SAB NewsDNA Microarray Study Bonus Quote Winner AnnouncedPosted 8/15/2005 Over the last decade, DNA microarray technology has evolved to become a powerful tool with which scientists can analyze the expression levels of thousands of genes simultaneously. Because of their small size and the fact that they can contain a large number of genes, DNA microarrays are useful for undertaking genomic-level assessments on a microscopic scale. Given its potential to significantly advance the understanding of gene expression and function at the cellular level, The Science Advisory Board undertook a study of 500+ researchers who regularly use DNA microarrays in their research. This study specifically focused on ascertaining experimental parameters, throughput levels and supplier preferences. It also measured researchers’ current degree of satisfaction with DNA microarrays and their unmet technology needs. Major findings from the study can be reviewed by accessing the Study Snapshot. As a token of our appreciation, study participants were entered in an additional drawing for a $20 gift certificate from Amazon.com. We are excited to announce that, a Post Doctoral researcher from Spain, screen name: hpeinado was the contest's winner. When asked to provide a comment to the following question, "What do you see as the largest obstacle for standardization of DNA microarray experiments across different platforms?" hpeinado replied: "I think that the main problem in the competition between companies. I think that all the companies must share/investigate the same sequences in the microarray and try to work together to develop a "universal array" with all the genes, and each company should improve all the rest of the components in the experiment (labeling, sample...). However due to the competition, each company develops different arrays without sharing information and the comparison between different platforms is difficult. However I do not see an easy way to resolve this problem because of money and competition are closely related." Congratulations to everyone who made this study possible. The Science Advisory Board provides opportunities for its members to earn honoraria each and every time they participate in SAB-sponsored studies. Interested in finding out more? Please visit: http://www.scienceboard.net/about/participate.asp. |
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