Breaking News on Laboratory Equipment

Unique sterile manufacturing facility opens in Kentucky

The University of Kentucky has unveiled the state's largest sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing site which is unique among others worldwide as it is the first to produce cytotoxic and non-cytotoxic drugs in the same room at the same time.

Software automates food contaminant detection

An automated software system allows processors to detect food contaminants in their products, according to its developers.

New particle counter 'longest lasting available'

Particle Measuring Systems have fitted its portable airborne-particle counter with what it claims is the longest lasting laser on the market, as well as new features that allow it to calculate and create reports for EC GMP Annex #1, ISO 14644-1, and FS-209E testing.

Sigma-Aldrich introduces signal transduction protein array

Sigma-Aldrich introduces its signal transduction protein array for high-throughput functional screening, which is set to play a major role in identifying proteins that are involved in cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis.

Millipore launches protein blotting sandwiches for labs

Millipore has made available Protein Blotting Sandwiches that offer convenience and time savings for high throughput labs using chemiluminescent or chromogenic detection methods.

Chinese jvs could ease amino acid price pressure

European amino acid manufacturers feeling the pinch from cheaper Chinese imports should consider entering into joint ventures in Asia, advises Frost and Sullivan, since manufacturing costs are lower but quality is still high.

Software designed to cut losses in manual weighing operations

Software for manual weighing operations uses a wireless network to achieve the right balance for the fresh food sector.

Academia links with private firm to develop fermentation methods

The University of Amsterdam is teaming up with a food research firm to boost its development of novel fermentation methods.

Micro chips could prove animal testing alternative

As the latest poll in the UK reveals that 79 per cent of consumers strongly oppose animal testing of cosmetics and new EU regulations that will completely ban such tests loom, companies are searching for testing alternatives. US scientists believe they may have a solution.

Matritech releases first urine test to id tumours

Matritech has introduced the first urine test that indicates whether a bladder malignancy is likely to be dangerous, providing early identification of high-risk tumours and therefore increasing the success of subsequent treatment.

Drug companies compelled to come clean over clinical trials

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced details of a new initiative compelling drug companies to register all clinical trials on humans after public pressure for more transparency.

Phosphagenics facility could lead to more deals

Phosphagenics is constructing a new tocopheryl phosphates manufacturing plant in Melbourne, Australia - a project that paves the way for future licensing agreements and could encourage the use of its technology in more of the company's pharmaceutical products.

Air cooler system cuts down on defrosting, manufacturer claims

A new spiral froster marries a compact design with a air cooler system that cuts down on defrosting times, its manufacturer claims.

GE Healthcare and MDS Pharma launch cell genotoxicity predictor

General Electric and MDS Pharma Services announced today the availability of a new, automated in vitro micronucleus assay that will form part of a broad panel of drug discovery safety assessments offered by MDS Pharma Services pharmacology division.

Large-scale DNA production made cost-effective

Vandalia Research has launched a new DNA amplification service that it claims will speed up the mass production of high-quality DNA sequences with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), while at the same time reducing the risk of contamination.

Single test can spot up to 600 viruses in hours

A single test for about 600 deadly viruses speeds up the process of spotting a food-related disease outbreak -- such as bird flu -- in hours rather than days.

New test could aid lab research into anti-cancer drugs

The laboratory identification of promising candidates for new anti-cancer drugs is to be made significantly easier after scientists developed a litmus test that determines the bonding strength of DNA, small molecules and proteins to DNA.

New human trial registration announced by WHO

The World Health Organisation is calling for greater transparency in clinical trials by announcing new registration standards for all medical research involving humans.

Ultrasonic sensors take the measure of fluids, liquids

New ultrasonic sensors provide a means for food processors to gauge the amount of fluids or solids in containers.

Novel lab technique promotes RNAi technology

A novel lab technique, which involves RNA interference to silence genes in immune cells, is set to provide biology researchers broader access to RNA interference, especially for scientists doing research in immunology.

Machine turns whey into texture additive

A new machine allows dairy manufacturers to process whey into an ingredient they can use to improve the texture and taste of low-fat products.

Thermo finds match in CAMO

Analytical instrument maker Thermo has announced it will promote compatibility between its RESULT software and CAMO's Unscrambler software, bringing together the most powerful near infrared (NIR) analysers in the industry.

DrugResearcher animal rights series

UK PM bold in backing animal experimentation

UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has made the unprecedented step of pledging his personal support for animal testing, provoking an angry reaction from anti-vivisectionists.

Prototype analyser detects meat pathogens within minutes

A hand-held analyser for detecting pathogens along the complete meat supply chain within minutes is being prepared for commercial application.

Top honours for LabTechnologist's sister site

LabTechnologist's sister site which covers the nutraceuticals industry, NutraIngredients.com, has been named Website of the Year in the prestigious 2006 Business Food and Drink Journalism Awards.

Automation: Processors concerned about investment return

UK processors fail to exploit automation and robotics handling, mainly due to concerns about the costs, return on investment and a shortage of trained engineers, according to an industry survey.

Gilson reinforces HPLC position at Analytica

Lab equipment specialists Gilson, were present at Analytica 2006, with a whole host of products designed for research and analytical preparations. The company attend the show with a view to strengthen its foothold in the burgeoning HPLC market.

EFSA to up co-operation on GMO risk assessment

Scientific experts from European Union member states yesterday met with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to discuss ways to strengthen scientific co-operation in the risk assessment of GMOs.

Nikon releases first three-laser entry-level microscope

Nikon launches a new three-laser entry-level confocal microscope, which builds on the technology of its entry-level system, which meets the growing popularity of confocal imaging in research applications.

Trio of Applied Biosystems' products debut at Analytica

Fresh from its recent acquisition, Applied Biosystems (AB) made an appearance at the recent Analytica show in which the company demonstrated the capabilities of its products for life science research in the laboratory.

DrugResearcher animal rights series

High Court grants injunction to GSK shareholders

The High Court in the UK has granted an injunction to protect GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) shareholders against the recent threat posed by animal extremists, who contacted investors by mail warning them to sell their shares in the company.

Agilent deliver new additions in HPLC

Agilent has launched a new line of HPLC columns, which is set to deliver industry-leading separation performance for analytical, high-resolution and fast LC applications, including pharmaceutical, QA/QC, environmental and food-safety analysis.

SAFC buys Honeywell's Iropharm unit

Targeting the market for enantiomerically pure drugs, SAFC, a custom manufacturing group within Sigma-Aldrich, has acquired Honeywell International's Iropharm unit in Arklow, Ireland.

PerkinElmer unveils new lab solutions at Analytica

PerkinElmer were out in force at Analytica 2006, with a wealth of analytical solutions designed with the laboratory in mind along with the applications relevant to the environmental, pharmaceutical, materials and academic research market segments

Research projects map out food safety hotspots

A number of food safety and nutrition research studies up for funding by the UK regulator could result in new codes of practice or regulation for the industry.

DrugResearcher animal rights series

Animal right extremists target GSK investors

Animal rights activists have continued their campaign of intimidation after it was revealed the GlaxoSmithkline (GSK) shareholders were sent letters demanding they sell any shares held within the company.

Thermo becomes Fisher king in $10.6 billion deal

Thermo Electron is set to become the biggest supplier of laboratory equipment and services after it paid $10.6bn to acquire Fisher Scientific International in a deal that extends Thermo's presence in the life, laboratory and health sciences industry.

BASF warns of price hikes after poor pharma showing

German chemicals giant BASF saw its profits surge in the first quarter of 2006 on the back of high oil and gas prices, yet its fine chemicals unit was hit by the increased cost of raw materials and energy, making further price increases in the short term likely.

MesoPhotonics develops first all-in-one SERS toolkit

The first all-in-one SERS toolkit designed for trace level molecular analysis has debuted at Analytica, which provides analytical chemists with an affordable, all-in-one solution for the development of trace level analysis applications.

New technology speeds up bird flu vaccine production

A large-scale process, which focuses on highly purified and high viral titer vectors, may facilitate the fast track development of Adenovirus and AAV-based recombinant DNA vaccines for diseases such as the Avian Flu.

The world's first laser microtome exhibited at Analytica

The world's first laser microtome was unveiled at the Analytica show in Munich in a launch that heralds the use of superior laser technology in the preparation and dissection of laboratory materials.

CyBio displays liquid handling kit at Analytica

CyBio presents its new liquid handling platform and pipetting system at Analytica in Munich, which aims to meet customer needs in drug discovery processes that require precision and accuracy when handling fluid materials.

Bacteriophage production begins in Netherlands

A Netherlands-based company will begin producing bacteria that can be used to kill pathogens in meat and cheese products.

Analytica visitors focus on Leica offerings

Leica Microsystems were active at the recent Analytica show in Germany as it presented its microscopy and imaging system solutions for research and industry.

Bosch's presence felt at Achema with new filling technologies

Bosch Packaging Technology will be launching new packaging and processing technologies for pharmaceutical applications at Achema, with products that cover pharmaceutical production, validation, and packaging.

3M floats new anti-counterfeiting label

Technology firm 3M has unveiled a new anti-counterfeiting label with a floating image that is easy to detect and recognise using just the human eye.

Bruker BioSpin sets record with 950 MHz magnet

Bruker BioSpin has launched the world's highest field actively shielded NMR magnet at 950 MHz, which allows higher sensitivity and unrivalled spectral dispersion whilst maintaining same size cryostat and identical cryogenic performance as the 900 US2.

Infusion pump uses rotary device for accurate measurement

A new pump for the medical industry could also be used by the food sector to ensure the hygiene and the accurate measurement of liquids, its inventors claim.

Greiner Bio-One presents its cell culture AutoFlask

Greiner Bio-One presents its cell culture AutoFlask at the Analytica show, which uses a robot accessible entry septum that prevents coring by pipette tips and ensures sterility of the flask contents throughout solution exchanges.