The new process also provides a method for eliminating compounds that are not of the PHDH chemical group. "We are delighted to receive this validation of our research and methods of analysis," stated Clark. "Using this method with our XDS CALUX(R) bioassay, it is now possible to collect timely, sensitive, accurate, and detailed information of specific toxic compounds in our environment."

Founded in 1995, XDS technology was pioneered by Clark and Dr. Michael Denison, a toxicologist at the University of California at Davis. The CALUX(R) By XDS bioassay contains mammalian cell lines genetically engineered to include the gene for luciferase, an enzyme fireflies use to produce light. In the patented XDS CALUX(R) process, firefly light is produced when dioxin-like chemicals are present. The process provides recognition of dioxin and dioxin-like compounds at detection levels below one part per trillion, and is 40% to 70% less expensive than traditional analyses.

Development of the XDS CALUX(R) technology was supported by Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants (1R43 ES08327-01 & 2R44 ES08372-02) from the National Institute of Health.

For more information: Call 1-888-D-I-O-X-I-N-S or visit dioxins .