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June 27, 2017
The use of fluorescent probes in cell physiology has emerged as indispensable tool in the analysis of cell functioning over recent years. The physics underlying fluorescence is illustrated by the electronic-state diagram (so-called Jablonski diagram, see Fig. 1), showing the three-stage process to create the fluorescent signal (Excitation - Excited/State Lifetime - Fluorescence Emission) in a fluorophore/indicator and simplified described below.
Fig. 1– Jablonski diagram illustrating the processes of fluorescence by absorption of higher photon energy by a fluorophore and subsequent emission of lower photon energy, resulting in fluorescence during the fluorescence-lifetime.
Fluorescence...more
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November 20, 2015
For small batches of cell culture
Are you ready to perform experiments involving a cultured cell monolayer? If your monolayer has not reached confluence, you may have holes or gaps in the monolayer that would prevent collection of valid experimental data. When confluence is reached, the electrical resistance across the monolayer peaks and then plateaus. The EVOM2 meter was designed specifically for this application.
The EVOM2 is the ideal meter for use when you are making manual TEER measurements on small batches of cell cultures and do not require a high throughput system.
EVOM2 - Perfect for TEER
The EVOM2 was designed to measure TEER resistance without damaging the epithelial cells. It passes a constant current of low amperage...more
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October 20, 2015
LabTrax 8/16 hardware combined with MDAC software is an excellent choice for WPI's SI-H line of muscle physiology products like the SI-MT Muscle Platform, SI-CTS Cell Tester and SI-HTB Horizontal Tissue Baths. This data acquisition system is ideal for testing physiological characteristics like the contractile and elastic properties of different tissues in various conditions like isometric, anisometric or isotonic states. This data acquisition system was designed with the muscle researcher in mind, because the knowledge of physiological characteristics of muscles is critical when quantifying the beneficial or adverse effects of a stimulus (like a pharmaceutical drug) on muscle function in pre-clinical studies.
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October 04, 2015
The type of pump you choose for your fluid handling will largely depend on your laboratory application. In this article, we will compare the popular pump types.
Microinjectors
WPI Microinjectors use carefully regulated air pressure for injecting cells with fluid. Injected volumes range from picoliters to nanoliters. The port supplies positive pressure for high-pressure ejection. The pressure port maintains a low positive “compensation” pressure to the injecting pipette between injection pulses to prevent fluid uptake through...more
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June 25, 2015Application kits are specially designed for eye research for injecting retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and for intraocular (IO) injections. In addition, these kits may be used for brain injection in mice. They need to be used...moreJune 19, 2015
The proper care and handling of your valuable surgical instruments will improve their longevity and function. Choose a protocol appropriate for your environment from the cleaning techniques below. See the videos here.
RINSING
Immediately after use, rinse instruments under warm or cool running water to remove all blood, body fluids and tissue. Dried soils may damage the instrument surface and make cleaning very difficult. Do not use hot water as this will coagulate proteinous substances.
CLEANING TECHNIQUES
Time, temperature, and agitation play important roles in the cleaning process.
Time — the efficiency of cleaning chemicals is often time dependant
Temperature — higher temperature cleaning solutions result in better cleaning...more
June 19, 2015Surgical instruments for dissecting come in a variety of patterns, types, shapes and sizes. Choosing the correct one for your application will improve outcome and reduce the frustration of trying to use an inappropriate tool.
Choosing a Set of Forceps
Ceramic Forceps
Ceramic contains no metal. So, ceramic forceps will not leave any trace metal residue on tissue. This is especially useful in forensic science research. Ceramic is not electrically conductive, so it can be used for handling gels in an electrophoresis bath. Ceramic's corrosion resistance allows its use in highly corrosive solutions. For example, it could be used to clean quartz cover glass or lithographic produced chip sensors in an acid solution without damaging the forceps. Ceramic's low heat conductivity and high heat resistance allow it to hold parts in a flame for sterilizing or fabricating. Although the flame with eventually reduce the...more
June 12, 2015First, let's consider volumes. - A milliliter (mL) is one thousandth the volume of a liter (L) or 10-3L
- A microliter (µL) is one thousandth the volume of a mL (10-6L)
- A nanoliter (nL) is one thousandth the volume of a µL (10-9L)
- A picoliter (pL) is one thousandth the volume of a nL (10-12L)
This is graphically represented at the right. Notice that the mL is one trillion times larger than the picoliter. The table (right) shows that the side of a cube with a volume of 1mL is 1cm long. Likewise, the side of a cube with a volume of 1pL is 10µm long. Just for comparison, it shows that the diameter of a sphere with a volume of 1mL is 1.24cm, and the volume of a sphere with a volume of 1pL is 12.4µm.
With these volume comparisons in mind, lets consider some of the available options for microinjection pumps.
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May 14, 2015Surgery in the Middle Ages
It’s hard to imagine that surgery wasn’t always the prestigious profession it is today. But, in medieval Europe, physicians didn’t practice surgery, because such things were handled by lesser men… or even by women. Often, the local barber took care of minor surgeries. He would travel from town to town, and you could stop in to get a haircut and shave, and at the same time get a tooth pulled or have a minor surgery.
In the 1500s, women were prohibited from becoming physicians but were allowed to practice surgery. It was an occupation they learned by apprenticeship, and they often used it to serve the poor. During the 1700s, as the profession advanced and higher learning was required, women were barred from practicing surgery, because they were also excluded from universities where the skills were taught. Thankfully, the world has changed!
Modern Medicine
Life science research through the centuries has led us to this age of modern...more
April 14, 2015
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