Abstract: Disclosed is a compound of Formula (I), wherein: L is a linking agent; B is a binding agent; X is an atom or group suitable for attaching L to the glycerol chain; and R is a straight chain saturated or unsaturated alkyl group having from 8 to 30 carbon atoms, substituted with M? or M? wherein at least one of M? and/or M? is a detectable label. The compound can be used as a lipase substrate in a solid phase-based assay system, such as a scintillation proximity assay, to detect lipase enzyme activity.

Abstract: The performance of devices for the detection of fluorophore labelled substances in an electrophoretic separation medium is improved by rescanning lines or pixels which caused saturation of an electromagnetic radiation detecting means (19) at a lower gain, the lower gain being adapted to prevent saturation of the electromagnetic radiation detecting means (19).

Abstract: A method for the assay of N samples each containing a compound to be tested, comprises providing N reaction vessels each containing a population of carrier beads and other reagents for performing the assay, where N is at least 2 e.g. 80-4000. Each population of carrier beads is distinguishable from every other population. After adding the samples to the reaction vessels and performing the assays, the contents of all the reaction vessels are mixed and subjected to analysis by flow cytometry. By means of flow cytometry, each carrier bead is rapidly analysed to identify its population and also to determine the presence or concentration or biological activity of the compound to be tested.

Abstract: This invention provides a simple and convenient, single stage, single vessel cell extraction and assay method which is suitable for the extraction and measurement of a range of different types of analyte which occur as cellular components. The invention also provides kits of reagents suitable for performing cellular extraction and measurement as a single stage, single vessel process.

Abstract: This invention provides a simple and convenient, single stage, single vessel cell extraction and assay method which is suitable for the extraction and measurement of a range of different types of analyte which occur as cellular components. The invention also provides kits of reagents suitable for performing cellular extraction and measurement as a single stage, single vessel process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for determining the masses of particles by measuring the time between a first event such as a sample (5) being ionized, (or a beam of electromagnetic radiation being scattered by a particle (15) and electromagnetic radiation scattered by said particle being detected by a detection means,) and a second event in which a beam (21) of electromagnetic radiation is scattered by a particle (15) from said ionized sample and electromagnetic radiation (25) from said beam (21) scattered by said particle (15) is detected by a detection means (11).

Abstract: Disclosed is a non-fluorescent cyanine dye that may be used as an acceptor in fluorescence energy transfer assays involving the detection of binding and/or cleavage events in reactions involving biological molecules, and assay methods utilising such dyes.

Abstract: Laser pulses from laser head 12 pass through objective lens 16 to a focal spot in sample spot 17. If a pulse hits a fluorophore molecule in the focal spot a fluorescence photon is emitted which is collected by lens 16, reflected by dichroic mirror 15 through filter 20, which blocks photons of other wavelengths, to single photon counting photomultiplier unit 21. On detecting a photon, photomultiplier unit 21 generates an output pulse which is coupled, with a short delay, by pulse controller 30 to driver circuit 24 which causes laser head 12 to generate another laser pulse. Thus the interval between the laser pulses is substantially equal to the time between excitation of, and fluorescence emission by, the fluorophore molecule. Computer 23 coupled to photomultiplier unit 21 and driver circuit 24 determines the decay time by measurement of a number of fluorescence events.

Abstract: A method of assaying for an analyte which occurs at least partially bound as a complex with its soluble receptor or binding protein, the method comprising the steps of: i) mixing a biological fluid serum sample containing the analyte to be determined with a detergent for dissociating said complex, ii) mixing the sample from step i) with reagents, including a specific binding partner of the analyte for binding to the analyte, for performing a specific binding assay for the analyte, iii) and mixing the sample from step i) with a sequestrant for the detergent, whereby the binding of step ii) is performed in the presence of the sequestrant.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel compounds of the formula Wherein Q is H or a sugar or a sugar analogue or a nucleic acid backbone or backbone analogue, Y=O, S, NR10, where R10 is H, alkyl alkenyl, alkynyl, X is H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl or a combination thereof or, preferably, a reporter group. The novel compounds are suitable for incorporation in oligonucleotides and polynucleotides.

Abstract: A method of comparing genomic DNA from two individuals who share a phenotype, cutting the DNA into fragments long enough to contain on average one or several polymorphisms; combining the fragments under hybridisation conditions and recovering mismatch—free heterohybrids, wherein adapters resistant to nuclease digestion are ligated to the ends of the genomic fragments. A related method uses pooled genomic DNA from individuals with a common phenotype. Another related method uses restricted nucleic acid fragments likely to contain on average less than one natural polymorphism.

Abstract: A method of analysing a nucleic acid is disclosed which involves the use of a mixture of labelled oligonucleotides in solution and an array of immobilized oligonucleotides. The target nucleic acid is incubated with the mixture of labelled oligonucleotides. Those labelled oligonucleotides which hybridize are recovered and incubated with the array of immobilized oligonucleotides. Sequence information is obtained by observing the location of the label on the array. The method is particularly suitable for determining differences between nucleic acids.