Celebrating the Unique: A Random Glossary Inspired by Lewis Carroll

January 26, 2012

Tomorrow, January 27, marks the birthday of fantastical English author, Lewis Carroll. Writing in the genre of “literary nonsense,” Carroll penned Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Through the Looking-Glass, and other writings.

In appreciation for Carroll’s whimsy and enchanting perspective (one of few authors to title a chapter “The Lobster Quadrille”), we thought we’d take a few minutes to consider other truly unique discoveries, talents, places, and more.

Quarks: Fundamental particles that combine to form composite particles. Quarks cannot be directly observed and come in six types, referred to as “flavors.” They also have intriguing names like “charm” and “strange.”

Chef Ferran Adrià: Coined “the Salvador Dali of the kitchen” by Gourmet magazine, Chef Adria applies science to cooking in a form of molecular gastronomy that delights patrons. He created culinary foam and formulated liquid olives.

Rotorua, New Zealand: With hot springs, geysers, and boiling mud, tourists visiting this wonderland, built over a geothermal hot spot, gain a slightly different perspective on sightseeing. Rotorua resides in the center of Taupo Volcanic Zone and is nicknamed Sulphur City due to its hydrogen sulphide emissions.

The Daxophone; Mounted on a tripod, this instrument contains a slender wooden blade holding one or more microphones. Its sound, which is described as “comical,” is amplified by the microphones. It was invented by Hans Reichel and it is not to be confused with the more-mainstream sounding saxophone.

Tarsiers: Found in Borneo, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, these wide-eyed creatures have hind legs that are twice the size of their torsos. According to sources, each of their eyes is the size of their entire brain. They have long fingers and eat insects mostly, catching them by jumping at them.

What do you find truly unique?

Of course, Cole-Parmer prides itself on offering unique products, of which we have tens of thousands. Stop by and take a look.

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What Do You Want? (Let Us Know, in a Survey Designed Just for You)

January 5, 2012

More research? More tech challenges? We want to hear what you want to see in the Cole-Parmer blog this year.

And, we have a few other questions to ask that will help us tailor our blogs to best meet your needs. It will only take a few minutes!

Let us know what you want, by clicking below.

http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22E8XJCEQLR/

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Have You Used a Pump Today?

December 15, 2011

If you are reading this, then the answer is yes. Everyone uses some type of pump every day. Pumps are so commonly used that we hardly realize how important they are to us. A pump is any device that moves a fluid from one location to another.  Therefore if you have a heart, then you are using a pump at this very moment to pump blood throughout your body. Your heart pumps blood similar to a diaphragm pump and your arteries and intestines act like peristaltic pumps. Within your heart, muscle tissue displaces blood while valves help control the direction of blood flow, ensuring a consistent unidirectional flow of blood. Both arteries and veins have smooth muscle tissue to maintain the flow and pressure of blood moving throughout our bodies.  The smooth muscle tissue acts like the rollers of a peristaltic pump to contract arteries (like tubing) to move blood flow in a specific direction.

How Peristaltic Pumps Work:

Peristaltic pumps operate on a simple principle. The alternating pattern of squeezing and releasing the tubing moves the fluid through the pump. One of the many advantages offered by peristaltic pumps is the ability to isolate fluid within the tubing (much like our blood flow).

As a roller passes over the tubing, it is first occluded (squeezed), then released. The progression of this squeezed area Peristaltic Pump Rollersforces fluid to move in front of the roller. The tubing behind the rollers recovers its shape, creates a vacuum, and draws fluid in behind it. As the roller moves faster, vacuum pockets are created more quickly and the fluid moving through the system picks up speed. The rollers act as check valves to prevent siphoning or loss of prime.

The distance between the rollers creates a “pillow” of fluid. This volume is specific to the ID of the tubing and the geometry of the rotor. Flow rate is determined by multiplying pump head speed by the size of the pillow by the number of pillows per revolution. This pillow volume stays very constant except with highly viscous fluids. Among pumps with the same diameter of rotor, pumps with large pillows will deliver higher volumes of fluid per revolution. A greater degree of pulsation exists with these higher flow rates, not unlike the pumping profile of a diaphragm pump. Pumps with small pillows deliver small volumes of fluid per revolution.

Applications:

Using this knowledge of how peristaltic pumps transfer fluids through enclosed tubing, many entrepreneurs have found

MasterFlex B/T Tubing Pump

MasterFlex B/T Tubing Pump

ways to incorporate similar pump systems into their business.  One resourceful maple syrup producer in upper New York found a clever use for a peristaltic pump. Rascher’s Sugar House installed seven miles of food-grade plastic tubing running from maple trees on his property.  Rascher ordered a Masterflex® B/T® Variable-Speed Pump from Cole-Parmer and by using his peristaltic pump, he was able to pump maple sap from his trees, through the tubing, through filters, and into a holding tank.

We want to hear from you.  Have you used a pump today?  Please share your unique pump applications.

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Get Your Objectives in Order

November 10, 2011
Cole-Parmer Compound Microscope

Cole-Parmer Compound Microscope 48923-20

Properly storing your microscope and keeping your microscope objectives clean are essential to extending the life of this valuable laboratory instrument.  Most microscopes purchased include a dust cover. Be sure to use it every time you store your microscope.

How to clean your optics:

Set up a tool kit with common cleaning items to keep near your microscopes. Clean your microscope objectives routinely, and be sure to wipe off excess immersion oil after each use.

Air Bulb or Air Puffer

Air puffer or squeeze bulb

Your cleaning tool kit should minimally contain an air puffer or squeeze bulb  to remove particles on the surface of the objectives.  Do not begin cleaning the surface of the objective if objects are present.  Small dust particles, dirt, or remaining specimens could be present and scratch the lens during wiping.

Camel Hair Brush

Camel Hair Brush

If particles remain on the objectives after using a puffer, a soft camel hair brush may be used.  Gently brush the objectives in a single motion.

When cleaning the lenses, avoid commercial facial tissue or Kimwipes® as these may contain silicone fillers that can damage the objective glass.

Use only lens paper on microscope objectives. To clean the objectives, place a sheet of lens paper over your objective.

Transfer Pipette

Transfer Pipette

Apply a small amount of cleaning solution directly to your lens paper with a plastic transfer pipette.  Draw your wetted lens paper across the objective in a single continuous motion. Do not wipe back and forth with the lens paper.

The process may be repeated multiple times with new lens paper and solution until the objective lens is free of smudges. A solution of 50% Methanol may be used as a final cleaning agent to remove any remaining residue.  Never rub the lens and do not let the lens paper with cleaning solution touch the objective twice.  Clean in single, continuous swipes across the objective glass.

Lab Optic Cleaning Kit

Lab Optic Cleaning Kit

Cole-Parmer offers a pre-built cleaning kit which contains an anti-static brush, probe, micro-fiber cleaning cloth, and a bottle of cleaning solution.

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As Summer Ends

September 22, 2011

September 23 marks the first day of Autumn. With summer in the United States winding down, we look forward to fall and switching on our furnaces.  Before it gets too cold, take the opportunity to perform preventive maintenance on your furnace or heating unit and contact your local HVAC service provider.  Keep in mind safety concerns when dealing with heating equipment.

HVAC Inspection

Inspect and service furnaces and heating equipment

Schedule annual maintenance from a qualified technician to ensure your furnace is clean and in good operating condition (and not a source of harmful carbon monoxide levels.)  Be certain your home has a carbon monoxide detector installed, and that it runs on fresh batteries.

For those who are HVAC service providers, Cole-Parmer offers a large selection of products for maintenance and inspection.  Carbon monoxide meters are great products for detecting safe CO levels.  To check for suitable electrical connections of furnaces and heating equipment, Cole-Parmer offers a wide selection of Clamp Meters.

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How Scientific Equipment Delivers an Education―Literally

April 28, 2011

What happens to excess or obsolete equipment that sits too long on inventory shelves? For Cole-Parmer, it is converted into college scholarships for students in need.

“At least twice a year, we gather our outdated respirators, refrigerators, and balances, among many other technologies, and ship them to Educational Assistance Ltd. (EAL),” explained Maureen Ranieri, Supply Chain Operations Manager. “EAL is a nonprofit organization that works with colleges across the country to convert this equipment into student scholarships.”

Specifically, EAL places inventory donations from manufacturers, distributors, and retailers with accredited US colleges and universities within their network. “We create an online shopping forum for these schools to pick and choose the items they need,” said John Saban, Development Director, EAL. “Each item is assigned a monetary value. Schools within the program commit to placing the value of the items they choose into a scholarship for students who need assistance. We conduct periodic audits to confirm that the monies are funneled into these scholarships.”

Began by a businessman who benefited from a GI Bill when he was a student, the EAL program has provided more than 10,000 scholarships since its inception in 1982. Current EAL Executive Director Claudia Freed was one of the first scholarship recipients through the program.

“Generally, we network with small to mid-size colleges that have limited budgets for equipment and supplies,” said Saban. Elmhurst College, Lee University, Judson College, and Robert Morris University are just some of the schools within their network.

EAL receives inventory donations of not only scientific equipment, but also computers, welding and maintenance supplies, power and hand tools, and commodities from a range of companies.

“Those items we cannot place are sold in the secondary market, typically in Europe, Asia, or South America,” said Saban. “We appreciate all donations and everything is utilized.”

 Ranieri added: “Our most recent shipment to EAL included 37 items for a total value of $93,000.”

Yet, the real value may be found in the futures of the graduating students who were able to complete their degrees because of the assistance they received.

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Start Your Calendars: 2011 Fast Approaching

December 30, 2010

On the eve of the eve of the New Year, Cole-Parmer wishes all of our customers a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous 2011. As we launch into a brand spanking new year, here are a few up-and-coming events:

Cole-Parmer releases 2011/12 General Catalog

Look for this biggest-in-two-years catalog Cole-Parmer 2011/12 General Catalog(with more than 2,600 pages) in late February. Featuring a broad selection of fluid handling, industrial process, laboratory research, and electrochemistry products, the catalog also includes information about technical assistance, database tools, calibration services, and more. Choose from innovative technologies as well as time-tested favorites—from top brand names.

Cole-Parmer exhibits at the 2011 Pittcon® Conference & Expo in Atlanta, GA

The Georgia World Congress Center is the site for Pittcon 2011, the world’s largest annual conference and exposition for laboratory science. Look for the Cole-Parmer booth (#835), where you can view some of the latest products featured in the new 2011/12 General Catalog and meet with product managers, application specialists, and more. The event runs March 13-18.

Meet Cole-Parmer at INTERPHEX New York, March 29-31

Find your way to booth #2977 at the Jacob J. Javits Convention Center to view demonstrations specifically for the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries. We look forward to seeing you there!

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A Message of Thanks (and Special Offer)

November 24, 2010

As the United States celebrates the Thanksgiving holiday, Cole-Parmer wishes to thank you, our customers, for your business and support throughout the year. In this challenging economic climate, we are grateful for each and every order you place. We look forward to continuing to serve you with excellence―from providing unique products to exceptional service to technical support.

Thermo Scientific MaxQ™ and Forma ShakerIn a spirit of gratitude, we extend a special promotion to you. Order a qualifying Thermo Scientific MaxQ™ or Forma Shaker from Cole-Parmer and receive 10% off the suggested list price! Plus, we’ll give you a Shake Weight® absolutely free. This offer is good through December 31, 2010.

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Water, water, everywhere…

August 20, 2010

August is National Water Quality Month, and what better time to promote the benefits of pure water.  Water is essential to all living things, and a vital component in research laboratories.  We all know we should drink about eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day.  But, we should also ensure we have plenty of purified water in our laboratories for testing.  Tap water may be safe for drinking, but for complex laboratory procedures, tap water must be purified even further.

Impure water will dramatically affect your ability to obtain accurate results in the laboratory.  Pure water is essential in the modern laboratory for a vast number of applications including reagent preparation, high-purity rinsing, Atomic Absorption (AA), mass spectroscopy, chromatography, monoclonal antibody production, gel electrophoresis, and much more.

Thermo Scientific Barnstead EASYPure® RODI

Thermo Scientific Barnstead EASYPure® RODI

Cole-Parmer offers all the tools you need to ensure you have pure water in your laboratory, suitable for all your research needs.  Our  Thermo Scientific Barnstead EASYPure® RoDi produces water that exceeds ASTM & NCCLS Type 1 standards with resistivity up to 18.2 megohm-cm and < 5 parts per billion (ppb) Total Organic Carbon.  These systems are compact, and may be placed anywhere in your lab, and quickly and effectively purify your tap water.  The RoDi is the ideal system for < 15 liters per day for your most sensitive analytical procedures.  The system re-circulates water between the reservoir, the purification cartridges, and theUV lamp to ensure Type 1 water is continually available. Pre-treatment filter and reverse osmosis membrane initially improve water quality, while deionization, UV light, and a 0.2 micron final filter provides final polishing, organic oxidation, and removal of micro-particulates and bacteria.

For the research scientist, without purified water, Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner could have another meaning, perhaps

Water, water, everywhere,

Nor any drop for reagent preparation.

Well, we’ll stick to laboratory supplies, and leave the poetry to the professionals!

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Name the Inventor

August 13, 2010
National Inventors' Month

August is National Inventors' Month

August is National Inventors Month, a 31-day celebration of individuals who have tirelessly worked to advance our way of life. Cole-Parmer wants to acknowledge one individual in particular for his discoveries in chemistry and biology (and this Friday, August 13 he celebrates his 92 birthday). 

This distinguished individual is the only man thus far to have won two Nobel prizes for his accomplishments in chemistry.  In 1955, he determined the complete amino acid sequence of the polypeptide chains of insulin.  This discovery showed that proteins have a defined chemical composition, debunking the previous belief that proteins lacked a specific shape or structure.  His work in uncovering these amino acid sequences of insulin earned him his first Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1958. This breakthrough, in turn, helped pave the way for later discoveries by Francis Crick in how base sequences of DNA or RNA determine the sequence of amino acids. 

Not one to stop there, he continued investigating proteins and nucleic acid sequences, and in 1975 developed the “dideoxy” method for DNA sequencing.  This chain-termination method offers a means of rapidly and efficiently sequencing DNA. It soon became the preferred method of DNA sequencing and is used in the Human Genome Project.  It utilizes gel electrophoresis machines to quickly sequence DNA and has led to countless advances in forensics and disease management.  It is a method more commonly referred to by this scientist’s surname. He won his second Nobel Prize in chemistry in 1980 for his work developing this method that determines the nucleotide sequences of nucleic acids. 

Cole-Parmer Horizontal Gel Electrophoresis Systems

Cole-Parmer Horizontal Gel Electrophoresis Systems

 

So, who is this man whose discoveries paved the way for countless advances in our way of life?  Dr. Frederick Sanger, inventor of the Sanger Method.

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Summer pHun begins with proper pH

May 27, 2010

This weekend marks the unofficial start of summer. Millions will be heading to the swimming pool as public pools across the country officially open for business. Before jumping into any pool, keep in mind the importance of proper pH levels in the water.  

Oakton® Waterproof pHTestr™ 10 pH meter

Oakton® Waterproof pHTestr™ 10

Proper water pH is arguably one of the most critical aspects of maintaining correct swimming pool chemistry. Many articles describe how to properly maintain your pool chemistry and pH levels, so this post won’t detail how to manage your pool chemistry. Instead, think of this as a public service reminder to consider the importance of pool pH and take steps to check your swimming pool’s levels. Add chemicals as appropriate.To determine your pH levels, get a pH testing device from a local pool supply store or hardware store. Cole-Parmer also offers an option for private pool owners or large public swimming pools. Check out our line of pH testing meters.  

Our compact Oakton® Waterproof pHTestr™ 10  pH meters are great for outdoor use, including taking pH measurements in lakes, streams, and even swimming pools. These handheld pH meters are designed to float in water—and can be attached to a line running to the house for easy retrieval. The compact pH Testr 10 is even small enough to carry in your purse or pocket and take to a public pool or local beach to ensure that the water is safe. It is encased in Valox® sensor housing, which resists most chemicals. All waterproof pHTestrs also have replaceable sensors for easy maintenance.

Electrode sensors include a clog-resistant Kynar® junction and a recessed, glass pH bulb to protect against breakage. The keypad clicks to confirm operation, and allows access to a variety of functions. Calibrate up to three pH points with the auto-buffer recognition at both USA and NIST standard buffers. Additional features include automatic temperature compensation (ATC), hold function, auto-off function, self-diagnostic error messages, and a three-segment battery-life indicator.    

pHydron Ultrafine pH Paper Set Strips

pHydron Ultrafine pH Paper Strips

Another alternative for basic confirmations of pH, are pH indicators and pH paper strips from Cole-Parmer.

Let the pHun begin!    

 

 

 

 

We want to hear from you. Leave a comment and share how you plan to spend Memorial Day weekend. Are you headed to the beach or pool? Any plans for a cookout at the park? What is your ideal Memorial Day weekend activity? 

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