Norman Arnheim

Title: The Innovations of Norman Arnheim

Introduction

Norman Arnheim is a notable inventor based in Piedmont, California. He has made significant contributions to the field of molecular biology, particularly in the areas of nucleic acid amplification and antibody production. With a total of four patents to his name, Arnheim's work has had a lasting impact on scientific research and diagnostics.

Latest Patents

One of Arnheim's latest patents is a process for amplifying, detecting, and/or cloning nucleic acid sequences. This invention is directed towards amplifying and detecting any target nucleic acid sequence contained in a nucleic acid or mixture thereof. The process involves treating separate complementary strands of the nucleic acid with a molar excess of two oligonucleotide primers. These primers are extended to form complementary primer extension products, which act as templates for synthesizing the desired nucleic acid sequence. The steps of the reaction can be carried out stepwise or simultaneously and can be repeated as often as desired. Additionally, a specific nucleic acid sequence may be cloned into a vector using primers that amplify the sequence, which contain restriction sites on their non-complementary ends.

Another significant patent involves peptide antibodies and their use in detecting oncogene products. This invention highlights how antibodies can exhibit specificity toward single amino acid differences between proteins. The antibodies are produced by synthesizing a peptide of the appropriate amino acid sequence contained in the protein, immunizing a host with the peptide, and extracting sera from the host to obtain the antibodies. These antibodies can then be used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Norman Arnheim has worked with prominent organizations such as Cetus Corporation and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. His work has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of molecular biology and its applications in medicine.

Collaborations

Arnheim has collaborated with notable scientists, including Kary B. Mullis and Henry A. Erlich. These collaborations have further enriched his research and contributed to the development of innovative techniques in the field.

Conclusion

Norman Arnheim's contributions to science through his patents and collaborations have significantly advanced the fields of molecular biology and diagnostics. His innovative processes continue to influence research and medical practices today.