In the News this Week: The Science of Falling in Love, Rapid Pathogen Detection, First 3D Movies of Living Sperm, and More...

14 Feb 2014
Sarah Thomas
Associate Editor

Industry news

It’s been an exciting week in the world of science. Here are our five top stories from this week:

The Science of Falling in Love
With Valentine’s Day capturing the hearts of romantics around the world this month, SelectScience Editor Lois Manton interviewed Research Professor Helen Fisher, a member of the Centre for Human Evolution Studies in the Department of Antropology at Rutger University in New Jersey, USA, about the science of falling in love.

Rapid Pathogen Detection for Sepsis Diagnosis
Alpha Laboratories has announced the launch of a new website providing a valuable resource regarding the serious issue of sepsis. Sepsis-Diagnostics.co.uk introduces QuickFISH™ rapid diagnostic technology, which allows laboratories to specifically identify the causative pathogen species of an infection, directly from positive blood culture in just 20 minutes.

Innovative Contact Lens for Delivery of Glaucoma Medication
Researchers at Massachusetts Eye and Ear/Harvard Medical School Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are one step closer to an eye drop-free reality with the development of a drug-eluting contact lens designed for prolonged delivery of latanoprost, a common drug used for the treatment of glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.

First 3D Movies of Living Sperm
A newly developed video tracking system that takes 3-D movies of living sperm could provide a new method for in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics to assess sperm viability. In addition to showing the sperm's movement and behavior in real time, the novel method simultaneously provides detailed 3-D imaging of the sperm's form and structure to detect potential infertility-causing anomalies.

Three New UNIFI System Solutions from Waters
Waters Corporation has announced three new UNIFI® Scientific Information System solutions: the Waters® Glycan Application Solution with UNIFI, Forensic Toxicology Screening Application Solution with UNIFI, and the Natural Products Application Solution with UNIFI. Each new application features a proprietary comprehensive library of relevant molecules.

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AutosamplersAutosamplers are automated sample loaders used with a number of separation and analytical techniques. HPLC autosamplers use automated partial or full-loop injection systems and place samples in vials or microplates for analysis. Autosamplers can also be used for elemental analysis. Features to consider include repeatability, syringe capacity, footprint and temperature controls.  Capillary ElectrophoresisCapillary electrophoresis (CE) is used to separate molecules based on charge, size and hydrophobicity. Pressure, voltage or a vacuum is used to introduce the sample to fused silica capillaries. Fluorescence, UV/Vis, UV or diode array detectors are used to visualize components. Types of CE systems include capillary electrochromatography (CEC), capillary zone electrophoresis and capillary gel electrophoresis. Find the best capillary electrophoresis equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Atomic Absorption / Emission SpectroscopyAtomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and atomic emission spectroscopy (AES) — also called optical emission spectroscopy (OES) — are used to detect the elemental constituents in samples. Both techniques involve the atomization of a sample. Atomic absorption spectrometers may use a flame or furnace to create an atomic vapor of the sample before irradiation with spectral light. Optical emission spectrometers may use a flame, inductively coupled plasma (ICP), microwave plasma (MP) or spark arcs to atomize and excite the sample. At higher excitation energies, electrons can be emitted instead of photons, which can be useful for samples that can’t be atomized and for surface analysis. Explore electron spectroscopy equipment such as Auger spectrometers and photoelectron spectrometers for surface elemental analysis of samples. Find the best atomic absorption, photoelectron and optical emission spectrometers in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.AntibodiesAntibodies are used in techniques such as confocal and fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, ELISA, ELISPOT, immunohistochemistry, western blotting and immunopreciptation. Select specific antigen reactivity, high specific affinity, low non-specific binding, monoclonal or polyclonal, primary or secondary antibodies and associated conjugates such as an enzyme or dye for visualization.Autoclaves and SterilizersAutoclaves and sterilizers are commonly used to sterilize laboratory equipment, instruments and growth media using constant pressure and temperature. When choosing an autoclave or sterilizer consider medical or laboratory application, size, loading and sterilization method. Sterilization methods include flame (Bunsen burners), heat (steam or dry), chemical and UV.Chem / BioinformaticsCheminformatics and bioinformatics are computational techniques used in chemistry and biology, respectively, for data acquisition, processing and storage. Cheminformatics focuses on compound information, whereas bioinformatics is mainly applied to analysis and modeling of genomics, genetic and sequencing information. Hardware and software is available for data acquisition, analysis, management and storage.ADME-ToxicologyADME-toxicology (ADME-Tox) studies are used in pharmacology and pharmacokinetics to assess the activity/toxicity of drugs <i>in vivo</i> or <i>in vitro</i>. Find bioassays for absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drug molecules including cytotoxicity, transporter/permeability, metabolism and activity assays as well as hepatocytes and cell lines for ADME. Find the best ADME-toxicology products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Automation Supplies / AccessoriesAutomated accessories and consumables make lab processes fast, efficient and reliable. Useful automation accessories include microplate sealers, label printers and reagent reservoirs.Embryology / IVFEmbryology refers to the development of an embryo resulting from the fertilization of the ovum, to fetus stage. In vitro fertilization (IVF) refers to the fertilization of the egg outside of the human body, and is an important treatment for infertility.NeurobiologyNeurobiology studies the biology of the nervous system, including the structure and function of neurons, glial cells, and their interactions. It is a key field in understanding neurological disorders such as Alzheimer�s, Parkinson�s, and schizophrenia. Research in neurobiology is essential for developing therapies for these conditions. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best neurobiology research tools, compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Natural ProductsSepsisSepsis is a life-threatening response to infection causing organ dysfunction. Research focuses on early detection, biomarkers, and therapies to reduce mortality. Explore tools for sepsis diagnostics and analysis in our peer-reviewed product directory, including detection kits and biomarkers.FertilityForensic InvestigationForensic investigation is a diverse collection of scientific techniques and methods for the identification and characterization of chemicals relating to crime scene investigations.