Maxwell® 16 extracts samples in 30–40 minutes, allowing you to focus on performing downstream applications.

New Year 2013 Wishes!

Wish you all a happy healthy and prosperous year 2013!

We wish this year be a remarkable milestone in the history of the future Avon Pharmo Chem and her dear customers. Basically with the innovative interactions scheduled and improvement of the product ranges including the world leading supplies to satisfy our mission

Avonpc Mission Statement

Avon Phrmo Chem strives to become a leader in supplying the needs of biological research laboratories and clinical diagnostics in Sri Lanka by providing qualified professional expertise and high quality products to meet the world class standard.

We have achieved a part of the above mission by the end oof 2012 at the testimonies of our dear clients in the laboratory market.

Best Wishes!
APC team