Neural basis of extraordinary empathy and altruistic motivation

Neural basis of extraordinary empathy and altruistic motivation

Vani A. Mathur, Tokiko Harada, Trixie Lipke and Joan Y. Chiao

NeuroImage, Article in Press, Corrected Proof doi:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2010.03.025

Detecting extremely rare mutants with single-cell PCR technology

Detecting extremely rare mutants with single-cell PCR technology

Now, Richard Mathies’ group at the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) has developed a PCR-based tool for high-throughput single-cell analysis: microfabricated emulsion generator arrays (MEGAs). This device uses microfluidic technology to undertake massively parallel PCR amplification of DNA from single cells, providing accurate detection and quantification of rare mutants within a population (1). The use of small water droplets in oil to amplify single molecules is known as emulsion PCR; its power comes from the ability to miniaturize reactions into droplets and from using primer-coupled beads (2,3). In this way, all PCR products are the same (or clonal) and physically attached to the bead for easy retrieval.