On January 1, 2021, the new Emmy Noether Group “Next Generation Antimicrobial Polymers” started its work at the University of Potsdam in close cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP. The goal is to develop antimicrobial polymers that can replace antibiotics.

Researchers at the National University of Singapore have created an extremely light weight aerogel which is capable of producing 17 litres of water a day with just one kilogramme of the new solution.

The chemical group Dow has received three innovation awards from the Business Intelligence Group (BIG) for breakthrough technologies. The awarded technologies comprise a novel kind of heat cure silicone, a neutral curing silicone for the bonding of glass, metal and building components as well as a disruptive technology for a new generation of wind blades.

Scientists at Charles University, Prague, synthesized cross-bridged cyclam derivatives bearing two phosphonate, bis(phosphinate), or phosphinate pendant arms and studied them with respect to their application as copper radioisotope carriers in nuclear medicine. Their studies show that the materials are highly promising ligands for nuclear medicine.

Mettler Toledo is launching a new series of XPR Analytical and Micro-Analytical Balances designed to free samples from electrostatic charges for exceptional accuracy and right-first-time results. With a strong focus on regulatory compliance, when connected to LabX laboratory software, these balances support data integrity.

Agilent Technologies introduced the 8697 Headspace Sampler, the first headspace sampler with integrated gas chromatography communication.

Thanks to a laser technique that ejects ultra-tiny droplets of metal, it is now possible to print 3D metal structures, not only simple ‘piles’ of droplets, but complex overhanging structures as well: like a helix of some microns in size, made of pure gold. Using this technique, it will be possible to print new 3D micro components for electronics or photonics.

Electrochemical processes are the basis for a sustainable energy, but they need new, high-performance catalyst materials. Theoretical calculations help to avoid dead ends and to focus on the most promising candidates.

The new Acquity RDa Detector by Waters facilitates the acquisition of high-quality, accurate-mass data for routine small molecule applications. Its Smart MS technology helps speed decision-making and delivers consistent, reproducible results.

Will we meet again? That's the question on everybody's mind during these difficult times. We give you the latest information on the dates of laboratory fairs 2021 worldwide scheduled to date.