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Join us at the SOT Meeting!
Recent advances in Litron's MicroFlow technology will be highlighted in three posters at this year's
Society of Toxicology Meeting, March 16 through March 20, in Seattle, Washington. We hope to see you there!
[more info]
Litron Receives Grant to Miniaturize In Vitro MicroFlow
Litron has been awarded a Phase II SBIR Grant from the National Cancer Institute to continue our work with
In Vitro MicroFlow. The objectives are to reduce the amount of compound required,
increase sample throughput, and show
efficacy by testing a large number of compounds. To support this work, Litron has acquired a new flow cytometer
as well as a robotic liquid handler.
[more info]
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MicroFlow User SpotLite
Measuring Micronuclei at Chernobyl
Dr. Brenda Rodgers, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and The
Center for Environmental Radiation Studies at Texas Tech University, has conducted research
in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone since 1997. While investigating the genetic effects of exposure
to radiation contamination, Dr. Rodgers originally used the micronucleus (MN) assay as a marker
for clastogenesis in native species of rodents living in the region.
Early studies, employing
the MN assay, generated data by extremely labor and time intensive manual scoring of blood smears
for micronuclei. In later studies, she moved the laboratory model into the field (see photo) in order to
assess the effects of chronic exposure to ionizing radiation on well-characterized model systems
(inbred laboratory strains of Mus and transgenics). Laboratory mice were housed in environmental
enclosures and exposed to varying doses and dose rates of radiation in the Chernobyl Zone.
With the
development of the flow-cytometry-based (in vivo) MicroFlow® Kits, Dr. Rodgers' research
team was
able to increase sample sizes and generate more robust data sets due to the ability to score large
numbers of cells in short periods of time with increased reliability and transferability of data
across and between experiments. Currently, samples from multi-generational laboratory exposure
experiments (now in the 3rd generation) are being analyzed for MN frequencies. Using the MN assay
as a quick assessment of genomic integrity, individuals and sub-groups will be identified for more
in depth analysis of the mechanisms of MN induction using FISH and transcriptomics.
During the
summer of 2008, Dr. Rodgers' team will return to Ukraine for additional field experiments and will
be working with Litron in an attempt to adapt the MicroFlow® kits for wild-caught species of small
rodents. Dr. Rodgers was recently filmed by the History Channel while working in the Chernobyl
Exclusion Zone and is featured in the documentary, "Life After People". Since 2004, her research
has expanded to include human health and environmental assessments of radiation contamination
resulting from the destruction of former nuclear facilities in Iraq.
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Litron Goes Green!
In order to benefit both our customers and the
environment, we are now:
- Eliminating the shipment of limited quantities of dangerous goods. This will reduce
shipment costs and shipment delays for our customers, especially those outside the US.
- Reducing consumption of paper products. Documents previously provided in paper format are now
provided in electronic format.
- Using more biodegradable materials. Kit packaging has been redesigned to reduce
the amount of plastic and to include more biodegradable and recyclable materials.
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