Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for tagging, amplifying, purifying, and or characterizing of ribonucleic acid (RNA) in a sample. In particular, methods are provided for preparing RNA from a sample for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of investigational bioinformatics and more particularly to secondary structure defining databases. The present invention further relates to methods for interrogating a database as a source of molecular masses of known bioagents for comparing against the molecular mass of an unknown or selected bioagent to determine either the identity of the selected bioagent, and/or to determine the origin of the selected bioagent. The identification of the bioagent is important for determining a proper course of treatment and/or irradication of the bioagent in such cases as biological warfare. Furthermore, the determination of the geographic origin of a selected bioagent will facilitate the identification of potential criminal identity.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of investigational bioinformatics and more particularly to secondary structure defining databases. The present invention further relates to methods for interrogating a database as a source of molecular masses of known bioagents for comparing against the molecular mass of an unknown or selected bioagent to determine either the identity of the selected bioagent, and/or to determine the origin of the selected bioagent. The identification of the bioagent is important for determining a proper course of treatment and/or irradication of the bioagent in such cases as biological warfare. Furthermore, the determination of the geographic origin of a selected bioagent will facilitate the identification of potential criminal identity.

Abstract: Method for detecting and identifying unknown bioagents, including bacteria, viruses and the like, by a combination of nucleic acid amplification and molecular weight determination using primers which hybridize to conserved sequence regions of nucleic acids derived from a bioagent and which bracket variable sequence regions that uniquely identify the bioagent. The result is a “base composition signature” (BCS) which is then matched against a database of base composition signatures, by which the bioagent is identified.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to identification of HPV, and provides methods, compositions and kits useful for this purpose when combined, for example, with molecular mass or base composition analysis.

Abstract: Method for detecting and identifying unknown bioagents, including bacteria, viruses and the like, by a combination of nucleic acid amplification and molecular weight determination using primers which hybridize to conserved sequence regions of nucleic acids derived from a bioagent and which bracket variable sequence regions that uniquely identify the bioagent. The result is a “base composition signature” (BCS) which is then matched against a database of base composition signatures, by which the bioagent is identified.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to identification of members of the bacterial class Mollicutes or the bacterial genus Mycoplasma and provides methods, compositions and kits useful for this purpose when combined, for example, with molecular mass or base composition analysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and primer pairs for rapid, high-resolution forensic analysis of DNA and STR-typing by using amplification and mass spectrometry, determining the molecular masses and calculating base compositions of amplification products and comparing the molecular masses with the molecular masses of theoretical amplicons indexed in a database.