Scientists and policy experts from industry, government, and nonprofit sectors reached consensus on ways to improve the rigor and transparency of regulatory decision-making in a report being released today
The Research Integrity Roundtable, a cross-sector working group convened and facilitated by The Keystone Center, an independent public policy organization, is releasing the new report to improve the scientific analysis and independent expert reviews which underpin many important regulatory decisions. The report, Model Practices and Procedures for Improving the Use of Science in Regulatory Decision-Making, builds on the work of the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) in its 2009 report Science for Policy Project: Improving the Use of Science in Regulatory Policy...
Read MoreMelbourn Scientific rises above Helium ShortageSep 27, 2012
Prof of Sustainable Chemistry warns pharmaceutical industry of implications
“Everytime you see a child with a helium balloon, imagine somebody not being able to have an MRI scan that they desperately needed,” says Tom Welton, Professor of Sustainable Chemistry at Imperial College. As the professor warns that the helium shortage may soon impact the pharmaceutical industry, contract research organisation Melbourn Scientific, based in Melbourn Herts, is already responding...
Read MoreFood safety and quality all wrapped upSep 27, 2012
Markes International (Llantrisant, UK) has teamed-up with Cardiff University (Wales, UK) and 12 partner organisations from across Europe to undertake a pioneering research project which is set to improve the safety and quality of pre-packed fruit and vegetables
The €4m ‘QUAFETY’ initiative, which is co-funded by the European Commission through the 7th Framework Program, aims to improve the safety and quality of ready-to-eat fresh produce by working with the industry to develop new predictive and probabilistic models and decision making tools.
Read MoreWorld's top cargo airlines will not ship animals to LaboratoriesSep 26, 2012
UPS, FedEx and DHL Tell PETA US They Will Not Participate in an Industry That Harms and Kills Animals in Tests
Three of the world's largest cargo carriers have taken a stand against transporting animals to laboratories for experiments. Following discussions with PETA US, UPS has won high praise for adopting a worldwide ban on transporting laboratory-bound animals, and FedEx and DHL have confirmed to PETA US that they prohibit this cruel practice...
Read MoreCentre for Bio Separation Technology and BIA Separations Cooperate on Purification of BiomoleculesSep 26, 2012
Centre for Bio Separations Technology Chancellor: Dr. G. Viswanathan, CBST Director: Prof. M.A. Vijayalakshmi) and BIA Separations , Managing Director and CEO: Dr. Ales Strancar announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 31st August 2012 and entered into an agreement to cooperate and to work together towards:
developing innovative bioseparation platforms and technologies
education and training of students to prepare them for working in biopharmaceutical industry
providing technical support, contract research and services to the biopharmaceutical industry, through the setting up of a BIA Separations Platform of Excellence at CBST...
Remarkable year of recognition continues apace for Livingston company
Edinburgh Instruments, Livingston UK, 20th September 2012; Edinburgh Instruments Limited, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of high-end photonic and electro-optical scientific instrumentation, has been listed in The Sunday Times Hiscox Tech Track 100 for the first time...
Read MoreThe North West Fund for Biomedical invests in drug discovery technologySep 25, 2012
The North West Fund for Biomedical, the £25million fund managed by SPARK Impact, has invested £350,000 into a drug discovery company which could lower the cost of inventing new medicines
Molplex Ltd has developed automated decision making systems using predictive chemistry and biology software which incorporate critical decisions made by drug development professionals during the early stages of drug discovery and design... Read MoreA breakthrough in Nylon characterization from Malvern InstrumentsSep 20, 2012
A novel gel permeation chromatography (GPC) method for characterizing Nylon, developed by researchers at Malvern Instruments, significantly reduces the cost of analysis while simultaneously improving safety, when compared with conventional techniques
The new method uses formic acid as a solvent for Nylon, in place of the traditional choice of hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIPA), a relatively expensive, aggressively corrosive solvent with poor health and safety characteristics. First presented at a recent webinar by Dr Wei Sen Wong, his breakthrough is expected to generate significant industrial interest...
Read MoreFisher Scientific Opens Registration for Activate Science 2012 Road ShowSep 20, 2012
Fisher Scientific, part of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, has announced dates and venues for its annual Activate Science road show. The event takes place between 18 September and 6 December 2012, at locations throughout the UK and Ireland. Attendance is free
Activate Science is designed to help customers within the laboratory industry advance and improve their research and drive results by getting hands-on with the latest scientific equipment and consumables. Over Twenty-five leading scientific suppliers will showcase their products, along with live demonstrations and exclusive promotional offers...
Read MorePAC Releases Next Generation PetroSpec QuickSpecSep 17, 2012
Fast and Accurate Analysis of Ethanol and Water Content in Gasoline Blends
PAC, a leading global provider of advanced analytical instruments for laboratories and online process applications, is pleased to announce the release of its next generation PetroSpec QuickSpec, which is an innovative, portable analyzer that delivers simple, fast, and accurate analysis of ethanol and water in gasoline blends. With this latest release, the QuickSpec analyzer expands its analysis range of ethanol, 0.1 vol% to 100.0 vol%, which is crucial for ethanol blending in gasoline and for measuring purity of fuel-grade ethanol. Water can still be measured from 0.01 vol% to 5.00 vol%. ...Read MoreHeating Blocks Demonstrate Faster Heating, Cooling & SafetySep 14, 2012
Asynt has announced the availability of new data demonstrating the outstanding performance of its DrySyn Classic heating blocks
Recent design improvements in this popular product have resulted in improved heat transfer characteristics up to 300ºC, faster heating and cooling, and a smaller footprint. Used in combination with a standard hotplate stirrer, DrySyn Classic units have proved themselves with their ability to outperform the heat-conducting properties of oil baths...
BioCity Scotland, the centre for life science businesses in Newhouse, Lanarkshire has announced the appointment of Dr Allison Jeynes-Ellis MB ChB, FFPM as a new Board member. Formerly Medical and Innovation Director with the Association of British Pharmaceutical Industry, Dr Jeynes-Ellis will assume the position in September 2012.
Analytik, leading suppliers of innovative analytical instrumentation, report on the use of the ASD portable FieldSpec® 4 spectroradiometer at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge where the researchers are performing pigment analysis of illuminated manuscripts
Dr Paola Ricciardi is a research associate in the Department of Manuscripts and Printed Books at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge. Her work is part of the MINIARE project, focusing on Manuscript Illumination: Non-Invasive Analysis, Research & Expertise. MINIARE is a new interdisciplinary collaboration between the Fitzwilliam Museum and the University of Cambridge's Departments of Chemistry, Physics, Art History and History and Philosophy of Science...
Read MoreBruker CAM aids Energia Technologies analyze alternative biofuel Sep 11, 2012
Imagine being able to grow sustainable transportation fuels? Thanks to analytical technology from Bruker CAM, Energia Technologies, Inc., is one step closer towards addressing the emerging need for alternative liquid transportation biofuels
Its innovative SelectJETTM technology converts plant oils into biojet and biodiesel, which can serve as drop-in replacement to petroleum-based fuels. Now, using Bruker gas chromatography (GC) systems along with CompassCDS and SimDist Software, the research team at Energia Technologies can analyze their product quickly and easily, using the information to feedback into optimizing production processes. A full write-up of this inspiring case study is available...
Read MoreCarousel 6 improves productivity in Sussex University chemistry labSep 11, 2012
The Carousel 6 Reaction Station from Radleys, UK provides the busy Department of Chemistry at the University of Sussex with a time and space saving alternative to conventional apparatus and methods
Dr John Spencer, from the Department of Chemistry has invested in the Carousel 6 system for use by the ‘Spencer Group', a research group interested in generating organic molecules, mainly for biological testing. The Spencer Group conducts research on the interface of chemistry and medicinal chemistry, making use of transition metal catalysis and microwave-mediated synthesis where possible, with particular emphasis on palladium and boron chemistry...
Read MoreNew videos for Jenway 73 series spectrophotometers help customers get the most from their systemSep 10, 2012
In order to assist customers in the use of their 73 Series Spectrophotometers, Jenway has published online a set of videos for demonstration and training
The Jenway 73 series are entry level spectrophotometers with icon-driven software and a user-friendly navigation system, making them ideally suited for teaching laboratories. The online videos clearly demonstrate how to navigate the instrument, which is especially useful for users unfamiliar with spectrophotometers, and they make remote training easy and accessible. In many situations, when a customer has purchased one of the optional accessories for example, and wishes to know how to fit it, videos are often easier to follow than written instructions...
Read MoreJPK reports on the first images of DNA's double helix in the molecule's natural environmentSep 7, 2012
JPK Instruments, a world-leading manufacturer of nanoanalytic instrumentation for research in life sciences and soft matter, reports on the use of AFM systems in the group of Dr Bart Hoogenboom of the London Centre for Nanotechnology
Lecturer at the London Nanotechnology Centre and the Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, Dr Bart Hoogenboom's main research interest is where nanotechnology tools may be used to study and manipulate single biomolecules. Specifically, he applies AFM as the only instrument that provides ~1 nm spatial resolution on large biomolecules that are "alive", or in more scientific terms, they are still functional and may be studied in the natural environment, i.e. aqueous salt solution...
Read MoreLenses for Demanding Machine Vision ApplicationsSep 7, 2012
At the forthcoming VISION 2012 exhibition in Stuttgart (6-8th November 2012) - engineers from Resolve Optics Ltd. will be on-hand to discuss with machine vision camera suppliers and system integrators the opportunity, through a custom lens design, to benefit from the full performance of their camera or sensor system.
Resolve Optics Ltd. has built a strong international reputation for designing and producing quantities of application optimised lenses for machine vision applications. While off-the-shelf lenses may be suitable for some applications - Resolve Optics Ltd. specialises in design and development of custom lenses and optical systems that meet the requirements of more demanding machine vision applications. Read MoreMalvern Zetasizer Nano is integral to QueenSep 6, 2012
"The Zetasizer Nano ZS is an integral piece of equipment in our polymer characterization laboratory," said Daniel Krasznai, Department of Chemical Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada. "The most important features that the Zetasizer Nano ZS offers are rapidity, reproducibility, and a user-friendly interface."
Daniel Krasznai's supervisor,Dr. Michael F. Cunningham, holds the Ontario Research Chair in Green Chemistry and Engineering at Queen's University. His team focuses on the synthesis of polymer colloids using a range of dispersed free-radical polymerization techniques. Together with Dr. Niels M.B. Smeets, and fellow collaborators Dr. Pascale Champagne and Dr. Timothy F.L. McKenna, they have recently published a paper in which they use the Zetasizer Nano ZS to characterize novel core-shell materials in pure water. Read MoreLab M adds six new distribution partners to growing network around the worldSep 6, 2012
In line with product and market expansion plans signalled during the recent move to new, larger headquarters, microbiology company Lab M has added a further six distribution partners to its global network
These appointments enable the delivery of increasingly localised support to users of Lab M culture media and associated products in Western Europe, Eastern Europe and the Middle East...
Science Uncovered, the annual after hours science extravaganza, returns to the Natural History Museum on Friday 28 September from 16.00 - 23.00 with free entry
Talk to the Museum's world-class scientists about the burning issues in science today, or simply relax and unwind with a drink at the Science Bar in the grand setting of the Museum's Central Hall
Get hands-on with our science activities for a glimpse of life behind-the-scenes at our world-leading Museum and science research facility
NanoSight, leading manufacturers of unique nanoparticle characterization technology, reports on the work of Principal Scientist Dr Damian Marshall and his colleagues at LGC as they develop new methods for characterizing new nanoscale reference materials
LGC is the UK's designated National Measurement Institute for chemical and bioanalytical measurement, the National Reference Laboratory for a range of key areas, and is also the host organisation for the UK's Government Chemist function. The potential for nanotechnology to improve human health and aid diagnostic and medical procedures can only be realised if nanomaterials, particularly those for use in nanomedicine applications and consumer products, can be used with no toxic effects. LGC is developing a standardized panel of reference nanomaterials to enable the development of traceable methods for improved in vitro toxicity measurement for safety assessment...
Read More
The Research Integrity Roundtable, a cross-sector working group convened and facilitated by The Keystone Center, an independent public policy organization, is releasing the new report to improve the scientific analysis and independent expert reviews which underpin many important regulatory decisions. The report, Model Practices and Procedures for Improving the Use of Science in Regulatory Decision-Making, builds on the work of the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) in its 2009 report Science for Policy Project: Improving the Use of Science in Regulatory Policy...
“Everytime you see a child with a helium balloon, imagine somebody not being able to have an MRI scan that they desperately needed,” says Tom Welton, Professor of Sustainable Chemistry at Imperial College. As the professor warns that the helium shortage may soon impact the pharmaceutical industry, contract research organisation Melbourn Scientific, based in Melbourn Herts, is already responding...
The €4m ‘QUAFETY’ initiative, which is co-funded by the European Commission through the 7th Framework Program, aims to improve the safety and quality of ready-to-eat fresh produce by working with the industry to develop new predictive and probabilistic models and decision making tools.
Three of the world's largest cargo carriers have taken a stand against transporting animals to laboratories for experiments. Following discussions with PETA US, UPS has won high praise for adopting a worldwide ban on transporting laboratory-bound animals, and FedEx and DHL have confirmed to PETA US that they prohibit this cruel practice...
Edinburgh Instruments, Livingston UK, 20th September 2012; Edinburgh Instruments Limited, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of high-end photonic and electro-optical scientific instrumentation, has been listed in The Sunday Times Hiscox Tech Track 100 for the first time...
Molplex Ltd has developed automated decision making systems using predictive chemistry and biology software which incorporate critical decisions made by drug development professionals during the early stages of drug discovery and design...
The new method uses formic acid as a solvent for Nylon, in place of the traditional choice of hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIPA), a relatively expensive, aggressively corrosive solvent with poor health and safety characteristics. First presented at a recent webinar by Dr Wei Sen Wong, his breakthrough is expected to generate significant industrial interest...
Activate Science is designed to help customers within the laboratory industry advance and improve their research and drive results by getting hands-on with the latest scientific equipment and consumables. Over Twenty-five leading scientific suppliers will showcase their products, along with live demonstrations and exclusive promotional offers...
Recent design improvements in this popular product have resulted in improved heat transfer characteristics up to 300ºC, faster heating and cooling, and a smaller footprint. Used in combination with a standard hotplate stirrer, DrySyn Classic units have proved themselves with their ability to outperform the heat-conducting properties of oil baths...
Over twenty years industry experience as an oncology specialist have equipped Dr Jeynes-Ellis with a unique insight into the complexities of the life sciences sector. Her early career within the NHS led to medical positions with, Ciba Pharmaceuticals, Bristol Myers Squibb as Director of Oncology and Wyeth, UK and Ireland as Medical Director...
Dr Paola Ricciardi is a research associate in the Department of Manuscripts and Printed Books at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge. Her work is part of the MINIARE project, focusing on Manuscript Illumination: Non-Invasive Analysis, Research & Expertise. MINIARE is a new interdisciplinary collaboration between the Fitzwilliam Museum and the University of Cambridge's Departments of Chemistry, Physics, Art History and History and Philosophy of Science...
Its innovative SelectJETTM technology converts plant oils into biojet and biodiesel, which can serve as drop-in replacement to petroleum-based fuels. Now, using Bruker gas chromatography (GC) systems along with CompassCDS and SimDist Software, the research team at Energia Technologies can analyze their product quickly and easily, using the information to feedback into optimizing production processes. A full write-up of this inspiring case study is available...
Dr John Spencer, from the Department of Chemistry has invested in the Carousel 6 system for use by the ‘Spencer Group', a research group interested in generating organic molecules, mainly for biological testing. 
The Jenway 73 series are entry level spectrophotometers with icon-driven software and a user-friendly navigation system, making them ideally suited for teaching laboratories. The online videos clearly demonstrate how to navigate the instrument, which is especially useful for users unfamiliar with spectrophotometers, and they make remote training easy and accessible. In many situations, when a customer has purchased one of the optional accessories for example, and wishes to know how to fit it, videos are often easier to follow than written instructions...
Lecturer at the London Nanotechnology Centre and the Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, Dr Bart Hoogenboom's main research interest is where nanotechnology tools may be used to study and manipulate single biomolecules. Specifically, he applies AFM as the only instrument that provides ~1 nm spatial resolution on large biomolecules that are "alive", or in more scientific terms, they are still functional and may be studied in the natural environment, i.e. aqueous salt solution...
Resolve Optics Ltd. has built a strong international reputation for designing and producing quantities of application optimised lenses for machine vision applications. While off-the-shelf lenses may be suitable for some applications - Resolve Optics Ltd. specialises in design and development of custom lenses and optical systems that meet the requirements of more demanding machine vision applications.
Daniel Krasznai's supervisor, Dr. Michael F. Cunningham, holds the Ontario Research Chair in Green Chemistry and Engineering at Queen's University. His team focuses on the synthesis of polymer colloids using a range of dispersed free-radical polymerization techniques. Together with Dr. Niels M.B. Smeets, and fellow collaborators Dr. Pascale Champagne and Dr. Timothy F.L. McKenna, they have recently published a paper in which they use the Zetasizer Nano ZS to characterize novel core-shell materials in pure water. 
These appointments enable the delivery of increasingly localised support to users of Lab M culture media and associated products in Western Europe, Eastern Europe and the Middle East...
Science Uncovered, the annual after hours science extravaganza, returns to the Natural History Museum on Friday 28 September from 16.00 - 23.00 with free entry
LGC is the UK's designated National Measurement Institute for chemical and bioanalytical measurement, the National Reference Laboratory for a range of key areas, and is also the host organisation for the UK's Government Chemist function. The potential for nanotechnology to improve human health and aid diagnostic and medical procedures can only be realised if nanomaterials, particularly those for use in nanomedicine applications and consumer products, can be used with no toxic effects. LGC is developing a standardized panel of reference nanomaterials to enable the development of traceable methods for improved in vitro toxicity measurement for safety assessment...