A large number of illnesses stem from misfolded proteins, molecules composed of amino acids. Researchers at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, have now studied protein misfolding using a special spectroscopic technique— single-molecule fluorescence. Misfolding, as they report in Nature, is more frequent if the sequence of the amino acids in the neighbouring protein domains is very similar.

This second Product Focus is on Molecular Spectroscopy, and a number of companies have provided information on their key products, their applications and features.

The eyes of sheep infected with scrapie—a neurological disorder similar to mad cow disease—return an intense, almost-white glow when they're illuminated with blue excitation light, according to a research project led by Iowa State University's Jacob Petrich.

Biomedical engineers are developing a hand-held device called a SpectroPen that could help surgeons see the edges of tumours in human patients in real time during surgery. Statistics indicate that complete removal, or resection, is the single most important predictor of patient survival for most solid tumours.

DynaMyc, the latest confocal fluorescence mapping system from Horiba Scientific, now generates lifetime images faster than before.

Jean-Philippe Echarda and Loïc BertrandbaLaboratoire de recherche et de restauration, Musée de la musique, Cité de la musique, 221 avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris, France. E-mail: jpechard@cite-musique.frbIPANEMA, synchrotron SOLEIL, Saint-Aubin, 91192 Gif-sur-Yvette cedex, France

Introduction

For the past two centuries, the nature of the varnishes coating historical instruments has been a much debated subject. Focusing in particular on the varnishes used for coating violins made by the Italian instrument-maker Antonio Stradivari, numerous hypotheses have been raised by instrument-makers, experts, musicians and chemists, without reaching a general understanding of the ancient varnishing techniques. A few years ago, we decided to work on this topic using several complementary approaches for materials characterisation and study of historical sources (ancient varnish recipes, etc.).

There has been a renewed interest in instrumental qualification and standardisation by the fluorescence community over the last 10 years, driven by the increasing number of quantitative chemical assays that use fluorescence detection and the presence of regulations in some of these areas.

Horiba has announced the construction of a new research facility and European headquarters on the campus of the École Polytechnique in Paris. The new centre will give Horiba access to a pool of innovative technologies, resources and personnel from nearby academic, government and commercial research centres. It is due to open in late 2011.  www.horiba.com/uk/scientific

Christopher BurgessBurgess Analytical Consultancy Limited, ‘Rose Rae’, The Lendings, Startforth, Barnard Castle, Co. Durham, DL 12 9AB, UKJohn HammondStarna Scientific Ltd, 52–54 Fowler Road, Hainault Business Park, Hainault, Essex, IG6 3UT, UK

Continuing the series of articles on spectroscopy, we return principally to the UV-visible area of the spectrum, but this time to the science of luminescence (fluorescence and phosphorimetry), in all its many forms. Given the diversity of the application areas and instrument types available, in such an article we can only briefly give an overview of the topic and interested parties are, therefore, recommended to follow-up the listed references for more in-depth discussion on the points raised.

The new NeoFox Sport from Ocean Optics is a portable, hand-held optical oxygen sensor for measuring dissolved and gaseous oxygen pressure in a variety of media. Comprised of a probe- or patch-based oxygen sensor, plus a phase fluorometer, the fluorescence-based system includes an on-board micro­processor with low-power OLED display, a user interface and a battery pack.

Labsphere, in partnership with Photal Otsuka Electronics, has developed the QE-1000 to measure the quantum efficiency of luminescent materials.

One of the ten winners of the 2010 Leibnitz Prize, Petra Schwille, is recognised for her work with fluorescence correlation spectroscopy.

Princeton Instruments has introduced an intensified CCD camera, the PI-Max 3. It is a fully integrated camera that provides a combination of frame rate, gating and low-noise capabilities for improved performance in applications such as fluorescence lifetime imaging measurements, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, pulsed Raman spectroscopy, nanotechnology studies and plasma diagnostics. Features include a built-in timing generator, the SuperSynchro, which makes setting up complex time-resolved imaging experiments easy, SyncMaster technology helps reduce lab clutter by eliminating the need for an external timing generator, it can be configured with either a 1024 × 1024-pixel interline transfer CCD or a 1024 × 246-pixel full-frame CCD and it also features photocathode cooling for ultra-low light or single-photon imaging as well as special readout modes for single-shot measurements and particle imaging velocimetry applications.

Princeton Instruments Acton Issue: 21/05 RSN: 112 More information via

To illustrate the benefits of Starna Scientific's new Type 19FL ultra-micro cell, the company has devised an experiment that uses the 5 µL cell to measure a solution of fluorescent dye from a yellow highlight pen. A dilute solution of the pen's fluorescent dye was prepared and pipetted into a standard 1 cm square fluorescence cell. Prescan was used to determine the optimal wavelengths for excitation and emission. The wavelengths were then selected for study. The Varian Cary Eclipse was used to carry out the experiment. The optical configuration of the cell is suitably matched to the beam profile of the instrument to optimise the available energy entering the sample being measured. The use of a collimation lens on the emission window and mirror coating on opposed faces amplifies emission output for improved sensitivity. All measurements were made using the Varian Eclipse fluorimeter which was equipped with a standard cell holder and a Starna 10.0F/L/Q/5/Z20 5 µL cell. Conditions were adjusted to provide a reasonable scale readout. Comparative quantitation was established by keeping the instrument constant.

Starna Scientific Issue: 21/05 RSN: 139 More information via

Agilent Technologies have signed a definitive agreement to acquire Varian, paying $1.5 billion. As well as adding $1 billion in annual sales to Agilent’s existing $5.8 billion, it significantly expands the range of technologies in Agilent’s portfolio. Varian are particularly strong in NMR, imaging and vacuum technologies, but also can offer a number of atomic and molecular spectroscopies.

Hamamatsu Photonics supply a wide variety of xenon flash lamp products, offering a wide range of solutions for various UV-vis applications. A new head-on 5 W xenon flash lamp module, similar to the side-on module, has now been added to their range. The L11035/L11036 series are compact modules integrating a 5 W xenon flash lamp with a dedicated power supply and trigger socket. They have a 2000 hours life and the output per flash is higher than a 50 W halogen lamp for less of the wattage. The modules are available with or without a fibre output, making it easy to choose the right lamp for the right application and are suitable for UV-vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectrophotometry, HPLC and microtiter plate reading.

Hamamatsu Photonics (UK) Ltd Issue: 21/02 RSN: 160

Andor Technologies has launched its new OEM-dedicated iVac spectroscopy detector range. Designed around its UltraVac vacuum package, this price-performance camera offers a rugged and compact package. The company's Software Development Kit enables easy integration of the USB2.0 device into the likes of Raman bench top stations or spectral engines working in challenging ­environments.

Andor Technology Ltd Issue: 21/01 RSN: 110