July 15, 2003 — HandyLab Inc. has been awarded a $2 million grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Advanced Technology Program to develop a highly sensitive, low-cost microfluidic device for health care, homeland security and agriculture applications, according to a news release.

Officials with the Ann Arbor, Mich.-based company said such a portable DNA diagnostic device would fill unmet needs in several markets and offer size, space and cost savings over existing devices. It also would eliminate the need for optical detection and other associated equipment, the release said.

HandyLab investor Ardesta LLC is the parent company of Small Times Media.