The fluorescent dye technique, originally developed by surgeons at the Penn Center for Precision Surgery to treat lung cancer, illuminates brain tumors in real time during surgery. This helps physicians distinguish between healthy and cancerous tissue.

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Life sciences exploration is constantly expanding, and the "next great frontier" for this branch of science is space, according to Bioscience Technology. The weightless conditions of space increases the pace of research. New experiments conducted on the International Space Station (ISS) include a U.S. venture with the Beijing Institute - a first since a ban prohibiting collaboration in space was overturned. In the experitment, DNA will be flown to the ISS and studied to determine if space radiation and microgravity cause mutations. In another not-so-life-sciences-related case, six samples of whiskey were sent to the ISS for aging tests.

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Smarting from the UK's horsemeat-sold-as-beef scandal that rocked consumer trust, the food industry is turning to spectroscopy as a major defense against contamination and outright food crime. As noted in this Lab Equipment article, attendees at this year's Pittcon exposition saw a clear emphasis on systems designed to quickly identify adulterated foods. Example: AB SCIEX of Massachusetts has partnered with Germany's University of Munster to develop a rapid LCMS/MS method for detecting pig and horse contamination, based on identifying animal-specific biomarker peptides. Read on for news from other vendors on compact, portable solutions to ensure food safety.

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In a recent cover story, Laboratory Equipment looks at the the way researchers will work in labs of the future. Will continuing computational enhancements, as the magazine predicts, drive development of long-term changes, or will other factors weigh heavier?

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Is it possible to use an endoscope on a single cell? It is, now that a group of Berkeley researchers have developed a nanowire-based optical probe that can not only produce high-resolution imagery, but can deliver drugs or other therapeutic wares to the interior of a single cell. In addition to imagery and delivery capabilities, the nanoendoscope may eventually be used to stimulate a living cell, electrically or optically.

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.