Fluidigm Europe has announced an opportunity for scientists to learn more about how the Fluidigm Access Array^TM System is being used by the US National Cancer Institute to explore genetic diversity and how to effectively implement techniques for next generation sequencing.

A recorded version of the Science magazine webinar: 'Exploring Genetic Dversity: Mapping the Genetic Landscape through Next-Generation Sequencing** prominently features results from the Fluidigm Access Array System within the presentation by Michael W Smith Ph.D, director of the Genetics and Genomics Group within the Advanced Technology Program of SAIC Frederick.

Characterizing the genetic diversity in populations can be challenging, because of the sheer number of samples needed to understand the underlying genetic variation. Using multiplexed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) along with barcoding, offers the possibility of sequencing hundreds of unique samples per run using next- generation sequencing technology. This process, known as amplicon resequencing, allows for each PCR amplicon to be sequenced individually, enabling both the identification of rare variants and the assignment of haplotypes.

The webinar** provides an overview of amplicon resequencing-based approaches, from the perspective of investigating the complexity and diversity seen in immune system genes.  Three experts in the field discuss topics such as site-specific recombination reactions and cellular dysfunction, as well as how to use cutting-edge technology to discover pathways and specific patterns that impact such factors as the ability of the body to mount an immune response and somatic recombination in antibody production.

The Fluidigm Access Array integrated fluidic circuit is a unique microfluidics chip which houses thousands of nanoscale reaction chambers. The Access Array is configured to run 48 samples and 48 primer pairs simultaneously for a total of 2304 reactions. The authors describe how they evaluated and validated two protocols using the Access Array system to conduct, short and long-range capture. The short range protocol captures target lengths up to 700bp, while the long-range protocol currently captures up to 5Kb.  For further information on how the Fluidigm Access Array System is enabling scientists involved with next generation sequencing to get better results faster please visit www.fluidigm.com/fields-research/next-gen-sequencing.php.

Fluidigm develops, manufactures and markets proprietary Integrated Fluidic Circuit (IFC) systems that significantly improve productivity in life science research. Fluidigm's IFCs enable the simultaneous performance of thousands of sophisticated biochemical measurements in extremely minute volumes. These "integrated circuits for biology" are made possible by miniaturizing and integrating liquid handling components on a single microfluidic device (IFC). Fluidigm's systems, consisting of instrumentation, software and single-use chips, increase throughput, decrease costs and enhance sensitivity compared to conventional laboratory systems. Fluidigm products have not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as a diagnostic and are only available for research use. For more information, please visit www.fluidigm.com.

**  This webinar, originally run on 31st August 2010, sponsored by Roche and 454 Sequencing, is available here