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LABORATORY PRODUCTS
Significant Development in Understanding Toxicity of the New E. coli Strain
Thermo Fisher Scientific announced that its collaboration with the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in the UK has led to a significant development in mapping the proteome of the organism responsible for the recent E. coli outbreak in Europe. Using Thermo Scientific LTQ Orbitrap mass spectrometry technology, HPA researchers have identified the protein toxins expressed by the deadly strain, which has resulted in 37 deaths and made nearly 3,400 people ill.
The Health Protection Agency is an independent organisation set up by the UK government in 2003 to protect the public from the threats of infectious diseases and environmental hazards. Thermo Fisher and the HPA are collaborating in a study on the use of mass spectrometry to better understand the role of microorganisms in causing illness and disease in humans. “The significance of this study is that scientists were able to develop techniques to study microorganisms and determine how the genetic code is being translated into the protein building blocks that determine traits such as toxicity,” said Dr Ian Jardine, Vice President, Global Research and Development, Thermo Fisher Scientific. “Our leading Orbitrap® researchers with the ability to understand what makes this E. coli strain so devastating, and may lead to an improved understanding of how to treat patients.”
mass spectrometry system is providing
Orbitrap technology specifically enabled scientists to identify and analyse the protein fingerprint of this new strain of E. coli using a proteomic method that is rapid and reliable. Understanding the organism’s ability to produce toxins and other proteins present in this specific strain may significantly reduce the risk to human health and provide moreeffective treatment options. This ability to identify toxic proteins and other proteins of significance in a disease process may also be applicable to a range of illnesses caused by microorganisms. The HPA was assisted in its effort by representatives from Thermo Fisher’s Hemel- Hempstead, UK facility. The full results of the research will be published in a future issue of a noted scientific publication.
SPECTROSCOPY Circle no. 557
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PI (Physik Instrumente) LP has added two higher- performance models to its successful PInano™ superresolution (SR) microscope stage series.
The new models are equipped with direct- measuring capacitive sensors. This type of sensor can provide higher linearity and long-term stability than the lower cost piezoresistive sensor-equipped stages, which are still available. Capacitive sensors are also less sensitive to noise due to a high- frequency measurement principle as opposed to the DC-based sensing technique used in piezoresistive sensors. The net effect is similar to the higher quality and lower noise on FM radio channels compared to AM radio.
The large aperture accommodates microscopy accessories such as slide holders and Petri dish holders.
The recessed bottom slide mount allows full rotation of the turret without in and out Z-motion, protecting valuable objectives from crashing into the stage on turret rotation.
The Meeting Place for Water and Environmental Monitoring Professionals
WWEM 2012 Telford International Centre
Telford. England 7th & 8th
November 2012 Tel: 01727 858840
Email:
info@wwem.uk.com
www.wwem.uk.com Circle no. 558 LABMATE UK & IRELAND - AUGUST 2011
Both XY and XYZ stages are available. The low profile design of 20mm (0.8”) facilitates the integration into inverted microscopes from the four major manufacturers Leica, Nikon, Olympus and Zeiss. An optional 25x25mm positioning stage with self-clamping ultrasonic ceramic motors serves as a stable basis for the piezo scanning stage and allows imaging of large samples.
The microscope stages are compatible with all major image acquisition software packages such as Micromanager™ and Metamorph™.
Features and advantages include: sensor choice - high stability capacitive or lower cost Piezoresistive sensors; 24 Bit controller with USB, Ethernet, RS- 232 interface and analogue control; 200 µm XY or XYZ travel, closed-loop control for sub-nanometer precision; bottom slide mount for full turret rotation facilitates integration; many options - slide holders and petri dish holders, motor XY stage and manual stage; and longer lifetime due to ceramic encapsulated Piezo drives; software support for leading image acquisition packages.
MICROSCOPY Circle no. 559
SR Microscope Stages are More Stable with Capacitive Feedback
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