Agilent Technologies has announced that Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory's Dolan DNA Learning Center (DNALC) has adopted the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer system.
The system will be used to teach students and teachers how to analyse DNA.
The Bioanalyzer uses miniaturised 'lab-on-a-chip' technology to replace traditional slab gel electrophoresis techniques, speeding up the process, improving consistency of results and reducing use of hazardous chemicals.
Agilent instruments allow students to develop their own 'DNA fingerprints' and in a half-day field trip to the DNALC, they can produce results that are virtually identical to those pursued by the FBI and other law enforcement agencies.
Agilent initially donated one Bioanalyzer to the DNALC.
Based on its speed, high analytical capacity and ease-of-use, the centre incorporated the instrument in a protocol designed to analyse each student's DNA using new forensic DNA protocols.
Subsequently, the DNALC purchased five additional units for its teaching labs around New York City, including the newest facility located in East Harlem.
The instruments are used as part of a four-hour workshop to genotype each of the 1,000 students who attend the DNALC Forensic DNA Profiling Class every year.
