BP1344 transfer printer

Triple Red www.triplered.com

Impressive output

Triple Red’s compact desktop thermal transferprinter produces high-definition printedlabels for cryovials, Eppendorfs, microtitreplates and microscope slides. A resolution of203 d.p.i. provides clear and durable imagesincluding text, graphics and barcodes. The sys-tem can be linked to a PC or operated in astand-alone mode via an external keyboard.Optional links to robotic systems are also avail-able. The machine is suitable for high-volumeprinting of labels using an existing database orspreadsheet. Labels suitable for samples usedin extreme temperatures (as low as –152 7C),such as those found in cryogenics, can also beproduced. Other features of the BP1344include a facility to design bespoke labels andseamless links with laboratory informationmanagement systems.

VirtualLab

Mettler Toledo AutoChemwww.mtautochem.com

Speed up R&D

VirtualLab is an integrated informatics plat-form for workflow automation, instrumentintegration and electronic laboratory note-books. It can be used to integrate and auto-mate information-rich R&D workflows andto assemble all the elements of the experimen-tal process into a single software environment.Experimental design, execution and analysiscan be performed in a way that is similar to aresearcher’s natural manner of working.Common information need only be enteredonce, complex unit conversions are per-formed automatically, and design parametersare easily applied to generate multiple experi-ments as needed. VirtualLab then collects andintegrates process and analytical data frommultiple laboratory instruments as well as tra-ditional bench chemistry activities. Theresulting data for analysis are stored in a struc-tured, portable and searchable format.

Sani-Tech STHT-R-HD

Saint-Gobain Performance Plasticswww.biopharm.saint-gobain.com

Heavy-duty silicone hose

This high-purity grade silicone hose isdesigned for elevated pressure applicationswhere strength, durability and continuouslength are critical. The hose is constructed ofbiopharmaceutical grade platinum silicone, isultra-flexible, with improved bend radius overwire-reinforced tubing, and is available in

custom colours for line identification and longlengths to reduce installation time. The hosesare fully autoclavable and sterilizable, impartno taste or odour, and meet all USP Class VI,FDA, ISO 10993 and EP 3.1.9 standards.

Limited-volume polypropylene shell vial

J. G. Finneran Associates www.jgfinneran.com

Form follows function

The 12 mm 2 32 mm limited volume shellvial in polypropylene from J. G. Finneranfeatures a conical bottom to facilitate maxi-mum sample evacuation. The polypropylenematerial allows for easy disposal. When usedwith the company’s assortment of 12 mmconical coloured plugs, any experiment canbe colour-coded. The 1.5 ml vial can beaccommodated in the same equipment thatuses glass or plastic flat bottom vials.

Automated syringes

Socorex www.socorex.ch

Take the plunge

Socorex’s range of automatic dispensingsyringes includes models with dosing capa-bilities from 0.025 ml to 20 ml. All syringeshave a chrome-plated body, interchangeable

new on the market

NATURE | VOL 426 | 20 NOVEMBER 2003 | www.nature.com/nature 315

Chemical Thesaurus v3.1

Meta-synthesis www.meta-synthesis.com

Word association for chemists

The Chemical Thesaurus is a storehouse ofinformation about chemical species, inter-actions and reactions that can be down-loaded free of charge from the website. Thesoftware can be used in a manner similar tothat of a thesaurus built into a word proces-sor, in which users can jump from word toword by meaning, as in ‘happy/delighted’or ‘crude/raw/uncooked’. This thesaurustakes users from chemical species to chemi-cal species via their chemical reactions, forexample: ‘natural gas/methane/hydrogencyanide/adiponitrile/1,6-diaminohexane/nylon 6,6’. It uses a relational database tostore information about any chemical reac-tion process. The software is also extensive-ly hyperlinked. Versions are available forWindows 96, 98, Me, NT4, 2000 and XP,and Mac OS 8.6–10.2.

Xylene-resistant labels

Computer Imprintable Label Systemswww.cils-labels.com

Don’t come unstuck in the lab

Computer Imprintable Label Systems (CILS)has extended its range of products to includelaboratory labels formulated to withstandextended exposures to xylene, IPA and otherharsh laboratory chemicals. Specially for-mulated high-specification adhesives andcoatings protect the computer-printed dataand keep the labels adhered to the slides dur-ing chemical exposure. They can be suppliedin any design and size and are compatiblewith standard laboratory thermal transferprinters for in-laboratory printing of vari-able computer-generated text, barcodes andother customized symbols. Applicationsinclude cytopathology, histology, virology,clinical chemistry and labelling of tissue andspecimen slides.

Keeping track, taking stock Barcoding, lab management systems and other work-saving aids.

More than just barcodes, from CILS.

Four colour image: Saint-Gobain’s new hose.

© 2003 Nature Publishing Group

alert users when chemicals are about to expire,thereby minimizing disposal costs. Individualusers can determine the circumstances underwhich they want reports generated, specifycustom reports, and designate who shouldreceive reports via email. Anyone in a companycan receive the alerts, including those who arenot direct system users.

CyBi-SIENA

CyBio www.cybio-ag.com

Check your plates

CyBi-SIENA is a software program for quali-ty control and correction of systematic errorsin high-throughput screening data sets. Thisalgorithmic solution detects plate localeffects as well as trends within a sequence ofmicroplates, with no user interaction. Recog-nized patterns are automatically compensat-ed for. An integrated plate inspector enablesusers to compare the original data with thecorrected data, and visualize the correction.Processing time for data correction per platelies within the range of a few seconds.

Low-profile microplates

Genetix www.genetix.com

These stack up well

The low height profile (10 mm) of thesemicroplates from Genetix increases storagecapacity by up to a third, saving valuable freez-er space. They are fully compatible with mostliquid-handling equipment and are thus par-ticularly suitable for high-throughput use.Each plate has alpha-numeric grid referencingfor easy location of wells, and cut-away cornersfor correct lid orientation. This aids stackingstability and helps to minimize cross-contami-nation between wells. The plates are made ofhighest-grade polystyrene to ensure near-zeroleachates and reduced cell and tissue bindingto the plate surface. They are supplied sterile ina variety of pack and case sizes, with Genetixplate lids included as standard.

Horizontal electrophoresis tanks

Flowgen www.flowgen.co.uk

Smooth operators

Flowgen’s range of seven horizontal elec-trophoresis tanks feature a curved design withfewer joints for minimal leakage. Operatorvisibility is improved and the smooth designwith few ‘nooks and crannies’ means the unitsare easier to clean. Access to the gel tray is alsoimproved. The electrodes are embedded inthe side wall of the tank, reducing damage tothe vertical section of PTFE sheathed wire andprolonging the life of the tank. A fitted integrallocking lid system ensures that the lid will notmove once in position, eliminating the poten-tial for electrodes to be snapped off. Ventila-tion holes at each end of the unit allow air circulation, reducing evaporation and bandstreaking and preventing the unit from over-

glass barrel, volume-setting mechanism withlocking nut, two-way valve system andspring-loaded plunger, allowing automaticfilling of each dose. Tightness is achievedwithout an O-ring through optimal match-ing of the plunger with the ground glass bar-rel. The syringes are autoclavable at 121 7C for20 minutes, thus providing added safety insterile applications such as distribution of hotagar and culture media, filtration or sam-pling. Pistol or two-ring handle models madeof materials with superior corrosion areavailable, as well as basic versions suitable foraqueous liquids.

CISPro CIS enhancement

ChemSW www.chemsw.com

You’ve got mail

ChemSW has added a customizable, auto-matic e-mail notification feature to its CISProChemical Inventory System (CIS). Users canestablish criteria for the automatic generationof alerts from the inventory system. The soft-ware program will monitor chemical invento-ry and issue reports when re-orders are neededor when chemicals on hand are reaching maxi-mum storage levels, as determined by regula-tions that are built in to the system. It will alsomonitor expiry dates of stored chemicals and

heating. Curved handles mean that users willnot catch the tank on other objects when mov-ing it about in the laboratory.

Auto HT-12

Genevac www.genevac.co.uk

Robotic evaporator

Genevac’s robotic centrifugal evaporator isdesigned to help accelerate compound purifi-cation, plate re-formatting and plate replica-tion. The Auto HT-12 is a robot-ready versionof the HT-12 large-scale solvent evaporator. Itincorporates remote access doors and anindexing rotor so that sample holders alwaysline up with the robot arm. In addition, fullremote control and data logging via the built-in RS2332C interface make it easy to integratethe unit with most laboratory automation sys-tems. Control software automatically detectswhen samples are dry and shuts the unit down,safeguarding samples from thermal degrada-tion. A triple-deck rotor can accommodate 48shallow-well plates simultaneously. The unithas a small footprint and can be positioned inany standard fume hood. It is especially suit-able for drying large numbers of samples ofbroadly similar mass and format, such asmicroplates and HPLC autosampler vials.

GeneTools MADGE

Syngene www.syngene.com

Set a track record

GeneTools MADGE is a robot-compatiblesoftware program for high-throughput gelstudies. Microtitre array diagonal gel elec-trophoresis (MADGE) gels are run in a gridformat based on a microtitre plate and have thepotential for up to 768 tracks within a singlegel. Users can select the degree of rotation andelectrophoresis direction as well as the numberof 96-well data sets using columns and rows.The grid allows manual realignment of trackpositions, making track location quick andsimple. Marker tracks (standards) can then beselected and their peaks assigned, enabling cal-culation of molecular weight for all unknownpeaks in the gel. Results are exportable toMicrosoft Excel, and reports can be generatedwithin the package or via Microsoft Word.

These notes are compiled in the Nature office from information provided by the manufacturers.

316 NATURE | VOL 426 | 20 NOVEMBER 2003 | www.nature.com/nature

new on the market

Get a grip: two models of syringe from Socorex.

One in seven: from Flowgen’s new range.

© 2003 Nature Publishing Group