Campbell installs DNA sequencing instrument with LI-COR grant

     A grant in the amount of $49,899 from LI-COR Biosciences’ 2005 Genomics Educations Matching Fund program has enabled Campbell University to install DNA sequencing equipment that will be integrated into a number of existing courses and used for undergraduate student research.
     The grant includes the DNA sequencing instrument, accessories, training and software packages. Drs. Karen Guzman and Michelle Thomas of the Department of Biological Sciences and Dr. Tim Bloom, of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, requested the grant for use by students in both the School of Pharmacy and College of Arts and Sciences. LI-COR Biosciences is a manufacturer of electronic instrumentation for environmental, agricultural and ecological research.
     “This type of sequencing equipment is well suited to an educational setting,” said Guzman. “Our students will benefit from this technology and be able to use their experience in their professional careers.”
     Students can use the technology to not only determine the sequence of DNA but also the function of different genes. “The Human Genome Project determined the sequence of the DNA of human beings,” Guzman said. “The next step is to understand how this DNA sequence functions and how we can use this information in a multitude of ways including medical applications.”
     Guzman added that the technology can be used in variety of research applications, including gene discovery, techniques that detect differences in DNA (e.g. AFLP) and techniques that determine the function of genes (e.g.TILLING).


Photo Copy: Campbell University senior, James Haire, and sophomore, Casey Langdon, participated in a training session on the new DNA sequencing equipment. Pictured is Casey Langdon as he prepares a sample for DNA sequencing using a new technology made possible by a grant from LI-COR Biosciences.
 

Bulletin 0043-8/08/05