Lab Equipment Blog

Funding for research, the integrity of federal science agencies, future environmental programs — all of these areas are directly affected by government policies. Should science, though, be compromised by politics? What is the proper balance between the two, particularly during a political campaign?

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Are you the type to hoard things? If your basement and attic are overflowing with stuff, have you wondered why? Neuroimaging studies suggest that our brain is the culprit, with one scientist blaming our evolutionary beginnings and a phenomenon known as the endowment effect. Could your unwillingness to let go of useless material items really be the fear of impending loss?

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Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth may not have been a spring of water, but rather, red wine. Scientists have become captivated with the possibilities involved in one of the ingredients in red wine — resveratrol. Giving lab mice a dose of the ingredient resulted in a 30% extension of life. However, serious scientists have long scoffed at the idea of life-extending elixirs. Will the recent discovery that red wine may slow the aging process transform the concept of a life-extending pill from science fiction to science fact?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Lab Equipment, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Lab Equipment today.

Google's Street View service offers ground-level, 360 degree views of streets in more than 40 cities. These photos allow users to take virtual walks, explore cityscapes and landmarks, and locate points of interest. The problem with this service to some however, is a matter of privacy, as unwilling participants also became part of the show. For example, some unfortunate individuals were photographed falling off of bikes, sunbathing, or walking out of adult venues. While these are things happening out in public on a daily basis, they are also snapshots which some people would prefer were kept away from the internet. On a more critical scale, the imagery captured raises security issues for military bases and possible terrorist targets. To its credit, Google has started to blur faces captured in the images using facial recognition software. While this does address some concerns the question remains, how much knowledge is too much? And where do we draw the line on privacy?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Lab Equipment, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Lab Equipment today.

In light of recent economic concerns, the need for a cost effective solution to testing needs becomes paramount. Other factors that contribute to such needs include tighter regulations, and expanding global commerce. Businesses will argue that by outsourcing their testing, it allows them the opportunity to focus on their core strengths. Not to mention every company's goal — making money. What do you think are the most cost effective solutions for laboratory services?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Lab Equipment, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Lab Equipment today.