Abstract: A phenol-free method for isolating a nucleic acid from a sample is provided, said method comprising the following steps: a) preparing a precipitation mixture by adding at least one metal cation precipitant and at least one organic solvent selected from aprotic polar solvents and protic solvents to the sample, wherein the precipitation mixture i) comprises the metal cation precipitant; ii) comprises the organic solvent in a concentration of 15% or less; iii) comprises a buffering agent; and iv) has an acidic pH value, and precipitating proteins; b) separating the precipitate from the supernatant, wherein the supernatant comprises small RNA having a length of less than 200 nt and large RNA having a length of at least 1000 nt; and c) isolating a nucleic acid from the supernatant. Using an organic solvent as claimed during the protein precipitation step in the defined concentration provides a supernatant which in addition to small RNA also comprises large RNA.

Abstract: A phenol-free method for isolating a nucleic acid from a sample is provided, said method comprising the following steps: a) preparing a precipitation mixture by adding at least one metal cation precipitant and at least one organic solvent selected from aprotic polar solvents and protic solvents to the sample, wherein the precipitation mixture i) comprises the metal cation precipitant; ii) comprises the organic solvent in a concentration of 15% or less; iii) comprises a buffering agent; and iv) has an acidic pH value, and precipitating proteins; b) separating the precipitate from the supernatant, wherein the supernatant comprises small RNA having a length of less than 200 nt and large RNA having a length of at least 1000 nt; and c) isolating a nucleic acid from the supernatant. Using an organic solvent as claimed during the protein precipitation step in the defined concentration provides a supernatant which in addition to small RNA also comprises large RNA.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispersing a substance in a liquid beverage contained in a container includes a receptacle containing the substance formed in the interior of the container and an opening tab attached to the top of the container for bursting the receptacle to disperse the substance and for opening a pour panel in the top of the container so that the liquid beverage can be drunk from the container. The receptacle is formed of a flat sheet of an elastic material that is joined at opposite edges thereof to form a burstable seam. One end of the receptacle is a beak that causes the seam to burst upon engagement with the opening tab.