Drug development is costly, but a method using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy could make development of protein-based drugs easier. NMR can analyze biological molecules, including bacterial inclusion bodies. Because the inclusion body protein is folded, more efficient protein extraction may be possible.

Carbon nanotubes may provide optical labels for early cancer detection. A team of researchers developed Raman coatings to detect trace levels of proteins and genes in blood. A second group developed mathematical techniques to analyze the spectral output of Raman probes to detect nucleic acids and other types of biomolecules.

At the recent American Society for Cell Biology meeting, a mini-symposium focused on using 3D electron microscopy. The technique provides new ways of deciphering the workings of cells, from viral infections of healthy cells to investigating the structure of cell 'skeletons' of bacteria like the hiker's scourge, Giardia.

Fluorescent imaging is very useful for biology and medicine, but the deeper the signal within flesh, the less light is available for imaging. The depth limit for imaging in most tissues has been a few hundred microns. A new method, an early photon tomography experiment, showed fluorescence from lung tumors in living mice.

A nanotechnology device can detect marijuana, cocaine, and other drugs in saliva within two minutes. Using chromatography, it may move diagnostics out of the lab and also monitor chronically ill patients at home. However, one of the first uses may be for roadside screening of drivers who may be impaired by use of illicit drugs.

Contamination is a major concern of pharmaceutical makers — as is process control. A liquid chromatography system designed for use in full scale production eliminates cross-contamination concerns by offering ready-to-use, disposable flow paths. These also eliminate the need for cleaning and validation of cleaning procedures.

Using the most precise clock ever made (an attosecond clock) and groundbreaking calibration efforts, researchers measured the duration of electron tunneling. Estimates were that it took tenths of a picosecond for an electron to tunnel through a barrier. The experiment shows that an electron tunnels through a barrier instantly.

Thin insulating films are vital to working integrated circuits, but sometimes they crack. One technique tests the resistance to fracture of thin films by modifying standard nano-indentation tests; using equipment that most microelectronics manufacturers already own. This metrology solution should result in better insulating films for high-performance chips.

For more on this subject, subscribe to GlobalSpec's e-Newsletter DirectU2 The world of Semiconductor Fabrication.

Pittcon 2009, being held from March 8-13 in Chicago, is celebrating 60 years of service to the scientific community. It is the largest meeting on laboratory science in the world, offering a first class lab product exposition, a diverse, high quality technical program, unparalleled educational programs, and more than 120 short courses. Conferee networking session topics will include chemical imaging, achieving lab excellence, process analytical spectroscopy, lab safety, training high school graduates to use HPLC, outsourcing, supercritical fluid chromatography, and more.

A recent competition for both beautiful and scientific video, animations, and photographs was sponsored by the American Society for Cell Biology. Celldance 2008 produced eerily beautiful world images of the insides of cells. Winners, announced in December, include the first-place video of the Golgi apparatus. Other winners show human DNA separating during cell division, retrovirus transmission, respiratory fireflies and currents, Clathrin-mediated endocytosis, and the inner workings of yeast cells.

The New Two Minute Drill

A nanotechnology device can detect marijuana, cocaine, and other drugs in saliva within two minutes. How valuable would such a nanotech-based chromatography device be? How many ways can it be used?