LI-COR Biosciences

LI-COR Biosciences is an international biotech company which designs, manufactures, and markets instruments, measurement systems, and software for biological and environmental research, and develops relevant measurement methodologies and techniques.

Origins and history
LI-COR Biosciences was a privately held company based in Lincoln, Nebraska, until its acquisition by Battery Ventures in 2021. It was founded in 1971 under the name Lambda Instruments Corporation. The name was shortened to LI-COR, Inc., in 1978.

Biotechnology


LI-COR biotechnology instruments, software and reagents, which are based on near-infrared fluorescent and chemiluminescent detection, are used in a large variety of assays, such as western blot assays and cell-based assays, as well as in vivo imaging and DNA analysis. Primary applications include cancer research, drug discovery, genomics research, neuroscience, cell biology, and education.

Environmental
LI-COR environmental instruments and software are used for photosynthesis research, greenhouse gas monitoring, greenhouse gas flux measurements, and soil respiration measurements. LI-COR also manufactures light sensors, leaf area meters, and plant canopy analyzers, all of which are used to make fundamental measurements in disciplines including plant physiology, climate change, agronomy (forestry and agriculture), and other areas of the natural sciences.

Scientific contributions and recognition
LI-COR automated DNA sequencers were the primary systems used by Genoscope, the French National Sequencing Center to sequence chromosome 14 of the Human Genome Project.

Researchers affiliated with micrometeorological networks around the world use LI-COR carbon dioxide and water vapor analyzers to assess ecosystem greenhouse gas exchange with the eddy covariance technique. These networks include FluxNet and regional networks such as AmeriFlux, ICOS and AsiaFlux.

In 2010, the editors of R&D Magazine selected the LI-7700 Open Path CH4 Analyzer for an R&D 100 Award.

In 2013, the historic benchmark of increase in CO2 concentrations at 400 ppm was reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration using LI-7000 Closed Path CO2/H2O gas analyzer.

The LI-6400/6400XT Portable Photosynthesis System is the most frequently cited photosynthesis system in peer-reviewed scientific literature.