What’s New in LAB & Life Sciences Apr/May 2013 by Westwick-Farrow Media

APRIL/MAY 2013 VOL.24 NO.1 PP100008671

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Head Office Cnr. Fox Valley Road & Kiogle Street, (Locked Bag 1289) Wahroonga NSW 2076 Ph: +61 2 9487 2700 Fax: +61 2 9489 1265 Chief Editor Janette Woodhouse Email: wnilt@westwick-farrow.com.au Editorial Assistant: Lauren Davis Publisher Geoff Hird Art Director/Production Manager Julie Wright Art Production Tanya Scarselletti, Jeanette Teuma, Colleen Sam Circulation Manager Sue Lavery circulation@westwick-farrow.com.au Copy Control Mitchie Mullins copy@westwick-farrow.com.au Advertising Sales NSW, QLD Liz Wilson Ph: 0403 528 558 Email: lwilson@westwick-farrow.com.au VIC, SA, WA Sandra Romanin Ph: 0414 558 464 Email: sromanin@westwick-farrow.com.au New Zealand Gemma Burr Freecall: 0800 44 25 29 Email: gburr@westwick-farrow.com.au USA - Huson International Media East Coast Ph: 212 268 3344 West Coast Ph: 408 879 6666 Email: ralph.lockwood@husonmedia.com UK - Huson International Media Ph: 1932 56 4999 Email: gerryb@husonmedia.com Asia - Lachlan Rainey Ph: +61 (0) 402 157 167 Email: lrainey@westwick-farrow.com.au If you have any queries regarding our privacy policy please email privacy@westwick-farrow.com.au

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editor’s note

Something seem funny to you? Science, research and tertiary education are claimed to be among the government’s most important priorities. Yet on 16 April, CSIRO chief executive Dr Megan Clark sent an email to CSIRO staff revealing that more than 200 staff will lose their jobs as the organisation makes drastic cuts to its budget. This comes within days of the federal government’s shock decision to raid $2.3 billion from university tills to pay for its “once in a lifetime” opportunity to fix school education funding. I’m sorry, but how can the government possibly claim science, research and tertiary education as priorities as it perpetrates the two atrocities above? The 2.5% of CSIRO staff losing their jobs will be spread across the organisation from the executive team down and from both science and support. At the same time, the organisation will be cutting its operational costs by 2.5%. Now this will send a great message to the already diminishing number of students considering doing science at university. The claim that the funding and staff cuts are the result of industry investing less money in CSIRO research is also pretty dodgy. Problems in CSIRO really go back to the government trying to run the organisation as a business - when it simply isn’t a business. Some of the organisation’s most successful outcomes grew from pure research - Wi-Fi being a classic example. Why can’t the successive governments realise that one of the most effective ways to stimulate an economy is through education and research? The 1996/97 Budget Statement stated that there was a growing body of evidence that innovation is the dominant factor in economic growth and world trade - yet 15 years later this is not recognised by the government. Australia’s secondary performance in science is slipping against world performance - we have fewer students studying science at university and the courses offered by the universities are contracting as student numbers fall. At this rate, science will disappear into its self-created black hole. What is the solution? Science needs advocates at every level. We need to be seen more in the mainstream media and we don’t need to perpetuate our image as wild-haired ‘brainiacs’. We need to have the broader community understand that both pure and applied science is essential to their very survival. They want clean food (without horsemeat scandals), they want affordable drugs, they want medical cures, they want quality assurance that the cement in their houses is sound, that imported goods don’t contain illegal contaminants … They need to understand that they need scientists to bring these wants into fruition. And they need to understand that in the long term we need our “best and brightest” to be able to make a good living doing pure research in well-equipped facilities without having to spend most of their time begging for grants because that is where the future of Australia’s success lies. Maybe it’s time to dust off your soapboxes and start spruiking.

All material published in this magazine is published in good faith and every care is taken to accurately relay information provided to us. Readers are advised by the publishers to ensure that all necessary safety devices and precautions are installed and safe working procedures adopted before the use of any equipment found or purchased through the information we provide. Further, all performance criteria was provided by the representative company concerned and any dispute should be referred to them. Information indicating that products are made in Australia or New Zealand is supplied by the source company. Westwick-Farrow Pty Ltd does not quantify the amount of local content or the accuracy of the statement made by the source.

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WHAT’S NEW IN LAB & LIFE SCIENCES - April/May 2013

Janette Woodhouse Chief Editor What’s New in Lab & Life Sciences www.labonline.com.au

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The EZ-Product Family Make your microbiology workflow EZ with our new range of membrane filtration products.

For more information or to take advantage of our new product launch promotion please contact Merck Millipore: AUSTRALIA: Ph: 1800 335 571 Fax: 1300 360 418 Email: orders.aus@merckgroup.com www.merckmillipore.com

Merck Millipore is a division of

NEW ZEALAND: Ph: 0800 463 725 Fax: (06) 356 7311 Email: orders.nz@merckgroup.com

The video management system designed for SAHMRI deploys the latest in Pelco by Schneider Electric’s high-definition cameras, with increased capabilities for video analytics and identification - more than standard resolutions. More than 55 cameras have been specified for this site, based on a fully integrated platform incorporating intercom networks.

Intelligent lighting control Another key part of the EcoStruxure architecture is the Clipsal by Schneider Electric DALIcontrol lighting control system, designed to maximise energy efficiencies in the building. DALI is an open control protocol system that ensures compatibility between lighting and control devices. Although there are key scenes programmed into the building, the system also allows for customised programming in research areas that require constant lighting to simulate daylight levels of light. DALIcontrol also includes an emergency lighting solution. Test sequences have been scheduled into the operation and provide reports to the facility operator to confirm that the evacuation lighting is functioning properly. Clipsal by Schneider Electric has also supplied energy-efficient exit light fittings for the entire building.

A reliable emergency power supply It is critical in medical facilities to have the assurance that the backup power system will perform in an emergency. Schneider Electric’s emergency power supply system (EPSS) test solution provides automated analysis and accurate reporting as well as complete power system information. It tests the back-up generator supply and gives reports on the precise timing of transfer switches, the condition and health of the generator, and monitors EPSS load levels and duration of test. It makes manual testing obsolete, saving time and also collecting data during real outages. This ensures that the system is healthy and will perform if and when needed. The EPSS test solution increases patient safety by reducing the chance of an EPSS failure due to human error or inadequate manual testing procedures. To further increase SAHMRI’s standing as a modern facility, Schneider Electric worked

with the design team to install the EPSS test solution into the facility. Power interruptions also have the potential to create data loss and hardware damage to all communications and computer equipment. With 18 communication hubs located throughout the SAHMRI building, Schneider Electric is providing uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) to maintain power continuity and protect vital communications equipment such as computers, data centres and telecommunication. Each UPS is networked to the IBS for instant monitoring and status.

A monitored power network Many clients are now asking for more functional energy monitoring and reporting capabilities as part of their electrical distribution network and SAHMRI is no exception. Schneider Electric included its new StruxureWare Power Monitoring 7.0 (SPM7) energy management software platform to better integrate SAHMRI’s energy metering. To achieve even better power quality and reliability outcomes for SAHMRI, Schneider Electric collaborated with electrical contractors Nilsen to upgrade the metering hardware to allow for better power quality event diagnostics and therefore ensure a shorter ‘mean time to repair’ should any electrical network issues arise. SPM7 will allow the SAHMRI to monitor the entire installation from the utility-grade power quality (PQ) meter on the main incomer to the PQ meters on the subsectional feeders; and via low-voltage Masterpact air-circuit breakers and Compact NSX moulded case circuit breakers fitted with Micrologic control units installed on key submains. SAHMRI’s project design team, including electrical services consultant Aurecon, also ensured submetering was installed strategically in specially designed distribution boards to separately meter the power and lighting chassis. This makes it easier to identify energy wastage, act on opportunities, improve efficiencies, discriminate energy consumption per level, per pod and to comply with SAHMRI’s energy-efficiency expectations. SPM7 offers real-time power quality and energy monitoring and is able to alarm and report by exception using its various out-ofthe-box and customisable reports, which a user can subscribe to. SPM7 is also able to present a user with an easy-to-interoperate

WHAT’S NEW IN LAB & LIFE SCIENCES - April/May 2013

energy dashboard display to indicate how a facility is performing against its energy usage targets and carbon emission targets. By adopting an EcoStruxure approach, the SAHMRI design team could foresee the further operational and maintenance benefits by combining SPM7 with a fit-for-purpose Schneider Electric Medium & Low Voltage electrical distribution system. Schneider Electric partnered with local energy solution integrator AZZO to deliver this integrated technological solution to maximise the functionality and efficiency of the SAHMRI’s electrical distribution network. The key distinguishing factor for Schneider Electric with this type of integrated circuit protection and monitoring system is that it is all offered in one package.

More drive for less input A facility such as SAHMRI requires an enormous number of pumps, fans and motors to ensure the HVAC system is operational. These consume vast amounts of energy; however, the SAHMRI design team has conserved as much energy as possible with the addition of Schneider Electric’s Altivar variable speed drives. These will limit energy usage on start-up and allow for the precise control of heating and cooling through the IBS achieving further efficiencies, while extending the mechanical life of the equipment.

Team of local experts Local representation was an important prerequisite for SAHMRI; in the event of any technical issues, Schneider Electric could quickly resolve them and limit any project delivery delays. Schneider Electric provides this combination of local support and back-up with global access to world-leading expertise in technology implementation and therefore is ideally suited to healthcare and life sciences.

Meeting certification standards Schneider Electric’s solution also helps the SAHMRI building meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification standards. This is a globally recognised standard in ensuring that a building project is environmentally responsible, profitable and a healthy place to work.

Bottom line Scheduled for completion in late 2013, the SAHMRI building design brief and goals are well underway and the building is a diamond example of how a holistic approach, based on EcoStruxure architecture, is poised to create great energy efficiencies and intelligent building systems for the long term. Schneider Electric (Aust) Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T645

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Automated data logging and graphing!

Incubate your way New Brunswick™ Galaxy® CO2 Incubators Eppendorf CO2 Incubators provide the ideal environment for a wide range of culture applications, from stem cell research to oncology, anaerobic bacterial growth, neuroscience, viral studies and more. Offered in advanced and economical models, in a range of three sizes (14 to 170 Liters), these direct-heat systems expand your cell culture possibilities.

The Eppendorf CO2 incubator advantage: > State-of-the-art contamination control: Fanless, seamless chamber with optional high-temperature disinfection and anti-microbial copper interior > Three O2 control options for specialized high and low oxygen applications > 14 L incubator fits under a hood! Perfect for isolating critical cultures, ensuring assay validity

www.eppendorf.com Eppendorf® and the Eppendorf logo are registered trademarks of Eppendorf AG, Germany and New Brunswick™ is a trademark of Eppendorf AG, Germany. Galaxy® is a registered trademark of New Brunswick Scientific Co., Inc., USA. All rights reserved, including graphics and images. Copyright © 2013 by Eppendorf AG.

Laboratory balance with apps Sartorius has made its laboratory balance Cubis even more user friendly to ensure reliable, error-free results. The company’s Q-Apps can now be installed on any Cubis balance to guide users quickly and easily in performing any weighing application. The apps are available for weighing applications that are frequently performed, such as determination of the minimum sample weight according to the USP, differential weighing, formula or recipe management, average weight control, application-specific calibration or pipette calibration. Once downloaded, they can be selected from the balance’s task list. Each application will guide the user step by step through the weighing process selected. The apps ensure 100% compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) that specify workflow instructions and analytical methods. This eliminates the need for additional checking of weighing results, saving time and money in the laboratory. Customised apps have been developed to meet special requirements that differ from standardised weighing processes. These are individually tailored to the user’s requirements and implement the work instructions and analytical procedures exactly as described in the user’s SOP. Therefore, the balance ‘adapts’ in order to meet requirements - not the other way around. The apps enable the balance to exchange data with a higher-level laboratory management system via web services. This interface protocol is internet-based, recognised and qualified. As a result, a Cubis balance can be quickly and easily connected to a laboratory management system, minimising the time and effort entailed by manual documentation in the lab. Q-Apps can be downloaded from the Sartorius AppCenter and installed on the balance using an SD card. The software can be tested for 30 days free of charge before it must be licensed for a fee. Sartorius Stedim Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T516

Sterile membranes for dispensers Advantec’s mixed cellulose ester (MCE) pleated band sterile membranes are said to offer the same high quality and reliability as the individually wrapped MCE membranes which Advantec industry partners have used for many years. The pleated band MCE membranes are suitable for use with commercial

Detection and differentiation of pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica strains

dispensers, providing hands-free convenience and increased efficiency as well as reducing the risk of membrane contamination from handling. MCE membrane is a general-purpose industry standard used in many applications from microbiological examination of water, wastewater, pharmaceuticals,

The CHROMagar Y. enterocol-

food and beverages. Membrane characteristics include high recovery rates,

itica is used for the detection and

contrasting grid lines to facilitate easy identification and high porosity providing

direct differentiation of pathogenic

good flow rates which increase speed and testing efficiency. Advantec membranes were developed and manufactured to comply with the ASTM and the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater.

Yersinia enterocolitica strains. There is clear differentiation of Yersinia among

Labtek

background flora (citrobacter, enterobacter,

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T250

aeromonas etc) and colourful differentiation of pathogenic strains among non-pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica. Inhibited or limited growth is also differentiated. Laboratories can now concentrate their efforts and resources only on suspect colonies that have a real potential of pathogenicity. Dutec Diagnostics Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T011

WHAT’S NEW IN LAB & LIFE SCIENCES - April/May 2013

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CASE STUDY

Royal Mint achieves new level of trade effluent monitoring The Royal Mint is one of the world’s leading export mints, making coins and medals for an average of 60 countries every year. Located in Llanstrisant, South Wales, the headquarters were opened in 1968 by the Queen in readiness for the introduction of decimal coinage. With a responsibility to make and distribute United Kingdom coins, the company employs more than 700 people and operates around the clock for 50 weeks a year. With the treatment of trade effluent increasingly coming under the spotlight, The Royal Mint recently embarked on a multimillion pound project to build a new effluent treatment plant to replace two existing treatment lines and support increased production capacity from two new nickel-plating lines. The new plant would need to monitor hydrogen peroxide levels, pH and turbidity to ensure the safety of the effluent being discharged. The effluent treatment plant aimed to allow the business to discharge 100% of its trade effluents into the sewer, requiring first-class monitoring instrumentation to ensure water quality. If trade effluents are not safe to be released into a sewer, there is a requirement for companies to either change their process to no longer produce the effluent, treat the effluent before discharging to the sewer or pay for it to be taken off site. These options are all time consuming and costly. The Royal Mint selected Analytical Technology’s (ATi’s) pH, hydrogen peroxide and turbidity sensors for its water-monitoring needs. The Q45P AutoClean pH monitor with MCERTS classification will be used to control pH levels throughout the nickel-plating process and the pH-correction process in the treatment plant, while the Q45H/84 hydrogen peroxide sensors will monitor the effluent to ensure peroxide levels remained low enough to allow efficient effluent treatment. A minimal maintenance instrument, the ATi d15/76 AutoClean turbidity monitors were chosen to determine water quality by measuring the degree to which the water has lost its transparency due to the presence of suspended solids. ATi’s F12 gas detection system was also implemented to protect employees from harmful exposure. Graham Hartry, Environmental Manager, Blank Processing, The Royal Mint, explained: “Our new effluent treatment plant has been built using the best available technology and will significantly reduce the amount of effluent discharged, allowing us to recycle wherever possible. The use of Analytical Technology’s pH, hydrogen peroxide and turbidity monitors has allowed us to regulate the levels of chemicals and suspended solids within our effluent discharge, ensuring that we comply with stringent regulations and do our utmost to protect the environment.” As a result of the effluent treatment plant incorporating Analytical Technology instrumentation, The Royal Mint discharges 100% of its trade effluents into the sewer without damaging the sewer infrastructure or the environment. The instruments are easy to set up and maintain, delivering reliable and compliant results as well as high levels of customer support to keep the plant running. Hydramet Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T088

Optical oxygen measurement for beer If large amounts of dissolved oxygen are present in finished beer, oxidation processes take place. These oxidation processes negatively affect the beer’s flavour and cause premature product ageing. To ensure the best product quality, taste and a long shelf life, the amount of the dissolved oxygen must be minimised. This requires considerable technical effort and continuous oxygencontent monitoring. The monitoring of dissolved oxygen content has traditionally been done with amperometric sensors. Amperometric monitoring is done with the help of electrochemical sensors according to the Clark principle: the content of dissolved oxygen is determined by means of a current flow in the sensor’s measuring chamber. However, this method has limitations, such as a difficulty with inline measurements typical of large filling lines due to Clark sensors’ susceptibility to breaking down and requiring a lot of maintenance. Hamilton has developed an alternative to the amperometric method. Claimed to be the first standardised 12 mm sensor, the VisiFerm DO measures dissolved oxygen optically using a method based on oxygen-dependent luminescence. Measurement with the sensors is said to be always identical and stable and the process is not delayed by stop-of-flow effects - thus, filling can resume at any time. After CIP cleaning, the optical sensors can be re-used faster than with an amperometric sensor. As a result of this, the quantity of rinsing product used and afterwards discarded can be reduced. Moreover, the optical sensors are also less susceptible to breakdown and need less maintenance than amperometric sensors, as they have only one part subject to wear: the sensor cap. The sensor cap must be changed every four to eight months, and the replacement and recalibration only takes a few minutes. Grace Davison Discovery Sciences Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T408

WHAT’S NEW IN LAB & LIFE SCIENCES - April/May 2013

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The new Secura速 Riskless weighing in regulated areas.

Advanced Pharma Compliance means maximum operational safety and fully automatic self-monitoring in pharmaceutical laboratories. Secura速 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速 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 info.australia@sartorius.com

www.sartorius.com/secura

Multiphoton microscope The Nikon A1R MP+ multiphoton confocal microscope provides fast and sharp imaging deep within living organisms. Ultrasensitive gallium arsenide phosphide (GaAsP) NDD have approximately twice the sensitivity

Flat-packed cryobox

of a standard NDD, allowing

Tenak Origami is an innovative way to deliver cardboard cryoboxes. The

clearer, faster and deeper

boxes are supplied flat packed and can be folded into shape in under

imaging for higher quality

30 s to form a robust and long-lasting box for ULT sample storage.

Z-stack imaging.

Due to the flat-pack design, the boxes are economical to buy and

The microscope operates

ship, and save space in the lab. Supplied in packs of 100 (which

at wavelengths up to 1080 nm. This enables the user

takes up about the same space as 12 standard cryoboxes), the

to expand their usable fluorescence proteins such as

boxes are available with 9 x 9 or 10 x 10 grids, or without grids. Also

mCherry and mRFP1, and allows more efficient excita-

separately available are grid designs ranging from 3 x 3 array (for

tion with less laser power to achieve a brighter image.

42 mm diameter tubes) to 16 x 16 (for 7 mm diameter tubes) and

Coherent Scientific Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T133

virtually everything in-between. The footprint is 134 x 134 mm, which is suitable for all standard storage systems, and the boxes are 50 mm high for use with cryovials up to 2 mL. Capella Science Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T192

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEW IN LAB & LIFE SCIENCES - April/May 2013

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Can Spiderman’s webbing stop a moving train? In Spiderman 2, the superhero uses his webbing to bring a runaway train to a standstill moments before it plummets over the end of the track. But could a material with the strength and toughness of spiders’ web really stop four crowded train carriages?

ccording to a group of three fourth-year University of Leicester MPhys students, the answer is yes. James Forster, Mark Bryan and Alex Stone first calculated the force needed to stop the four R160 New York City subway cars. To do this, they used the momentum of the train at full speed, the time it takes the train to come to rest after the webs are attached and the driving force of the powered R160 subway car. The students found the force Spiderman’s webs exert on the train to be 300,000 N. They then went on to calculate the strength and toughness of the webs. They found that the Young’s modulus - or stiffness - of the web would be 3.12 GPa. This is very reasonable for spider’s silk, which ranges from 1.5 to 12 GPa in the orb-weaver spiders. The toughness of the silk was calculated as almost 500 MJ/cm 3. This is in line with web from a Darwin’s Bark Spider - an orbweaver with the strongest known webbing of any spider. They concluded that the ‘friendly neighbourhood’ superhero’s webbing is indeed a proportional equivalent of that of a real spider - and, consequently, it would be feasible for him to stop a moving train. Alex Stone, 21, from Kingston upon Thames, said: “It is often quoted that spider webs are stronger than steel, so we thought it would be interesting to see whether this held true for Spiderman’s scaled-up version. Considering the subject matter, we were surprised to find out that the webbing was portrayed accurately.” James Forster, 22, from Wisbech, said: “While our work may not seem to be very serious, it has helped teach us about applying

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physics to varying situations as well as the peer review process through which scientific journals operate. This makes it an invaluable experience to anyone who wants to go into research later in life.” The students’ paper, ‘Doing whatever a spider can’, was published in the latest volume of the University of Leicester’s Journal of Physics Special Topics. The journal is published every year, and features original short papers written by students in the final year of their four-year Master of Physics degree.The students are encouraged to be imaginative with their topics, and the aim is for them to learn about aspects of publishing and peer review. Course leader Dr Mervyn Roy, a lecturer at the University’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, said: “A lot of the papers published in the journal are on subjects that are amusing, topical or a bit off-the-wall. Our fourth-years are nothing if not creative! “But, to be a research physicist - in industry or academia you need to show some imagination, to think outside the box, and this is certainly something that the module allows our students to practise. “Most of our masters students hope to go on to careers in research where a lot of their time will be taken up with scientific publishing - writing and submitting papers, and writing and responding to referee reports. “This is another area where the module really helps. Because Physics Special Topics is run exactly like a professional journal, the students get the chance to develop all the skills they will need when dealing with high-profile journals like Nature or Science later on in life.”

WHAT’S NEW IN LAB & LIFE SCIENCES - April/May 2013

Laboratory balance

weighing cabinets without having to open the safe work area.

The Secura laboratory balance, developed by Sartorius for

Balances have to be calibrated regularly as ambient condi-

applications in regulated areas such as pharmaceutical labs,

tions change. Once a specified time or temperature threshold

fulfills high-reliability requirements. The balance monitors ambient

is reached, the unitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s calibration and adjustment function, iso-

conditions automatically, thereby preventing handling errors

CAL, informs the user and automatically adjusts the balance

and increasing reliability and consistency of the results.

using internal weights. Every adjustment is documented. Every balance used in regulated areas has to meet the

Nine different models are available, covering weighing

requirements specified by the FDA. Pharmaceutical labs have to

capacities from 120 g to 5.1 kg and a readability of 0.1 to 10 mg. The balance is equipped with assistance systems designed to

determine the minimum sample weight according to the US Pharmacopeia

prevent further processing of uncertain

on site and measurements may not fall below this limit. Sartorius service

weighing results, which frequently occur

staff may determine this value during first operation of the balance and

through operating errors. If errors occur,

issue a minimum sample weight certificate. The value will be constantly

the balance identifies the uncertain

displayed on the balance. If a measurement falls below the minimum

results and blocks their transmission.

sample weight, an alert will appear and the balance will block printout

The electronic LevelControl sensor

and transmission of the reading.

ensures the balance is level, which is

The weighing applications are represented as understandable icons

important for equipment monitoring

on the touch screen. This allows users to launch any of the balanceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

and obtaining accurate readings. Non-

programs with the touch of a finger, without having to read the operat-

compliance is indicated in the display

ing manual. The balance only displays the information required for the

and blocks output of the reading. Clear

particular operation. The colour-coded information and action fields make

instructions in the display guide the

operating errors near impossible. Settings that could change data output

user through the levelling procedure.

or the metrological performance can be password protected.

Lab staff can easily level balances

Sartorius Stedim Australia Pty Ltd

located in safety work benches or safety

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T514

Rapid

return on investment

Easy

to configure and install

Complete

fully integrated lims solution

Australian local product, service and advice

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEW IN LAB & LIFE SCIENCES - April/May 2013

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ICP-OES spectrometer The Spectroblue, for inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), was designed to meet critical elemental analysis demands such as those required by environmental laboratories, process laboratories and research institutes. The Spectroblue ICP-OES employs a Paschen-Runge optical system which covers a wide wavelength range (165-770 nm) while offering good resolution and reducing stray light. The patented OPI-AIR, in combination with the UV-PLUS, decreases operating cost as there is no need for cooling water or purge gas. The product’s sealed optic system and UV-PLUS approach eliminates consumable purge gases and ensures long-term stability. Additionally, Spectro’s high-resolution PaschenRunge optic permits a direct, high-luminance light path, allowing the system to easily process line-rich spectra, improve measurement accuracy and reduce rework. The OPI-AIR eliminates the cool region of the plasma, allowing for an unobstructed view of the normal analytical zone (NAZ) - no compressed air or gases are required to cut off the tail plume. The OPI-AIR interface is said to offer six times greater sensitivity improvement (ppb and sub-ppb detection levels) and better elimination of matrix effects compared to conventional techniques. The free-running RF generator is simple in design (no moving parts), has high efficiency (better than 70%), a huge amount of reserve power (up to 5 kW) and requires no water cooling. This means that the plasma is stable, even with varying plasma loads. The system can handle volatile organic solvents and high salt loads (eg, 200 g of NaCl/L). The instrument achieves a constant resolution of 8.5 pm between the important wavelength range of 165-285 nm and 15 pm between 285-770 nm. This resolution helps to achieve good signal-to-background ratios, which translates into better detection limits and also helps with less interference in spectral-rich matrices such as wastewater. DKSH Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S067

Transportable hydrocarbon dewpoint analyser Michell Instruments has developed a transportable version of its hydrocarbon dewpoint analyser, the Condumax II. The latest version enables engineers to provide a fast response for investigations into the quality of natural gas wherever it is needed. The transportable analyser measures hydrocarbon and water dewpoint (key indicators of the quality of natural gas) in the same way and to the same accuracy as the online version. The analyser is fitted into a robust transport case with a simple sampling system that is suitable for performing supervised measurement sequences. It is certified for use in hazardous areas around the world, including ATEX, IECEx, CSA and GOST, with specific local certification available. The flexible analyser package could be employed anywhere in the natural gas supply chain, from processing plants through to pipeline transmission, and by large users such as electricity-generation companies. The system can be loaded into and out of a pick-up truck by two engineers, who will be able to operate and analyse the results on-site. This ease of use reduces the reaction time of test measurements. AMS Instrumentation & Calibration Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S554

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WHAT’S NEW IN LAB & LIFE SCIENCES - April/May 2013

Everything you know about osmosis is (probably) wrong Osmosis - the flow of a solvent across a semi-permeable membrane from a region of lower to higher solute concentration - is a well-developed concept in physics and biophysics. The problem is that, even though the concept is important to plant and human physiology, osmosis is understood in biology and chemistry in a much simpler - and often incorrect - way.

“A

range of surprising misconceptions about osmosis continue to appear in papers, websites and textbooks,” says Eric Kramer, professor of physics at Bard College at Simon’s Rock in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. “Wrong ideas about osmosis are especially common in educational materials aimed at students of chemistry and biology. Once learned, these errors influence the thinking of professionals throughout their careers.” The thermodynamic theory of osmosis was published by JW Gibbs in 1897, and during the next half-century dozens of other scientists published explanations for it in terms of interactions between the solute and solvent molecules. “Many of the greatest scientists of the 20th century took a turn at it,” says Kramer, “A textbook in 1951 offered the first coherent telling of the whole theory.” Though physicists have had this complete and correct explanation since the 50s, chemistry and biology never caught up. Why? One reason is because the incorrect theory is much easier. “The thermodynamic explanation can be pretty dense, and features entropy, which can be scary for people,” he says. “The correct theory would be harder to teach at an introductory level, although I’m working with a textbook author who plans to spread the word.” Reach back into your memory for your first science lesson on osmosis. It probably involved a demonstration with a bag of sugar with holes poked in it. When dunked into water, the water rushed into the bag. Using this example of osmosis, Kramer lays out the common misconceptions: 1. “The first misconception is that osmosis is limited to liquids,” he says. “But it works just fine for gases, too.”

2. “Another misconception that osmosis requires an attractive force,” he says. “It doesn’t. When water fills the bag of sugar, it’s not because the sugar is pulling the water in. That’s not part of the explanation.” 3. “A misconception is that osmosis always happens down a concentration gradient,” he says. “When you dissolve something in water, the water doesn’t necessarily get more diluted. Depending on the substance, it can get more concentrated.” 4. “Anther misconception is that you don’t need to invoke a force to explain why the water flows into the bag. It’s thought that, like diffusion, it’s a spontaneous process,” he says. “But, in fact, there is a force. It’s complicated how it happens, but it turns out that the membrane - or the bag, in the familiar lab demonstration - exerts a force that pushes the water in.” “These misconceptions are surprisingly robust,” says Kramer. “Nearly all have been discussed by other authors during the long history of osmotic research, and yet they continue to find believers in each generation of professionals. While authors in physics and biophysics have generally settled on the correct understanding of osmosis, these ideas have not penetrated into the fields of chemistry and biology. It’s very surprising that, in 60 years, no physicist talked to a chemist long enough to figure this out.” Kramer is co-author, with colleague and chemist David Myers, of the article ‘Osmosis is not driven by water dilution’ in the April issue of Trends in Plant Science. They have authored a previous article, ‘Five popular misconceptions about osmosis’, in the American Journal of Physics (August, 2012).

WHAT’S NEW IN LAB & LIFE SCIENCES - April/May 2013

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Benchtop digital incubator

Microplate detection platform

Crea Laboratory Technologies has released

Molecular Devices’ SpectraMax i3 multi-

its benchtop digital thermostatised incubator.

mode microplate detection platform comes

The metallic incubator has a front door made

with spectral absorbance, fluorescence and

of metacrilate for easy viewing. A micropro-

luminescence detection.

cessor with an ARA V2 fuzzy logic algorithm

Additional user-installable options allow the

provides high-precision temperature control

system to grow with the user’s changing application needs to fulfil and extend beyond standard

to be used with an internal or external sensor.

reader applications. As new assays are developed or needs change, users simply add a cartridge

User-friendly features include a digital

or the SpectraMax MiniMax Imaging Cytometer option as opposed to purchasing another system.

LCD backlit display, membrane push-button control and automatic restart after unexpected

Users can expand the three-mode base system with additional application cartridges for FP, HTRF, AlphaScreen assays, cellular imaging and the SpectraDrop micro-volume microplate.

shutdown. Security is not an issue as the product has a system that protects against

The SpectraMax MiniMax Imaging Cytometer simplifies complex imaging workflow by visualising cell morphology changes on top of well-based intensity readings.

overtemperature and comes with forced air circulation.

The Spectral Fusion Illumination delivers a high-powered full-spectrum light source for increased fluorescence performance across the entire excitation range.

The unit can be adapted to the company’s orbital and horizontal shakers.

The product has an expanded dynamic range, with sophisticated engineering delivering optimal sensitivity and maximising signal range. The SoftMax Pro Microplate Data Acquisition & Analysis Software streamlines complex data

Crea Laboratory Technologies Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T620

analysis with over 140 built-in protocols, effectively eliminating the need for additional software. Additional tools for regulatory compliance are included in SoftMax Pro GxP Software. Bio-Strategy Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T537

Protecting your laboratory’s most valuable assets

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Solid Polypropylene Construction Effectively weigh to 5 decimal places Electrical cord access ports Continuous HEPA filter monitoring Audible and visible alarms Secondary HEPA for additional safety and filter changing Optional Carbon Filter for odourous powders

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All AirClean Systems products are manufactured in Australia by Laboratory Systems Group Pty Ltd

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(03) 8720 9000 www.labsystemsgroup.com.au

WHAT’S NEW IN LAB & LIFE SCIENCES - April/May 2013

In a paper recently published in the journal PLOS ONE, a research team headed by Dr Paul Wheeler from the UK Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) reported breakthrough progress in understanding the metabolic and phenotypic properties of the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and its close relative Mycobacterium bovis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the causative agent of the transmissible respiratory disease tuberculosis, which infects an estimated 8 million people worldwide and is responsible for 2 million fatalities each year. Mycobacterium bovis afflicts cattle, with losses to agriculture of approximately $3 billion per year. These mycobacteria have been very difficult for scientists to study because they grow very slowly, so experiments can take weeks or months to perform. The publication from the AHVLA shows that Biolog’s Phenotype MicroArray (PM) technology allows the bacteria to be studied much more quickly and easily, which will accelerate the pace of mycobacterial research. Results can be obtained in seven to 10 days. The paper further demonstrates diagnostic potential by phenotypically differentiating strains of these mycobacteria with different host ranges and levels of pathogenicity. The paper also expands, as well as confirms, our knowledge of the metabolic properties of the mycobacteria. As a consequence, genome annotation can be improved, the biology of these bacteria can be better understood and hopefully these insights will facilitate discovery of antibiotics more effective in their eradication. According to Dr Wheeler, “The genome sequence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was published in 1998 and high-throughput phenotype analysis of pathogenic mycobacterial strains is urgently needed and long overdue. Molecular typing of Mycobacterium strains has limitations. Though key in surveillance and helpful in identifying emerging strains, it does not provide information on biological properties or phenotypes. This is a substantial gap in our knowledge since it is the phenotype which is selectable and must relate to the evolutionary advantage of one strain over another.” Other mycobacterial species have also been successfully studied with PM technology. In June 2012, researchers in the laboratory of Professor Yung-Fu Chang at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine published also in PLOS ONE on their use of PM technology to analyse the metabolic phenotypes of Mycobacterium avium. In 2009, a team of researchers in the laboratory of Professor Lacy Daniels at Texas A&M used gene knockouts combined with PM technology to show that the Mycobacterium smegmatis gene homolog of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis gene Rv1238 codes for a transporter of the sugar trehalose and plays a critical role in pathogenicity. Additionally, in a paper published in January 2013 in the Journal of Bacteriology, Professor Daniels’ lab again analyses the phenotypes of gene knockouts with PM technology to define the spectrum of antibiotics and antiseptics for mycobacterial efflux pumps. Antibiotic resistance is another focus of mycobacteria research. “We are thrilled that three laboratories have now successfully applied Biolog’s PM technology in pioneering research resulting in breakthrough discoveries,” said Dr Barry Bochner, CEO and CSO at Biolog. “PM technology is designed to provide high-throughput phenotyping and metabolic scanning of cells, making it a powerful complement to genotyping experiments.” Phenotype MicroArray technology, initially developed with SBIR funding from NIH, is thus proving to be a cell profiling technology that can yield breakthrough discoveries. It allows scientists to study the growth properties and culture condition responses of bacterial, fungal and even human cells. As such, it is becoming a core technology for many cellular studies.

CASE STUDY

Phenotype MicroArray technology making breakthrough discoveries on tuberculosis bacterium

Cell Biosciences Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S648

WHAT’S NEW IN LAB & LIFE SCIENCES - April/May 2013

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Point-of-care test for HIV Alere Australia has gained approval for the

UV testing of plastics and components

marketing in Australia of the Alere Determine

Austest Laboratories now offers UV

Combo HIV 1/2 Ag/Ab rapid test for HIV. This

testing of components and plastics for

marks the first approval for an innovative

light-fastness, colour-fastness and pho-

HIV assay to be included on the Australian

tostability in a chamber reproducing the

entire spectrum of sunlight, including

use in a point-of-care situation.

ultraviolet (UV), visible light and infrared

Marketing approval required lengthy scru-

(IR) from 295 to 800 nm. The chamber

tiny by the TGA of the scientific and clinical

includes moisture through water spray,

evidence supporting the test, including its

humidity and temperature conditioning

accuracy when performed in near patient

for accelerated life testing of plastics

situations by healthcare professionals other

and components.

than pathology laboratory scientists.

The UV tester is a key research and

The point-of-care test offers significant

development and quality control tool for testing materials that are exposed to direct sunlight,

benefits to patients and to healthcare

sunlight through window glass or even harsh indoor lighting from fluorescent or halogen

workers in terms of convenience and rapid

lamps. In a few days or weeks, it can reproduce the damage caused by full-spectrum

management of immediate clinical issues.

sunlight and rain that occurs over months or years in the field.

It brings HIV testing technology right to the

The UV tester augments the company’s existing environmental facilities covering salt

patient’s bedside.

spray/mist, temperature and humidity cycling from -40 to 150°C and vibration. The chamber

Alere Australia

is fully calibrated and meets the requirements of ISO 4892-2 (along with numerous ASTM

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S533

standards) and Annex AA of AS/IEC 60335-2-109 for UV radiation conditioning. Austest Laboratories Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S192

HI 2221 • HI 2223

Calibration CheckTM pH Benchtop Meters • • • • • • • •

pH Calibration CheckTM On-screen electrode condition and response time Up to 5 point calibration with 7 standard buffers Diagnostic alerts through icons Log up to 500 samples (HI223) GLP features PC interface via USB Supplied complete with HI1131B pH electrode, HI7662 temperature probe, HI76404N electrode holder, 12VDC adapter and instructions

Tel: 03 9769 0666 Fax: 03 9769 0699 Email: sales@hannainst.com.au Web: www.hannainst.com.au

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WHAT’S NEW IN LAB & LIFE SCIENCES - April/May 2013

SEC and DLS systems for macromolecular characterisation Dynamic light scatting (DLS) and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) are two commonly used analytical measuring techniques, typically used to measure molecule and nanoparticle properties such as size, molecular weight and stability. The techniques are fast, non-invasive and use minimal sample volumes. Using traditional SEC with a single concentration detector to determine molecular weight requires creating a calibration curve of standards. This introduces

Stand-up sample bags

inaccuracies, especially for proteins as the standards and samples will have

Collecting water or other liquids for transport and

different relationships between molecular weight, size, shape or hydrodynamic

analysis can present a number of problems. Hard

volume. Advanced multidetector SEC systems, such as the Malvern Viscotek

plastic containers such as specimen jars are com-

TDAmax, include a light scattering detector to measure molecular weight without

monly used; however, these take up lots of space

the need for column calibration.

prior to use, making them difficult to store and

The Viscotek system is a research-grade, temperature-controlled, multidetector SEC

transport. After use they will also present serious

system combining light scattering, RI and intrinsic viscosity detectors. Intrinsic viscosity is a

problems with disposal, taking up waste capacity.

measure of molecular density and enables structural changes to be assessed. A combina-

An alternative to these containers is Stand Up

tion of light scattering and intrinsic viscosity allows size (Rh) to be calculated. The addition

Sample Bags. They store flat and, when ready for

of a UV photodiode array detector provides a wealth of additional compositional data.

use, the special gusseted bottom flattens out, al-

The DLS system Malvern Zetasizer nano ZSP adds protein measurement and microrheol-

lowing the bag to stand up without the need for a

ogy capabilities to the Zetasizer family. Recently designed, the DLS-based optical technique

rack or holder. After the sample has been tested,

allows rheological characterisation of weakly structured and highly strain-sensitive materials

the bags can then be collapsed for disposal.

using just 20 µL sample volumes. Among its applications are measuring the viscosity of

The bags are sterilised and are available in a

polymer and protein solutions and determining the onset of protein aggregation. The prod-

selection of sizes ranging from 100 mL to over 2 L.

uct can also be used in flow configuration to operate as a size detector for SEC or FFF.

Australasian Medical & Scientific Ltd

ATA Scientific Pty Ltd

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T113

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T474

compliant Information is demanding. It has to be accurate and easy to share across your lab, or across the globe. To flow seamlessly into reports that ensure product safety, productivity, and compliance. In over 25 years of work with regulated industries, we’ve learned what you face today, and what’s on the horizon. This is where you’ll find sustainable, integrated purpose-built LIMS that withstand the test of time.

with informatics solutions ready for the future • www.thermofisher.com.au/informatics

WHAT’S NEW IN LAB & LIFE SCIENCES - April/May 2013

Laboratory Information Management Systems Designed to meet the flexibility demanded by today’s laboratories Chromatography Data Systems Enterprise-level for global deployment and maximum instrument functionality Document Management Systems Compliant document management for mission critical information Electronic Laboratory Notebooks Secure documentation, enable collaboration and ensure traceability Spectroscopy Software Industry-leading solutions to visualize, process and manage data

You are

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VIS-NIR spectrometers The Corona Plus range of sturdy, compact VIS-NIR spectrometers from Carl Zeiss has been specially designed for use under industrial conditions. The systems can be used for the measurement of various optical properties such as reflection, transmission, colour and coating thickness of transparent samples and coatings across a wide range of industries at every stage of the production process. The combination of the latest polychromator technologies featuring very good optics and fast, low-noise electronics provides the foundation for high sensitivity, linearity and dynamic range. The product’s features are particularly beneficial where speed, sturdiness, reliability and performance

B-700 Series

are vital, eg, for complex, fast measurements in quality and process inspection in architectural and automotive glass production or in the plastics, coating and solar energy industries.

NEW

The device contains PGS polychromators which enable higher resolution across the wavelength range. Further benefits include a long service life of the light sources in the NIR, the use of modern communication interfaces and reduced power consumption, resulting in less thermal build-up and therefore higher stability. Most versions are offered either as single or dual beam systems. Carl Zeiss Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S663

Waterproof pocket-size meter Digital ultralow-temperature freezer Abacus ALS is now supplying the WiseCryo Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer from Daihan, which offers built-in backup due to its high-stability system powered by two Simplified Hi-Efficiency Freezing System (SHFS) compressors operating independently. Using dual SHFS compressors overcomes the technical complexity of the typical cascaded double compressor system by utilising a single freezing cycle to reach down to -86°C, minimising noise, power consumption and failure. Even if one compressor fails, the other compressor still works and maintains ultralow temperature down to -80°C, ensuring there is built-in backup to protect the user’s samples.

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

Additional features of the dual SHFS compressor freezer include a touchscreen LCD controller, data storage and USB connection, graph display for visualising temperature variation, as well as warning and alarm functions. Capacities of 393, 503 and 693 L are available. Abacus ALS Australia Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T619

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Australian Scientific Pty Ltd Tel: 1800 021 083 PO Box 335 Fax: 02 4956 2525 Kotara, NSW 2289 Email: horiba@austscientific.com.au www.austscientific.com.au

WHAT’S NEW IN LAB & LIFE SCIENCES - April/May 2013

Bringing microbiologists (and mycologists) together This coming July the world-renowned Adelaide Convention Centre will be hosting the Australian Society for Microbiology Annual Scientific Meeting and the Australasian Mycological Society Joint Conference. Add them to your diary and register to attend now. for Microbiology, Annual Scientific Meeting • The Australian Society7-10 July 2013 Society Joint Conference • Australasian Mycological 10-12 July 2013

ASM 2013 - the Australian Society for Microbiology, Annual Scientific Meeting The ASM scientific meeting is Australia's largest and most prestigious microbiological conference, bringing together researchers, clinicians and other industry professionals. ASM 2013 will showcase the importance of microbiology to our world through presentations delivered by national and international leaders in their disciplines. ASM 2013: Invited speakers

A series of workshops will take place on Sunday 7 July 2013. These workshops are free for full conference delegates to attend or can be attended on a Workshop Only registration if you are not a conference delegate. Workshop Only registrations include name tag, attendance at selected workshop and morning tea only. If you wish to attend the full Sunday program you will need to select, at minimum, a Single Day registration for Sunday.

Antibiotics: What’s in a name? - Impact of MALDITOF and Susceptibility Testing in Microbiology

Prof Ron Atlas

University of Louisville, USA

Prof Gurdyal Besra

University of Birmingham, UK

Prof Kathleen Collins

University of Michigan, USA

Prof Roy Curtiss III

Arizona State University, USA

Prof Steven J Geary

University of Connecticut, USA

Dr Peter D Karp

BRG Artificial Intelligence Center, USA

Dr Jean Lang

Sanofi Pasteur, France

Bazeley Orator

Dr Juan Lubroth

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Italy

Snowdon Lecture

Dr Patrick Murray

BD Diagnostics, USA

Prof Forest Rohwer

San Diego State University, USA

A/Prof Gilda Tachedjian

Burnet Institute, Australia

Prof Gisela Storz

National Institute of Health, USA

Workshops

Rubbo Orator

Fenner Lecture

Australian Society for Microbiology Antimicrobial Special Interest Group Decreasing the time to species identification and early antibiotic susceptibility determination of bacterial strains recovered from infected patients significantly decreases morbidity, mortality in patients and aids in infection-control practices. This workshop will focus on the MALDI-TOF system(s) and current applications with automated susceptibility testing methods (ViTek, Phoenix) and disc-susceptibility testing methods (CLSI, CDS users or EUCAST users), its impact on laboratories in providing a faster and accurate turnaround time. Fast and accurate diagnostic identification and AST methods are an important part in guiding treatment for infections and infection-control practices. In this ASIG workshop various invited presenters will give brief presentations on the impact of MALDI-TOF and AST methods in

WHAT’S NEW IN LAB & LIFE SCIENCES - April/May 2013

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aspects of this important responsibility of manufacturers. At this workshop experts will be presenting on risk aspects of biological production, aseptic production, the microbiology laboratory and a candid look at some interactions between inspectors and manufacturers in some European jurisdictions. This promises to be a very stimulating look at risk management from a variety of viewpoints and well worth attending if you are from the human or veterinary pharma or medical devices industries. Numbers will be limited to 60 to enable full participation.

Workshop registration To register for the workshops visit http://asmmeeting.theasm.org. au/registration/.

Exhibitors and sponsors: Visiting the exhibitors’ booths in your breaks from the conference sessions is a great way to connect with current and potential suppliers and find out all about their latest equipment and services. The following companies will be exhibiting at the joint conference so make some time to see their latest wares.

their institutions and what the future holds in screening, identifying pathogens and antimicrobial resistance. For further information contact Dr John Merlino - jmerlino@ med.usyd.edu.au.

Abbott Australasia

Human Genetic Signatures

AGRF

Hologic/Gen-Probe

APAF

Illumina

BD Pathology

Immuno

Bioline Australia

Qiagen

Blackaby Diagnostics

Tecan Australia

Bruker Biosciences

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Cell Biosciences

Vital Diagnostics

DiaSorin

VWR International

Culture Media - Review of the SIG’s guidelines for quality control of media Culture Media Special Interest Group The SIG has produced four sets of guidelines for quality control of microbiological media, including the release of one new set of guidelines in 2012 (mycology media) and revision and release of new editions of the three existing guidelines (medical media, solid mycobacteria media, food and water media) in 2012 as well. This is a dry workshop that, effectively, takes the role of an open editorial meeting, with the opportunity for all ASM members to present ideas, suggestions or observations on where the various guidelines require adjustment, improvement or expansion. This workshop seeks to review the new editions of the guidelines and to discuss: • effectiveness of the new editions • opportunities for further revision and improvement There will also be time made for discussion of: • relevant NATA Field Application document sections • ISO 11133 and its impact

FASM Have you been intrigued by the articles in the Australian microbiology online journal? Do you think that you might meet the requirements for FASM? Have you read the case studies of recent FASM awardees? Are you considering the FASM? What can it offer you? In this workshop you will meet some members of the FASM Examinations Board and go through the FASM process and also a worked example of a part two type question.

Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals Risk management has become a cornerstone of GMP in the modern manufacturing environment. This workshop will explore various

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Genesearch

Don't miss your opportunity to update your knowledge and skills in all things microbiology at ASM 2013.

The Australasian Mycological Society This society promotes research and teaching in all areas of fungal biology. It aims to raise the profile of mycology in the Australasian region, to promote the conservation of Australasian fungi and to facilitate networking and collaboration among mycologists.

AMS program highlights Following the ASM program stay an extra couple of days for the AMS program. Some of the highlights will be: David Ellis

Adelaide University, Adelaide

My top 10 fungi - fungi that have influenced my career and their impact on medical mycology

David Catcheside

Flinders University, Adelaide

Fungal genetics

Fabian Cariconde [Chair]

Mycorrhizal fungi

Richard Robinson [Chair]

Fungal ecology

Melanie Weckert [Chair]

Applied mycology

Sarah Kidd [Chair]

AMS proffered talks

Julie Djordjevic [Chair]

Molecular mycology

To register your interest in attending the Australasian Mycological Society’s conference contact Diana Leemon at diana.leemon@daff.qld.gov.au.

WHAT’S NEW IN LAB & LIFE SCIENCES - April/May 2013

Manual dissection microscope Scientex has acquired exclusive distribution for Australian and New Zealand for Singer Instruments, a manufacturer of precision devices for the handling and manipulation of microorganisms. The SporePlay Manual Dissection

Cell imaging station Designed to remove all of the

Microscope is a high-quality dissec-

inherent complexities of cap-

tion platform that incorporates Singer’s

turing and processing three

compact micromanipulator, offering fast

colour fluorescent cell images,

dissection. The product uses a sterile,

the FLoid Cell Imaging Station

inverted plate environment with precision

allows even novice users to

glass needles to provide users with an

spend their time on analysing

easy and fast tool for separating and

data rather than thinking about

repositioning yeast and fungi.

the operation of a microscope

The microscope features ergonomic functionality with coarse and fine focus on

- the imager’s intuitive user

both sides at bench height for operational ease, speed and convenience. It has a

interface allows novices and ex-

manual, smooth-action stage with torque control and 5 mm increment click stops.

perts to generate fluorescence

The X, Y and Z needle controls form a single, pendant joystick which facilitates

cell images in just a few clicks

fast, precise manipulation of tetrads, spores and cells. The device’s plate holder is compatible with standard depth 90 mm Petri dishes. There is a wide range of accessories available.

of the mouse. The self-contained instrument has no moving parts,

Scientex Pty Ltd

which is said to provide safety

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T367

for confocal scopes and allow day-to-day use.

Laboratory automation workstation The Biomek 4000 Laboratory Automation Workstation from Beckman Coulter Life Sciences features intelligent liquid handling that easily adapts to provide the reliability, flexibility and accuracy required by life scientists. It incorporates easy-to-use, icon-driven software and an enhanced work surface with interchangeable tools. Prewritten methods for common life sciences tasks are available as add-ons to the workstation and include PCR reaction set-up and cell staining applications. PCR reaction set-up automates reaction setup for 24- or 96-well format labware. The template method for cell staining applications offers a starting point for several cell-based workflows and uses a graphical user interface that makes set-up easy. These applications do not require programming capability and include on-site training and support. An intuitive software interface provides icons for liquid handling, labware movement and control of external devices. Common pipetting tasks such as liquid transfers or serial dilutions are building blocks for easy method design and creation. Available with an optional enclosure, the hardware was designed with adaptability in mind and includes automated deck framing for increased accuracy using three-dimensional positioning. Interchangeable tools in various volume ranges cover the breadth and depth of today’s life sciences applications. Heating, cooling and shaking accessories are also available. The modular deck configuration allows up to 12 deck positions to be tailored for the automation of all major life sciences tasks. Beckman Coulter Australia Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T636

WHAT’S NEW IN LAB & LIFE SCIENCES - April/May 2013

Protocols and reagent information is preloaded - the integrated Molecular Probes reagent selection guide with protocols helps users design and execute cell imaging experiments. Users can print image stickers directly from the instrument - users print and stick captured images into a notebook with the associated printer. The instrument design blocks ambient light - taking fluorescent cell imaging out of the darkroom and onto the bench. Life Technologies Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R147

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Digital temperature indicators

Fixed toxic and combustible gas detection instruments

Noshok 820/821 Series Digi-

Ampcontrol has announced

tal Temperature Indicators

the release of the IQguard

are a suitable replacement

range of fixed toxic and combustible gas detection

for bimetal, liquid bulb and

instruments.

glass thermometers in ap-

Designed and manufactured in Australia, the equipment

plications including pharma-

has been targeted to fit applications requiring accurate

ceutical, food preparation,

and reliable gas monitoring where a high degree of safety

utilities and municipal,

is required. The detectors are intuitively simple to set up

refineries, chemical

and use, reliable in operation and, along with their robust

and petrochemical

construction, provide for high-integrity monitoring solutions.

plants, paper mills

The product is designed to accommodate a wide range

and hydraulics.

of options and configurations, including but not limited to:

Features include:

moulded PVC or folded stainless steel enclosures; display or

large 4-digit LED display;

non-display; built-in relays. Communication options include

field reprogrammable with optional PC interface module

Modbus RTU or ethernet, facilitating connection to a wide

and software; software includes a security feature to pre-

variety of controllers and building management systems.

vent accidental reprogramming; 4-20 mA programmable

All iQguard detectors carry EMC and EMI approvals and

linearised output signal; self-calibration feature for accurate

incorporate in-built sensor self-testing.

and stable performance; optional fully programmable switch

Ampcontrol Electronics

output, relay or transistor; PT100 Ω RTD Class A element for

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R655

temperature sensing; M12 x 1 (5-pin) plug or 36″ integral cable electrical connection. The indicators are constructed from 316 stainless steel. They are IP 65/NEMA 4 rated for environmental protection. Installation is easy with various mounting configurations. AMS Instrumentation & Calibration Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T255

Analytical balance The Crea analytical balance is said to provide high performance and accurate results within a short time, no matter the complexity of the task. Built-in programs such as counting, per cent weighing, animal weighing, formulation, totalisation, statistics and density determination let the user weigh routine jobs with ease. A large draft shield chamber gives more space to the user. Samples can be easily placed on the pan, which gets accustomed to the interior temperature. There are optimal lighting conditions inside the draft shield due to its nearly frameless all-glass design. The product is user friendly with a single cable to transfer data through an RS232C interface, a high-contrast LED backlit display and a built-in clock. A facility for editing IDNR and LID for individual reading makes documents comply according to ISO/GLP and automatic external calibration ensures consistently accurate results. Crea Laboratory Technologies Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T622

WHAT’S NEW IN LAB & LIFE SCIENCES - April/May 2013

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Autoclave hoist The launch of Loadlite, a hoist option for integration into Priorclave top-loading autoclaves, facilitates easier loading of tall and heavy awkward items into the steriliser, preventing potential for personal back injury but also enabling the full working height of the vertical sterilising chamber to be utilised. Use of the product can negate the need to consider purchasing a more expensive, much larger rectangular chamber autoclave, often the only alternative for taller items. The hoist, available as an option on Priorclave QCS V100 and V150 top-loading autoclaves, uses a quick-release clip to easily and securely fix to the handle of a standard wire basket. The company can also supply tailor-made collars for fixing to the neck of fermenters for direct loading and unloading. The hoist comprises a vertical column housing a drive rack which directly controls the vertical movement of a 590 mm long jib, enabling it to be lowered and raised directly into the sterilising chambers or swung sideways through a 1200 mm arc to lower/pick up from an adjacent platform such as a trolley, benchtop, etc. The product is equipped with a ‘push-button’ handset on an umbilical cord for controlling the lowering and raising of its jib. The two top-loading autoclave models for which the hoist has been designed have 500 mm diameter chambers with depths of 500 or 720 mm and loading heights of 755 and 935 mm respectively. Bio-Strategy Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S907

Australia’s locally owned manufacturer of quality stains and solvents and supplier of premium laboratory equipment! Microplate reader Synergy NEO is specifically designed for today’s smart, streamlined screening assays. A combination of filter- and monochromator-based fluorescence optics, known as Hybrid Technology, in one compact unit provides increased application flexibility, speed and performance. Multiple parallel detectors decrease measuring time and dedicated filter-based optics are optimised for live cell assays. Additionally, with a plate transfer time of about 6 s per plate, the product’s optional integrated BioStack3 plate stacker is said to be the fastest available, allowing increased efficiency and walkaway automation. The product is powered by user-friendly Gen5 data analysis software, providing predefined or custom protocol creation, data processing and export flexibility. Millennium Science Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S828

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Full product details on our website www.pocdscientific.com.au Point of Care Diagnostics Unit 14, 76 Reserve Road Artarmon NSW 2064 ph: 02 9437 1355 fax: 02 9437 1399 email: sales@pocdscientific.com.au

WHAT’S NEW IN LAB & LIFE SCIENCES - April/May 2013

Got worms? Turn your iPhone into a microscope and check

Scientists working in rural Tanzania have used a simple US$8 glass lens, a strip of double-sided tape and a cheap flashlight to convert an Apple iPhone into a field microscope that can successfully detect intestinal worm infections in children, according to a study published online by the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

“T

here’s been a lot of tinkering in the lab with mobile phone microscopes, but this is the first time the technology has been used in the field to diagnose intestinal parasites,” said Isaac Bogoch, MD, an infectious disease specialist at Toronto General Hospital and the study’s lead author. The scientists used the mobile phone microscope, along with a standard light microscope, to evaluate 199 children’s stool samples that had been prepared on a typical laboratory slide. The children were participating in a clinical trial on Pemba Island in Tanzania that was testing the efficacy of different drug treatments for getting rid of intestinal worms. To examine a stool sample, the researchers covered the slide in cellophane, used double-sided tape to attach it to the camera, lit it from underneath with the flashlight and then took a photograph. Though the iPhone microscope was not as sensitive as a light microscope - the gold standard for detecting intestinal worms in stool samples - Bogoch and his colleagues believe that, with a few adjustments, it can come very close. “We think mobile phone microscopes could soon become a valuable diagnostic tool in poor, remote regions where intestinal worms are a serious health problem, particularly in children,” he said. Overall, the mobile phone microscope detected evidence of intestinal worm infections (by revealing the presence of eggs) in about 70% of the samples that had been deemed infected via a light microscope.

The sensitivity of the mobile phone microscope varied greatly depending on the type of worm and the intensity of infection. It detected 81% of infections with giant roundworm (A. lumbricoides) and 54% of roundworm infections (T. trichiura). However, it revealed only 14% of all hookworm infections, which the researchers attributed to the fact that the hookworm infections had left far fewer eggs than the other parasites. “It was quite successful at detecting moderate to heavy infections but not very good at detecting mild infections where there might be only a few eggs in the sample,” Bogoch said. Intestinal worms such as hookworms and roundworms, also known as soil-transmitted helminths, infect some two billion people worldwide. The burden of disease is particularly high in remote, impoverished regions of developing countries where they can hinder physical and mental development in children by causing chronic anaemia and malnutrition. However, if quickly diagnosed, there are several relatively inexpensive drugs available that provide effective treatment. But detection typically involves examining a stool sample with a conventional light microscope, a device that costs about $200 and requires electricity. For the study, Bogoch and his colleagues sought out an alternative tool by taping a 3 mm ball lens to the camera of Bogoch’s Apple iPhone 4S, which he used because he already owned one. But he said that any mobile phone equipped with a camera that has a zoom option should work equally well. Ball lenses are commonly

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used in the telecommunications industry in couplings for optical fibre cable. They can be purchased from commercial suppliers for about $8 to $10. In place of the microscope’s electric light, the researchers used a small flashlight that requires a single battery for several hours of operation. They estimate the entire set-up can be put together in about five minutes at a cost of less than $15 beyond the cost of a phone. Bogoch and his colleagues, who include scientists from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute in Basel, believe that a “mobile phone microscope would likely be of clinical use when it is sensitive enough to detect 80% of infections”. And they note that there are new approaches to mobile phone microscopes under development that should meet or exceed this threshold. “I’m confident that in the near future we will see mobile phone microscopes widely used in low-resource settings,” Bogoch said. “They’re easy to make, portable, and today, you can find mobile phones with cameras even in some of the most remote regions in the world.”

He sees the devices as useful for diagnosing and treating individual patients suspected of harbouring worm infections and for monitoring the prevalence of disease in the broader population. For example, one approach to addressing the high burden of worm infections in certain regions is to simply administer drug treatment to everybody. Bogoch said mobile phone microscopes could provide a simple and inexpensive way to conduct the disease surveillance required to evaluate the effectiveness of these so-called MDA (mass drug administration) campaigns. “I have nothing but praise for the ingenuity of scientists using all available tools to solve pressing health problems in some of the poorest parts of the world,” said David H Walker, MD, president of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. “This study is an illustration of how a modest investment in tropical disease research can help reap enormous health benefits for children.” This research was supported by the Lichtenstein-based Medicor Foundation and the Swiss National Science Foundation, but neither they nor anyone associated with Apple played a role in the study design, according to Bogoch.

Focus system for live cell imaging The third generation of Nikon’s Perfect Focus System (PFS) has been released. The product combats the challenges of live-cell imaging by eliminating focus-drift, which reduces the reliability of acquired data. Features include: wider usable excitation wavelength range; maintained focus at deeper depths; compatible with plastic dishes and well plates. For multiphoton use, the product operates over a larger range of imaging wavelengths, increasing the flexibility of fluorophores that can be used. Coherent Scientific Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T138

Spectrophotometer The VWR UV-6300PC Spectrophotometer has a double-beam design consisting of two detectors measuring a sample and reference cell simultaneously for optimised measurement accuracy. The product is reliable, versatile, robust and easy to use with a range of accessories for tailoring to the user’s needs. The included UV-VIS Analyst Application PC software provides all the important methods expected from a universal instrument. Features include a large LCD, full scanning, high accuracy and precision, in-built memory and software for stand-alone use or application software that allows full PC control. Modes include basic, quantitative, wavelength scan, kinetics, multi-wavelength and DNA/protein for use in a wide range of industries such as research, food/beverage, pharmaceutical, biochemical and clinical applications. VWR International Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S956

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WHAT’S NEW IN LAB & LIFE SCIENCES - April/May 2013

RI detector for UHPLC The Wyatt Technology Optilab UT-rEX is claimed to be the first RI detector of its kind, specifically designed for use with UHPLC systems using columns packed with small beads. Besides UV, mass spectrometry and evaporative light scattering, there has been no RI detector available for UHPLC applications until now. The product uses a combination of miniaturised components, semiconductor photo-diode technology and proprietary computer algorithms. Due to the extremely small volumes of UHPLC, the dead volume for the instrument is <1.5 µL, compared to 10-20 µL for other RI detectors. As a result, the product offers high resolution which will not be compromised. In addition to having no range or gain setting, the full range of instrument detection is always present and the full sensitivity exists over the entire range. The small flow cell and temperature regulation enable stable RI baselines and RIS signals which further enhance the detector’s sensitivity. The product can be operated below ambient temperatures as easily as above ambient. Its no-hassle temperature control can be programmed down to 4°C or as high as 50°C. The device is compatible with all UHPLC systems. Shimadzu Scientific Instruments (Oceania) Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T070

3D and 4D real-time imaging software Bitplane’s Imaris imaging software allows visualisation of original and derived data objects in a real-time interactive manner so the user can quickly make visual assessments of experiments in 3D and 4D to discover relationships that are otherwise hidden. The product provides a complete set of features and segmentation options for working with 3D and 4D multichannel images of any size, from a few megabytes to multiple gigabytes. Users simply load, process, identify and visualise data and images acquired from almost any confocal and wide-field microscope to gain new and groundbreaking insight from the image data. Key features of version 7.6 include customised multiparameter plots to interactively compare control vs test groups and also vantage plots with box-and-whisker plots (five-number summary) which enable comparisons between experimental groups within Imaris. Improved filament tracing in images with sub-optimal quality is possible and it includes tools for applications in the fields of neurosciences, developmental and cell biology. SciTech Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/T168

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CASE STUDY

Identifying human remains in Libya’s mass graves Life Technologies Corporation has announced it will provide a complete laboratory solution to identify an estimated 20,000 human remains found in various mass graves in Libya following the uprising of 2011 and to address missing persons cases from the 42-year regime of Muammar Gaddafi. This identification work is expected to take several years. Life Technologies will provide the infrastructure, including the expertise, training, forensic instruments and materials to validate the workflow and process DNA samples through its Dubai-based distributor Integrated Gulf Biosystems (IGB). “It is our hope that many families will find the answers to what happened to their loved ones,” said Peter Silvester, President, Life Technologies, Europe, Middle East & Africa. “By providing the laboratory set-up and forensic expertise, we will help train Libyan scientists in the very latest instruments, technology and protocols to enable them in their work and help promote reconciliation in Libya.” Life Technologies will create two separate DNA lines - one geared towards reference samples and the second focusing on processing samples from human remains. Fifty thousand samples will be processed per year. Human remains samples will be processed using PrepFiler BTA chemistry optimised to isolate DNA from bones and teeth in combination with the AmpFlSTR NGM SElect PCR Amplification Kit and MiniFiler Kit, designed for heavily degraded samples. Reference samples will be processed using direct amplification technology combining Copan NUCLEIC-CARD with NGM SElect Express. The laboratory will utilise the latest generation of genetic analysers and ancillary equipment and will be functionally validated under the quality assurance standards and guidelines required by the ASCLAD-LAB, SWGDAM and ISO 17025. Some training of Libyan scientists will take place in the United States under the direction and supervision of Dr Arthur Eisenberg, a world-renowned forensic scientist, leading up to the lab’s opening in Tripoli. “The University of North Texas Health Science Center, with its extensive experience in the identification of missing persons and human decedents, is extremely pleased to partner with Life Technologies in the training of the Libyan forensic scientists to help them complete their mission,” said Dr Eisenberg, Director of the UNT Center for Human Identification. The humanitarian project is funded in part by Repsol, a Spanish-based oil company which donated to the Libyan government through its foundation, $2.5 million in 2012 to help establish a state-of-the-art laboratory to identify and generate profiles from human remains and references from associated relatives of missing people. Life Technologies Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S873

Lightsheet Z.1 Imagine a microscopy system that allows you to record the development of your specimens, gently imaging them to deliver exceptionally high information content, while protecting them from photo damage. Such a system could transform your work and open doors to new discoveries. Carl Zeiss’ Lightsheet Z.1is the first commercially available multiview light sheet system of its kind. This innovative system is capable of collecting amazing time-lapse fluorescent images of the development of large living samples; while also delivering the features, capabilities and quality you have come to expect from Carl Zeiss. Prepare to be amazed.

Carl Zeiss Pty Ltd

// INNOVATION MADE BY ZEISS

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Ph: 1300 365 470 (AU) Ph: 0800 334 353 (NZ) microinfo.au@zeiss.com www.zeiss.com/lightsheet

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my lab 34

Metabolomics and mass spectrometry at Murdoch University By Lauren Davis

The field of metabolomics is, according to Murdoch University’s Professor Robert Trengove, a relatively new one. Thanks to breakthroughs in instrumentation and data processing software, scientists can now “look at a very broad cross-section of the compounds that are present in a cell, in an organism, etc.” These compounds are then measured in response to biological or non-biological treatments - eg, drugs, chemicals, etc - to work out what parts of the biological system are being affected. Through the national network for metabolite analysis and identification, Metabolomics Australia, Murdoch’s Separation Science and Metabolomics Laboratory, recently received $1 million for infrastructure and equipment. Among other things, this funded the acquisition of a Waters Synapt G2-S imaging mass spectrometer - one of few in Australia. The spectrometer has allowed the team to look at the distribution of compounds within a tissue section, as opposed to extracting tissue and just getting an average. “If we can go down and look at things in situ in the tissue, then we start to be able to work out what is happening at a biological level. This is very new for us and opening up a whole range of new scientific enquiries,” said Professor Trengove. But Professor Trengove noted that there’s “no single instrument that solves all of our problems; we really need a very strong collaboration, nationally and internationally, so that we can get access to the best solution for all the equipment we have.” Thus, there are research nodes of Metabolomics Australia all around the country with different focuses and capabilities. “We’re not trying to duplicate what each other has - we’re actually trying to build complementary capabilities so that we all have the ability to move forward, because each instrument will have its own strengths,” Professor Trengove explained. “Part of our collaborative duty is to identify what kinds of systems work best on which instrumentation, so we can then work with the scientific community based in Australia and regionally; hopefully internationally as well.” Most of the work conducted at the facility is indeed collaborative. One of the more interesting projects, with Professor Peter Hartman of The University of Western Australia (UWA), is a study of human lactation, looking at the compounds in breast milk and the best way to store it. There is even a study of the levels of residual pesticides in breast milk, which have dropped over time as we have become more aware of what we’re eating. The Australians are working with international groups to determine current levels, combining their data with groups from the US. But metabolomics covers a wide variety of areas, only some of which are studied at Murdoch. Professor Trengove hopes future funding will strengthen the lab’s ability to work “in the agriculture sector, in the medical sector, in environmental areas, climate change, and even wine production.” The facility will also collaborate with the Fiona Stanley Hospital when it opens in 2014, helping to develop diagnostic tools.

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