Abstract: A process for isolating microorganisms is disclosed. The process utilizes a device comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, a first port, and a second port, wherein the inner surface comprises an unmodified, smooth glass substrate and defines a binding chamber providing fluid communication between the first port and second port. Microorganisms in an aqueous solution are contacted with the unmodified, smooth glass substrate, wherein the solution is essentially free of cell precipitants, and the microorganisms are allowed to bind to the glass substrate.

Abstract: Devices, processes, and kits for the extraction of nucleic acids from biological samples are disclosed. The devices comprise a first port, a second port, and a binding chamber intermediate and in fluid communication with the first port and the second port. The binding chamber comprises an unmodified flat glass surface effective for binding a heterogeneous population of nucleic acids. The first port, second port, and binding chamber define a continuous fluid pathway that is essentially free of nucleic acid-specific binding sites.

Abstract: Devices, processes, and kits for the extraction of nucleic acids from biological samples are disclosed. The devices comprise a first port, a second port, and a binding chamber intermediate and in fluid communication with the first port and the second port. The binding chamber comprises an unmodified flat glass surface effective for binding a heterogeneous population of nucleic acids. The first port, second port, and binding chamber define a continuous fluid pathway that is essentially free of nucleic acid-specific binding sites.

Abstract: Processes for extracting nucleic acid from a biological sample and related assemblies and kits are disclosed. The processes comprise the steps of (a) providing a device comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, a first port, and a second port, wherein the inner surface is composed of unmodified, smooth glass and defines a tubular lumen providing fluid communication between the first port and second port, wherein the lumen is circular, oval, or elliptical in cross-section, and wherein the lumen is essentially free of nucleic acid-specific binding sites; (b) introducing a nucleic acid-containing sample into the lumen of the device via the first port; (c) allowing nucleic acid in the sample to bind to the unmodified smooth glass surface; and (d) washing the bound nucleic acid.

Abstract: Device and methods for extracting and analyzing nucleic acids from biological samples.

Abstract: Devices, processes, and kits for the extraction of nucleic acids from biological samples are disclosed. The devices comprise a first port, a second port, and a binding chamber intermediate and in fluid communication with the first port and the second port. The binding chamber comprises an unmodified flat glass surface effective for binding a heterogeneous population of nucleic acids. The first port, second port, and binding chamber define a continuous fluid pathway that is essentially free of nucleic acid-specific binding sites.

Abstract: This invention provides a reaction mixture to amplify a nucleic acid. The mixture includes a double stranded DNA molecule with one or more primer recognition sites and a mutant RNA polymerase designed to transcribe deoxynucleotides.

Abstract: This invention provides for a novel amplification procedure for nucleic acid. The method uses a wild type or mutant RNA polymerase designed to transcribe both deoxyribonucleotides and ribonucleotides.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for determining the identity of an unknown live microorganism in a mixed culture. The microorganism can be a bacterium, fungus, virus, or protozoan. The invention further provides an assay for determining the ability of a selected microorganism in a mixed culture to replicate in the presence of a chemical agent. Kits for determining the identity of a live microorganism in a mixed culture and for determining the ability of a microorganism in a mixed culture to replicate are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides for a novel amplification procedure for nucleic acid. The method uses a mutant RNA polymerase designed to transcribe deoxynucleotides. Using primers that bind to target nucleic acid the primers form polymerase recognition sites that permit transcription of the target in an isothermal and logrithmic manner, with the added advantage of forming multiple single stranded copies, which are readily detected by hybridization assays.

Abstract: This invention provides for a novel amplification procedure for nucleic acid. The method uses a wild type or mutant RNA polymerase designed to transcribe both deoxyribonucleotides and ribonucleotides.

Abstract: This invention provides for a novel amplification procedure for nucleic acid. The method uses a mutant RNA polymerase designed to transcribe deoxynucleotides. Using primers that bind to target nucleic acid the primers form polymerase recognition sites that permit transcription of the target in an isothermal and logrithmic manner, with the added advantage of forming multiple single stranded copies, which are readily detected by hybridization assays.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for determining the identity of an unknown live microorganism in a mixed culture. The microorganism can be a bacterium, fungus, virus, or protozoan. The invention further provides an assay for determining the ability of a selected microorganism in a mixed culture to replicate in the presence of a chemical agent. Kits for determining the identity of a live microorganism in a mixed culture and for determining the ability of a microorganism in a mixed culture to replicate are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for detecting species of Pseudo-nitzschia from a marine sample. Oligonucleotide probes for rRNA hypervariable regions of the Psuedo-nitzschia species: P. australis, P. pungens, P. multiseries, P. pseudodelicatissima, P. heimii, P. fraudulenta, P. delicatissima, and P. americana are provided as well as a oligonucleotide probe for a conserved region of ribosomal RNA from Pseudo-nitzschia.

Abstract: In an in situ hybridization assay, cells are fixed under conditions which preserve essential morphology, followed by transcription-based nucleic acid amplification of intracellular mRNA targets. The amplified targets are visualized by hybridizing labelled probes to the target sequences. The assay thereby provides a convenient method for detecting specific gene expression associated with morphologic characteristics of diagnostic significance.