Researchers at the University of Massachusetts are using the GeneFlash to visualise 298bp PCR fragments of chlamydia pneumoniae on ethidium bromide stained agarose gels
Syngene reports that its GeneFlash gel documentation system is being used at the highly respected University of Massachusetts in Amherst, USA, to help in a new study to determine if there is a link between chlamydia pneumoniae and asthma.
Researchers in the department of microbiology at the University of Massachusetts are using the GeneFlash to visualise 298bp PCR fragments of chlamydia pneumoniae on ethidium bromide stained agarose gels.
The PCR fragments are generated from pediatric bronchial tissue using specific chlamydia pneumoniae primers.
The long-term aim of this study is to improve treatment for asthmatics by showing that this bacterium is a contributing factor in their condition.
Wilmore Webley, an assistant professor at the department of microbiology, stated: "We installed the GeneFlash a year ago because we needed an inexpensive system that would detect the limited amounts of Chlamydia DNA we work with.
"We have found using the GeneFlash is really convenient.
"The system doesn't have a computer so it can easily fit into a small space and you can save all the images to Flash card which you can then take and work with on your own computer.
"The system gets used on a daily basis and we have had good success generating high quality results with it.
"In fact, we have published one paper with GeneFlash images showing the link between pediatric asthma and chlamydia pneumoniae and have another paper ready to go to review".
Paula Maia, Syngene's sales and marketing manager, commented: "We are delighted the GeneFlash is helping to document the interesting results generated in this worthwhile study on asthma.
"The research at the University of Massachusetts proves the GeneFlash is an excellent choice when there is a need for a compact image analysis system which will accurately detect limited amounts of DNA.
"GeneFlash has now been updated to use USB memory stick storage and networking options."
