Abstract: This invention relates to a rapid method for detection and characterization of Escherichia coli bacteria serotype O157:H7 based on the presence of nucleic acid sequences, in particular, to a PCR-based method for detection, and to oligonucleotide molecules and reagents and kits useful therefore. This method is preferably employed to detect E. coli O157:H7 in a food or water sample, such as a beef enrichment. The present invention further relates to replication compositions and kits for carrying out the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A tool for use in removing a plurality of spaced apart caps while said caps are in locked engagement with a plurality of corresponding tubes comprises a body have a first portion adapted to be engaged by the user and a second portion having a plurality of spaced apart pegs extending from the body, the pegs being of such size, shape and relative spacing as to be closely received within a corresponding hollow in the cap, whereby, upon insertion of the pegs into the caps and application of a rocking force to the tool, the tubes are uncapped nearly simultaneously.

Abstract: A remote measuring method and apparatus for measuring the temperature of an aqueous solution, particularly useful in monitoring the temperature of a reaction in a microwell, is provided by introducing a dye target and a dye into an aqueous solution; wherein the dye, when bound to the dye target, emits a detectable signal and reproducibly exhibits a temperature dependent signal when appropriately stimulated, stimulating the dye, measuring the resultant signal, and determining the temperature by comparing the measured signal with predetermined temperature related values therefor.

Abstract: An improved displacement pump is provided with flow path means preventing hysteresis-causing bubbles from accumulating in piston clearances.

Abstract: A tool is provided for use in near simultaneous removal of a plurality of caps from a strip of PCR reaction tubes held in a tube rack (and, in an alternate embodiment, for also recapping the tubes) without disturbing the contents thereof.

Abstract: In a horizontal gel, direct blot electrophoresis separation apparatus, device to remove gas dissolved in the buffer solution surrounding the anode at a location remote from the interface between the gel and the moving membrane, such as a gas evolution member disposed between the anode and the moving membrane of such apparatus, has been found to result in more consistent and readable blot patterns with less defects.