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UM Unveils State Of The Art DNA Storage System

MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) – The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine has unveiled a new automated storage and retrieval system for DNA samples.

The Brooks Life Science Systems A3+SmaRTStore, at the Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, can store almost 500,000 samples, quadrupling the amount of DNA samples that can be stored and processed.

With the highest density storage in its class, SmaRTStore delivers reliable, high integrity automated sample management through the integration of a precisely controlled cold environment, robotics, and sample tracking software. The automated storage unit will serve as a cornerstone for genomic research.

Use of this system will provide a secure and efficient means of allocating specified DNA samples requested for downstream genotyping and sequencing experiments.

Assistant professor Jacob McCauley says this system will "help to revolutionize our DNA storage and distribution workflow."

UM's Miller School of Medicine is one of only a few leading universities to have invested in automated storage.

(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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