Abstract: A method of detecting a nucleic acid (e.g., DNA, RNA) that contains at least one preselected base (e.g., adenine, guanine, 6-mercaptoguanine, 8-oxo-guanine, and 8-oxo-adenine) comprises (a) reacting the nucleic acid with a transition metal complex capable of oxidizing the preselected base in an oxidation-reduction reaction; (b) detecting the oxidation-reduction reaction; and (c) determining the presence or absence of the nucleic acid from the detected oxidation-reduction reaction at the preselected base. The method may be used in a variety of applications, including DNA sequencing, diagnostic assays, and quantitative analysis.

Abstract: A wood based product comprises condensed natural wood fibres. The wood fibres have bulk density of about 20 lbs/ft3 or greater at moisture content of about 15% by weight or less, and each particle of the wood fibres has a particle size of less than about {fraction (3/16)} inch. By using such condensed wood fibres, the wood based product is capable of functioning as physical bedding for poultry that can absorb moisture and ammonia for a complete production cycle of commercial poultry operations.