Abstract: The present invention is generally related to products and methods that facilitate the use of Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) virus TC-83 (TC-83) as a non-hazardous simulant, or surrogate, for viable pathogenic viruses. Specifically, TC-83 nucleic sequences are used in a method of detecting VEE or TC-83 in a sample thought to contain a biological threat agent. TC-83 and its nucleic acid sequence may therefore be used in the research, development, testing, evaluation, and training for technologies that enable the detection of biological threat agents. More particularly, specific primers and probes may be used to verify that instruments and systems using PCR detection methods are functioning properly.

Abstract: Modifications to the extracellular polymeric substance, predominantly extracellular polysaccharide, of a biopolymer produced by Rhizobium tropici ATCC 49672 yield a stable dry salt transported more easily than a fluid or gel and more stable than either. The salt may be re-constituted with water on-site. Embodiments may be employed as a soil amendment for soil strengthening, reducing hydraulic conductivity, erosion control and dust control as well as a metal chelator for contaminant remediation. Based on comparison with dextran standards, an embodiment demonstrated a molecular weight over 511,000 D. Embodiments include a day salt that is precipitated from solution and in use is re-hydrated back to original form. When added to a sandy soil at 0.1% by dry weight, an embodiment decreased the hydraulic conductivity by three orders of magnitude.

Abstract: Modifications to the extracellular polymeric substance, predominantly extracellular polysaccharide, of a biopolymer produced by Rhizobium tropici ATCC 49672 yield a stable dry salt transported more easily than a fluid or gel and more stable than either. The salt may be re-constituted with water on-site. Embodiments may be employed as a soil amendment for soil strengthening, reducing hydraulic conductivity, erosion control and dust control as well as a metal chelator for contaminant remediation. Based on comparison with dextran standards, an embodiment demonstrated a molecular weight over 511,000 D. Embodiments include a day salt that is precipitated from solution and in use is re-hydrated back to original form. When added to a sandy soil at 0.1% by dry weight, an embodiment decreased the hydraulic conductivity by three orders of magnitude.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and assays for determining the presence of staphylococcal enterotoxin A in a sample through detection of a nucleic acid encoding staphylococcal enterotoxin A.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and assays for detecting bacteriophage MS2 in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and assays for detecting bacteriophage MS2 in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and assays for detecting bacteriophage MS2 in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and assays for detecting bacteriophage MS2 in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and assays for detecting bacteriophage MS2 in a sample.