http://www.vastvn.org Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:47:47 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 http://www.vastvn.org/neat-%e2%80%93-an-improved-genomic-platform-for-nucleic-acid-research http://www.vastvn.org/neat-%e2%80%93-an-improved-genomic-platform-for-nucleic-acid-research#comments Tue, 15 Dec 2009 22:34:44 +0000 admin http://www.vastvn.org/neat-%e2%80%93-an-improved-genomic-platform-for-nucleic-acid-research NEAT is a robust chemical reaction and paves the way for the development of affordable point-of-care diagnostic tests. The technology despite being nascent, and in a state of development, has been successfully deployed by life science research labs all over the world for analyzing mRNA, microRNA, rRNA, and genomic DNA.
The NEAT technology works using small oligonucleotides known as NEAT probes. NEAT probes bind to the target nucleic acid sequence. A chemical ligation reaction is encoded in the probes. NEAT probes, which remain stable in solution, produce easily detectable ligation products upon exposure to the target nucleic acid sequence. The nucleic acid acts as a catalyst for the chemical reaction and there is no need for controlling the reaction environment using expensive instruments such as thermal cyclers
NEAT technology has excellent reproducibility and can be used to amplify highly degraded nucleic acid samples. Researchers can now analyze genetic material from archived tissue samples and develop diagnostic tests easily. NEAT has been successfully tested in third world and developing countries, under adverse environmental conditions. The minimal costs and reproducibility under extreme conditions make this technology lucrative.
This novel technology is now supported in-silico. PREMIER Biosoft has included support for the design of NEAT probes in one its products called AlleleID. AlleleID is a Java based program that supports many specialized assays such as NASBA®, MLPA, FRET, splice variant arrays and now NEAT.
AlleleID supports the design of NEAT/QUAL probes for detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms, mutations, copy number variations and supports identification of multiple genetic targets in a single assay. The software avoids designing NEAT probes in the regions that exhibit significant homology in addition to avoiding regions of low complexity and template structures. The software also generates a list of alternate NEAT designs to help choose probes that better meet experimental needs. The probes designed can be exported from AlleleID and can be saved in spreadsheet programs such as MS Excel and OpenOffice. This functionality is useful for ordering synthesis.
 

]]> http://www.vastvn.org/neat-%e2%80%93-an-improved-genomic-platform-for-nucleic-acid-research/feed 0 http://www.vastvn.org/top-10-science-discoveries-in-2006 http://www.vastvn.org/top-10-science-discoveries-in-2006#comments Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:54:16 +0000 admin http://www.vastvn.org/top-10-science-discoveries-in-2006 Science is nothing other than discovery and understanding things. To some it’s a study to others an adventure. One of the earliest of sciences it fails to loose its place as the number one in research and development. Every year great minds mull over the year that has been and list what the top 10 or 20 science discoveries for the year are.

In 2006 leaders among science discoveries were:

1. A chance to know mankind’s primordial past by the study of comet particles brought back to earth by NASA’s spaceship Stardust. The comet particles are said to contain gases and dust from the formation of the solar system 4.6 billion years ago. Around 150 scientists all over the world are involved in the study of and discovery from the comet remains.

2. Paleontologists have found in Nunavut in Canada a 375 million year old fossil that bridges the gap between land and aquatic creatures. Names Tiktaalik roseae or fishapod the fossil may well solve many mysteries of evolution.

3. For years mankind has attempted to reach the core of the earth. In April 2006 ateam of the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program was able to drill a mile into the ocean crust and collect intact samples of the crusts various layers which includes the deepest layer known as gabbro.

4. A Russian Grigory Perelman resolved a complex Mathematical problem known as Poincare’s Conjecture. For this achievement he was awarded the prestigious Fields Medal by the International congress of Mathematicians.

5. The discovery of nano creatures in acid sludge in mines could lead the way to understanding life forms that survive under extreme conditions. Organisms that live in mine sludge oxidize iron to get sustainable energy.

6. An antiquarian book written in 1650 contains important information on traditional healing methods used Indonesia.

7. Genetic studies revealed that human and chimpanzee ancestors could have inbred more than 6.3 million years ago.

8. A crash between two galaxies enabled scientists to detect invisible dark matter for the first time.

9. Ocean research teams discovered that a large area of the South Pacific had almost no sea floor sediment.

10. Research showed that starlings could learn and recognize grammatical patterns called recursion once thought to be uniquely a human language trait.

In an attempt to understand himself and life mankind has continuously studied all aspects of life past and present. Physics, math, biology, chemistry, anthropology, nutrition, medicine, molecular biology and astronomy among many other fields contribute to understanding man’s evolution and the creation of a sustainable future. It is study, brainstorming, and debate that led to discovery. Every year experts review the year that has been. As always lists are not stringent and a matter of choice and taste. It is not what leads but the knowledge of what has happened that is important.

The World Wide Web hosts thousands of websites that bring science closer to lay persons and knowledge on the internet promotes learning and an understanding of how science works.




By: Barry Allen

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