Abstract: The present invention features inhibitors of target-independent amplification and the use of such inhibitors for enhancing an amplification protocol. The inhibitors are believed to enhance an amplification protocol by inhibiting the ability of one or more nucleic acid polymerases to use nucleic acid in a polymerase reaction in the absence of target nucleic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for quantitating target nucleic acid sequences using coupled ligation and amplification. The invention also relates to methods, reagents, and kits that employ addressable-support specific portions.

Abstract: The present invention features “molecular torches” and the use of molecular torches for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence. Molecular torches contain a target binding domain, a target closing domain, and a joining region. The target binding domain is biased towards the target sequence such that the target binding domain forms a more stable hybrid with the target sequence than with the target closing domain under the same hybridization conditions. The joining region facilitates the formation or maintenance of a closed torch.

Abstract: This invention relates to assay for detecting or determining the amount of target molecules in a sample. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to nucleic acid arrays and controls used in such arrays.

Abstract: Methods for determining the relative binding affinities of various ligands to various nucleic acid sequences are described. In a direct binding assay, the effect of adding increasing amounts of a ligand on a signal generated by two “indicator” oligonucleotides is observed. Also described is a competitive binding assay, in which a competitor oligonucleotide is added to an indicator duplex having a ligand bound thereto. The assays allow the rapid and convenient determination of nucleic acid binding specificities and base pair determinants of specificity of particular ligands.

Abstract: The present invention features “molecular torches” and the use of molecular torches for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence. Molecular torches contain a target binding domain, a target closing domain, and a joining region. The target binding domain is biased towards the target sequence such that the target binding domain forms a more stable hybrid with the target sequence than with the target closing domain under the same hybridization conditions. The joining region facilitates the formation or maintenance of a closed torch.

Abstract: The present invention features inhibitors of target-independent amplification and the use of such inhibitors for enhancing an amplification protocol. The inhibitors are believed to enhance an amplification protocol by inhibiting the ability of one or more nucleic acid polymerases to use nucleic acid in a polymerase reaction in the absence of target nucleic acid.

Abstract: The present invention features “molecular torches” and the use of molecular torches for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence. Molecular torches contain a target binding domain, a target closing domain, and a joining region. The target binding domain is biased towards the target sequence such that the target binding domain forms a more stable hybrid with the target sequence than with the target closing domain under the same hybridization conditions. The joining region facilitates the formation or maintenance of a closed torch.

Abstract: Methods for determining the relative binding affinities of various ligands to various nucleic acid sequences, particularly in double stranded form, are described. In a direct binding assay, the effect of adding increasing amounts of a ligand on a signal generated by two “indicator” oligonucleotides is observed. Also described is a competitive binding assay, in which a competitor oligonucleotide is added to an indicator duplex having a ligand bound thereto. The assays allow the rapid and convenient determination of nucleic acid binding specificities and base pair determinants of specificity of particular ligands.

Abstract: The present invention features inhibitors of target-independent amplification and the use of such inhibitors for enhancing an amplification protocol. The inhibitors are believed to enhance an amplification protocol by inhibiting the ability of one or more nucleic acid polymerases to use nucleic acid in a polymerase reaction in the absence of target nucleic acid.