One consequence of the coronavirus pandemic has been global restrictions on mobility. This, in turn, has had an effect on pollution levels in the atmosphere.

Mission Lucidity brings clinicians, scientists, and engineers from Imec, KU Leuven, UZ Leuven, and VIB together to gain a deeper understanding of neurodegenerative disorders with the ultimate goal of curing and preventing them. One of the projects (Brain-on-chip) tackles Parkinson’s disease.

Being able to detect an infection with SARS-CoV-2 and to distinguish its variants can be decisive for gauging the spread of disease and selecting the right therapy. Researchers from Würzburg at the Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) tackle this challenge with a new CRISPR discovery they translated into a diagnostic platform called Leopard.

Nearly all of us have in one way or another come into contact with PCR tests in recent months. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) only requires a small DNA sample of the virus to detect an infection with Covid-19. In recent weeks and months, companies have successfully launched ever faster test kits — some of which we are presenting in this article.

Researchers at KU Leuven (Belgium) have developed a 3D printing technique that extends the possibilities of lateral flow testing. These tests are widespread in the form of the classic pregnancy test and the Covid-19 self-tests. With the new printing technique, advanced diagnostic tests can be produced that are quick, cheap, and easy to use.

Scientists have combined artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms with two cutting-edge microscopy techniques — an advance that shortens the time for processing images taken with a microscope from days to mere seconds.

The relationship a dog has with its owner is related to its stress level. This is the conclusion of a newly published study from Linköping University, Sweden. The results, published in the journal Scientific Reports, also suggest that the link between stress and the owner's personality traits differs between dog breeds.

Developer of manufacturing systems for cell and gene therapies, Autolomous, has received a loan from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the public innovation agency, as part of the medicine’s manufacturing challenge.

Bio-Rad Laboratories announced the launch of the Reliance Sars-Cov-2 RT-PCR Kit (IVD) for European markets after having met the CE-IVD mark requirements.

With Pipetus, Hirschmann offers a battery-operated pipetting aid for all pipettes from 0.1 to 200 ml.

The Cloud Alpha Max is one of Vitrocell's latest innovations and advances the exposure of mammalian cell cultures from the respiratory tract.

Scientists have combined artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms with two cutting-edge microscopy techniques — an advance that shortens the time for processing images taken with a microscope from days to mere seconds.

A project led by Prof. Dr. Irina Engelhardt, who teaches hydrogeology at the TU Berlin, aims to enhance our understanding of bank filtration processes and to improve predictive capabilities of models describing transport of microorganisms in bank filtration. Model-based tools are developed to enable waterworks operators to assess more accurately the purification potential of their bank filtration plants with regard to microorganisms.

The import of palm oil, soybeans, and beef contribute significantly to deforestation in other parts of the world. Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, and the University of Louvain, Belgium, evaluated over a thousand policy proposals for how the EU could reduce this impact.

Semi-permeable polymer membranes are an efficient way to produce clean water. To overcome existing challenges such as fouling, US researchers have now used computational methods to advance membrane technology.

In a colourful solution to a dangerous problem, Australian scientists are adapting a component from cutting-edge solar cells to design a rapid, light-based detection system for deadly toxins.

A new mathematical model for the interaction of bacteria in the gut could help design new probiotics and specially tailored diets to prevent diseases. The research, from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, was recently published in the journal PNAS.

Researchers from the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague found new possibilities for use of garlic compounds in human medicine.

Moderate amounts of sugar are already enough to boost fat production in the liver. This is shown in a study by researchers from Switzerland. According to the study, household sugar, which is widely used, is particularly predestined to promote the development of diabetes or fatty liver.

Flavor differences in whiskey can be discerned based solely on the environment in which the barley used to make the whiskey is grown, a new study co-authored by an Oregon State University researcher found.

Bio-Rad Laboratories announced the launch of the Reliance Sars-Cov-2 RT-PCR Kit (IVD) for European markets after having met the CE-IVD mark requirements.

Researchers at KU Leuven (Belgium) have developed a 3D printing technique that extends the possibilities of lateral flow testing. These tests are widespread in the form of the classic pregnancy test and the Covid-19 self-tests. With the new printing technique, advanced diagnostic tests can be produced that are quick, cheap, and easy to use.

Mission Lucidity brings clinicians, scientists, and engineers from Imec, KU Leuven, UZ Leuven, and VIB together to gain a deeper understanding of neurodegenerative disorders with the ultimate goal of curing and preventing them. One of the projects (Brain-on-chip) tackles Parkinson’s disease.

Being able to detect an infection with SARS-CoV-2 and to distinguish its variants can be decisive for gauging the spread of disease and selecting the right therapy. Researchers from Würzburg at the Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) tackle this challenge with a new CRISPR discovery they translated into a diagnostic platform called Leopard.

A density determination can be carried out with a balance. A new poster by Mettler Toledo gives tips on how to set up the density measurement.

Today’s busy laboratories are under pressure to produce, and spilled materials are often an unwelcome show-stopper when weighing. Not anymore. With an new patented lattice weighing pan, laboratory workers keep working while maintaining the accuracy your process requires to enhance productivity and throughput.

Weighing is an important act in every laboratory — but it can become tedious and even uncomfortable. The design of the new, smaller XPR Analytical balance gives a deeper access to the weighing chamber.

Laboratory technicians often don't know which test weights and weight class they should choose to check the performance of their balances and scales. The free Mettler Toledo GWP Recommendation service specifies the correct test weights and weight class based on the degree of accuracy you need to satisfy your specific process tolerances.