Scrutiny of SmartFlares raises questions over RNA probes
Merck Millipore technology for detecting specific RNAs may not live up to claims
The usefulness of a tool designed to visualise and quantify ribonucleic acids (RNAs) in living cells has been questioned. According to a new study, SmartFlares – probes that are meant to detect RNA within living cells that are marketed by the firm Merck Millipore – may not live up to their claims. Conventional RNA detection has been performed by evaluating lysed or fixed cells, but detecting RNA in live cells using fluorescence, as promised by SmartFlares, would provide more physiologically relevant information.