|
FOSTER CITY, CA, June 30, 2000 -- PE Biosystems Group (NYSE:
PEB), a PE Corporation business, and the Food Science department of Purdue
University, West Lafayette, Indiana, are collaborating to develop new
methods of detecting and tracking food-borne pathogens. PE Biosystems
will provide the university with its proprietary ABI PRISM® genetic
analysis systems, reagents, software, and technical support for food microbiology
research. These products will also help educate future food technologists
in the use of molecular tools. In return, PE Biosystems will have access
to information that Purdue scientists have amassed about food-borne pathogens.
The goal of the collaboration is to accelerate new tests and systems for
ensuring food safety. To further that goal and to better understand the
needs of major food producers and manufacturers, PE Biosystems has become
a member of Purdue's Industrial Associates Program. PE Biosystems has
also granted scholarships to two students in the university's Food Science
department.
"Purdue's Food Science department is the largest in the country
and has conducted extensive research into food safety," said Elaine
Heron, Ph.D., vice president, PE Corporation, and general manager, Applied
Biosystems Division. "That expertise, combined with our technology
resources, creates an excellent opportunity to develop systems that ensure
safer food production and distribution in the United States and throughout
the world."
"PE Biosystems leadership in the development of DNA-based detection
methods will add significant value to our program," said Philip E.
Nelson, Ph.D., professor and head of the Purdue Food Science department.
"Through this relationship, students will gain experience with new
technologies that can be used to detect food-borne pathogens more rapidly."
As bacteria mutate and new strains emerge, researchers have discovered
that they can achieve rapid, accurate detection and identification of
organisms only with DNA analysis techniques. The leader in the development
of genetic analysis systems, PE Biosystems applied these technologies
to produce a series of molecular-based assays for the detection, identification,
and characterization of pathogenic E.coli, Salmonella, and other bacteria
transmitted through food sources. These assays include TaqMan® Pathogen
Detection Kits, MicroSeq™ Bacterial and Fungal Identification Kits,
and Microbial AFLP® Strain Typing Kits.
The Purdue University Department of Food Science is recognized worldwide
for its expertise in aseptic processing, carbohydrate research, and computer-integrated
manufacturing. It combines cutting-edge technology, expanded research
experience, and forward-looking, comprehensive classes in applied microbiology
and biochemistry to improve the taste, nutrition, and value of the world's
food supply. Graduates are qualified for careers in quality assurance,
product development, research, sales, technical services, purchasing,
and production management. For more information, call 800.829.3319 or
visit www.foodsci.purdue.edu.
About PE Corporation
PE Corporation comprises two operating groups. The PE Biosystems Group,
with sales of $1.2 billion during fiscal 1999, develops and markets instrument-based
systems, reagents, software, and contract services to the life science
industry and research community. PE Biosystems is headquartered in Foster
City, CA, and comprises four divisions: Applied Biosystems, PE Informatics,
PerSeptive Biosystems, and Tropix. The Celera Genomics Group (NYSE: CRA),
headquartered in Rockville, MD, intends to become the definitive source
of genomic and related medical information. Information about the company,
including reports and other information filed by the company with the
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, is available on the World Wide
Web at www.pecorporation.com
or by phoning 800.762.6923.
|
