Innovative MetaMorph® NX Software Shatters Barriers Between Researchers and Image Analysis Goals with Exclusive Visual Workflow

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Nov. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Molecular Devices, LLC, the prominent source of powerful software for the bioresearch imaging industry, today announced the release of a much-anticipated customizable extension to its suite of easy-to-use image processing and analysis tools.

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Version 2.0 of MetaMorph NX Software will be showcased at the 51st annual meeting of the American Society for Cell Biology in Denver, Colorado, December 3-7, 2011. Please visit www.moleculardevices.com for details.

With the introduction of the Custom Measurement feature, version 2.0 erases the perception that designing uniquely tailored image analyses is a time-draining pursuit that can be achieved only by experts with programming knowledge. In a completely integrated but specialized workspace, anyone can now quickly create customized reusable and distributable image processing and analysis modules. A built-in visual workflow provides guided assistance for improving image quality, extracting features, and configuring measurements in an organized sequence of steps. Revisions to any step in the sequence are immediately reflected in before-and-after previews. No longer do you need to spend valuable time in seemingly endless cycles of design iterations or tediously re-measure images each time that you want to see the effect of a slight modification.

"Until now, the only way to obtain multifaceted measurements of an image set has been to employ techniques that require extensive training and that are complicated for even the most technically inclined researcher," said Mark Verheyden, President of Molecular Devices. "These methods cut into research time and often significantly delayed the quantification and investigation of samples. Our new Custom Measurement feature takes the learning curve out of custom analysis development. Any laboratory or facility can now benefit from the advantages of reusable image processing and analysis modules while being confident that the output is dependably reproducible."

Design your analysis visually (throw out the programming guides)

Simply choose from galleries of processing and segmentation options while observing the outcome of the options in "real time" on trial images. Easily reveal before-and-after images using the Split View slider. Devise as many "what if" scenarios as needed.

Never again be uncertain about what adjustment or option caused a particular effect as you build a custom measurement. Simply glance at the filmstrip to keep track of each piece of your analysis.

Quickly teach the software what to measure

Click on objects in an image using the innovative Click-to-Find tool to automatically set object parameters, and essentially teach the software about the objects and regions that should be measured. By eliminating the need to manually calculate and type in object information, the Custom Measurement feature shrinks the typical timeline for turning collected images into publishable data.

Measure objects and features within objects at the same time

Measure the images using the entire sequence of steps or measure specific objects and their features. To keep things organized, you can assign a unique name to each of the measurement results that will be collated into one table.

Measurements can include detailed statistics about the area, dimensions, shape, orientation, and intensity of objects and regions, as well as a summary of the measurements made. Custom measurements can also include co-localization information from multiple channels (illumination conditions), which helps determine if the same object appears in more than one channel.

"Custom" is the new "standard"

Save your custom measurement and it will be automatically added to the list of standard measurements available in your copy of the MetaMorph NX Software. Or, export the custom measurement to a file and distribute it to other researchers. You can modify your custom measurement any time after saving or deploying it.

For more information, please visit www.moleculardevices.com, send an email to [email protected], or contact your local sales and support office.

About Molecular Devices, LLC
At Molecular Devices we have one focus—our customers. Whether a long-time user, recent adopter, or prospective customer, your needs fuel our actions. We hire creative, best-in-class people to design, manufacture, and commercialize analytical instruments, software, and assays as well as provide dedicated follow-on support. Understanding your laboratory workflow is our top priority, and we direct product development toward solving your unique issues. Our instruments offer a full spectrum of detection technologies and meet all throughput needs—from dedicated, single-readout devices to multi-readout systems. Our goal is to deliver highly relevant analytical products to detect biology, decode data, and drive discovery. With headquarters in Silicon Valley and offices around the globe, we support and enrich efforts of the international BioResearch, BioPharma, and BioTesting communities. Visit us today at www.MolecularDevices.com.

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SOURCE Molecular Devices, LLC