Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions and methods for selectively reducing the expression of a gene product from a desired target gene in a cell, as well as for treating diseases caused by the expression of the gene. More particularly, the invention is directed to compositions that contain double stranded RNA (“dsRNA”), and methods for preparing them, that are capable of reducing the expression of target genes in eukaryotic cells. The dsRNA has a first oligonucleotide sequence that is between 25 and about 30 nucleotides in length and a second oligonucleotide sequence that anneals to the first sequence under biological conditions. In addition, a region of one of the sequences of the dsRNA having a sequence length of at least 19 nucleotides is sufficiently complementary to a nucleotide sequence of the RNA produced from the target gene to trigger the destruction of the target RNA by the RNAi machinery.

Abstract: The invention provides a provides improvements to assays that employ RNase H cleavage for biological applications related to nucleic acid amplification and detection, where the RNase H has been reversibly inactivated.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to novel oligonucleotide compounds for use in various biological assays, such as nucleic acid amplification, ligation and sequencing reactions. The novel oligonucleotides comprise a ribonucleic acid domain and a blocking group at or near the 3? end of the oligonucleotide. These compounds offer an added level of specificity previously unseen. Methods for performing nucleic acid amplification, ligation and sequencing are also provided. Additionally, kits containing the oligonucleotides are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention provides a provides improvements to assays that employ RNase H cleavage for biological applications related to nucleic acid amplification and detection, where the RNase H has been reversibly inactivated.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for the amplification and replication of nucleic acid molecules. In particular, novel amplification methods, referred to herein as polynomial amplification, are provided. According to these methods, a nucleic acid molecule to be amplified is contacted with at least two primer; a non-replicable primer which may hybridize to the nucleic acid molecule being amplified, and a replicable primer which may hybridize to a primer extension product generated from extension of the non-replicable primer.