Abstract: A solid fluorescence standard that can be used to calibrate and/or normalize a device (e.g., a scientific instrument) that is configured for generating and collecting fluorescence data. A fluorescence standard disclosed herein includes an adhesive (e.g., a low viscosity, substantially optically transparent, solvent-free, radiation curable adhesive, such as, but not limited to, a UV curable adhesive), and a selected quantity of fluorescent particles (e.g., quantum dots) dispersed in the adhesive. The adhesive and the fluorescent particles are mixed together and disposed in a sample well. The adhesive is then cured and solidified, which yields a solid fluorescence standard in the well.

Abstract: A temperature cycling system (10, 110) is provided for repeatedly heating and cooling a reaction mixture (16). The system (10, 110) includes a first heater (27) and a second heater (28) each movable between a first orientation in which the first or second heater (27, 28) affects the temperature of the reaction mixture (16) and a second orientation in which the first or second heater (27, 28) does not substantially affect the temperature of the reaction mixture (16). During temperature cycling, the second heater (28) is in the second orientation when the first heater (27) is in the first orientation, and the second heater (28) is in the first orientation when the first heater (27) is in the second orientation.

Abstract: Instruments, methods, and kits are disclosed for performing fast thermocycling.

Abstract: A solid fluorescence standard that can be used to calibrate and/or normalize a device (e.g., a scientific instrument) that is configured for generating and collecting fluorescence data. A fluorescence standard disclosed herein includes an adhesive (e.g., a low viscosity, substantially optically transparent, solvent-free, radiation curable adhesive, such as, but not limited to, a UV curable adhesive), and a selected quantity of fluorescent particles (e.g., quantum dots) dispersed in the adhesive. The adhesive and the fluorescent particles are mixed together and disposed in a sample well. The adhesive is then cured and solidified, which yields a solid fluorescence standard in the well.

Abstract: Methods are provided for nucleic acid analysis wherein a target nucleic acid that is at least partially double stranded is mixed with a dsDNA binding dye having a percent saturation of at least 50% to form a mixture. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid is amplified in the presence of the dsDNA binding dye, and in another embodiment a melting curve is generated for the target nucleic acid by measuring fluorescence from the dsDNA binding dye as the mixture is heated. Dyes for use in nucleic acid analysis and methods for making dyes are also provided.

Abstract: Tools and methods are provided for removing a plurality of tubes from a rack of tubes. Tube rack tools include a base and/or top piece for receiving the rack of tubes. The base has a support surface for engaging the closed bottom of the plurality of tubes. The support surface can be curved such that the rack of tubes can be rocked about the curves support surface to dislodge the plurality of tubes from the rack. The top piece can be configured to engage the rack such that pressure on the top piece in the direction of the support surface applies a pressure on the rack without applying the pressure to the tubes. The tubes are dislodged from the rack by application of the pressure. Elements of the tube rack tool are also configured for securing the tubes within the rack or caps to the tubes.

Abstract: Methods and kits are provided for nucleic acid analysis. In an illustrative method a target nucleic acid is amplified using a first primer and a second primer, wherein the first primer comprises a probe element specific for a locus of the target nucleic acid and a template-specific primer region, and the probe element is 5? of the template-specific primer region, subsequently allowing the probe element to hybridize to the locus to form a hairpin, generating a melting curve for the probe element by measuring fluorescence from a dsDNA binding dye as the mixture is heated, wherein the dye is not covalently bound to the first primer, and analyzing the shape of the melting curve. Kits may include one or more of the first and second primers, the dsDNA binding dye, a polymerase, and dNTPs.

Abstract: Methods are provided for nucleic acid analysis wherein a target nucleic acid is mixed with a dsDNA binding dye to form a mixture. Optionally, an unlabeled probe is included in the mixture. A melting curve is generated for the target nucleic acid by measuring fluorescence from the dsDNA binding dye as the mixture is heated. Dyes for use in nucleic acid analysis and methods for making dyes are also provided.

Abstract: A temperature cycling system (10, 110) is provided for repeatedly heating and cooling a reaction mixture (16). The system (10, 110) includes a first heater (27) and a second heater (28) each movable between a first orientation in which the first or second heater (27, 28) affects the temperature of the reaction mixture (16) and a second orientation in which the first or second heater (27, 28) does not substantially affect the temperature of the reaction mixture (16). During temperature cycling, the second heater (28) is in the second orientation when the first heater (27) is in the first orientation, and the second heater (28) is in the first orientation when the first heater (27) is in the second orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermal cycling can transfer heat uniformly and efficiently. The apparatus can be used in a method that reduces condensation on sample wells. The apparatus can also be manufactured to provide uniform configurations. For example, a sample, illustratively for polymerase chain reaction (PCR), in each sample well and the components of the embodiment of the thermal cycler apparatus shown at including a well block, a base plate, a layer of adhesive, a peltier device, another layer of adhesive and a heat sink.

Abstract: Methods are provided for nucleic acid analysis wherein a target nucleic acid that is at least partially double stranded is mixed with a dsDNA binding dye having a percent saturation of at least 50% to form a mixture. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid is amplified in the presence of the dsDNA binding dye, and in another embodiment a melting curve is generated for the target nucleic acid by measuring fluorescence from the dsDNA binding dye as the mixture is heated. Dyes for use in nucleic acid analysis and methods for making dyes are also provided.