Abstract: A cassette and electrophoretic gel assembly includes a non-conductive cassette, two solid buffer reservoirs, and an agarose gel. The assembly is disposable, and the sample wells on the gel are in standard microtiter plate format. The configuration is such that the gel is continuously in electrical contact with the electrodes in operation despite the production/migration of water and other exudates.

Abstract: An improved system for running electrophoresis gels “face up” is described. The system includes a single gel capacity strip holder, two electrodes, a sample cup, and a cover. The system provides a means of separating basic proteins on any length gel strip and the cup provides a user-friendly means of successfully putting the proteins on the gel face.

Abstract: A purified recombinant thermostable DNA polymerase polymerase which exhibits at least about 80% activity at salt concentations of 50 mM and greater, at least about 70% activity at salt concentrations of 25 mM and greater, and having a processivity of about 30 nucleotides per binding event. An isolated nucleic acid that encodes the thermostable DNA polymerase, as well as a recombinant DNA vector comprising the nucleic acid and a recombinant host cell transformed with the vector, are also disclosed. A method of sequencing DNA using the DNA polymerase as well as a kit for sequencing DNA is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for detecting a mutation in a target nucleic acid sequence that comprises attaching oligonucleotide primers to a substrate, wherein the oligonucleotide primers have a sequence that is complementary to the target nucleic acid sequence, and wherein the oligonucleotide primers are grouped according to the identity of the first base which would be expected to be added to the primer through the process of primer extension; hybridizing to the oligonucleotide primers a sample nucleic acid sequence which possibly contains a mutation; extending each oligonucleotide primer by one base using a reaction mixture comprising labeled ddNTPs; and detecting a mutation in the sample nucleic acid sequence by detecting the presence of a labeled ddNTP which does not correspond to the identity of the base expected to be added to the primer through the process of primer extension. Mutations may be detected in mRNA or DNA.

Abstract: Polymerases from the Pol I family which are able to efficiently use ddNTPs have demonstrated a much improved performance when used to sequence DNA. A number of mutations have been made to the gene coding for the Pol II family DNA polymerase from the archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus with the aim of improving ddNTP utilisation. “Rational” alterations to amino acids likely to be near the dNTP binding site (based on sequence homologies and structural information) did not yield the desired level of selectivity for ddNTPs. However, alteration at four positions (Q472, A486, L490 and Y497) gave rise to variants which incorporated ddNTPs better than the wild type, allowing sequencing reactions to be carried out at lowered ddNTP:dNTP ratios. Wild type Pfu-Pol required a ddNTP:dNTP ratio of 30:1; values of 5:1 (Q472H), 1:3 (L490Y), 1:5 (A486Y) and 5:1 (Y497A) were found with the four mutants; A486Y representing a 150-fold improvement over the wild type.

Abstract: The present invention provides media for inactivating pathogens found within protein-containing biological fluids. The media of the present invention preserve the structural integrity and biological activity of labile proteins while simultaneously exhibiting potent disinfectant activity. The media of the present invention comprise iodinated chromatographic media, particularly ion exchange media. The invention further provides methods for disinfecting biological fluids.

Abstract: A chemical compound of the following formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aralkyl, and substituted alkyl groups; R.sup.3 is selected from the group consisting of H, PO.sub.3.sup.-2, P.sub.2 O.sub.6.sup.-3 ; P.sub.3 O.sub.9.sup.-4, and .alpha.-thio phoshates (PSO.sub.2.sup.-2 ; P.sub.2 SO.sub.5.sup.-3 ; P.sub.3 O.sub.8.sup.-4); and .alpha.BH.sub.3.sup.- phosphates (P(BH.sub.3)O.sub.2.sup.-2, P.sub.2 (BH.sub.3)O.sub.5.sup.-3, P.sub.3 (BH.sub.3)O.sub.8.sup.-4); R.sup.4 is selected from the group consisting of H, lower alkyl, acyl, (CH.sub.2).sub.p COO(CH.sub.2).sub.q CH.sub.3 wherein p is an integer from 0 to 4 and q is an integer from 0 to 4, and 5,6; 6,7; or 7,8-butadienyl; R.sup.5 is selected from the group consisting of H lower alkyl, acyl, (CH.sub.2).sub.p COO(CH.sub.2).sub.q CH.sub.

Abstract: A Thermococcus barosii DNA polymerase with reduced 3'-5' exonuclease activity is disclosed. Additionally disclosed is a Thermococcus barosii DNA polymerase with increased ability to incorporate ribonucleotides and dideoxynucleotides.