Significant advances are being made in high throughput, multiplexed measurements and in techniques for detecting Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). However, the rapid advances and the complexity of highly multiplexed measurements pose some critical issues relating to the validity and comparability of results. The need for accurate quantitative measurements is growing, but the measurement techniques are not very robust and are struggling to keep up with the regulatory requirements, such as those associated with the labelling of GM food.

The 'Nucleic acid measurement' area offers a range of resources and can be divided into the following areas:

Project section: Provides information on current projects and laboratory initiatives that are aimed at improving the accuracy, sensitivity and comparability of biological-based measurements. Regular updates on each project will appear in the UK Bio-Measurement Network area.

Measurement technology section: Details information on analytical techniques, ranging from basic PCR methods to mass spectrometry, and includes emerging technologies such as surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and the use of quantum dot particles as molecular tags.

Quality assurance area: Provides an introduction to the principles and practice of quality assurance, including definitions of terminology and sources of further information.

Bio-links page: Useful links to other web sites, ranging from UK Government sites to molecular biology information resources and sites of equipment and service providers.