The promotion and marketing of unproven stem cell therapies is a global problem that needs a global solution, say experts in a perspective published in the journal Stem Cell Reports. The authors of the paper call for the World Health Organization (WHO) to establish an advisory committee on regenerative medicine to tackle this issue and provide guidance for countries around the world.

A technology developed by Zeiss has made it possible to utilize transparent glass or plastic in a whole range of different ways. The see-through surfaces with integrated, invisible microstructured optics permit a range of different applications, thus enabling innovations like gesture recognition or eye tracking without any visible optical systems.

Researchers examined so-called marine snow particles of different sizes, which are composed of algal debris and other organic material. These particles are important for the nutrient balance in the oceans. The scientists were able to answer a long-standing puzzle: How do the nutrients that are concentrated inside the particles reach anammox bacteria that live freely suspended in the water column?

New MRT technologies developed by Waters enable scientists to explore molecular structure and function through the precise identification and localization of individual molecules in samples. The company promises that results are achieve with a unique combination of speed, resolution, and mass accuracy.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, laboratory courses were difficult to conduct due to lack of access to specialized equipment for remote learners. To overcome this challenge, researchers designed a laboratory exercise to teach students how to use micropipettes, through remote learning, using at-home kits.

Methods for detecting the source of faecal water contamination using DNA have existed for some time. However, these methods were complicated, expensive and time consuming, requiring samples to be taken and then sent to a laboratory for genetic analysis. TU Wien has succeeded in developing a new, DNA-based rapid testing procedure that identifies the cause for water pollution quickly and economically.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS has developed innovative “μPCR” laboratory modules to significantly accelerate the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for rapid Covid-19 tests. Rapid temperature changes are required for the samples, which are made possible by a combination of ceramic 3D printing and applied electronics.

For the first time, researchers were able to track down the first step in ice formation at a surface, revealing an astonishing requirement for water to form ice. Their findings could help prevent icing in traffic and power generation and help predict melting of ice due to climate change.

Extreme weather with alternating periods of drought and heavy rainfall can negatively affect yield and quality of agricultural crops. Recent research into the impact of climate variations on the quality of tea has shown how dramatic the influence can be.

Digitalisation is on the rise — in the laboratory as well. Efficiently automated processes are also in demand here. In addition to suitable software and hardware, what helps immensely is a laboratory workstation that can be flexibly and modularly adapted to the respective requirements.