Protein research
calls for advanced instruments
Now that the human
genome has been resolved, the torch has passed
from genomics to proteomics in a race to
characterize proteins and their biological
functions. Because of the importance of proteomics
in deciphering life-threatening ailments,
a whole new raft of cutting-edge instrumentation
is being developed for the purpose---Ineke
Malsch
A new
wave of microfluidic devices
Scientists
are making more complex systems of miniaturized
channels with more sophisticated fluid-handling
capabilities, including pumps, valves, mixers,
filters, and separators. Microfluidic devices
are already being used in ink-jet printers
and lab-on-a-chip assays, but new methods
of fabrication and enhanced flexibility are
opening up applications in many other fields---Jennifer
Ouellette
Grid
computing made simple
Grid
computing—enlisting large numbers of
computers to work on a multi-part problem—allows
a user to spread a complex calculation over
hundreds, thousands, or even millions of
computers on local area networks or over
the Internet. The IBM OptimalGrid project
is an attempt to simplify the creation and
management of connected parallel applications
on the grid--- James H. Kaufman, Glenn Deen,
Toby J. Lehman, and John Thomas
Terahertz radiation:
Applications and sources
Sources
of terahertz (or sub-millimeter) radiation
now are becoming more readily available.
The ability of terahertz radiation to penetrate
deep into organic materials without the damage
associated with ionizing radiation such as
X-rays lends itself to biomedical imaging
and process and quality control. And optically
pumped terahertz lasers are used for astronomy,
environmental monitoring, and plasma diagnostics---Eric
Mueller
