In the News this Week: Advances in HIV Vaccine Development, ECCMID Highlights & SelectScience Wins UK Life Science Employer of the Year

15 May 2014
Sarah Thomas
Associate Editor

Industry news

Read our top news stories from this week:

Highlights from ECCMID 2014
The 24th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases was this year held in the beautiful city of Barcelona. Some of the hot technology topics included the latest molecular diagnostic developments, next generation sequencing, point-of-care advances and MALDI-TOF analysis.

AIDS Vaccine Could Work Against Changeable Site on HIV
A vaccine or other therapy directed at a single site on a surface protein of HIV could in principle neutralize nearly all strains of the virus — thanks to the diversity of targets the site presents to the human immune system.

Secure Informatics Solution for Regulated Pharmaceutical Labs
Agilent Technologies Inc. has introduced a new solution for regulated pharmaceutical laboratories that must comply with U.S. FDA 21 CFR Part 11. Easy to deploy and use, this off-the-shelf solution secures chromatography and mass spectrometry data for up to two instruments.

The Role of Science in Ensuring Food Integrity
Learn how tandum mass spectrometry has become a key technique in the analysis of food stuffs in this SelectScience video interview.

SelectScience Wins UK Life Science Employer of the Year Award 2014
SelectScience, has been recognized in the UK Life Science Skills Award scheme. The scheme rewards apprentices, individuals and employers who have excelled in contributing to the development of skills within the life science sector.


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Mass SpectrometryMass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical technique used to identify and quantify molecules based on the mass-to-charge ratio of gas-phase ions. It provides detailed information about the structure, composition, and properties of compounds and is widely used across fields such as environmental monitoring, materials science, drug discovery and development, food and beverage testing, and wider chemical research. Key MS techniques include tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LS-MS) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS). Choosing from these wide range of techniques and technologies can be a daunting task, so keep up to date with scientific applications, performance expectations, and customer reviews here all in one place. Visit our product directory to receive quotes direct from the manufacturer. MicrobiologyMicrobiology is the study of microorganisms including protists, prokaryotes, fungi, and, often, viruses. Microorganisms are a useful research tool as genetic vectors and, in immunology, for antibiotic susceptibility testing, cellular biology and genetics. Microorganisms commonly grow readily in incubators with microbial culture media; this can contain chromogenic supplements to differentiate between cell lines. Estimate your culture’s density of microorganisms with colony counters, or screen and select colonies for desirable clones with automated colony pickers. Additionally, equipment is available to monitor environments for the presence of microbes and identify with microbial identification instruments. Find the best microbiology products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Molecular Recognition SoftwareMolecular recognition software is widely used to analyze DNA, RNA, proteins and chemicals. The software can be useful for graphical viewing, comparative analyses, high-throughput screening, genomics, proteomics and phylogenetics. Molecular recognition software uses bioinformatics tools and analyses such as BLAST searches and generates structural predictions, 3D structures and sequencing information.ImmunologyImmunological techniques measure and characterize immune responses. Immunology kits and analysis systems often use techniques such as ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunodiffusion assays, Immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Immunologists use equipment such as flow Cytometers, plate readers, plate washers and fluorescent microscopes.Clinical MicrobiologyMicrobiology is the study of microorganisms including protists, prokaryotes, fungi, and, often, viruses. Microorganisms are a useful research tool as genetic vectors and, in immunology, for antibiotic susceptibility testing, cellular biology and genetics. Microorganisms commonly grow readily in incubators with microbial culture media; this can contain chromogenic supplements to differentiate between cell lines. Estimate your culture’s density of microorganisms with colony counters, or screen and select colonies for desirable clones with automated colony pickers. Additionally, equipment is available to monitor environments for the presence of microbes and identify with microbial identification instruments. Find the best microbiology products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Discovery SoftwareComputational techniques used in both the chemistry and biology aspects of drug discovery, for data acquisition, processing and storage. Software is used for analysis of pathways, target identification, genomics, proteomics, modelling, lead identification, compound analysis and drug modelling among many others. Development SoftwareComputational techniques used in both the chemistry and biology aspects of drug development, for data acquisition, data analysis, processing and storage. Software is used for analysis of ADME results, toxicology, clinical trials and regulatory processes. Software PlatformsSoftware platforms are useful for various stages of laboratory experiments from data collection to data storage and processing. For instance lab software is available for system control, data management, data analysis and qualification / validation.MetabolomicsMetabolomics is the study of small metabolites (the intermediates and products of metabolism). It involves the identification and quantification of cellular metabolites using analytical technologies such as GC, HPLC, NMR, and LC/MS.ECCMIDHIV and AIDSBlood tests are the most common way to identify and monitor HIV and AIDS. Current methods include ELISA, Western blot, RT-PCR viral load and CD4/8 testing. Areas for development include point-of-care assays for use in developing countries, and self-testing ‘at home’ HIV kits.PharmaceuticalsPharmaceuticals are medicinal drugs used in healthcare to diagnose, prevent, cure and treat illnesses. Pharmaceuticals that are excreted after use appear in wastewater and can have detrimental effects on the environment.Infectious DiseasesInfectious diseases are caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Effective detection, prevention, and treatment are crucial to control outbreaks and improve public health. Diagnostic tools, vaccines, and antimicrobial treatments are essential components of managing these diseases. Research into emerging pathogens and resistance patterns continues to evolve. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best diagnostic tools, prevention solutions, and treatment options; compare products, read customer reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.