Applera Corporation, a life sciences company, develops and markets healthcare products research technologies, diagnostic products, and drugs to improve the human condition in the United States and internationally. It operates in two segments, Applied Biosystems and Celera. The Applied Biosystems segment develops and markets instrument-based systems, consumables, software, and services to the life science industry and research community. These tools are used to analyze nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA; small molecules; and proteins to make scientific discoveries and develop new pharmaceuticals. This segment’s products also serve the needs of various markets, such as the fields of human identity testing, including forensic and paternity testing; biosecurity; and food and pharmaceutical manufacturing testing. The Celera segment identifies and validates novel diagnostic markers using proprietary genomics and proteomics discovery platforms; and develops diagnostic products based on these markers. It is also discovering and validating therapeutic targets. This segment has a strategic alliance with Abbott Laboratories to develop and commercialize molecular or nucleic acid-based diagnostic products. In addition, it performs contract manufacturing and technology development services for the development and manufacture of reagents for use by the clinical laboratories. Further, this segment has collaborations with Abbott Laboratories; Genentech, Inc.; Medarex, Inc.; and Seattle Genetics, Inc. for development of therapeutic products targeted to cell-surface proteins associated with various cancers, as well as a joint research collaboration agreement with General Electric to accelerate the discovery and development of new products for personalized, or targeted, medicine. Additionally, Celera has a research collaboration agreement with Merck & Co., Inc. to identify and validate genetic markers. The company was founded in 1939 and is headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut.