High-throughput nucleic-acid based technologies are revolutionizing modern biology. While PCR is the backbone of molecular biological research, it has not achieved the same throughput as more recent technologies such as microarrays and parallel whole genome sequencing. Whatever technology is selected, success depends on a balanced combination of good experimental design, sample preparation, probe design, amplification, detection, and analysis as well as selection of equipment and reagents. New technical developments that improve the performance of nucleic acid amplification and detection, as well as practical examples of how these techniques are used, is the emphasis of Cambridge Healthtech Institute’s 13th Annual Nucleic Acid-Based Technologies meeting. Learn from savvy, seasoned researchers as they share their experiences with the latest technologies and their cutting edge results.