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Courtesy of QuantomiXThe ultrahigh resolution of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) makes it a powerful tool for examining microstructures. But while SEM is a great way to study the surface of a crystal or a silicon chip, its application to the life sciences has lagged far behind its usefulness in materials science and crystallography.SEM samples must generally be imaged in a vacuum, which is not a friendly place for cells. Moreover, traditional methods of preparing wet samples for the vacuum ch

Microarray manufacturer Affymetrix of Santa Clara, Calif., http://www.affymetrix.com and laser-capture microdissection company Arcturus of Mountain View, Calif. http://www.arctur.com, have teamed up, offering the GeneChip X3P array and the Paradise™ reagent system, respectively, to enable gene expression analysis of archived formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples. "These samples represent a treasure trove for genomic discovery efforts, because they generally are associated with k

Courtesy of GenetixStandard mammalian tissue culture techniques usually require growth media refreshment every two to three days, accomplished by manually pouring or pipetting off the old medium and replacing it with new. To circumvent this tedious process, New Milton, UK-based Genetix http://www.genetix.co.uk recently launched QFresh, the first instrument designed for the automatic exchange of culture media in petri dishes.The programmable instrument does it all: A mechanical apparatus removes

Given the reverence that the Nobel science prizes command, there's but a scant chance that the century-old awards will be deservedly terminated for what they've become: anachronisms that caricature the workings of modern research and sow acrimony among scientists.The turbo-hyped Nobels annually bring luster to Sweden, where the king hands out $1 million prizes in a ceremonial setting that draws prime-time attention worldwide. As one of the biggest, oldest, and most mystique-bound awards, the pri

Cuban coma conference struggles on after US keeps researchers from attending

Plague researcher will also pay more than $50,000 in fines and restitution

Top researchers give the government 10 days to respond to mass resignations

Officials would not issues licenses for travel to conference on coma and death

Investigation finds wide support for British Library archiving suggestion

Scientists worried that politics is damaging science in the US-and the world

At ASM biodefense meeting, scientists say methods are not based on solid science

MPG discrimination story draws response; researcher clarifies comments on power laws