RAININ, a METTLER TOLEDO company is pleased to announce the arrival of FlipTube microdentrifuge tubes. FlipTube will help life scientists in a broad variety of research settings work faster while simultaneously reducing the risk of sample cross-contamination.

The RAININ FlipTube’s ideal blend of increased speed and contamination-free results benefit researchers in the rapidly evolving disciplines of genomics and proteomics in particular, noted Leonard Pulig, General Manager, RAININ Instruments, LLC, part of METTLER TOLEDO’s lab division.

“RAININ is happy to offer FlipTubes as part of our growing range of products that enable life science researchers to reach their goals more efficiently, whether they are working in academia, or in government, clinical, pharma or biotech labs,” he added.

FlipTube’s revolutionary design allows it to be held, opened and closed with one hand using an extended hinge projection. With the same hand that holds the FlipTube, a researcher simply applies a slight downward thumb pressure to the extension to open the lid. Sample or reagent can then be pipetted into the tube using the opposing hand. Finally, an upward thumb flip closes the FlipTube. Researches can also use the same simple motions to manipulate the easy-open seal while FlipTubes rest in a standard tube rack.

Not only does this one-handed, easy-open motion allow a researcher to quickly prepare one tube and move to the next; using one hand also makes it almost impossible for the interior of the lid or tube to come in contact with lab gloves. This lowers accidental cross-contamination risk, significantly improving accuracy and helping to ensure the repeatability of results so necessary in today’s competitive research marketplace.

Further ensuring the easy-open tube produces contamination-free results, RAININ manufactures FlipTubes in clean-room conditions from high-quality virgin polypropylene. The RNase- and DNase-free microdentrifuge tubes are autoclavable at 121 degrees C and can be stored at temperatures as low as minus 80 degrees C without danger of compromising the tube seal’s integrity. High thermal and chemical resistivity helps protect samples and further ensures high-quality, repeatable outcomes.

RAININ FlipTubes are manufactured with a maximum volume of 1.5 ml. Exhibiting graduated lines for every 0.5 ml of volume, FlipTubes are available in sterile and non-sterile clear as well as non-sterile red, blue, yellow, and green to assist in sample codification. Frosted side and lid writing surfaces further improve sample tracking. Lids can be pierced for use with automated sampling devices or needle syringes.

FlipTube microcentrifuge tubes fit all standard racks and centrifuges and can withstand up to 20,000 x g centrifugation. Presently, RAININ offers FlipTubes in units of 1,000 – two bags, each including 500 of the easy-open tubes.

http://www.mt.com/glo/en/home/products/level1_pipettes/Rainin_Pipettes/Labware/LiteTouchTube.html

Temporary data logging is needed in many applications for process optimization, quality assurance, troubleshooting purposes or simply where access is limited. The iRO temporary data logger from METTLER TOLEDO offers a unique solution providing comprehensive data, and easy installation and commissioning thanks to a new technology for analytical measurement systems.

The iRO (Intelligent remote operation) data logger records real-time measurements from in-line process analytical sensors. Designed for temporary installation, the unit is fully compatible with METTLER TOLEDO’s range of Intelligent Sensor Management (ISM) digital sensors, and covers measurement of pH, oxygen and conductivity from up to two sensors simultaneously.

ISM technology is central to iRO’s feature set. ISM provides faster sensor commissioning, more reliable measurements and data on sensor condition providing users with greater reassurance of process reliability. Further, the low energy requirement of ISM means the rechargeable battery can power the unit for up to eight weeks.

Bluetooth communication allows remote operation for configuration and data read out, and as a battery-powered, stand-alone unit, no wiring is required for power supply or data acquisition.

An obvious use for iRO is in situations where access to the measuring point is difficult or limited. However, there are many other applications for the unit. During process development and optimization of production processes, in-line measurement of analytical parameters such as pH, oxygen concentration or conductivity is often vital. Using a temporary data logger to find the most suitable installation points for analytical instruments can save a great deal of time and add convenience. The traceability of process parameters at different measurement positions is required for guaranteeing the reproducibility of a production process and compliance with validation requirements. iRO is able to provide additional information to the existing measurement points without the need for complicated installation.

In processes such as filtration, separation or filling of oxygen-sensitive products, oxygen contamination can significantly reduce the yield or quality of the final product. To find the source of contamination by installing a complete measuring system at various points is costly and time consuming. iRO is installed quickly, requires no wiring and data can be read at any time.

METTLER TOLEDO recently published a white paper entitled “Process Analytical Technology (PAT) for Biotech: A Review of Recently Reported Applications in Fermentation and Bioprocessing.” The paper explores how Process Analytical Technologies, or PATs, help optimize fermentation and bioprocess actions critical to pharmaceutical, specialty chemical, commodity chemical, and bulk fuel development and manufacturing.

“PAT instrumentation, with applications from the laboratory to production scale, helps ensure bioprocesses are performing as designed to maximize batch yield and productivity,” said Mr. Redman.

Effective screening and optimization for bioprocess development requires accurate monitoring and tight control of operating conditions. The METTLER TOLEDO literature review determined that PATs such as in situ monitoring are being used effectively to optimize bioprocesses in a manner unachievable by traditional methods of offline sampling.

Mr. Redman explained, “In our analysis, it became clear that for complex cell systems, where flocculation and aggregation alter biomass concentration, simplistic measurements such as turbidity and optical density do not capture the entire picture. Systematically applied PATs, on the other hand, enhance process controls for better consistency.

“Measurements such as Focused Beam Reflectance Measurement [FBRM] provide precise particle population measurements sensitive to changes in cell count, dimension and shape, each of which has been directly correlated to biomass. Morphologic change mechanisms and their kinetics are better quantified, which allows for real-time cell population control,” he added.

Benefits were found across all processes reviewed, including fermentation, biocatalysis, peptide synthesis, and protein and peptide crystallization. Crystallization – whether protein or small molecule – requires consideration of process parameters that impact crystal nucleation, growth, and agglomeration. Real-time particle characterization has become standard PAT from early solubility curve determination to critical process optimization ensuring consistency in scale-up.

Advanced PATs help identify relevant parameters for optimizing chemical synthesis as well. Study results explored the relative influence of temperature and reagent concentrations on yield and selectivity while avoiding the cost and time delay involved in withdrawing, preparing, and analyzing samples on an ongoing basis.

“Across multiple processes and industries, PATs are being used to help ensure fermentation and bioprocessing exercises yield desired outcomes. The result is fewer pre-process experiments and more effective scale-up,” concluded Mr. Redman. To download a complete copy of “A Review of Recently Reported Applications in Fermentation and BioProcessing” for free, visit [web address].

METTLER TOLEDO specialists Urs Groth, Fabio Visentin, Dominique Hebrault, Ben Smith, Des O’Grady, and Brian O’Sullivan assisted principal author Terry Redman in the white paper’s creation.

METTLER TOLEDO’s global network of technology and application consultants possess extensive research and industry experience supporting bioprocess development and scale-up. Visit METTLER TOLEDO at www.mt.com/autochem for information on our products/services and an extensive list of upcoming and on-demand webinars.

METTLER TOLEDO has announced an on-demand webinar, Cost-effective Maintenance with Intelligent Sensors. The webinar explains the company’s Intelligent Sensor Management concept, which reduces sensor maintenance and improves the performance of pH, oxygen and conductivity measurement points.

Intelligent Sensor Management (ISM) is a proprietary technology developed by METTLER TOLEDO’s Process Analytics division. Through a number of functions and design features it improves the performance of analytical sensors while also reducing sensor lifecycle costs.

Central to the ISM concept is the integration of a programmed microprocessor into the head of analytical sensors. This technology allows sensors to send not only a more accurate and reliable measurement to transmitters, but also to continually monitor themselves for signs of wear. Diagnostic algorithms stored in the microprocessor use current and historical data to predict when maintenance or calibration will next be required, as well as calculating the remaining sensor lifetime. The advance knowledge of when a sensor needs attention or will fail while in operation means maintenance or replacement can be performed before process measurements are compromised. A further benefit of ISM is the ability to pre-calibrate sensors in a convenient location and store them for quick exchange when required.

During the 20-minute webinar, the presenter, Bo Ottersten (Process Analytics Application Specialist) describes the many features of ISM and explains how it can significantly improve production operations across the full range of process industries. “ISM is proving its value by increasing process efficiency in applications as diverse as biopharma fermentation, crude oil extraction and brewery bottling lines”, says Mr Ottersten.

To view the webinar, register here

http://us.mt.com/us/en/home/events/webinar/ondemand/ISM_pharma.html

METTLER TOLEDO today announced an upcoming webinar with special guest presenter Dr. Charles Ray, former Associate Director of Analytical R&D at Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. This webinar will show how improving the efficiency and reliability of the sample preparation process with automation can address up to 50% of the causes of Out-of-Specifcation (OOS) results. The Webinar will be hosted on September 20, 2011 at 11:00 EST (15:00 GMT) by Pharmaceutical Technology. Register at http://pharmtech.com/preventing

Out-of-Specification (OOS) investigations in Analytical R&D and QA/QC laboratories are costly and time-consuming. Although analytical instrumentation has seen impressive innovations in speed and efficiency over the last 10 years, sample preparation techniques have remained virtually unchanged for the past 75 years. Sample preparation is now reported to be the most time-consuming, labor-intensive and error-prone part of the workflow, with some 50% of OOS errors attributed to either preparation steps or operator error. These OOS errors could be prevented by automation.

In this free webinar, Dr. Charles Ray will share over 15 years’ experience in managing Analytical R&D workflows in leading pharmaceutical companies, such as Bristol-Myers Squibb Co, and also describe the challenges faced in his laboratory. Klaus Fritsch and Joanne Ratcliff, weighing and sample preparation experts from Mettler Toledo, will introduce the latest innovations and technology to cope with these challenges, including Good Weighing PracticeTM and automated weighing/data management. All speakers will be available for a Q&A session.

The key learning objectives of this webinar are: learn how to tackle 50% of the sources of error that cause costly OOS results and investigations; learn how to prepare samples and standards more efficiently and reduce the time and number of steps by a factor of three; learn how to reduce the variability of your results whilst downscaling the substance and solvent consumption by up to 90%.

This webinar is of interest to QC Managers, QA Managers, Quality Consultants, Compliance Managers; Laboratory Managers, Production Managers, GMP and CMC Consultants, Global Metrology Managers; Methods Development and Analytical R&D Scientists, Managers, Directors and Department Heads; Validations and Regulatory Scientists; Ref Standard Managers; Methods, Product or Technology Transfer Managers.

Event Details This event is being held on September 20, 2011 at 08:00 PST, 11:00 EST, 15:00 GMT; 17:00 CET

You can register for this event at the following link: http://pharmtech.com/preventing

July 19, 2011 – Skin-tag-removal.org is one of the finest companies that provide information on permanently removing skin tags, moles and warts without any kind of surgery or harmful chemicals. This company brings to you the reviews of the top skin tag removal products.rnrnIf you want to discover the new you by getting rid of unwanted moles this is the site to log on to. On the site you will come across a number of programs and products for mole removal. One such product that has received excellent reviews is the ‘No More Moles, Warts or Skin Tags program’. This program is invented by the famous natural health practitioner Chris Gibson, who himself was once a sufferer of warts and moles. With the use of this program you can completely get rid of any mole, wart or skin tag in as less than just three days. The best part is that it does not involve the use of any sort of harmful chemicals or expensive medications.rnrnThe best part about these reviews on the site is that they are in such a simple language that they can be easily understood by anyone. No wonder this site is highly recommended by both the visitors and the users alike.rnrnEach and every product review on the site will undoubtedly leave you enchanted. The site also features some of the most edifying articles on mole removal as well as wart removal. These may range from essential wart facts; genital warts treatment methods, facial moles and how to remove them, the natural mole removal method, their causes and cures, the company will give you all the information you ever wanted on these topics.rnrnDermatend is another product on the site that has being reviewed. It only uses natural ingredients. Most of the users’ comments are positive. Through Skin-tag-removal.org the users who have been suffering from embarrassment for years due to warts are sure to find a satisfactory solution which is cost effective. In comparison to the cost incurred on visiting the doctor for removal of skin tags and moles using Dermatend is very inexpensive. rnrnThe company understands the importance of protecting the personal information which is collected through the site. Accordingly they have laid down the privacy policy of the firm which is continuously assessed against new technologies, business practices and the clients’’ requirements.rn rnAbout Skin-tag-removal.orgrnrnThis is the site of one of the premium companies that offers information on all the top skin tag, wart and mole removal products available in the market. The company knows the in and out of these products. The reviews on the site will help you take a decision about the best suited product for you. I strongly recommend visiting the company’s site before you buy any warts or mole removal product. Get in touch with the company for any further question or inquiry at the details given below.rnrnAddress: rnPO Box 893rn2365 Benedum Drive rnNew Paltz NY 12561rnphone: 1-800-947-4928rne-mail: pr@skin-tag-removal.orgrn

Adding to an extensive array of products that help life scientists reach research goals with greater ease, RAININ presents the easy-open Lite Touch microcentrifuge tube. This latest entry in RAININ’s line of ergonomic lab tools features a unique one-handed open-and-close. Ideal for academic, government, clinical and biotech genomics and proteomics research, LiteTouch tubes speed experiment workflows while reducing sample cross-contamination risk.

RAININ, a METTLER TOLEDO company, is pleased to announce the arrival of LiteTouch microcentrifuge tubes. Starting July 2010, LiteTouch tubes will help life scientists in a broad variety of research settings work faster while simultaneously reducing the risk of sample cross-contamination.

The RAININ LiteTouch microcentrifuge tube’s ideal blend of increased speed and contamination-free results benefit researchers in the rapidly evolving disciplines of genomics and proteomics in particular, noted Leonard Pulig, General Manager, RAININ Instruments, LLC, part of METTLER TOLEDO’s lab division. “RAININ is happy to offer LiteTouch tubes as part of our growing range of products that enable life science researchers to reach their goals more efficiently, whether they are working in academia, or in government, clinical, pharma or biotech labs,” he added.

The Lite Touch tube’s revolutionary design allows it to be held, opened and closed with one hand using an extended hinge projection. With the same hand that holds the tube, a researcher simply applies a slight downward thumb pressure to the extension to open the lid. Sample or reagent can then be pipetted into the tube using the opposing hand. Finally, an upward thumb flip closes the LiteTouch tube. Researches can also use the same simple motions to manipulate the easy-open seal while the Lite Touch tubes rest in a standard tube rack.

Not only does this one-handed, easy-open motion allow a researcher to quickly prepare one tube and move to the next; using one hand also makes it almost impossible for the interior of the lid or tube to come in contact with lab gloves. This lowers accidental crosscontamination risk, significantly improving accuracy and helping to ensure the repeatability of results so necessary in today’s competitive research marketplace.

Further ensuring the easy-open tube produces contamination-free results, LiteTouch tubes are manufactured in clean-room conditions from high-quality virgin polypropylene. The RNase- and DNase-free microdentrifuge tubes are autoclavable at 121 degrees C and can be stored at temperatures as low as minus 80 degrees C without danger of compromising the tube seal’s integrity. High thermal and chemical resistivity helps protect samples and further ensures high-quality, repeatable outcomes.

RAININ LiteTouch tubes have with a maximum volume of 1.5 ml. Exhibiting graduated lines for every 0.5 ml of volume, LiteTouch tubes are available in sterile and non-sterile clear as well as non-sterile red, blue, yellow, and green to assist in sample codification. Frosted side and lid writing surfaces further improve sample tracking. Lids can be pierced for use with automated sampling devices or needle syringes.

LiteTouch microcentrifuge tubes fit all standard racks and centrifuges and can withstand up to 20,000 x g centrifugation. Presently, RAININ offers LiteTouch tubes in units of 500, 2500 and 10,000 – in bags containing 500 of the easy-open tubes. For more, visit www.rainin.com

“Up to 1 Million children will go back to school this September with an undetected vision problem”
- warns local children’s vision specialist

“Poor eyesight can have a detrimental effect on a child’s ability to learn and on their behaviour, yet based on research from the Eyecare Trust, the message about the importance of regular sight tests is still not getting through” warns Bhavin Shah, Director at Central Vision Opticians based on Regents Park Road, Finchley. “Only 50% of children aged 16 or under have ever had a sight test compared with 92% of children who see the dentist regularly” (Johnson & Johnson: Visioncare study 2009)
Over 80% of learning occurs through the visual system so any defects with vision will hinder the progress of a child at school. Children can be tested from two and a half years of age and even younger if required. Many eye conditions, such as lazy eyes or squints can be treated if they are picked up early. Prevention is certainly better than cure in this case and early detection of any eye related problems could make all the difference to helping them reach their full ability.
Many parents do not realise the significance of regular sight tests because their children have not reported any symptoms about their sight or eyes. However, vision is so much more than what you can see. Children are often unaware that their vision is reduced in such a way that it could be impacting their performance when learning. Even a problem with only one of the eyes could easily go unnoticed. The fast changing habits of children and the heavy use of computers and handheld screens has also lead to an alarming rise in the new phenomenon of “digital eyestrain” and visual “near point stress” now affecting a growing number of young people. (See top tips below)
NHS sight tests are FREE for all children under 16 in the UK. Parents can take their children for to a local Optometrist for sight test paid for by the NHS. If spectacles are required then the NHS will also contribute to the cost of these. Parent’s often mistakenly believe that their children can’t have an eye test because they do not know their letters; Optometrists should have a variety of techniques, including pictures, to assess the vision of very young children who do not know their letters yet.
Don’t fail your child before they even start their new year at school. Arrange a sight test for them today. For more information go to www.centralvisionopticians.co.uk

5 Top tips to care for your children’s eyes
1 Make sure your child has a sight test. Whilst common complaints include blurry vision, headaches and sore eyes. Under-achieving at school could also be linked to vision. Regardless of symptoms it is essential for children to have regular eye tests.
2 Ensure your child takes frequent breaks when using screens or handheld devices. A few minutes break every 20-30 minutes will make a difference. The eyes need to re-focus on objects further away instead of constantly focusing on a screen close to them. Try to limit the use of such devices and computers/screens where possible. 3 Try to encourage your child to follow a healthy diet. Include lots of fresh fruit and vegetables (especially greens) as well as lots of water and eating foods with naturally high levels of omega oils (such as seeds, nuts, soya beans, tofu, fish etc).
4 Encourage your child to ‘get out and get active’. Latest research suggests that children who spend more time doing outdoor activities are less likely to be short sighted. Also, physical activity is great for training hand-eye and eye-body coordination, this can improve how the eyes work when reading and learning.
5 However, always protect your child’s eyes from the harmful effects of UV from sunlight. In addition to using sun cream, use good quality, well fitting sunglasses. Over-exposure to UV can have cumulative damage to the eyes; 80% of a person’s lifetime exposure to UV occurs before they reach the age of 18.

MEDITATION AND MENTAL HEALTH
A SEMINAR IN REGENTS COLLEGE, LONDON
4 AND 5 MAY 8.30 am -5.00 pm

The mental health of most people today is under great pressure. There has been a massive spike in the prescription of anti-depressants and the rising scale of childhood mental illness threatens society's future. The seminar addresses this crisis with the combined skills and insight of science and religion.

Meditation is the oldest spiritual wisdom of humanity. It is a simple, direct way to enhance the health and happiness of the whole person. In the past fifty years western science has subjected meditation to rigorous scrutiny and concluded that it is indeed good for us physically and psychologically. These benefits are no longer questioned. But, what of its spiritual value?

The Meditatio Seminar will bring the spiritual dimension into focus. It is an exciting collaboration of the spiritual and the scientific; leaders of national and international stature – psychiatrists, monks, scientists, sociologists, mental health workers will offer a new and challenging perspective to this urgent issue of our times.

The main speakers are:
Dr Norman Rosenthal – Psychiatrist, researcher, author and discoverer of Seasonal Affective Disorder(SAD) syndrome
Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche – Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism and Abbot of Samye Ling Monastery
Kabir Helminski – Shaikh of the Mevlevi Order of Sufis, author and spiritual psychologist
Professor Peter Gilbert – Social Work & Spirituality, Project lead National Spirituality and Mental Health Forum
Fr Laurence Freeman OSB – Director of The World Community for Christian Meditation

There will also be workshops in these fields:
*Neuroscience * Psychotherapy * Social Inclusion * Recovery and Rehab * Spirituality *

Full details of the seminar can be viewed here http://www.wccmmeditatio.org/Events.html

Meditatio is the outreach of The World Community for Christian Meditation. It shares the fruits of meditation and engages in dialogue with the secular approach to the problems of our time. This seminar is part of its 3-year programme of seminars on Education, Mental Health, Environment, Business and Finance, Inter-faith dialogue and Citizenship.

For interviews with speakers and more info contact
BRIJI WATERFIELD ON 07980 581351
E: meditatio@wccm.org
www.wccm.org