Predicting properties  

ACD Labs of Toronto, Canada, has introduced the ACD/LogD  Sol Suite, a software package for molecular property prediction from structure. It provides an array of tools for prediction of logD  (as a function of pH), pK_a, logP  and aqueous solubility at any pH. Parameters such as polar surface area, and pH profiles of bioconcentration factor (BCF) and adsorption coefficient (KOC) are also available. 
tara.sinclair@acdlabs.com 

High-speed imaging 
Hamamatsu Photonics of Welwyn Garden City, UK, have launched the S10200 TDI (time delay integration) sensor, featuring high-speed, high sensitivity back-thinned CCD image sensors ideal for applications in low light-level biotech and medical imaging. The sensors have an option for 1024, 2048 or 4096 pixel length by 128 pixel height and have a 90 per cent quantum efficiency up to visible light, with UV and near-IR sensitivity. The S10200 series offers a data readout of 30MHz per pixel which, depending on the sensor, translates to 50kHz or 100kHz line rates. Using the TDI image acquisition method, the S10200 can synchronise charge transfer with the moving object, thus giving 128 times the image integration time of a single line on the S10200. If the image is scanned at the same speed that the charge is read out from the CCD, the frame rate is increased by a factor of 128 times compared to an imaging array. 
info@hamamatsu.co.uk 

Ultra-bright x-ray source 
Bruker AXS of Madison, US, has launched the Microstar Ultra II, an ultra-bright x-ray source for structural biology. Its HyperCool anode technology and Ultra Focus electron optics produces an x-ray beam more than 30 times brighter (intensities in excess of 1011 photons/sec/mm²) than a conventional 70 micron rotating-anode generator, and surpasses many second-generation synchrotron beam lines. 
info@bruker-axs.com 

Crystal growth 
Chiralabs of Yarnton, UK, have almost doubled their laboratory space. The new laboratory will house their rational crystallisation screening facility, alongside their optical and chiroptical spectroscopy laboratories, allowing problematic crystallisations to be directly studied in detail with a variety of spectroscopic and physicochemical approaches, including use of their CrystalGEM predictive crystallisation technology. The expansion will also provide space for biopharmaceutical analysis, particularly structural studies of biosimilars, and will complement existing chiral analysis facilities. 
d.lepevelen@chiralabs.com 

DNA sequencing 
Applied Biosystems of San Diego, US, has introduced the SOLiD System DNA Sequencing platform. The system can deliver up to 4 billion bases of sequence data per run with very high accuracy. The high throughput and high accuracy result in lower costs for sequencing projects. The system is based on sequencing by stepwise oligonucleotide ligation, rather than polymerase sequencing, and generates high-quality data for applications including whole genome sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), microbial sequencing, digital karyotyping, medical sequencing, genotyping, gene expression, and small RNA discovery. 
See website

Award in enzyme immobilisation 
Chromatide of Runcorn, UK, has been awarded a Grant for Research and Development (GRAND) award by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) to evaluate the feasibility of enzyme immobilisation via a novel encapsulation methodology previously patented by the company. The resultant immobilised enzymes will be assessed for use in biotransformations with the aim of organic chemical reactions being conducted in an efficient and cost-effective manner. 
info@chromatide.com 

Particle size analyser 
Horiba Jobin Yvon, of Stanmore, UK, has launched the Partica LA-950V2 laser diffraction particle size analyser with measurement range 0.01-3000m, one minute sample-to-sample analysis time and powerful sample dispersion systems. Custom pretreatment specifications and pretreatment accessories allow customers to analyse particulate materials with a variety of forms and properties - finely pulverised solids, granular liquid, breakable materials, sticky materials, soluble materials, foggy materials, materials that sink quickly in liquid etc. The analyser can, for example, be used in ceramics, medicines and cosmetics, catalysts, semiconductor materials, or foodstuffs. 
info@jobinyvon.co.uk 

Perfluoro compounds 
Exeter Analytical of Coventry, UK, has developed a new analytical method using its CE-440 analyser to accurately determine the percentage of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen in difficult-to-combust perfluorinated compounds. The analysis is run at combustion temperatures greater than 1000?C, in tin capsules, to aid combustion. In addition, 10 mg of red lead oxide, Pb₃O₄, is added to the capsule before initial taring. After the sample is weighed in and the capsule is sealed, it is shaken to ensure good contact between sample and Pb₃O₄. The analysis then proceeds as normal. The Pb₃O₄ acts as both an oxygen donor and a fluorine scrubber. The instrument must be calibrated with the lead oxide prior to running samples. 
exeter.analytical@zetnet.co.uk