Syngene has introduced its new InGenius³ feature-packed gel imaging system.

Designed with a compact darkroom, as well as blue, white and UV lighting options, InGenius³ offers maximum gel imaging versatility at an affordable price.

Easy to optimise quality of each gel image

The InGenius³ features a high-resolution 3 million pixel CCD camera that can be connected to the laboratory’s choice of PC. The system is controlled by Syngene’s intuitive GeneSys imaging software, which guides scientists to the correct combination of filters and lighting, making it easy to set up InGenius³  to produce high quality gel images every time.

Multiple illumination options

The InGenius³ system comes with overhead Epi white light and offers multiple illumination options. These include the new Ultra-Slim LED Blue Light Transilluminator, which is ideal for laboratories where safety and UV sample damage are a major concern.  The transilluminator slides out of the darkroom to aid viewing and cutting gel bands, and there is a White Light Converter screen option for scientists wanting to view protein gels.

The InGenius³ system has manual control functionality, enabling users to easily change lighting conditions, camera aperture, zoom and focus, and quickly switch between filters using a filter drawer. The system also includes GeneTools image analysis software to enable scientists to rapidly analyse their gel images.

“Ideal choice when budget and size are the most important considerations, but high resolution imaging is also a priority”

Laura Sullivan, Syngene’s Divisional Manager stated: “To continue Syngene’s theme of easy imaging, the new InGenius³ is the ideal economical choice when budget and size are the most important considerations, but high resolution imaging is also a priority.”

Laura concluded, “This is why we are pleased to introduce our InGenius³ Gel Documentation system. The system is specifically designed for viewing gels in laboratories where bench space is limited, yet doesn’t compromise on performance, which means capturing great gel images every time has never been easier.”

For Further Information Contact:

Jayne Arthur, Syngene, Beacon House, Nuffield Road, Cambridge, CB4 1TF, UK.

• Tel: +44(0) 1223-727123 Fax +44 (0) 1223-727101
• Email: jayne.arthur@syngene.com
• Web site: www.syngene.com/ingenius/

UGenius gel doc system

Syngene, a world-leading manufacturer of image analysis solutions today introduced its U:Genius³, a complete budget gel imaging system. This compact system with its button driven key pad is simple to set up, making it ideal for busy laboratories that need rapid and accurate gel imaging.

Highly accurate, yet cost-effective

The U:Genius³ comes with a sensitive 3 million pixel CCD camera inside a compact darkroom. The cost-effective system includes overhead Epi white light and is versatile, offering multiple illumination options to allow high-resolution imaging of 1D DNA and protein gels stained with a range of dyes.

Simple, safe, space-efficient

U:Genius³ features a built in processor and simple to use intuitive “button controlled” integral key pad so can be used straight from the box. The system can be fitted with the new Ultra-Slim LED Blue Light Transilluminator in laboratories where safety and UV sample damage are issues.

The transilluminator slides out of the darkroom to aid viewing and band cutting, and there is also a white light converter screen option available for scientists wanting to view protein gels, thus maximising the use of vital laboratory space.

“The most cost-effective gel doc currently available”

Laura Sullivan, Syngene’s Divisional Manager explained: “Many researchers in busy laboratories often just want a quick, accurate image of their gels, so they need an inexpensive press button system which takes seconds to set up.”

Laura added: “We have listened to those requests and the result is the U:Genius³. We’re confident that scientists who try the U:Genius³ will agree the system is ideal where budget and space are limited, but doesn’t compromise on generating superb results with outstanding resolution, making U:Genius³ the most cost-effective gel doc currently available.”  

For Further Information Contact:

Jayne Arthur, Syngene, Beacon House, Nuffield Road, Cambridge, CB4 1TF, UK.

Tel: +44(0) 1223-727123 Fax +44 (0) 1223-727101

Email: jayne.arthur@syngene.com Web site: www.syngene.com/ugenius/

Luxurious Sheridan 400 count sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases

Visit Bedlinen Direct for some of the best prices on premium brands of cotton bedding. They are currently holding a Half Price Sale on Sheridan cotton sateen 400 thread count sheets, which represent excellent value.

Benefits of 400 thread cotton sateen sheets

The combined properties of beautiful cotton, a high thread count and a sateen weave create a sheet with a softer drape and a sumptuous sheen.

Sheridan 400 count cotton sateen sheets are strong and durable while feeling silky soft to touch. Such a high weave of 400 Threads Per Square inch make the sateen fabric feel silky soft and the linen is very absorbent helping to give you a healthy night’s sleep. They can be tumbled dried on a low setting, and their easy-care finish requires minimal ironing.

This exciting range is available from Bedlinen Direct now in a wide range of sizes from single to superking, with matching sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases in stock.

Why buy Sheridan bedding?

Sheridan are world famous for producing high quality bedding and this 400 Count Cotton Sateen blend is no exception, using only the very best long staple fibres. The fabric will give you years of lasting use and comfort.

A survey conducted by the Eyecare Trust earlier in 2011 revealed that the average person in the UK now spends a staggering 3 and a half months per year looking at a screen. As a result of prolonged computer use, “screen fatigue”, ie: sore, itchy, irritated eyes or temporary blurring of vision affects 9 out of 10 computer users

Wearing moisture chamber glasses helps soothe dry eyes

Watching an image on a screen is very absorbing. When you concentrate on the screen for long periods, your blink rate slows and your eyes tend to dry out. This problem is made even worse by the drying effect of the atmosphere in centrally heated homes and air-conditioned offices.

If you regularly come home from work and watch TV or sit at a computer screen in the evenings you may experience particular problems of screen fatigue, as the eyes tend to dry out over the course of  the day.

So what can be done to reduce screen fatigue?

The innovative new Tranquileyes Moisture Release glasses sold by Eyewear Accessories can help to reduce the rate at which your eyes dry out and reduce symptoms of sore, itchy eyes. They have a foam seal that insulates your eyes from the drying atmosphere, and they also have moisture capsules fitted into the frame which you soak in water and then they naturally humidify your eyes as you wear the glasses.

Visit the Eyewear Accessories website on moisture chamber glasses

See the Eyecare Trust’s tips on avoiding screen fatigue

Euroquilt superdown mattress toppers - feels like sleeping on a cloud

Since mattress toppers first came in they have been welcomed as a superb cost-effective way of revitalising a tired, sagging mattress or even just to add a degree of suppleness to that hard mattress. The latest generation of superdown mattress toppers have much improved properties.

Two chamber toppers combine the best in comfort and back support

Euroquilt superdown mattress toppers have a soft upper chamber of pure down which gives you the feeling of sleeping on a cloud, while under this is a mix of Duck Feather and Down which gives added support to aid back posture. Two chamber toppers give you the best posture control and offer the best support for people with back problems.

Warm and welcoming, this is a superb quality topper made in Scotland to the highest standards. The down used in this product has a fill power rating of 800 which ensures that it is soft, light and ultra clean. This quality is normally reserved only for the finest down duvets.

The clever box construction keeps the filling firmly in place to ensure a smooth, even layer, and the topper has four retaining straps to keep it attached firmly to your mattress.

Wide range of sizes available

Our superdown mattress toppers are available in an amazing range of sizes from single to super emperor:

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Visit our store

Find out more details in our store at http://www.bedlinendirect.co.uk/acatalog/Euroquilt_Superdown_Mattress_Toppers.html

UltraSlim LED transilluminator - click on the picture for details

Syngene, a world-leading manufacturer of image analysis solutions is delighted to introduce their new high-intensity LED light transilluminator, which allows scientists safe, sensitive viewing of a wide range of fluorescently stained DNA/RNA gels.

The new compact UltraSlim-LED transilluminator uses LEDs to produce an Epi-blue light with a narrow emission peak centred at 470 nm. This is not only safer but is comparable to UV for the excitation of most fluorescent dyes, including Ethidium bromide, GelRed, GelGreen, SYBR Gold, SYBR Green, SYBRSafe, and Syngene’s new UltraPower DNA safe dye.

Compact and portable for lab use

The UltraSlim-LED can be used as a portable transilluminator on the bench as the system is easy to lift, takes up very little bench space.

Using high-intensity blue light eliminates the dangers of using UV

Scientists do not have to worry about stray UV light causing retinal and skin damage. The transilluminator is also compatible with any Syngene gel documentation system, allowing users to produce high quality images for publication or analysis.

The transilluminator features a special built-in glass filter lid, providing optimum viewing conditions for band cutting. Additionally, since LED illumination is not as damaging to DNA as UV, even after long exposure times, scientists could improve the cloning efficiency of DNA fragments they extract from gels viewed on an UltraSlim-LED transilluminator.

Laura Sullivan, Syngene’s Divisional Manager stated: “Isolating DNA is probably among the most basic things molecular biologists regularly do and we are pleased to introduce our UltraSlim-LED illuminator as it offers a way of safely viewing stained gels, either on the lab bench or inside a gel doc system.”

Laura concluded: “Using high-intensity blue light eliminates the dangers of using UV, does not damage DNA fragments and yet illuminates even the faintest of bands. This makes the UltraSlim-LED transilluminator an essential purchase for molecular biologists wanting safe, effective imaging of their fluorescent gels.”

For Further Information Contact:

Jayne Arthur, Syngene, Beacon House, Nuffield Road, Cambridge, CB4 1TF, UK.

Tel: +44(0) 1223-727123 Fax +44 (0) 1223-727101

Email: jayne.arthur@syngene.com Web site: www.syngene.com/led-transilluminator/

Many people suffer from dry and sore eyes that impacts the way they live and sleep. The problem is caused by a wide range of factors from natural ageing and complaints such as Sjogren’s syndrome or Blepharitis to the common problem of eyes drying out in low humidity environments.

It is common for people to suffer from dry eye pain on aeroplanes and in offices due to the combination of the drying effect of air conditioning and heating systems. For many people whose job involves sitting in front of a computer screen for hours each day, the low blink rate associated with staring at a monitor means that the eyes do not get enough lubrication.

Moisture release glasses naturally hydrate the eyes as you wear them

Now a new type of moisture release glasses has been introduced in the UK through Eyewear Accessories. The glasses have been developed and patented by a Board Certified Ophthalmologist specifically for dry eye sufferers.

The new moisture release glasses are ideal for computer users

The glasses have a comfortable gasket that helps to seal the area around your eyes, providing a barrier to reduce the evaporation of tears.

An innovative feature is the detachable moisture cartridges that you simply soak in water, then clip into the frame to slowly release moisture, naturally increasing humidity around the eyes for 4 to 6 hours.

For more information on dry eye glasses

Eyewear Accessories has a dedicated website for people looking for help with dry eye glasses.

Synoptics, a world leader in the development and manufacture of innovative digital imaging systems for life science applications, today announced it has set up the Advanced Technology Group, a new division which will work with life science companies and academic clients to deliver bespoke imaging equipment to improve bench-based research, quality control or clinical development processes.

A track record for developing innovative products that enhance the quality and speed of research

Synoptics, comprising the Syngene, Synbiosis and Syncroscopy divisions, provides innovative products that life scientists need to enhance the quality and speed of their research. Syngene, the largest division, produces state-of-the-art equipment including the G:BOX image analyser to analyse gels and blots in the fields of genomics and proteomics. Synbiosis provides the ProtoCOL 2, a gold standard colony counting and zone sizing system used in many major pharmaceutical companies and Syncroscopy offers Auto-Montage software for producing focused images of 3D samples, which is marketed by major microscope manufacturer, Leica.

Richard Maskell, Synoptics’ new head of the Advanced Technology Group explained: “We are increasingly being approached to develop novel systems and software to bring about a step change in biological quality control and research processes. We have experience in solving challenges associated with imaging a wide variety of materials, as well as taking those solutions to market and are delighted to offer access to this expertise via our new Advanced Technology Group.”

Paul Ellwood, Managing Director of Synoptics added: “Over 25 years of applying imaging technologies has provided Synoptics with an excellent insight into what we can deliver in a specific timeframe.

We encourage academic researchers experiencing issues with their biological imaging processes, or technology providers that are looking to design an imaging system to bring to market, to contact us today to discuss how working with our new Advanced Technology Group could help them make a strategic impact on their research or quality control objectives.”

Further information

Jayne Arthur, Synoptics Ltd, Beacon House, Nuffield Road, Cambridge, CB4 1TF, UK.

Tel: +44(0) 1223-727100 Fax +44 (0) 1223-727101

Email: jayne.arthur@synoptics.co.uk   Web site: www.synoptics.co.uk

Syngene, a world-leading manufacturer of image analysis solutions today introduced its new GENi² gel documentation system, the next generation version of its affordable motorised GENi range. This point and press system is ideal for scientists wanting to produce accurate images of fluorescent DNA gels, as well as fluorescent protein gels in seconds.

Key benefits of GENi²

• Affordable
• Compact
• Quick and easy to use to obtain and analyse accurate, high quality images
• Versatile – it can capture a wide range of DNA and protein gels
• Safe

The versatile GENi² can be used for many DNA and protein gel imaging applications. The system features a compact darkroom containing a 2 mega pixel resolution camera, motor-driven lens and six position motorised filter wheel, all controlled by an internal high speed processor.

Compact and user friendly

To quickly set up image capture, image manipulation and even image rotation, researchers use an integrated intuitive touch-screen rather than an external computer. This means the system takes up minimal bench space, yet still has all the features necessary for rapidly generating high quality gel images.

The cost-effective GENi² darkroom comes complete with a slide-out transilluminator and white light table for visualising DNA and protein gels. An internal white light makes sample positioning simple and the interlocking doors automatically turn off the transilluminator when open, keeping users safe by preventing UV exposure.

Image analysis software included as standard

To archive or analyse their results, researchers can save their images to a memory stick or network connection. Then by using GeneTools, Syngene’s highly regarded image analysis software, which also comes free of charge with a GENi², scientists can accurately analyse their images.

“An exceptionally good value gel imager”

Laura Sullivan, Syngene’s Divisional Manager said: “Many researchers need a versatile, click and capture gel doc that can image a much wider range of DNA and protein gels than they did five years ago. Our new GENi² is that system, and we will be delighted to demonstrate why GENi² is an exceptionally good value gel imager to any scientists that contact us today.”

For Further Information Contact:

Jayne Arthur, Syngene, Beacon House, Nuffield Road, Cambridge, CB4 1TF, UK.

Tel: +44(0) 1223-727123 Fax +44 (0) 1223-727101

Email: jayne.arthur@syngene.com Web site: www.syngene.com/geni2/

A new study carried out at the University of Cambridge has demonstrated that Syngene’s G:BOX Chemi IR⁶ can produce images of IR labelled Western blots up to 10 times faster than laser based scanning.

Syngene’s new multi-application CCD imaging system

The G:BOX Chemi IR⁶, which is Syngene’s new multi-application CCD imaging system for analysing IR and fluorescently stained proteins, was tested against a laser based scanner. Both imagers were tested side-by-side in a comparison study at the University of Cambridge for analysing proteins on Western blots labelled with DyLight^® 680 and DyLight^® 800 dyes (Thermo Fisher Scientific).

10 times faster than laser scanning with no loss in sensitivity

The results show that using the G:BOX Chemi IR⁶ with Epi Red lighting and a 705nm filter, an image of DyLight 680 labelled bands can be captured in just 20 seconds. With Epi LED IR740 lighting and a LY800 filter, an image of the DyLight 800 labelled proteins can be generated by the G:BOX Chemi IR⁶ in two minutes. In comparison, the laser based scanner can take more than 10 times longer to image DyLight 680 and twice as long to image DyLight 800. The systems had comparable sensitivity, with both their limits of detection being 0.11µg.

Lindsey Bunn, Syngene’s Application Specialist explained: “With laser-based scanners imaging times are determined by scanning resolution and intensity setting, whereas using a G:BOX Chemi IR⁶, imaging times only depend on sensitivity. This is why we believed our CCD system would be faster than and just as accurate as a laser based system and are delighted that the results of the study have proved this.”

System also analyses fluorescent, chemiluminescent and visible dyes

Lindsey continued: “The added benefit with the G:BOX Chemi IR⁶ is the system can analyse all commercial fluorescent, chemiluminescent and visible dyes as well, making it a more cost-effective purchase. Researchers who need to rapidly produce images of multiplex labelled Westerns but whose labs don’t have the budget for an expensive laser scanner should consider testing a G:BOX Chemi IR⁶ system today.”

For more information

Jayne Arthur, Syngene, Beacon House, Nuffield Road, Cambridge, CB4 1TF, UK.

Tel: +44(0) 1223-727123 Fax: +44 (0) 1223-727101

Email: jayne.arthur@syngene.com Web site: www.syngene.com