what’s new in lab & life sciences dec 2013/jan 2014

DECEMBER 2013/JANUARY 2014 VOL.24 NO.5PP100008671

I’ve got a

genius idea ... now what?

http://www.labware.com

lab & LIFE SCIENCES

DEC 2013/JAN 2014

Your copy of What's New in Lab & Life Sciences is now available as an online eMag.

NOW in DIGITAL!

http://www.labonline.com.au/latest_issues

06 So you’ve got a genius idea -

now what?

14 Enhancing DNA and oligonucleotide

sample preparation

20 Genes, male beauty and

attractiveness to the other gender

25 Equip your lab for less -

3D print your equipment

29 Why beer bubbles over

31 Lorne conference season 2014

34 My Lab

Cover Image © iStockphoto.com/MathieuViennet

4 WHAT’S NEW IN LAB & LIFE SCIENCES - December 2013/January 2014 www.LabOnline.com.au

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Peanut butter can diagnose Alzheimer’s disease

Health researchers at the University of Florida have found a quick and cheap way to test for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. The only equipment necessary is a container of peanut butter and a ruler.Graduate student Jennifer Stamps came up with the idea while she was working

with Dr Kenneth Heilman, a professor of neurology and health psychology in the UF College of Medicine’s department of neurology. She noticed that the patients in Dr Heilman’s clinic were not tested for their sense of smell - often one of the first things to be affected in cognitive decline.

Stamps thought peanut butter would be ideal because it is a “pure odourant”, she said, that is only detected by the olfactory nerve and is easy to access. She and her colleagues conducted a small pilot study and the results were published in the Journal of the Neurological Sciences.

In the study, patients sat down with a clinician, 14 g of peanut butter and a ruler. The patient closed his or her eyes and mouth and blocked one nostril. The clinician opened the peanut butter container and held the ruler next to the open nostril while the patient breathed normally. The clinician then moved the peanut butter up the ruler one centimetre at a time until the person could detect an odour. The distance was recorded and the procedure repeated on the other nostril.

The scientists found that patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease had a dramatic difference in detecting odour between the left and right nostril. The mean distance for the right nostril was normal at 17.4 cm, but the left nostril was impaired and did not detect the smell until it was an average of 5.1 cm away. This is consistent with Alzheimer’s patients often having more degeneration in their left hemisphere than their right.

Patients with other kinds of dementia, meanwhile, had either no differences in odour detection between nostrils or the right nostril was worse at detecting odour than the left one. And of the 24 patients who had mild cognitive impairment, which sometimes signals Alzheimer’s disease but sometimes does not, 10 patients showed left nostril impairment and 14 patients did not.

The patients’ diagnoses were not usually confirmed until weeks after the clinical testing. By confirming diagnosis early, the researchers said this could “reduce disability, enhance quality of life and aid clinical trials”. Doctors could prescribe drugs to slow down the disease’s effects, and Stamps said treatment could be more aggressive to prevent the disease’s progression.

The test’s quick and cheap nature makes it suitable for clinics that don’t have the resources to run more elaborate tests. Stamps said the researchers also plan to see if the test could predict Alzheimer’s in patients with mild cognitive impairment.

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http://www.merckmillipore.com


So you’ve got a genius idea - now what?Getting your idea from your mind to the market

WHAT’S NEW IN LAB & LIFE SCIENCES - December 2013/January 2014 7www.LabOnline.com.au

Intellectual assets can be commercialised but the road from idea to marketplace success can be fraught. Frequently those with the original genius idea are not by nature entrepreneurial or commercially savvy - this is especially true with those from a research or academic background and turning an intellectual asset into something tradable is not a simple, straightforward process.

There is a ‘commercialisation chasm’ that divides the early-stage ‘proof of concept’ from the latter-stage translation of

the technology to a product or service. You will need funds, time and staying power to bridge this chasm. No matter how smart you are, this is the time to call in some experts.

The six steps to commercialisation1. Know what your product or service is

and have a working prototype.2. Assess the idea both technically and

commercially.3. Protect your intellectual property (IP).4. Have a business plan and a commer-

cialisation strategy.5. Understand the business side and

assess your skills to develop your product/service.

6. Have funding and explore the possibility of grants and assistance.

What is your product or service?Firstly, you need to define exactly what it is you want to commercialise. Ideally, you need to be able to explain the idea to a stranger in one paragraph. Have a working prototype.

Is the idea commercially viable?For your idea to be commercialised there must be enough customers willing to pay your asking price and this price, multiplied by the number of purchases, must cover your costs and make a profit for you. So before you start the commercialisation process you need to be sure that the market for your idea exists and that it will bear the cost of your idea.

It is no good thinking you can educate potential customers into wanting what you think they should desire. The most

successul commercialisation projects address a market need.

Protect your IPAre you the first one with this idea? Have you conducted patent, literature or other searches? Once you are sure your ‘asset’ is yours alone you need to protect it.

Your intellectual property is your as-set and you need to protect it rigorously. Even in the early days as your idea is germinating and you are seeking feedback from colleagues and associations you need to protect your idea. Before you discuss the idea with anyone have them sign a non-disclosure agreement.

Once the idea has crystallised there are four main types of IP protection:

• Patent - Patents prevent anyone else using your specific idea/innovation without your consent but they are time and country specific. To be patentable your idea must be new and not have been done before or must bring an existing item to a new stage of development and have industrial/commercial applicability.

• Trade mark - A trade mark (TM) protects your ‘brand’ or ‘name’ from being used by anyone else - again seek expert advice.

• Design - This protects the appear-ance of the whole or a part of a product resulting from the features of, in particular, the lines, contours, colour, shape, texture or materials of the product itself or its orna-mentation.

• Copyright -The rights given to au-thors/creators of original literary, dramatic, musical or artistic works; sound recordings, films, broadcasts, cable programs; the typographical arrangement of published editions; computer programs; and original databases. There is no formal reg-istration process for a copyright.

© iStockphoto.com/jgroup


In Australia, the organisation IP Australia administers the IP rights system - specifi-cally patents, trademarks, designs and plant breeders’ rights. However, be aware, IP protection is not an area for amateurs. Why risk getting this wrong - your whole business will depend on owning your as-set - seek expert advice from professionals in this area.

Have a business plan and a commercialisation strategyAfter you have established that your idea is technically and commercially viable and you have protected your IP you will need to determine your commercialisation pathway and develop a business plan. You have several options - you can:

• Start your own business venture to exploit IP.

• License the protected IP to larger players for a fee.

• Establish a joint venture.• Sell the protected IP.

Understand the business side and assess your skills to develop your product/serviceIf you choose to start your own business you will have to be aware that clients are not going to knock on your door asking for your product - you are going to have to market it. And along with your market-ing program you will have to be able to produce the product in a reasonable time frame and then deliver it. At the same time your fledgling business will have to meet accounting, tax, safety, local, state and federal government requirements. Your busi-ness plan will have to cover areas such as market research, a pricing and distribution strategy, financial projections, and a market entry and exit strategy.

You really can’t do all of this in isolation - you need to establish strong alliances, research collaborations and commercial relationships if you want to be successful.

Just having a great idea doesn’t mean that you can run a business. Be honest in

assessing your own skills and be prepared to pay for assistance when and where needed.

Funding, grants and assistanceMost venture capital-funded enterprises are around three years old when they receive their first round of funding. You are going to need seed capital before this.

There might be opportunities to seek funding and assistance from various sources:

• ATP Innovations Pty Ltd is a commer-cialisation hub that supports emerging businesses in the life sciences, internet, ICT and electronics sectors.

• AusBiotech is Australia’s industry organisation, working on behalf of members to provide representation and services to promote the global growth of Australian biotechnology.

• AusIndustry is the Australian Govern-ment’s principal business program delivery division in the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.

• Austrade helps Australian businesses of all sizes, across all sectors, to succeed in international trade and investment.

• Australia Technology Showcase is the program, supported by the NSW and Qld Governments, which identifies innovative, market-ready Australian technologies and provides support to expand them to local and international markets.

• Australian Department of Innova-tion, Industry, Science and Research facilitates the sustainable growth of Australian industries by developing a national innovation system.

• Australian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association Ltd works to ensure a favourable environment for growth in sustainable equity investment and entrepreneurship. It also provides research and facilitates networking throughout Australia.

• Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts (DSITIA) brings together specialist knowledge, networks and services to work with significant businesses and industry sectors in Queensland.

• GrantsLINK is a directory that has information about federal, state and local government funding programs for individuals, businesses and com-munities.

• IP Australia is an organisation which administers Australia’s IP rights sys-tem, specifically patents, trademarks, designs and plant breeders’ rights.

• LESANZ is an Australian and New Zealand chapter of Licensing Executive Society, an international community of innovation and commercialisation professionals.

• NSW Department of State and Regional Development is a division of the NSW Department of Industry & Investment. The division assists in building a diversified NSW state economy that creates jobs.

• Queensland Wide Innovation Network (QWIN) provides Queensland small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with the opportunity to connect with other like-minded businesses and with gov-ernment and private sector support providers to assist with their business growth.

• South Australian Department of Trade and Economic Development is the South Australian Government’s key economic development agency.

• Tasmanian Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Arts has a range of diverse portfolios, with broader purpose to work together to make Tasmania a prosperous, vibrant and healthy community.

• Victorian Department of State Devel-opment, Business & Innovation is the Victorian Government’s lead agency for economic and regional develop-ment, and is instrumental in building an innovative state.

• Western Australian Department of Commerce works with the community to ensure high standards of safety and protection for workers and consumers, and promotes and fosters innovative industries, science and enterprise.

ConclusionWhile the whole business of commerciali-sation sounds daunting, you should not let this put you off. Most of Australia’s most successful companies started with an idea.

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http://www.eppendorf.com/freezers


RheometersThe Kinexus Series from Malvern Instruments extends the strengths

of the Kinexus rotational rheometer.

The Kinexus Ultra+ is optimised for advanced research applica-

tions. The model has high sensitivity, achieved through its adap-

tive air-bearing technology plus a wide torque range. This enables

measurements for even the most demanding low-torque applications,

such as weakly structured and small-volume samples. The Kinexus

Pro+ model is suitable for a wide variety of routine, research and

development applications. Both systems offer dual-action capabilities

for both shear and vertical testing.

Designed from the ground up, the rheometer series was developed

to address the needs of different users. The intelligent platform means

users spend less time learning how to interact with their system

and more time investigating ways to characterise and enhance a

material’s performance. Adaptive intelligence allows the product to

actively guide users at every stage: from sample preparation and

loading, through measurement set-up and operation, to data analysis

and reporting. The series is highly flexible and easy to expand, ready

for further evolution as new applications emerge.

Features include: cartridge system and geometry interchange for

ease of use; SOP-driven tests on a rheometer interface; complete

sample history captured every time; vertical test capabilities that give

the ability to measure more; total flexibility of control.

ATA Scientific Pty Ltd

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/V662

Ergonomic pipettesMettler Toledo has made ergonomic design the key focus for the Rainin pipette range. The Rainin XLS+ pipettes

contain both manual and electronic multichannel pipettes.

With up to 28% less pipetting force, reduced weight and enhanced channel-to-channel con-

sistency, the manual pipettes create a hand-saving pipetting experience that not only increases

overall productivity but also helps reduce data inconsistency.

The E4 XLS+ pipette range contains single-channel, multichannel and adjustable spacer

pipettes, ensuring users can choose the pipette that will work the best for their applica-

tion. The pipettes allow users to speed up their workflow as they switch easily through

features and functions on the carousel-like navigation menu, giving users access to

a number of different modes and options.

The company also has a number of local Rainin pipetting spe-

cialists who can provide expert pipetting advice.

Mettler Toledo

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/U914

Biological safety cabinetThe Baker Steril-

GARD e3 Class II

Type A2 Biosafety

Cabinet offers an

adaptive ergonomic

design, combined

with an airflow man-

agement system

and containment

technology, to improve comfort, increase productivity and

reduce the costs of ownership.

Designed with the operator in mind, the product is said to

be the quietest cabinet available, with low heat generation and

minimal vibration. The ReadySAFE mode allows the cabinet

to continuously operate while the screen is closed, allowing

the user to maintain safe conditions while leaving for lunch,

meetings or even overnight.

Cleaning is made easy with a membrane-sealed control

panel, a one-piece work surface and radiused, cove corners.

Maintenance is also simplified with an innovative electronic

controller with diagnostic LEDs, detachable side panels, front-

loading filters and a reinforced overall panel design.

For cost efficiency, the StediFLOW airflow management system

with a self-adjusting motor technology uses less energy and

extends filter life without sacrificing performance.

The product is available in one person (1.2 m) and two

person (1.8 m) models.

Abacus ALS Australia


http://www.lonza.com/4d-nucleofector


Handheld Raman spectrometerPharmaceutical manufacturers and regulatory agencies around the world can use the Thermo Scientific TruScan

GP handheld Raman analyser to identify raw materials and confirm the authenticity of finished products. The

product offers pharmaceutical identification capabilities for pharmaceutical manufacturers in emerging markets.

The point-and-shoot unit is designed to allow more users to accurately identify inconsistencies in materi-

als right away, saving time and money down the line in the manufacturing process as well as in the field of

counterfeit screening.

The analyser features a probabilistic approach to material identification and is designed to assist users

to meet a wide variety of regulatory compliance needs within the chemical screening market. The user-built

chemical library enables users to tailor the instrument to meet their specific screening objectives.

The product is easy to operate, with its simplified workflow requiring only a few minutes of basic operat-

ing instruction. Its portable size and rapid onboard result reporting is designed for effective field-based

screening. Secure connectivity to archives is designed to promote data integrity as well as automatic

generation of audit trails and test reports.

The instrument employs Raman spectroscopy, a laser-based analytical technique for pharmaceutical

quality control, which works by detecting frequencies of light highly specific to the molecular structure of

different liquids and solids. The purpose-built, streamlined, point-and-shoot device is a suitable identification solution.

Thermo Fisher Scientific


Dark quencher for qPCRA quencher for quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) that improves assay

signal quality, Onyx Quencher adds to Sigma Life Science’s portfolio

of qPCR probes, reagents and oligonucleotide services.

The product is a dark quencher and therefore produces heat instead

of light on excitation. This is said to improve the signal-to-noise ratio

over traditional fluorescent quenchers, such as TAMRA.

Available with the company’s Custom Primers and Dual-Labeled

Probes, four derivative versions of Onyx Quencher extinguish light over

an excitation maximum range from 515 to 661 nm, which includes the

emission spectrum of common reporter dyes such as 6-FAM. Perfor-

mance of all four versions has been validated with several reporter

dyes, with all performing equivalently to a comparable dark quencher.

In addition to qPCR, the product may be used for other applica-

tions and is a suitable quencher for the development of life science

research tools, molecular diagnostics (MDx) and laboratory developed

tests (LDTs).

Sigma Aldrich Pty Ltd


Personal evaporatorScitek is introducing the third generation of its Genevac EZ-2

personal evaporator. It has been designed specifically for pro-

ductive, sample-safe solvent removal, be that concentration of

samples or complete drying. The unit is very compact while

combining good performance, ease of use and compatibility

with all commonly used solvents and acids.

The capability to input up to 10 stored methods, including

Genevac preset standards for a wide range of applications,

makes use straightforward even for new users. It accom-

modates many sample formats such as round-bottom flasks,

tubes, vials, custom reaction blocks and shallow or deep-well

microplates. The unit can operate entirely unattended. Simply

set the temperature, select the method and press start.

The product is fitted with an enhanced version of the com-

pany’s SpeedTrap. The chemically resistant cold trap is designed

to condense solvents in order to protect the environment and

help to speed evaporation. The SpeedTrap runs at -50°C to

enable it to catch the most volatile solvents. However, it does

not freeze the condensed solvent, even when working with

water. Solvents collect in the insulated, plastic-coated glass

vessel, enabling the user to check the progress of evaporation

and determine when the trap should

be emptied.

Requiring no peripherals for

operation, the compact unit fits

neatly onto a laboratory bench

or into a fume hood. Inde-

pendently verified Dri-Pure

technology prevents solvent

bumping and sample cross-

contamination.

Scitek Australia Pty Ltd


http://www.kartell.com.au

http://www.lims1.com


Enhancing DNA and oligonucleotide sample preparationHow rapid, safe evaporation can provide better data quality

The difficulties of concentration of oligonucleotides, and especially tagged oligonucleotides, are well documented. Adverse conditions can damage the sample and, in some cases, totally degrade it. When sourcing a concentration method for their microtitre plates containing oligonucleotides (oligos), researchers at high-throughput genome analysis centres must take care to choose an evaporator system that will not only provide fast drying, but also take good care of their samples.

Concentration and microarray productionAt the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics (WTCHG) in the UK, the microarray team run a high-throughput custom mi-croarray platform studying mouse and rat gene expression. For these experiments, total RNA is harvested from tissue or cells, amplified, labelled and hybridised onto oligo printed slides. The experiments show the differential expression between a control and the study sample. It is in preparing the oligo printed slides that a problem arises.

The oligo printed slides are typically prepared using 70-mer oligos stored in over thirty 384-well plates. The 384-well plates contain oligos re-suspended in a volatile phosphate buffer; the buffer causes an unknown volume of water to evaporate during the microarray printing process. This does not affect the printing process but may affect subsequent printing, as the oligos are at a higher and unknown concentration than before. The WTCHG considered that the optimum method of ensuring a known concentration is to dry the plates between each printing run and to re-suspend the oligos to a known concentration when required. The oligo plates are stored dry in between runs.

The centre had an elderly vacuum concentrator which could accept only two plates at a time and took up to 3 h to dry them. Therefore, it took two weeks to dry all the plates after each run. To preserve the integrity of the plates awaiting drying, these were frozen at -18°C and thawed when the concentrator was available. It is well documented that freeze thaw cycles can be detrimental to oligo quality and can cause degradation. The centre began to search for a new high-throughput concentrator which could keep up with their microarray production. The system they selected was the Genevac EZ-2 personal evaporator. The EZ-2 can take eight plates per run and dries them in just over an hour, meaning that all the plates for a microarray printing run can be dried within one day. Samples awaiting drying are kept in the fridge at 4°C, eliminating the need to freeze and preventing damage to samples.

Researchers from the centre report that they have more con-fidence in the quality of their oligos and believe that they are of higher quality now that they have introduced state-of-the-art con-centration processes. These findings support the work of Knight, who discusses the importance of correct drying for best results within MALDI target production.

Rob Darrington and Ian Whitehall*


High-density microarray preparationAnother team at the centre are studying hereditable disease by analysing single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). In the procedure for the detection of the disease, the genomic DNA of the individual is hybridised to the SNP array and will bind with greater frequency with the SNPs associated with that person; the array is then visualised by fluorescence. The presence of the SNPs in the genomic DNA indicates that the person is susceptible to the disease.

In the identification of the disease threat, it is clearly impera-tive that the researcher has confidence in the quality of the array. This integrity of product is dependent on the way the detection array is synthesised and constructed. One of the key steps in this process is achieving a concentration of the cDNA in the ar-ray that will give a signal when visualising. The technique used during concentration of the sample may be damaging, contributing to inaccuracies and/or low yields.

To study SNPs, high-throughput researchers operate the Sequenom MassARRAY SNP Genotyping system. MassARRAY is a high-throughput, high-fidelity system for SNP analysis within genotyping studies which performs all steps of the assay and analysis in the one system. The technology employed requires very small volumes of sample, specifically 5 µL, containing as little as 2.5 ng of material. The Sequenom system is very specific in its requirements for sample preparation. To achieve the required volume of 5 µL, some samples needed to be concentrated; this used to be achieved by air drying the samples over a number of days. Using the Genevac EZ-2 personal evaporator, these samples

are concentrated aseptically within the hour, saving time and reducing risk of contamination.

Methods using the EZ-2 evaporator were compared to the previous standard method where plates were air dried over a period of time. Plates containing identical samples were dried using each method and then analysed using the MassEXTEND reaction. The duplex pass rate for each well is represented in the traffic light diagram above, where dark green shows good data, light green mid-quality data and red shows poor or no data. The results of a 2-plex assay looking for two different SNPs within the same plate are shown in the table. The number of ‘no calls’, ie, no data, has significantly reduced on both assays. The quality of results achieved following drying on the EZ-2 evaporator are clearly better than achievable with simply air drying in this case.

Sequenom Sample Quality analysis following air drying (left) and drying on EZ-2 evaporator (right).

Key: Dark green – high sample data quality; Light green – medium sample data quality; Red – poor sample quality or no data.

Genotype Assay 1 air drying (%)

G 0.30

T 33.07

GT 7.03

no calls 59.64

Genotype Assay 2 air drying (%)

G 27.60

T 5.99

GT 20.83

no calls 45.57

Genotype Assay 1 EZ-2 (%)

G 0.78

T 77.60

GT 19.79

no calls 1.82

Genotype Assay 2 EZ-2 (%)

G 44.53

T 8.07

GT 35.68

no calls 11.72

Dual SNP analysis following air drying and drying on EZ-2 evaporator.

SummaryWhen working with DNA and oligo samples, great care needs to be taken at every stage to ensure that degradation does not oc-cur and the highly potent samples are not contaminated. Use of state-of-the-art concentration systems can significantly speed up concentration rates, saving researchers time, and also eliminate potential sources of damage to samples.

*Rob Darrington is Product Manager and Ian Whitehall is Sales Direc-tor of Genevac, Ipswich, UK.

Scitek Australia Pty Ltd



Biomolecular interaction measurement systemThe MicroCal iTC200 allows direct and label-free measure-

ment of binding affinity and thermodynamic parameters from

biomolecular interactions.

All binding parameters (affinity, stoichiometry, enthalpy and

entropy) are available in a single experiment. The product is

quick to first results, with no assay development labelling or

immobilisation. It has the sensitivity to investigate any biomo-

lecular interaction using as little as 10 µg of protein.

The system is suitable for a range of applications, includ-

ing the characterisation of molecular interactions of small

molecules, proteins, antibodies, nucleic acids, lipids and other

biomolecules, enzyme kinetics, and the effects of molecular

structure changes on binding mechanisms.

GE Healthcare - Biosciences


LIMS for sequencing Genologics’ Clarity Run Manager, Clarity Run Manager Plus and Clarity LIMS Silver

are three cloud-based products from GenoLogics that provide next-generation se-

quencing, sample and workflow management with flexible pricing options, including

one free version.

The product editions provide sample management and workflow tracking to support

the use of Illumina or Life Technologies sequencing instruments or other genomics

technologies.

The range of functionality in the three editions provides organisations with access

to flexible options that can grow with a lab, are easy to use by staff and require no

internal IT resources to configure, update or maintain.

OnQ Software Pty Ltd


Western blot systemDesigned for the SpectraMax i3 and Para-

digm Multi-Mode Detection Platforms,

the ScanLater Western Blot Detection

Cartridge adds western blot detection

capability to a microplate reader. This op-

tion allows researchers to do everything

from protein detection via western blot to

ELISAs on a single detection platform.

The product is a user-installable option

for the SpectraMax i3 and Paradigm

Multi-Mode Platforms.

Leveraging the novel technology,

researchers can: add western blot detec-

tion to their microplate reader within 2

min; eliminate time-dependent substrate

addition steps; maintain femtogram to pi-

cogram protein sensitivity comparable to

traditional western blot methods; sustain

blot signal stability for up to 30 days;

use a single software platform SoftMax

Pro Software to run both microplate and

western blot detection assays.

Bio-Strategy Pty Ltd


Advanced Pharma Compliance means maximum operational safety and fully automatic self-monitoring in pharmaceutical laboratories.

Secura® guarantees better results with:

- LevelControl for total confidence in your results: No more incorrect results from an unleveled balance- isoCAL: Internal fully automatic calibration and adjustment function with configurable action level- SQmin: Active monitoring of the USP minimum sample weight requirement

Secura® guarantees compliance with documentation requirements through:

- Cal Audit Trail - GLP-compliant print-out - Password protection for setup settings

Sartorius Australia Phone: 03 8762 1800/1800 645 076 [email protected]

www.sartorius.com/secura

The new Secura®

Riskless weighing in regulated areas.

http://www.sartorius.com/secura


CA

SE

STU

DY Creating a more efficient lab management process for

better customer servicesTownsville Laboratory Services is composed of a chemical laboratory and a microbiological laboratory which analyse samples for open waters, treated drinking water, trade waste, sewage and other environmental samples. The lab services a range of organisations throughout Queensland, including local government shires and councils, hospitals, universities and schools.

Townsville City Council was keen to implement a laboratory information management system (LIMS) to create a more efficient process and better customer services. Its aims were to improve data quality, reduce time of manual data entry from instrumentation, reduce data transcription errors and improve business efficiency.

It sought the following in a LIMS:• Job and sample registration and tracking• Integration of laboratory instruments• Generation of reports and certificate of analysis• Audit trails to satisfy NATA• Result authorisation• Ease of searching data• Production of quality control charts• Linking of invoices to the council’s finance system

Laboratory coordinator Edgar Salvador chose Lims1 for the lab’s solution. The system was flexible, met all predefined needs and proved to be easy to configure and learn. It was also already installed in most other council laboratories on the east coast.

Lims1 Product Consultant Amanda Orphanides said, “When we first started talking with Edgar … it became apparent that their main need was to streamline the process of sample tracking in the laboratory.” Lims1 Project Manager Ian Forwood added that the lab “had some quite specific needs” and the company “used the flexibility of the system to deliver on those”.

The implementation process first confirmed customer requirements and resources, before a schedule was developed in collaboration with the client. Forwood noted, “Mapping out all needs and detailed processes at the start are absolute key for a successful outcome at the end.”

Next, a pilot database was built to reflect workflows and processes. Once the software and pilot database were installed they were tested; run by the client in parallel to the current system. Once testing was completed, the remainder of the configuration data was added, followed by the historic data.

The LIMS project moved to production and went live. Lims1 continues to follow up on the project and exchange feedback on an ongoing basis.

The results have been positive, with Salvador saying, “The efficiency gains are showing [their] effect in the lab’s turnaround time and better job allocation for the lab teams.” The staff can focus on quality chemistry rather than administration tasks and there is a decrease in manual data entry errors due

to integration of instrumentation with Lims1. Overall, it means the business has been able to grow.“Lims1 is one of the lab’s best investments and is fast becoming a productivity tool,” concluded Salvador.

LTech Australia Pty Ltd



• 0 footprint

• 0.5 inch thick

• 250 grams

• 5.5 inch display

• 8 hour battery life

Tel: 03 9769 0666Fax: 03 9769 0699Email: [email protected]: www.hannainst.com.au

• pH • EC • DO

™

Surface area and porosity systemThe Micromeritics TriStar II Plus is a fully automated, three-station surface area and porosity ana-

lyser intended for laboratories that require the combination of high throughput and high-quality

data. Suited for quality control and research environments, the product can collect up to 1000 data

points. Fine details of the isotherm can be observed and recorded, providing high resolution and

revealing pore structure details.

The unit contains all the capabilities of the TriStar II with additional hardware and software fea-

tures. A dewar design and isothermal jacket technology provide many extended hours of continuous

temperature control. A stainless steel manifold is corrosion-resistant and designed for highly accu-

rate gas management. A dedicated saturation pressure port allows the measurement of saturation

pressure on a continuous basis. The three analysis ports operate simultaneously and independently

of one another. A krypton option allows precise measurements in the very low surface area range.

A dashboard monitors and provides access to real-time instrument performance indicators and

maintenance scheduling information. MicroActive software gives the user the ability to interactively

evaluate isotherm data and reduce the time required to obtain surface area and porosity results.

Interaction with adsorption data is direct. By moving the calculation bars, the user is immediately updated

with new textural properties. User-selectable data ranges through the graphic interface allow direct modelling

for BET, t-Plot, Langmuir, DFT interpretation and more.

Included is an improved ability to overlay files (up to 25), including mercury intrusion data with a single-click file add and subtract feature.

A Report Options editor allows the user to define up to five reports with on-screen previews. Python scripting language allows users to

develop extensions to the standard report library available within the software application. The instrument also utilises the multi-adsorbate

integral equation (Dual DFT) for micropore analyses of carbons.

Particle & Surface Sciences Pty Ltd


http://www.hannainst.com.au


Geneticists have long puzzled over why individuals of the same sex show a greater or lesser degree of sexual attractiveness. In other words - why are some people better looking than others when they’re geneti-

cally similar?Professor Judith Mank, from University College London’s De-

partment of Genetics, Evolution & Environment, has been looking at male wild turkeys to find the answer - and it turns out that the essence of male beauty is down to the way males use their genes rather than what genes they have.

Mank and her team have found that among turkeys that are brothers (and therefore share the majority of their genes), ‘dominant’ males show higher expression of genes predominantly found in males, and a lower expression of genes predominantly found in females, than their subordinate brothers.

Therefore, dominant males were both masculinised and defemi-nised in terms of their gene expression. A male’s attractiveness is a function of how they express their genes, rather than the genes themselves.

Mank explained, “Sexual attractiveness varies markedly be-tween individuals of the same sex. These differences can have a significant impact on how successful an individual is with the opposite sex.

“Here, we have shown that male beauty is a result of how you use your genes, rather than the difference in the genes themselves.

“Even though humans don’t have clear dominant and subordi-nate types, they do exhibit a range of sexual dimorphisms - some individuals are more attractive to the opposite sex than others.”

Male wild turkeys come in two kinds: dominant males have exaggerated sexually attractive traits while subordinate males are less ornate.

Whether a male is dominant or subordinate is determined the winter before they reach sexual maturity, when brothers come together and battle for dominance. The ‘winner’ adopts the dominant form, while the other brothers become subordinate - assisting their brother in mating but not siring offspring themselves.

Scientists are still unsure of the process by which some male turkeys become dominant or submissive but suspect that the concentration of male hormones, or androgens, may play a role in gene expression.

Professor Mank further added: “We expect to find a similar effect in females, in that more attractive females may show a higher expression of genes predominantly found in females and lower expression of male genes.”

The study has been published in a recent edition of the journal PLoS Genetics.

Genes, male beauty and attractiveness to the other genderIt’s a simple fact: some individuals are more attractive to the opposite sex than others. But what makes them more desirable?

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Portable contamination analysis kitThe Patch Test

Kit (or Portable

C o n t a m i n a t i o n

Analysis Kit) is a

tool for identifying

and monitoring the

types and levels of particulate

contamination in all fluid power

systems, including those offshore where water-based fluids

are utilised.

The contents of the kit are packaged in a heavy-duty, padded,

waterproof case on rollers for safe and easy manoeuvrability. The

kit includes: binocular microscope; stainless steel blunt forceps;

petri-slides; mixed cellulose ester hydrophilic test membranes;

nickel-plated steel pressure spray can; 240 V vacuum pump;

vacuum hoses with associated connectors; 240 VAC power

cables; and more.

Depending on the experience and training of the operator,

the kit can be used for contaminant identification, component

analysis, determining oil filterability and to conduct wear debris

analysis.

HYDAC International


LC-MS systemThe Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Fusion

Tribrid LC-MS system enables users

to quickly and positively identify large

numbers of low-abundance proteins.

Its architecture enables simultaneous

precursor isolation, fragmentation and

data acquisition in both the Orbitrap

and linear ion trap mass analysers.

Attributes include: a quadrupole for

precursor selection at isolation widths

down to 0.4 amu for good sensitiv-

ity and selectivity, an ultrahigh-field

Orbitrap offering resolution in excess

of 450,000 and scan rates up to

15 Hz for good selectivity and speed

of analysis.

An ion routing multipole, followed by

dual-pressure linear ion trap, provides

MSn HCD, CID and ETD fragmentations

and fast, sensitive mass analysis with

scan rates of up to 20 Hz. Synchronous

precursor selection enhances the instru-

ment’s signal-to-noise performance.



Submicron particle size and zeta potential analyserThe NanoPlus uses photon correlation spectroscopy and electrophoretic light-scattering tech-

niques to determine particle size and zeta potential. The instrument can measure the particle

size of samples suspended in liquids in the range of 0.6 nm to 10 µm with sample suspension

concentrations from 0.00001 to 40%. It also has the ability to measure the zeta potential of

sample suspensions in the -200 to +200 mV range with concentrations from 0.001 to 40%.

The product is compact and easy to use, with intuitive software and multiple sample

cells to fit the user’s application. It is available in three model configurations: NanoPlus-1 (a

nanoparticle-sizing instrument); NanoPlus-2 (a zeta potential instrument); and NanoPlus-3 (a

combination nanoparticle-sizing and zeta-potential instrument).

Particle & Surface Sciences Pty Ltd

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q750

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Environmentally Conscious:Labtek is committed to minimising our environmental impact. Labtek’s

marketing, including this catalogue, is produced on FSC certified paper from

responsible sources. You can learn more by visiting www.fsc.org.

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Biomolecular interaction analysis systemThe Biacore T200 is a versatile, label-free system for detailed

studies of biomolecular interactions, from early research to drug

discovery and development and on to QC.

The system delivers high-quality kinetic, affinity, concentration,

specificity, selectivity and thermodynamic interaction data - in

real time with very high sensitivity. Interactions characterised by

on- and off-rates at the extremities of the kinetic scale can be

analysed with great precision and confidence.

The product can also analyse interactions involving small low

molecular weight (LMW) compounds and process up to 384

samples in unattended runs.

GE Healthcare - Biosciences


Digital microscope camerasThe ProgRes CMOS (3 or 5 MP) and CCD (3, 5 or 7 MP)

cameras from Jenoptik are suitable for all contrast methods in

light microscopy and can be easily integrated via C-Mount and

USB 2.0/ FireWire interfaces.

Good colour reproduction means they can be used for image

analysis and reliable image documentation in microscopic and

macroscopic working environments. High frame rates provide

fast live images, offering easy workflow and ease of use.

Colour or monochrome versions are available.

SciTech Pty Ltd


http://www.labtek.com.au


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In the world of pawnbroking, the difference between real and fake gold - or plated versus solid - could mean a difference of hundreds of dollars per transaction and thousands per year. Pawnbrokers must look for accurate, safe and fast methods to determine the value and authenticity of pawn items.

Thermo Scientific portable precious metal analysers have received the endorsement of Hardcore Pawn’s Seth Gold who, with his family, manages the store American Jewelry and Loan. He was recently named the 2013 National Pawnbrokers Association’s Pawnbroker of the Year.

Gold recommends the Thermo Scientific Niton DXL precious metal analyser and Thermo Scientific Niton XL2 series XRF analyser for use in determining the elemental composition of metals with precision. The analysers identify elements using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), an analytical technique that measures the emission of secondary X-rays from a material/sample that has been illuminated with X-rays.

“Verifying the elemental composition of precious metals that come into my store is one of my greatest challenges - and I believe all pawnbrokers should consider XRF for metals identification,” said Gold, a fourth-generation pawnbroker. “The Niton DXL and Niton XL2 enable our team to quickly and easily evaluate all silver, gold and platinum items.”

Thermo Fisher, an expert in handheld X-ray fluorescence technology, engineered the instruments to provide non-destructive, definitive and safe verification of the elemental composition of precious metals in seconds; and they offer intuitive touch-screen operation, making analysis easily accessible to non-technical users.

“We specifically designed the Niton DXL to meet the elemental analysis needs of the jewellery resale and pawn market,” said Jon Culbertson, director of business development, portable analytical instruments, Thermo Fisher Scientific. “We also believe that all

pawnbrokers should consider XRF use for metals analysis, since it limits the chance of misidentification.”



Differentiating between real and fake gold

http://www.mpbio.com


The essential tools are a 3D printer, open-source software and free digital designs. “It’s a guidebook for new faculty members setting up labs,” according to Pearce. “With it, they can cut the cost by a factor of 10, or even 100 for

research-grade equipment. Even in the classroom, we can do a $15,000 educational lab for $500.”

In keeping with the open-source concept, parts of the book will be freely available at different times on the Elsevier Store. Chapters one and two are currently available.

Pearce, an associate professor at Michigan Technological Uni-versity, began printing out lab equipment in earnest after a seminal moment, when he priced a lab jack at $1000. “All it does is move things up and down,” he said. Using a printer and open-source software, his team made a utilitarian replica for about five dollars.

Pearce hasn’t looked back. On his desk is a dual-purpose gadget: it can measure water turbidity, like a nephelometer; and it can do chemical analysis based on colour, like a colorimeter. “We’ve shoved two devices into one, and it’s completely customisable,” said Pearce. To buy them both with equivalent accuracy would have cost over $4000. To make this hybrid on a 3D printer cost about $50 including the cost of an open-source microcontroller, sensors and LEDs.

Saving money is just the half of it. “This lets faculty have total control over their laboratory,” he said. Because designs are fluid, “devices can evolve with your lab rather than become obsolete.”

The technology goes beyond slashing costs; it can also result in better science, says Pearce. Replicating another researcher’s

work becomes much easier and cheaper. “Equipment designs can be shared as easily as recipes,” he said. “Scientists from all over the world are contributing designs.” And it may change the dynamic of graduate education. “We get a huge influx of students from China, India and Africa, in part because they have so few good labs,” Pearce said. “If they could print their own equipment, they wouldn’t have to leave their home to study unless they wanted to, and many more talented people could contribute to experimental science. We could have a truly global scientific community.”

But for Pearce, perhaps the best thing about open-source 3D printing is the open-source part. Makers, as 3D printer aficionados are called, not only use designs posted on the internet. They also post their own and provide feedback. “It creates positive scientific karma,” he said. “You can share your ideas and get help from the community, and it speeds things up so much. It’s like having a global R&D team dedicated to your work.”

“Open-Source Lab is written for a wide audience, from novices to those who are “at one with the force of open source”, who can skip the introductory material and get right to work printing their own equipment.

At the close of the Acknowledgements section, Pearce cau-tions the reader not to rely too heavily on existing designs. The whole point of open-source printing is to join the community and share, share, share. “If the hardware is not good enough for you or your lab, remember, it is free, so quit whining and make it better!”

Equip your lab for less - 3D print your equipmentA solution to procuring lab equipment is at hand for cash-strapped scientists. Open-Source Lab: How to Build Your Own Hardware and Reduce Research Costs by Joshua Pearce and published by Elsevier is a step-by-step ‘do-it-yourself’ guide for making lab equipment.

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Tissue homogeniser rangeThe Precellys range of homogenisers is based on bead-beating technology. They are

designed to homogenise, lyse or grind tissue as hard as bone and as soft as brain in

just seconds for subsequent efficient and improved extraction of DNA, RNA, protein,

drugs or live cells (eg, bacteria or viruses from soil or tissue).

The 3D figure-8 bead-beating technology, along with ready-to-use lysing tubes

pre-filled with the optimal type and size of beads for the user’s sample type, max-

imises efficiency and minimises processing time. The lysing kits (0.5, 2 and 7 mL)

can handle 1 mg to 2 g of tissue, are certified DNase/RNase free and ensure no

cross-contamination.

A vacuum-based tube holder ensures safety, so there is no need for

screws. Lid, vacuum, speed and temperature alarms are in place to

prevent failure. Metal parts and high-quality components ensure

minimal maintenance requirements.

Choosing the right lysing kit and protocol (homogenisation

speed and cycle length) is easy with 70+ application notes, 1000+

protocols and 2000+ publications available. Available equipment

includes Precellys 24 (24x 0.5/2 mL, speed of 4000 to 6800

rpm), Precellys 24-Dual (12x 0.5/2 mL or 6x 7 mL, speed of

4000 to 6500 rpm) and Minilys (personal homogeniser) 3x

0.5/2 mL or 1x 7 mL, speed of 3000, 4000 or 5000 rpm.

Cryolys is an optional cooling unit compatible with

Precellys 24 and Precellys 24-Dual. It circulates cooled air

into the sample chamber maintaining it as low as -20°C.

Sapphire Bioscience


Bench pH meterHI 2211 is a versatile benchtop meter

for the measurement of pH and mV

(ORP and ISE).

The meter is simple to operate, with

automatic 1- or 2-point calibration and

user-selectable temperature compensa-

tion - manual or automatic with the HI

7662 temperature probe. The meter is

equipped with an easy-to-read LCD

which shows both the primary reading

and °C simultaneously.

The instrument also features a reading

stability indicator used during calibration,

a measurement memory/memory recall

function and a calibration expiration

reminder. The product is supplied with

the HI 1332B glass pH electrode, HI

7662 temperature probe and integrated

electrode holder.

Hanna Instruments Pty Ltd


High-temperature vibration monitorDytran Instruments has introduced the model 3443C, a triaxial,

charge-mode vibration monitoring system weighing 10 g.

Suitable for use in a variety of vibration monitoring applications

including engine vibration studies, exhaust system analysis and

industrial vibration monitoring, the high-temperature accelerometer

is capable of operating under extreme temperatures while at

the same time providing the reliability, durability and accuracy

that is offered with standard laboratory sensors.

Capable of operating at temperatures up to 500°C, the device

features ceramic shear sensing elements mounted in a her-

metically sealed, lightweight titanium housing. Units utilise two

through holes for mounting and three 10-32 radial connectors.

Metromatics Pty Ltd


http://www.pss.aus.net


visit www.biolineglobal.com.au for more information

Anaerobic Chambers

COY Anaerobic Chambers have been used for over 30 years in critical anaerobic research labs and clinical diagnostic labs.

• Available in flexible or rigid versions • Automatic vacuum airlock • Minimal gas consumption Call 1800 210 805 today and speak to our friendly sta� who will help you �nd the perfect option for your research.

Bioline also o�ers an extensive range of quality equipment for all types of laboratories. Wireless Monitoring

Shaking Incubators

Ultra-low Storage

Water Baths

Wireless humidity and temperature data loggersVaisala Humicap Wireless Humidity and Temperature Data Loggers HMT140 are designed for

humidity, temperature and analog signal monitoring in warehouses, cleanrooms, laboratories

and many other life science applications. The data loggers are equipped with onboard power,

memory, stable sensors and a Wi-Fi transmitter to make device placement and chamber reloca-

tion simple, easy and cost-efficient.

Using Wi-Fi connectivity, the product can usually connect to the user’s existing wireless infra-

structure. The battery-powered logger can operate for 18 months continuously or longer if using

the batteries only as backup to the optional external power source.

The logger’s enclosure is optimised for use in cleanrooms. The smooth surface of the enclo-

sure makes it easy to clean and the enclosure material is chosen to tolerate purifying agents.

The data logger is wall-mountable with fixed or remote probes.

Used in conjunction with the Vaisala Continuous Monitoring System, the data logger provides a

simple, secure solution for temperature and humidity recording in FDA/GxP-regulated environments.

Vaisala Pty Ltd


Target enrichment for next-generation sequencing systemsAgilent Technologies has intro-

duced a SureSelect target enrich-

ment product that allows Ion Proton

users to realise the full power of

their next-generation sequencers

with human exome and custom

DNA target enrichment solutions.

SureSelect target enrichment is now

available for all major sequencing

platforms, enabling researchers to

achieve high-performance target

enrichment results with a variety

of sequencers.

Already used extensively with

high-throughput and desktop se-

quencers, the products yield high

sensitivity and specificity with a

fast, easy workflow, generating

sequencer-ready samples in only

1.5 days. Other distinctive features

include highly uniform sequencing

coverage, with more than 99% SNP

concordance rates. The product’s

flexibility also enables researchers

to easily create custom panels spe-

cific to their targets of interest with

SureDesign, Agilent’s user-friendly

online design software.

The SureSelect Human All Exon

V5 human exome kit is now avail-

able for Ion Proton researchers

using the SureSelect TE Reagent

Kit for Ion Proton.

Agilent Technologies Australia Pty Ltd


http://www.biolineglobal.com.au


Dangerous goods storage cabinetsOptimum Handling Solutions has a comprehensive range of dangerous goods storage cabinets

specially designed to assist users in the safe and compliant storage of all hazardous material and

substances, whether storing flammable, toxic or corrosive liquids. The dangerous goods cabinets

are manufactured in Australia and built to Australian standards.

The company’s internal dangerous goods storage cabinets provide an indoor storage solution for

smaller bottles and drums with capacities from 30 to 850 L. The cabinets have adjustable internal

shelving and gas strut-assisted locking doors.

The range of outdoor relocatable dangerous goods stores pro-

vides a user-friendly and space-efficient solution to all

industry types where higher storage volumes

of 205 L drums or IBCs are required without

the problems associated with building fixed

stores. With capacities ranging from 820 to

26,000 L, the units provide a safe solution.

Optimum Handling Solutions


Automated fuel cellsThe Automated Fuel Cells system by Elettronica

Veneta is a suitable teaching model to demonstrate

the application of low-power fuel cells in the pro-

duction of electric power for general use and of

thermal energy for convector heating of rooms.

The system includes one stack consisting

of cells connected in series; cells type PEMFC

(polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell); hydrogen

feeding and exhaust line with flow detection; air

inlet/cooling fan with speed control; connection of

electric loads for system analysis; measurement

and display of system variables via PC and data acquisition board.

The training program covers electrical-chemical power conversion; efficiency of fuel cells; structure

of fuel cells; measurement of characteristic curves; power/efficiency ratio; correlation between the

operational parameters of fuel cells; system analysis with different electrical loads and response

to load variations; analysis of the thermal energy coming from the cell cooling; acquisition and

recording of system parameters.

Duff & Macintosh


Pressure gaugesFluke has introduced its 14 latest 700G series precision pressure test gauges. Instrument, process

and plant maintenance technicians can customise the gauge to meet their specific pressure cali-

bration requirements.

The gauges feature pressure measurements ranging from 10 inH20 to 10,000 psi and 0.05%

accuracy with absolute pressure measurement ranges and reference class accuracy gauges with

reading accuracies of 0.04% of reading.

The gauges can be combined with the Fluke 700PTPK or 700HTPK pump kits for complete pres-

sure testing solutions of up to 600 psi with the PTP-1 pneumatic pump and up to 10,000 psi with

the HTP-2 hydraulic pump.

Fluke Networks


http://www.mep.net.au


Finally, some important physics - researchers have worked out why if you tap the bottom of a newly opened beer bottle it froths up and foams everywhere.

This insight into the science behind foaming beer bottles was acquired by researchers from Carlos III University in Madrid, Spain and Universite Pierre et Marie Curie, Institut

Jean le Rond d'Alembert, France who presented their explanation based on the phenomenon of cavitation at the annual meeting of the American Physical Society (APS) Division of Fluid Dynamics.

Cavitation is the mechanism by which bubbles appear in a liquid such as beer after an impact, said Javier Rodriguez-Rodriguez.

After a sudden impact against a bottle’s mouth, back and forth movement of compression and expan-sion waves will cause bubbles to appear and quickly collapse. The team’s investigation of beer bottle-fluid interactions demonstrated that the cavitation-induced break-up of larger ‘mother’ bubbles creates clouds of very small carbonic gas ‘daughter bubbles’ which grow and expand much faster than the larger mother

bubbles from which they split. The rapid expansion of these daughter bubbles gives the foam buoyancy.

“Buoyancy leads to the formation of plumes full of bubbles, whose shape resembles very much the mushrooms seen after powerful explosions,” Rodriguez-Rodriguez explained. “And here is what really makes the formation of foam so explosive: the larger the bubbles get, the faster they rise, and the other way around.” This is because fast-moving bubbles entrain more carbonic gas.

The team’s work is believed to be the first quantitative analysis of the beer bottle foam-over. “We wanted to explain the extremely high efficiency of the degasifica-tion process that occurs in a beer bottle within the first few seconds after the impact,” Rodriguez said.

Beyond happy-hour enrichment, the study’s findings can be applied to other engineering systems and seri-ous natural phenomena such as the sudden release of dissolved carbon dioxide in the Lake Nyos disaster.

Why beer bubbles over

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pH, conductivity, ions and salt

Simple accurate and reliable

Small samples typically one drop

Uses innovative flat sensor technology

Calibrate and measure at the touch of a button

Light, easy to clean and waterproof

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B-700 Series

Waterproof pocket-size meter

Pathology centrifugeThe pathology centrifuge from Pacific Laboratory Products is

suitable for clinical chemistry, specimen reception and blood

collection centres.

The product features an intuitive microprocessor control panel;

a stainless steel, swing-out rotor; a brush-

less induction-drive motor; a safety lid-lock

mechanism; stainless steel reinforced hous-

ing; and an automatic lid-opening system.

The product is easy to use and to clean. It

has a smooth cycle, quiet operation and

professional-looking presentation.

It also features an alarm system

for when the cycle is complete.

Pacific Laboratory Products


Tray rangesAs part of the extensive collection of general-purpose labware

manufactured by Kartell, there is a series of tray types in a wide

range of sizes available to suit most laboratory applications.

High Impact PS Trays cover 15 different trays available in sizes

ranging from small (151 x 201 x 21 mm) right up to large, deep

trays (299 x 408 x 81 mm). The versatile trays are designed to

be used in all laboratory situations and are suitable for storing

pipettes, wash bottles, sample jars, beakers, etc.

PVC Input Trays are available with five or 12 compartments.

They are a useful storage device for all small laboratory supplies,

including stirrer bars, hose connectors, storage bottles, and small

beakers and flasks. The five-compartment tray can also be used

to store pipettes. It measures 303 x 403 x 63 mm, while the

12-compartment tray is 304 x 404 x 64 mm.

Deep HDPE Trays are stackable trays available in three sizes -

10, 16 and 20 L - and can be used for a wide variety of purposes.

Made from HDPE and featuring carry handles and reinforcing ribs,

the trays have a high resistance to alcohols, alkalis and both diluted

and concentrated acids.

PVC Deep Trays are stackable trays which are suitable for a

variety of purposes. The specially designed ribbed base makes the

trays suitable for photography purposes. There are eight different-

sized trays available, in sizes ranging from 150 x 200 x 45 mm up

to 420 x 540 x 180 mm.

Sieper & Co Pty Ltd


http://www.austscientific.com.au


6-9 February 2014

Mantra Lorne

Registration and more information: www.australasianproteomics.org

The 19th Lorne Proteomics Symposium will present the latest de-velopments in proteomics technologies. Internationally recognised speakers will focus on themes that span not only core technologies in proteomic chemistry, but also tools for the interpretation of proteomics output that allow researchers to answer fundamental questions in biology. The program is focused around topics such as the following:

• Interactome research• Vesicle proteomics• Post-translational modifications• Clinical proteomics• Emerging technologies

Lorne conference season 2014The seaside town of Lorne, less than two hours’ drive from Melbourne, will soon host its traditional series of life sciences conferences. The Mantra Lorne offers beachfront accommodation surrounded by 12 acres of landscaped gardens, making it an ideal setting for the two-week conference series.

Invited speakers for the 19th Lorne Proteomics Symposium

A/Prof Maxey Chung Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore

Prof Jens R Coorssen University of Western Sydney, NSW

A/Prof Anne-Claude Gingras

Centre for Systems Biology, Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute of Mount Sinai Hospital, Canada

Prof Donald Hunt Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, USA

Prof Helmut Meyer Ruhr-University, Germany

Prof Albert Sickmann Department of Proteomics, Institute for Analytical Sciences, Dortmund, Germany

Prof Dr Kai Stühler Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Henrich Heine University Dusseldorf, Germany

Prof Dr Marius Üeffing Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Germany

19th Lorne Proteomics Symposium

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39th Lorne Conference on Protein Structure and Function

13-15 February 2014

Mantra Lorne

Registration and more information: www.lornecancer.org

The Lorne Cancer Conference features strong international and national scientific content. Delegates from many major hospitals, universities, research institutes and biotechnology companies will be attending.

Confirmed speakers for the 2014 Protein Structure and Function Conference

Hagan Bayley University of Oxford, UK

Tom Muir Princeton University, USA

Dieter Söll Yale University, USA

Anne Dell Imperial College, UK

Hidde Ploegh Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, USA

Jan Löwe MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, UK

Aimee Shen University of Vermont, USA

Anne-Claude Gingras Mount Sinai Hospital, Canada

Virginia Cornish Columbia University, USA

Jennifer Cochran Stanford University, USA

Andrej Sali University of California, San Francisco, USA

Sarah Teichmann EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute, UK

Ivan Dikic Goethe University, Germany

Sharon Tooze London Research Institute, UK

Felix Rey Institut Pasteur, France

Hong Zhou University of California, Los Angeles, USA

JoAnne Stubbe Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA

Adam Perriman University of Bristol, UK

Petra Fromme Arizona State University, USA

Mark Wallace University of Oxford, UK

Ashley Buckle Monash University, Vic

Megan Maher La Trobe University, Vic

Confirmed speakers for the 2014 Cancer Conference

Dr Mina Bissell Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, USA

Dr Lisa Coussens Oregon Health & Science University, USA

Dr Hugues de Thé Université Paris Diderot-Paris, France

Prof Judy Campisi University of California, Berkeley, USA

Dr Jason Carroll Cancer Research UK, Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, UK

Dr Catriona Jamieson UCSD Moores Cancer Center, Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, USA

Prof Rene Medema The Netherlands Cancer Institute

Prof Sean Morrison UT Southwestern Medical Center, USA

Prof Emmanuelle Passegue

University of California, San Francisco, USA

Prof Marisol Soengas Spanish National Cancer Research Centre

Prof Xiaodong Wang National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China

Prof Valerie Weaver University of California, San Francisco, USA

Prof Warren Alexander Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Vic

Dr Theresa Hicket Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, WA

Dr Steven Lane QIMR Berghofr Medical Research Institute, Qld

Dr Roberta Mazzieri University of Queensland, Qld

A/Prof Louise Purton St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Vic

Prof John Rasko Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, NSW

Dr Wendy Erber University of Western Australia, WA

9-13 February 2014

Mantra Lorne

Registration and more information: www.lorneproteins.org

The goal of this meeting is to highlight leading-edge protein sci-ence, irrespective of its focus. The meeting includes oral and poster presentation sessions, a young investigator session, trade workshops, social events and trade displays.

26th Lorne Cancer Conference


16-18 February 2014

Mantra Lorne

Registration and more information: www.lornegenome.org

19-21 February 2014

Mantra Lorne

Registration and more information: www.lorneinfectionimmunity.org

Confirmed speakers for the 2014 Genome Conference

Kathy Belov University of Sydney, NSW

Pilar Blancafort University of Western Australia, WA

Christine Disteche University of Washington, USA

Joseph Ecker Salk Institute, USA

Anja Groth University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Matthias Hentze EMBL/Heidelberg University, Germany

John Lis Cornell University, USA

Karla Neugebauer Yale University, USA

Jose Polo CRA, Monash University, Vic

Bing Ren University of California, USA

Guoliang Xu Chinese Acadamy of Sciences

Wendy Bickmore University of Edinburgh, UK

Matthew Brown University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Qld

Sally Dunwoodie Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, NSW

Anne Ephrussi EMBL, Germany

Nathaniel Heintz Rockefeller, USA

Henrik Kaessman University of Lausanne, Switzerland

Elaine Mardis Washington University, USA

Hilda Pickett Children’s Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, NSW

John Rasko Royal Price Alfred Hospital, University of Sydney, NSW

Helle Ulrich University of Mainz, Germany

Confirmed speakers for the 2014 Infection & Immunity Conference

Bonnie Bassler Princeton University, USA

Tony Cunningham Westmead Millennium Institute, NSW

Brett Finlay University of British Columbia, Canada

Dale Godfrey University of Melbourne, Vic

Michael Gale University of Washington, USA

Alan Cowman Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Vic

David Russell Cornell University, USA

Tania Sorrell University of Sydney, NSW

Facundo Batista London Research Institute, UK

Jonathan Iredell University of Sydney, NSW

Thirumala-Devi Kanneganti St Jude Children's Research Hospital, USA

Suresh Mahalingam Griffith University, Qld

David Reddy Medicines for Malaria Venture, Switzerland

Alex Loukas James Cook University, Qld

Adolfo Garcia-Sastre Mount Sinai, USA

Phil Hansbro University of Newcastle, NSW

Edward Holmes University of Sydney, NSW

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26th Lorne Genome Conference 26th Infection & Immunity Conference 2014

Themes for the 2014 conference include:• Chromatin Structure• Chromosome Structure

and Dynamics• Comparative Genomics

and Evolution• Computational Biology• Developmental Genetics• Disease Genetics and

Medical Genomics• Emerging Technologies

• Epigenetics and Epigenomics

• Nuclear Organisation• Population Genetics and

Genomics• Regulation of Gene

Expression• RNA Regulation• Systems Biology• Transcriptional Networks

Themes of the 2014 conference include:• Pathogenesis of Infection• Innate Immunity• Adaptive Immunity• Systems Biology• Emerging Infectious

Diseases

• Clinical/Translational Research

• Inflammatory Diseases• Microbiota and Immunity• Vaccines


my

lab

Liver cells under the microscope

The purpose of the University of Queensland’s Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis (CMM), located at the Australian Institute for Bioengi-neering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), is to promote, support and initiate research and teaching in the applica-tions of microscopy and microanalysis. Appropriately, the centre is now home to Australia’s first in-situ sectioning electron microscope.

CMM Director Professor John Drennan explained that the equipment, worth over $1 million, “was purchased through a university internal competi-tive scheme, designed to allow researchers to purchase important infrastructure that can be made available to a wide range of users”. It consists of a field emission scanning electron microscope, produced by Zeiss, attached to a Gatan 3View system which includes a diamond microtome knife placed in the sample area.

“The microtome slices and the newly formed surface is imaged by the microscope,” Professor Drennan said. All the scans are collated and a detailed 3D image is built up. The slices can be as small as 60 nm thick, which means the equipment could make 666 slices to cut through an average human hair with a thick-ness of 40,000 nm.

The equipment has allowed for the publication of a research paper in the journal Current Biology. A group comprising CMM Deputy Director and Institute for Molecular Bioscience lab head Professor Rob Parton, postdoctoral fellow Dr Nicholas Ariotti and University of Barcelona’s Dr Albert Pol used the microscope to view the internal structure of - and interaction between - liver cells.

Professor Parton explained that not all cells are the same. If some cells carry too many lipids (molecules which store fat as energy), they die, while other cells can help the population by taking up large amounts of lipids. The mechanism causing the cells to differ is particularly noticeable in the liver, which Professor Parton says is “a protective social organisation to reduce damage to the liver”. The 3D images generated from the equipment allowed the researchers to see this social organisation, Professor Parton said, and has helped them to understand the importance of cell variation.

The equipment has been used in several other biological and non-biological applications as well, with Professor Drennan saying it is suitable for any materials “that are amenable to be sliced in this way”.

“For example, preliminary results from paint fragments taken from artists’ works have the potential to provide a unique three-dimensional view of the processes that are taking place as the work ages. This information is invaluable for conservators who are always looking to find ways of monitoring and preserving important art works.”

The CMM has always provided students and staff with access to state-of-the-art instrumentation, said Professor Drennan, and the latest acquisition is attracting plenty of attention. Not only are the

university’s researchers becoming skilled at using the equipment, but interstate scientists are com-ing for training as well.

“This new instrument is of interest to a wide range of researchers,” Professor Drennan concluded.

By Lauren Davis

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