Agilent Technologies Introduces eArray 3.5 to Enable Online Microarray Design Collaboration and Sharing; Content Expands Beyond Gene Expression to Include Comparative Genomic Hybridization Application
Agilent Technologies Inc. today announced that its pioneering, Web-based DNA microarray design tool, eArray, now enables the microarray industry’s first collaboration and sharing capabilities wherever there is an Internet connection.
Introduced in March 2005, eArray 3.0 was the industry’s first Web application for designing custom DNA microarrays used in drug discovery, disease studies and basic research. The version announced today, eArray 3.5, provides an easy-to-use, secure means for sharing microarray design information among collaborators or with members of research consortia.
“We expect that researchers will come to rely on eArray as a collaborative workbench and design-sharing tool for development of evolving genomes and new applications,” said Mike Booth, general manager of the Genomics Group at Agilent. “This will also support researchers’ efforts to publish their microarray work in peer-reviewed journals, scientific publications and presentations.”
In addition to existing gene expression content, annotation information and probe sequences, eArray 3.5 now provides access to Agilent’s catalog array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) probes, useful for designing microarray experiments to detect chromosome loss or duplication in cancer studies. The online tool has also been expanded to allow researchers to upload their own aCGH probes.
This free tool enables users to design custom microarrays using Agilent catalog probes, probes from their own sources or a combination of both. To date, more than 300 users from 160 organizations worldwide have registered through eArray. The site helps researchers harness the inherent flexibility of Agilent’s SurePrint microarray manufacturing technology in which DNA is synthesized on each slide by “inkjet” printing. This supports multiple formats and layouts, allows users to add their own content, provides built-in quality assurance probes, and facilitates updating of content. Agilent has also enhanced eArray’s search capabilities to help speed microarray design.
Users can access eArray 3.5 at http://earray.chem.agilent.com/earray
About Agilent in Genomics
Agilent is a leading provider of microarray-based, genomics research solutions with more than 500 customers worldwide. Agilent’s end-to-end solution includes reagents for sample preparation and microarray processing; hardware for sample QC and high-throughput microarray scanning; 60-mer oligo microarrays on industry-standard 1″ x 3″ glass slides for gene expression; comparative genomic hybridization and chromatin immunoprecipitation applications; custom microarray design services; and industry-leading GeneSpring and Rosetta software products for data analysis.
About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) is the world’s premier measurement company and a technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company’s 28,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $7.2 billion in fiscal year 2004. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com
