Six Challenges in Malaria Research and Ways to Overcome Them

2 Dec 2014

Nearly half of the world’s population is at risk of a malaria infection, with over 247 million cases every year. The parasite, caused by various species of the Plasmodium parasite, kills approximately one million people annually, most of whom are small children. Over the past 40 years, there has been an upsurge in this “global killer” and controlling this disease presents major challenges to malaria researchers who need new solutions to properly monitor and control the disease.

Luminex® 200™Multiplexing Instrument

Luminex

The Luminex® 200™ detects up to 100 protein or nucleic acid analytes from a single aliquot of sample in a single reaction well, enabling you to generate more data while saving sample, time, and reagents. With more than 11,000 units sold globally to date, the Luminex 100/200 is the established standard in multiplexing instrumentation. The xMAP® multiplexing platform is composed of an instrument and associated reagents: The Luminex 200 instrument is based on the principles of flow cytometry, which integrates key xMAP detection components such as lasers, optics, fluidics, and high-speed digital signal processors. xMAP microspheres are a family of fluorescently dyed carboxylated polystyrene microspheres that act as both the surface for the solution phase assay and the spectral identifier that the instrument detects. The open architecture of xMAP Technology enables users to build custom multiplex assays or select from a broad menu commercially available kits. Instrument Details: Multiplex Capacity: Up to 100 non-magnetic; 80 magnetic Microtiter Plate: 96 well Throughput: ~40 min/96-well plate (up to 12,800 tests per hour) Dynamic Range: 3.5 logs Sensitivity: Detects a minimum of 1,000 fluorochromes of phycoerythrin (PE) per xMAP microsphere Optics: Lasers/APDs/PMTs Hardware: Flow Cytometry based Software: xPONENT® Software supports protocol-based data acquisition with robust data regression analysis Dimensions: All components combined (Analyzer, XY Platform and Sheath Delivery System) 26.5" W x 23.5" D x 12.5" H (67.3 cm W x 59.7 cm D x 31.8 cm H) Weight: All components combined (Analyzer, XY Platform and Sheath Delivery System) 113 lbs (49 kg) xMAP Reagent Compatibility: Magnetic and nonmagnetic microspheres

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Genome AnalysisGenomics, the study of genomes, includes functional genomics, evolutionary genomics and comparative genomics. There are many genomic technologies such as DNA sequencing of whole genomes, computational biology and bioinformatics. DNA and nucleic acids must be isolated and concentrated from cells for analysis with kits, automated analyzers and software. Other useful technologies for studying genomics include PCR, microarrays and electrophoresis.PCR and Thermal CyclingPolymerase chain reaction (PCR) kits and thermal cyclers are used for the in vitro amplification of DNA permitting subsequent analysis and experimental procedures. Explore a range of high-quality polymerase, primers and nucleotides or simplify your workflow with a PCR mastermix. Find reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and cDNA synthesis kits for RNA products and libraries. Quantitatively measure the amplification of DNA with real-time PCR (qPCR) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) kits and systems, and discover automated PCR setup solutions to increase throughput. Alternative DNA amplification methods also include recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) kits. Find the best PCR kits and thermal cyclers and purification equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Cell-Based AssaysCell-based assays are used to monitor the presence, quantity and activities of a desired cellular analyte including drug molecules or biomarkers. This can reveal information on cell health (apoptosis, cytotoxicity, viability and proliferation assays), cell metabolism, cell migration and cell signaling mechanisms. Find the best cell-based assay products, kits and equipment with our peer reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receiving pricing direct from manufacturers.Robotic InstrumentsRobotic instruments can be used for high-throughput automation of many lab processes. Such processes use instruments for assays like cell based assays and ELISA, for sample preparation like shakers, centrifuges and incubators, and for analysis such as sequencing and western blot analyzers. Useful features of robotic instruments include speed, reproducibility, barcode readers, software and automation.Automated Liquid HandlingAutomated liquid handling equipment is used to mix, dilute and dispense allotted volumes of liquid into microplates and other vessels automatically. The robotic, liquid handling arms can dispense from single channel to 3456 multichannel as well as operate nanoliter dispensing, enabling high throughput of samples. Find the best automated liquid handlers in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Clinical MicrobiologyMicrobiology is the study of microorganisms including protists, prokaryotes, fungi, and, often, viruses. Microorganisms are a useful research tool as genetic vectors and, in immunology, for antibiotic susceptibility testing, cellular biology and genetics. Microorganisms commonly grow readily in incubators with microbial culture media; this can contain chromogenic supplements to differentiate between cell lines. Estimate your culture’s density of microorganisms with colony counters, or screen and select colonies for desirable clones with automated colony pickers. Additionally, equipment is available to monitor environments for the presence of microbes and identify with microbial identification instruments. Find the best microbiology products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.MalariaMolecular DiagnosticsMolecular diagnostics use an individual’s genetic code and gene expression to diagnose and monitor diseases. The technique is used increasingly in the field of infectious diseases and oncology, as well as areas such as coagulation, HLA typing and pharmacogenomics. Molecular diagnostics plays a pivotal role in personalized medicine.