Takara Bio, Inc. (President & CEO: Ikunoshin Kato) will begin accepting orders for its new Takara PCR Thermal Cycler Dice ("Dice") on December 11, 2002.

In 1988 Takara Bio became the first company in Japan to import and sell PCR DNA thermal cyclers, and the company has maintained a top market share in the sales of PCR enzymes and kits. Although several competitors are also selling their own PCR DNA thermal cyclers, with the introduction of Dice featuring compact size, portability, a gradient feature for advanced performance, and low price, Takara Bio aims to increase its share of the DNA thermal cycler market. The company plans to export its thermal cycler Dice worldwide with a sales goal in the first year of 300 million yen.

1. The control panel can be set at a desirable angle, providing easy viewing and access in any location.
   
   
2. Pop-up menus and alphanumeric entry via a 10-number keypad make operations simple and easy to remember.
   
   
3. A gradient feature enables simple determination of PCR reaction conditions.
   
   
4. Air is ventilated in from the front and sides and blown out from the rear, so there will be insignificant heat build-up between units if multiple units are lined up side by side.
   
   
5. The unit features a mode compatible with the temperature fluctuation characteristics of Takara's previous thermal cycler model, eliminating the need to redetermine PCR reaction conditions.
   
   

This article is translated from news in Japanese for your convenience.