Abstract: A device for generating locallised heating in a selected body tissue is disclosed. The device comprises an applicator including a source of microwave radiation and an array of retractable needles arranged so as to extend from one face of the applicator and, in operation, to confine the irradiated microwave energy field emanating from the applicator. The use of this device in surgical procedures is described.

Abstract: The invention provides antibody which can bind to an antigen present in a heme-containing cell and to which a fluorophore with an emission wavelength of between 420 nm and 500 nm is bound. The antibody of the invention can bind to an antigen of interest in a heme-containing cell and, due to the fluorophore, the binding interaction can be visualized. This facilitates the use of fluorescent labels for immunophenotyping of red blood cells and, in particular, fetal red blood cells within a blood sample from a pregnant female. It also facilitates simultaneous use of immunophenotyping and fluorescence-based nucleic acid analytical techniques such as FISH. Genotype and phenotype can be detected at the same time.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method to protect a mammal from a disease associated with an inflammatory response, and in particular, from an inflammatory disease characterized by eosinophilia, airway hyperresponsiveness and/or a Th2-type immune response. The method includes administration of a heat shock protein to a mammal having such a disease. Formulations useful in the present method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluorescently labeled nucleic acid having a hairpin structure between the fluorophore label and a point of attachment to a solid phase is useful as a probe to detect nucleic acid from a sample. The solid phase quenches the fluorophore label when the hairpin structure exists but this quenching is relieved by duplex formation between probe and a sample oligonucleotide. Probes for specific nucleic acid sequences can be immobilized as arrays on solid phase surfaces for detection of multiple nucleic acid sequences simultaneously from electrophoresis gels and from aqueous solutions. These probes and methods for their use can be combined with known solid phases, particularly those used for plasmon surface detection and electron transfer detection of nucleic acid. The probes can be washed and reused, and have other advantageous features over known probe methods.