Powder behaviour 

Freeman Technology of Welland, UK, has launched the FT4 powder rheometer - a universal powder tester that builds a complete picture of powder behaviour. This uses a patented, dynamic methodology, complemented by shear testing and bulk property measurement. All tests are automated and a test programme is typically completed in around five minutes. The software provides rapid interpretation and summary of measured data, and data analysis can be performed away from the laboratory if required. Determination of basic flowability energy (BFE) is followed by a number of standard tests designed to evaluate many different variables, including consolidation and aeration. 
info@freemantech.co.uk 

Detecting in the near infrared 

Andor, of Belfast, UK, has introduced the Andor iDus InGaAs detector array system, offering a choice of 512 or 1024 element linear photodiode arrays ideal for near infrared (NIR) spectrometry with high sensitivity output and high resolution covering wavelengths from 800nm to 2200nm. The Andor iDus InGaAs detector array system offers peak quantum efficiency of over 80 per cent, with low noise, thermoelectric cooling to -85ºC for optimal signal to noise ratio performance and USB 2.0 connectivity. Andor claims that the detector array is ideal for diverse spectroscopy applications including Raman at longer wavelengths, photoluminescence, emission, LIDAR (atmospheric absorption, water absorption), analysis of organic substances, optical coherence tomography of living tissue, online material identification (wood, glass and metals) or agricultural product inspections. 
marketing@andor.com 

Chemistry in the cold 

Asynt of Cambridge, UK, has launched the DrySyn Multi COOL, a system which provides fully controlled, low temperature chemistry for reactions in parallel. DrySyn Multi COOL saves space and time in the laboratory, and eliminates the need to have difficult-to-control conventional ice baths alongside expensive, bulky and easily breakable jacketed reaction vessels. The DrySyn Multi COOL consists of a cooling base plate and inserts which can accommodate up to three 100 ml standard laboratory round-bottomed flasks. The exchange of glassware in the DrySyn Multi COOL is achieved within seconds without disrupting the thermal fluid flow, offering time saving and safety advantages over glass jacketed reaction vessels. Sub-ambient chemistry, down to -30ºC, can be performed for prolonged periods of time without fluctuations in temperature. The unit is compatible with any laboratory circulator chiller unit and for agitation is designed to fit on a standard magnetic stirrer. With a robust anodised aluminium construction, the DrySyn Multi COOL should withstand the rigours of daily laboratory use and varied temperature protocols. 
kathrin@asynt.com 

Time to plate out 

Wyatt Technology of Santa Barbara, US, has introduced a new DynaPro plate reader which makes automated dynamic light scattering measurements. These allow unfractionated samples to be screened rapidly for applications ranging from protein crystallography and pharmaceutical formulation to antibody aggregation studies. The DynaPro Titan Plate has built-in temperature control, and compatibility with the industry's leading liquid handling robots. It is designed to be used with industry standard microplates of 96 or 384 or 1536 well plates. 
info@wyatt.com 

Mini spectro modules

Hamamatsu Photonics of Welwyn Garden City, UK, has introduced the C10082CA and C10083CA TM spectrometer modules. The C10082CA is optimised for UV-visible operation and works in the 200 nm to 800 nm waveband; the C10083CA operates from 320 nm to 1000 nm. Each of the modules consists of a palm-top size polychromator, which is integrated with optical elements. The back thinned charge coupled device is optimised for the required wavelength range and comes with an image sensor driver circuit. The miniature spectrometer modules are ideal for applications such as UV-vis spectrometry, luminescence and fluorescence measurements and DNA analysis  
maria.fetta@hamamatsu.co.uk 

High-speed LC-MS detection 

Thermo Fisher Scientific of Milford, Massachusetts, US, has released the MSQ Plus high speed single quadrupole liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) detection system, featuring a fully automated system security, secure data integrity, built-in audit trails and electronic signatures and signoffs, using the Thermo Scientific Xcalibur software platform. The system provides scan rates of up to 12,000 atomic mass units per second and can be used with the Thermo Scientific High Speed LC system, Accela, to provide conventional, as well as high speed LC separations with an MS detector. This could find applications in drug development and discovery, quality analysis/quality control, food and beverage research, and in government and research laboratories. 
analyze@thermofisher.com 

Sample prep the easy way 

Qiagen of Crawley, UK, has launched its QIAcube which automates the purification of DNA, RNA and protein samples using Qiagen spin-column kits. The QIAcube is preinstalled with protocols for purifying plasmid DNA, genomic DNA, RNA, viral nucleic acids, and proteins, and for DNA and RNA cleanup. All processing steps are performed by the QIAcube - from sample lysis to elution of highly pure nucleic acids or proteins.  The QIAcube is suitable for academic research laboratories as well as for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and biomedical research laboratories.