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In late September, some of the worldís most talented scholars in biology, engineering, and digital economy gathered in Wuzhenóa southern-China water town known for its beautiful scenery and generous hospitalityóto attend the 2020 Starlit South Lake Yangtze River Delta Elite Summit on Digital Economy, Empowered Life, and the Health Industry. Together with entrepreneurs, they discussed the strategy for post-COVID development in the health industry and signed a proposal for international cooperation in life science and health. The forum was jointly organized by the Global Industry Research Center of the China Federation of Industrial Economics (CFIE), the Communist Party of China (CPC) Jiaxing Committee Talent Office, and the Tongxiang Peopleís Government.

Pandemic preparedness and international initiatives

The forum, held from September 26, 2020, included keynote speeches and roundtable discussions with the theme of ìgathering the worldís top minds to build an international science and innovation community.î Experts and scholars discussed post-COVID industrial innovation and future trends.

The highlight of the forum occurred when Meng Xiong, executive vice president and secretary-general of CFIE, read out the ìProposal for International Cooperation in Life Science and Health,î which outlines the establishment of an open international information platform for sharing anti-epidemic information and technologies. In addition to a joint global prevention and control system, the proposal also promotes science literacy and encourages the awareness that our international community has a shared destiny. Well-known domestic experts, scholars, scientific research institutions, industry associations, and companies showed solidarity by jointly signing the initiative.

Five top technology releases were highlighted during the forum, including newly developed vaccines, new antitumor drugs, a smart medical data center, microfluidic chips for collecting and analyzing biological information, and an artificial intelligence/mixed-reality technology/remote virtual reality medical system.

Strengthening the integration and development of the international technology industry

The forum is one of more than 10 academician cooperation and industry summits sponsored yearly by the Wisdom Valley of Academicians project, which began in 2019 when the China Federation of Industrial Economics (CFIE) and local governments jointly initiated the ìCollaborative Innovation Platform for Academicians ó Wisdom Valley of Academiciansî project in order to promote

more industrialñacademic scientific research achievements and to speed the transformation and upgrading of the regional economy. They chose Wuzhen, the permanent site of the World Internet Conference, as the first landing area of the project. In September 2020, the project was officially named the first ìZhejiang Academicianís Homeî by the CPC Zhejiang Province Committee Talent Office and the Zhejiang Association for Science and Technology.

The Wisdom Valley of Academicians project is committed to building a new academicianñindustrialization base, which can be categorized in three ways: the ìbirthplaceî of technological innovation, the ìgathering placeî for high-end

talents, and the ìexperimental placeî for achievement transformation, which will grow into an innovation platform combining talent development, project cooperation, and scholarly communication.

The Wisdom Valley project has now begun to take shape. It has hired 35 academicians (including 10 overseas academicians) to join the ìAcademicianís Home,î a talent-based platform that is part of a recruiting drive in Zhejiang Province, and which has received more than 50 academicians and 200 experts. The project also created the Yangtze River Delta Academician Expert Advisory Committee, giving full play to empower academiciansí involvement in the Yangtze River Delta integration construction. Furthermore, in addition to breakthroughs in life sciences and health, several emerging industry projects have been introduced by the Wisdom Valley of Academicians platform, including transformational technological achievements in new materials, intelligent manufacturing, artificial intelligence, digital economy, and other fields.

The introduction of talents is closely related to research into technology applications to improve public health. ìIn the future, the Wisdom Valley of Academicians project will be committed to the application of technological innovations and the implementation of industrialization, and will establish a long-term mechanism for collaboration between academicians and experts all over the world,î said Jin Zhu, deputy director of CFIEís Global Industry Research Center and head of the Wisdom Valley of Academicians project. ìWe will continue to conduct innovative R & D experiments and build more bases for technological achievement, and we will also create an academician industrial demonstration park. We welcome more experts from home and abroad to come to China for cooperation and communication.î

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A viable method for measuring cell death─and why every lab needs it

Apoptosis, a form of programmed celldeath, is an essential component ofcountless biological processes, rangingfrom embryonic development to aging. Itplays a part in normal tissue homoeostasis,healthy immune function, and an ever-growing list of human diseases. Specifically,apoptosis-related proteins have become keytargets of interest for cancer therapies, asdysregulated cell death fails to eliminatemutated cells, leading to the uncontrolledcell division that gives rise to tumorsand loss of normal tissue function. Fordrug development screening, plus criticalinsights into cell biology and routine cellhealth assessment, methods for measuringapoptosis have become essential in bothacademic and preclinical labs.

Initial studies revealed that reduction in cellvolume was an early morphological changeduring apoptosis1. Apoptotic enzymes likecaspases and membrane depolarizationevents are activated by changes inintracellular concentrations of ions like K+,Na+, Ca2+ and Cl-, whose flux in turn drivescell volume and size changes. Ionic identityand the directionality of transport dependon the cell type and apoptotic stimulus.

Augmenting traditional methods formeasuring apoptosisAs no single parameter defines cell death,there are many assays that measure itby microscopy and flow cytometry. Thesemethods, however, can only be used tomeasure apoptosis after cell death, andrequire time and access to equipment thatmay not be readily available. Measuring cellsize changes using a Coulter impedancecounter may rapidly and accurately predictprogrammed cell death in populations.

To examine the relationship betweencell volume and camptothecin-inducedapoptosis, we measured cell sizedistributions in NIH 3T3 cells and CHOcells using the Scepter™ handheld cellcounter. This automated counter usesimpedance-based particle detectionto measure each cell in a sample as itis counted. Precise volumes of single-cell suspensions are drawn into thedevice’s microfluidic sensor. As cells passthrough the sensor aperture, the voltageincreases, and this change correlatesto the size of the detected cell. Voltagespikes of the same magnitude are binnedand presented as a histogram, returningcell size distribution from thousands ofcells in 15-30 seconds, (depending onthe sensor aperture). When comparedwith flow-based apoptosis assays, thedistribution of cell sizes within thepopulation accurately reflects both thetotal number of cells and the degree ofcell death in the population as a functionof cell size.

Apoptosis affects cell size distributionThe Scepter™ handheld Coulter counterwas used to qualitatively monitorapoptosis events in two different celllines, NIH 3T3 and CHO. These two lineswere incubated with camptothecin, aninhibitor of nuclear topoisomerase andknown inducer of apoptosis. Both celllines exhibited an increased percentage ofsmaller cells after a 24-hour exposure tocamptothecin, as shown by the left-shift inthe histogram population. (Figures 1 and2). The concentrations and percentagesof presumed apoptotic cells or viable cellswere identified by establishing consistentgates for the two distinct histogram peaks.

The cells were subsequently analyzedwith a flow cytometer, which providesquantitative data for early and lateapoptotic events. Both untreatedand camptothecin-treated NIH 3T3and CHO cells were analyzed bylabeling cells with phycoerythrin(PE)- conjugated Annexin V, whichlabels the phosphatidylserine in thecell membrane that becomes exposedduring early apoptosis.

A

C

6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30

Diameter

Count

B

D E

NIH 3T3 Cells: Untreated NIH 3T3 Cells: 50 µM Camptothecin

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

A: 6–28.66 µm: total cell populationB: 6–10.9 µm: debris & non-viable control 3T3C: 10.9–28.66 µm: viable control 3T3D: 6–12.51 µm: debris & non-viable induced 3T3E: 12.51–28.66 µm: viable control 3T3

Figure 1. NIH 3T3 cells were treated withcamptothecin (MilliporeSigma, 208925),enzymatically dissociated, washed and resuspendedin phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and measured/quantitated using a Scepter™ cell counter.Histograms were generated using averageScepter™ device cell counts (n=3) of control andcamptothecin-treated NIH 3T3 populations. Peakswere gated to determine cell concentration. Resultsof gating analysis are shown in Table 1.

Count

6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30

Diameter

NIH 3T3 Cells: Untreated NIH 3T3 Cells: 50 µM Camptothecin

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

A

CB

D E

A: 6 – 29.04 µm: total cell population

B: 6 – 9.7 µm: debris & non-viable control CHO

C: 9.7 – 28.66 µm: viable control CHO

D: 6 – 13.64 µm: debris & non-viable induced CHO

E: 13.64 – 28.66 µm: viable control CHO

Figure 2. CHO cells were treated with camptothecin,enzymatically dissociated, washed and resuspendedin phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, MilliporeSigmaBSS-1006-A), and counted using a Scepter™ cellcounter. Histograms were generated using averagedevice counts (n=3) of control and camptothecin-treated CHO populations. The results of gatinganalysis are shown in Table 1.

For compound screening and cancer mechanism revelations──plus critical insightsinto cell biology and fundamental cell health assessment──methods for measuringapoptosis have become essential in both academic and preclinical labs.

Apoptosis: Programmed Cell Death

Embryogenesis

Immunefunction

Normal cellturnover

Neurodegeneration

Autoimmunity

Tumor growth

In Health Dysregulated

ADVERTISEMENT

A viable method for measuring cell death─and why every lab needs it

Apoptosis, a form of programmed celldeath, is an essential component ofcountless biological processes, rangingfrom embryonic development to aging. Itplays a part in normal tissue homoeostasis,healthy immune function, and an ever-growing list of human diseases. Specifically,apoptosis-related proteins have become keytargets of interest for cancer therapies, asdysregulated cell death fails to eliminatemutated cells, leading to the uncontrolledcell division that gives rise to tumorsand loss of normal tissue function. Fordrug development screening, plus criticalinsights into cell biology and routine cellhealth assessment, methods for measuringapoptosis have become essential in bothacademic and preclinical labs.

Initial studies revealed that reduction in cellvolume was an early morphological changeduring apoptosis1. Apoptotic enzymes likecaspases and membrane depolarizationevents are activated by changes inintracellular concentrations of ions like K+,Na+, Ca2+ and Cl-, whose flux in turn drivescell volume and size changes. Ionic identityand the directionality of transport dependon the cell type and apoptotic stimulus.

Augmenting traditional methods formeasuring apoptosisAs no single parameter defines cell death,there are many assays that measure itby microscopy and flow cytometry. Thesemethods, however, can only be used tomeasure apoptosis after cell death, andrequire time and access to equipment thatmay not be readily available. Measuring cellsize changes using a Coulter impedancecounter may rapidly and accurately predictprogrammed cell death in populations.

To examine the relationship betweencell volume and camptothecin-inducedapoptosis, we measured cell sizedistributions in NIH 3T3 cells and CHOcells using the Scepter™ handheld cellcounter. This automated counter usesimpedance-based particle detectionto measure each cell in a sample as itis counted. Precise volumes of single-cell suspensions are drawn into thedevice’s microfluidic sensor. As cells passthrough the sensor aperture, the voltageincreases, and this change correlatesto the size of the detected cell. Voltagespikes of the same magnitude are binnedand presented as a histogram, returningcell size distribution from thousands ofcells in 15-30 seconds, (depending onthe sensor aperture). When comparedwith flow-based apoptosis assays, thedistribution of cell sizes within thepopulation accurately reflects both thetotal number of cells and the degree ofcell death in the population as a functionof cell size.

Apoptosis affects cell size distributionThe Scepter™ handheld Coulter counterwas used to qualitatively monitorapoptosis events in two different celllines, NIH 3T3 and CHO. These two lineswere incubated with camptothecin, aninhibitor of nuclear topoisomerase andknown inducer of apoptosis. Both celllines exhibited an increased percentage ofsmaller cells after a 24-hour exposure tocamptothecin, as shown by the left-shift inthe histogram population. (Figures 1 and2). The concentrations and percentagesof presumed apoptotic cells or viable cellswere identified by establishing consistentgates for the two distinct histogram peaks.

The cells were subsequently analyzedwith a flow cytometer, which providesquantitative data for early and lateapoptotic events. Both untreatedand camptothecin-treated NIH 3T3and CHO cells were analyzed bylabeling cells with phycoerythrin(PE)- conjugated Annexin V, whichlabels the phosphatidylserine in thecell membrane that becomes exposedduring early apoptosis.

A

C

6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30

Diameter

Count

B

D E

NIH 3T3 Cells: Untreated NIH 3T3 Cells: 50 µM Camptothecin

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

A: 6–28.66 µm: total cell populationB: 6–10.9 µm: debris & non-viable control 3T3C: 10.9–28.66 µm: viable control 3T3D: 6–12.51 µm: debris & non-viable induced 3T3E: 12.51–28.66 µm: viable control 3T3

Figure 1. NIH 3T3 cells were treated withcamptothecin (MilliporeSigma, 208925),enzymatically dissociated, washed and resuspendedin phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and measured/quantitated using a Scepter™ cell counter.Histograms were generated using averageScepter™ device cell counts (n=3) of control andcamptothecin-treated NIH 3T3 populations. Peakswere gated to determine cell concentration. Resultsof gating analysis are shown in Table 1.

Count

6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30

Diameter

NIH 3T3 Cells: Untreated NIH 3T3 Cells: 50 µM Camptothecin

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

A

CB

D E

A: 6 Ð 29.04 µm: total cell population

B: 6 Ð 9.7 µm: debris & non-viable control CHO

C: 9.7 Ð 28.66 µm: viable control CHO

D: 6 Ð 13.64 µm: debris & non-viable induced CHO

E: 13.64 Ð 28.66 µm: viable control CHO

Figure 2. CHO cells were treated with camptothecin,enzymatically dissociated, washed and resuspendedin phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, MilliporeSigmaBSS-1006-A), and counted using a Scepter™ cellcounter. Histograms were generated using averagedevice counts (n=3) of control and camptothecin-treated CHO populations. The results of gatinganalysis are shown in Table 1.

For compound screening and cancer mechanism revelations──plus critical insightsinto cell biology and fundamental cell health assessment──methods for measuringapoptosis have become essential in both academic and preclinical labs.

Apoptosis: Programmed Cell Death

Embryogenesis

Immunefunction

Normal cellturnover

Neurodegeneration

Autoimmunity

Tumor growth

In Health Dysregulated

ADVERTISEMENT

Percentages of viable and apoptotic cellsfrom flow cytometry were comparable tothe results obtained using the Scepter™histogram-based quantitation (Figure 3and Table 1). While the Scepter™ cellcounter cannot quantitatively distinguishstages of apoptosis, it provides rapidpercentages of viable versus apoptotic ornon-viable cells based on size.

By analyzing Scepter™ histograms, we wereable distinguish degrees of apoptosis. CHOcells treated with increasing concentrationsof camptothecin showed a gradual increasein percentage of apoptotic cells (Figure 4)and still aligned with flow cytometry results(Table 1), demonstrating the relativesensitivity of the Coulter counter measure-ment and quantitation method.

Figure 4. Cell diameter histograms were generated usingaverages (n=3) of cell counts for CHO populations treatedfor 24 hours with 25 or 50 µM camptothecin, as measuredby the Scepter™ device.

The life science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germanyoperates as MilliporeSigma in the U.S. and Canada.

© 2020 Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.MilliporeSigma, the vibrant M and Scepter are trademarks of Merck KGaA,Darmstadt, Germany or its affiliates. All other trademarks are the property of theirrespective owners. Detailed information on trademarks is available via publiclyaccessible resources. 33955

References1. Kerr JF et al. Apoptosis: a basic biological

phenomenon with wide-ranging implications in tissuekinetics. Br J Cancer. 1972 Aug; 26(4):239-57.

2. Panayiotidis MI et al. Ouabain-induced perturbationsin intracellular ionic homeostasis regulate deathreceptor-mediated apoptosis. Apoptosis. 2010Jul;15(7):834-49.

3. Franco R et al. Glutathione depletion and disruptionof intracellular ionic homeostasis regulate lymphoidcell apoptosis. J Biol Chem. 2008 Dec 26;283(52):36071-87.

4. Bortner CD, Cidlowski JA. Cell shrinkage andmonovalent cation fluxes: role in apoptosis. ArchBiochem Biophys. 2007 Jun 15;462(2):176-88.

Total Viable (Scepter™)Non-viable &debris (Scepter™)

Viable (flowcytometry)

Non-viable &debris (flowcytometry)

Conc(*E+05) Size

Conc(*E+05) % of total

Conc(*E+05) % of total % of total % of total

3T3 untreated 3.15 16.16 3.00 95 0.17 5 86 14

3T3 + 50 µMcamptothecin

3.14 15.92 2.13 68 0.97 31 62 38

CHO untreated 1.82 15.94 1.72 95 0.10 6 89 11

CHO + 25 µMcamptothecin

1.49 15.98 0.99 66 0.50 34 59 41

CHO + 50 µMcamptothecin

1.80 15.49 1.05 59 0.72 40 54 46

Early Apoptosis Late Apoptosis Total non-viable and Debris DebrisViable Cells

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

%TotalCellPopulation

(flow cytometry)Untreated CHOcells (n=3)

89

8

(flow cytometry)50 µM Camptothecin+ CHO cells (n=3)

28

54

17

(Scepter™) 50 µMCamptothecin+ CHO cells (n=3)

59

40

1

2

(Scepter™)Untreated CHOcells (n=3)

95

5

Figure 3.

Comparison of Scepter™ cell counter with a flow cytometer for measuring apoptotic and non-apoptotic cellpopulations. Percentages of viable, early, and late apoptotic CHO cells were determined using flow cytometry, andcompared with viable and non-viable/debris populations measured using a Scepter™ cell counter. Each well of a6-well plate was seeded with 20,000 cells and incubated until cells reached confluency. Cells were incubated withcamptothecin for another 24 hours, harvested, and analyzed with flow cytometry or the Scepter™ cell counter,following manufacturer’s instructions. Results are entabulated in Table 1.

Table 1.

Average concentrations (n=3) of different gated populations and percentages of viable and non-viable cells.

Count

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26

Diameter

CHO Cells: UntreatedCHO Cells: 50 µM Camptothecin CHO Cells: 25 µM Camptothecin

Though manual vision-based cellcounting methods like hemocytometersare widely accessible, the queue atthe communal Coulter counter is atestament to its gold-standard statusfor quantitating cells. Coulter impedancecounting and measurement:• Avoid the inherent inaccuracy ofvision-based manual countingmethods, which are vulnerable topipetting and calculation errors

• Quantitate count, volume, size forevery cell in a sample

• Provide exceptional accuracy bycounting thousands of cells per sample

• Eliminate the need for dedicated andpotentially biohazardous countingreagents

Impedance-based counters have thepotential to be useful for fast, qualitativeanalysis of apoptosismmbut the cost ofpurchasing and maintaining traditionalbenchtop Coulter-method instrumentshas historically prevented many labs fromacquiring them.

The Scepter™ handheld instrument usesthe Coulter impedance method at a fractionof the cost of benchtop counters, requiresno special calibration or maintenance, andenables cell measurement directly fromsamples at the biosafety cabinet, with noneed to transfer sample to a benchtopinstrument. The added potential of theScepter™ 3.0 countermmwhich now also

transfers data wirelessly for analysis orarchiving, and can be mounted for chargingright at the culture hood, where it’s usedmmfor assessment of critical apoptosis and cellhealth screening provides a more versatile,affordable tool for any lab for which cellculture is an essential process.For additional information about theenhanced Scepter™ 3.0 Handheld CellCounter, please visitSigmaAldrich.com/scepter

A handheld Coulter counter can set the standard—in every lab

Rapid apoptosis assessment compares to flow cytometry assays

Percentages of viable and apoptotic cellsfrom flow cytometry were comparable tothe results obtained using the Scepter™histogram-based quantitation (Figure 3and Table 1). While the Scepter™ cellcounter cannot quantitatively distinguishstages of apoptosis, it provides rapidpercentages of viable versus apoptotic ornon-viable cells based on size.

By analyzing Scepter™ histograms, we wereable distinguish degrees of apoptosis. CHOcells treated with increasing concentrationsof camptothecin showed a gradual increasein percentage of apoptotic cells (Figure 4)and still aligned with flow cytometry results(Table 1), demonstrating the relativesensitivity of the Coulter counter measure-ment and quantitation method.

Figure 4. Cell diameter histograms were generated usingaverages (n=3) of cell counts for CHO populations treatedfor 24 hours with 25 or 50 µM camptothecin, as measuredby the Scepter™ device.

The life science business of Merck operates asMilliporeSigma in the U.S. and Canada.

© 2020 Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.Merck, the vibrant M and Scepter are trademarks of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt,Germany or its affiliates. All other trademarks are the property of their respectiveowners. Detailed information on trademarks is available via publicly accessibleresources. 33955

References1. Kerr JF et al. Apoptosis: a basic biological

phenomenon with wide-ranging implications in tissuekinetics. Br J Cancer. 1972 Aug; 26(4):239-57.

2. Panayiotidis MI et al. Ouabain-induced perturbationsin intracellular ionic homeostasis regulate deathreceptor-mediated apoptosis. Apoptosis. 2010Jul;15(7):834-49.

3. Franco R et al. Glutathione depletion and disruptionof intracellular ionic homeostasis regulate lymphoidcell apoptosis. J Biol Chem. 2008 Dec 26;283(52):36071-87.

4. Bortner CD, Cidlowski JA. Cell shrinkage andmonovalent cation fluxes: role in apoptosis. ArchBiochem Biophys. 2007 Jun 15;462(2):176-88.

Total Viable (Scepter™)Non-viable &debris (Scepter™)

Viable (flowcytometry)

Non-viable &debris (flowcytometry)

Conc(*E+05) Size

Conc(*E+05) % of total

Conc(*E+05) % of total % of total % of total

3T3 untreated 3.15 16.16 3.00 95 0.17 5 86 14

3T3 + 50 µMcamptothecin

3.14 15.92 2.13 68 0.97 31 62 38

CHO untreated 1.82 15.94 1.72 95 0.10 6 89 11

CHO + 25 µMcamptothecin

1.49 15.98 0.99 66 0.50 34 59 41

CHO + 50 µMcamptothecin

1.80 15.49 1.05 59 0.72 40 54 46

Early Apoptosis Late Apoptosis Total non-viable and Debris DebrisViable Cells

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

%TotalCellPopulation

(flow cytometry)Untreated CHOcells (n=3)

89

8

(flow cytometry)50 µM Camptothecin+ CHO cells (n=3)

28

54

17

(Scepter™) 50 µMCamptothecin+ CHO cells (n=3)

59

40

1

2

(Scepter™)Untreated CHOcells (n=3)

95

5

Figure 3.

Comparison of Scepter™ cell counter with a flow cytometer for measuring apoptotic and non-apoptotic cellpopulations. Percentages of viable, early, and late apoptotic CHO cells were determined using flow cytometry, andcompared with viable and non-viable/debris populations measured using a Scepter™ cell counter. Each well of a6-well plate was seeded with 20,000 cells and incubated until cells reached confluency. Cells were incubated withcamptothecin for another 24 hours, harvested, and analyzed with flow cytometry or the Scepter™ cell counter,following manufacturer’s instructions. Results are entabulated in Table 1.

Table 1.

Average concentrations (n=3) of different gated populations and percentages of viable and non-viable cells.

Count

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26

Diameter

CHO Cells: UntreatedCHO Cells: 50 µM Camptothecin CHO Cells: 25 µM Camptothecin

Though manual vision-based cellcounting methods like hemocytometersare widely accessible, the queue atthe communal Coulter counter is atestament to its gold-standard statusfor quantitating cells. Coulter impedancecounting and measurement:• Avoid the inherent inaccuracy ofvision-based manual countingmethods, which are vulnerable topipetting and calculation errors

• Quantitate count, volume, size forevery cell in a sample

• Provide exceptional accuracy bycounting thousands of cells per sample

• Eliminate the need for dedicated andpotentially biohazardous countingreagents

Impedance-based counters have thepotential to be useful for fast, qualitativeanalysis of apoptosismmbut the cost ofpurchasing and maintaining traditionalbenchtop Coulter-method instrumentshas historically prevented many labs fromacquiring them.

The Scepter™ handheld instrument usesthe Coulter impedance method at a fractionof the cost of benchtop counters, requiresno special calibration or maintenance, andenables cell measurement directly fromsamples at the biosafety cabinet, with noneed to transfer sample to a benchtopinstrument. The added potential of theScepter™ 3.0 countermmwhich now also

transfers data wirelessly for analysis orarchiving, and can be mounted for chargingright at the culture hood, where it’s usedmmfor assessment of critical apoptosis and cellhealth screening provides a more versatile,affordable tool for any lab for which cellculture is an essential process.For additional information about theenhanced Scepter™ 3.0 Handheld CellCounter, please visitSigmaAldrich.com/scepter

A handheld Coulter counter can set the standard—in every lab

Rapid apoptosis assessment compares to flow cytometry assays

An acoustic process adds simplicity and speed to the analysis of pharmaceuticals, foods, and more, all while improving the quality of the results. SCIEX experts discuss the technology behind the EchoÆ MS System and how it improves on traditional techniques.

The first steps in any analytical technique impact every step that followsóall the way to the results. For mass spectrometry (MS), scientists at SCIEX wanted a new way of collecting samples and feeding them to the detector. When using liquid chromatography (LC) or high-performance LC (HPLC), sample preparation and the separation workflow can be time-consuming. The SCIEX EchoÆ MS System solves that problem by employing Acoustic Ejection Mass Spectrometry (AEMS).

In LC-MS, scientists face the biggest challenge with LC, especially HPLC. ìSample-preparation equipment, high-pressure pumps, valves, injectors, plumbing, and separation columns are all components of an HPLC system that contribute to a situation requiring constant care from personnel trained and focused on that task, and where downtime can be tolerated,î says Tom Covey, a principal scientist in the SCIEX research department. ìThe reliability of HPLC does not match the requirements of clinical laboratories operating in a fast-results turn-around, 24/7 scenario.î

AEMS solves those problems by eliminating LC and most of the sample preparation. With AEMS, ìall high-pressure pumps, valves, injectors, and columns are removed and replaced with a single low-pressure pump and a sample capture, processing, and transport interface called the Open Port Interface, or OPI,î Covey explains. In this system, an acoustic transducer delivers an energy pulse through the bottom of a sample well plate to the liquid surface to eject nanoliter droplets of sample. The OPI captures ejected sample droplets with a miniature whirlpool, dilutes the sample as needed, and transports the sample dilution to the electrospray ion source of the mass spectrometer. The EchoÆ MS System can currently operate up to three samples per second in specific circumstances.

An AEMS system processes one sample per second. By comparison, LC alone typically requires more than 30 seconds, plus the time needed for sample preparations. ìAEMS provides more than an order-of-magnitude faster sample readout speed than the conventional ëgold standardí LC-MS technology,î says Chang Liu, research scientist at SCIEX.

In addition to increasing speed and virtually eliminating sample preparation, AEMS solves other bottlenecks in high-throughput analysis. The systemís contact-free sample handling, combined with the OPIís continuous self-washing, means that ìthe carryover problem between samples has been eliminated,î Liu says. ìIn addition, the AEMS technology is fully compatible with a high-density well format, including direct ejection from a 1,536-well plate.î

Furthermore, the systemís robust features allow days of unattended operation. Even when someone is running AEMS in person, Covey says, ìNo special skills are required beyond knowing how to operate the mass spectrometer.î

The ease of use expands the range of applications. The SCIEX team started by applying AEMS to high-throughput pharmacology screening, which Liu calls ìthe workflow that could benefit [research] the most.î He adds, ìWe also successfully demonstrated the wide applicability of the AEMS system in many other drug discovery and development workflows: absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretionóADMEóscreening, pharmacokinetics bioanalysis, compound quality control, and parallel medicinal chemistry.î AEMS can also be used in many other fields beyond the pharmaceutical industry that require high sample-readout speed, such as synthetic biology and food and environmental analysis.

In all of these applications, scientists get the benefits of simplicity and speed, plus more confidence in their results. ìThere had always been a dilemma in choosing the analytical platform for high-throughput analysisóa trade-off between speed and data quality,î Liu explains. ìAEMS provides high-quality quantitative performance at a very fast readout speed.î He adds, ìWe think we have just scratched the surface of the benefits of this technology, and we believe it could revolutionize the field of high-throughput analysis.î

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Delivering More Samples to the Mass Spectrometer

Produced by the Science�������������������������

Sponsored by

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“GAGNAA. & CH. VAN HECK PRIZE FOR INCURABLE DISEASES - 2021”

Application field:The “Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique – FNRS” (Belgium) will award in 2021 the “Gagna A. & Ch. VanHeck Prize for Incurable Diseases” to a scientist or a medical doctor, in recognition of a research work whichhas contributed to the treatment of a disease currently incurable, or which has raised hopes for curing a disease.

Amount:The Prize amounts to 75.000 € (for personal use).

Nominations:This triennial and international Prize is intended to reward a work done by one or max. two researcher(s).Nominations must be submitted electronically to prix@frs-fnrs.be no later than January 18th, 2021.The Sponsor submitting the nomination must provide:• a signed justification of his/her support of 5 to 10 pages (written in English) on the Nominee’s merits,• the CV of the Nominee, including a list of received Prizes,• the complete list of publications of the Nominee.

Regulations:The complete regulations are available online at www.fnrs.be/en (“Prizes & Endowments” section) or can beobtained on demand at prix@frs-fnrs.be

AAAS.ORG/COMMUNITY

Where Science Gets Social.

4 DECEMBER 2020 • VOL 370 ISSUE 6521 1235 SCIENCE sciencemag.org/custom-publishing

Produced by the Science/AAAS Custom Publishing Office LIFE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGIES

new products: dna/rna analysis

Real-Time PCR Systems��� ������������������������the CFX Opus 96 and CFX Opus 384 Real-Time PCR Systems along with BR.io, a cloud-based instrument connectivity, data-management, and analysis platform. These systems represent the next generation of the companyís CFX Real-Time PCR Systems, which

are used in research and genomic testing as well as pathogen detection and infectious disease testing. A patent-pending block design delivers tight thermal uniformity for improved well-to-well consistency during real-time PCR experiments. A redesigned �������������������������������

����������������������������������������������������������� ���������������� Radís entire line of CFX systems have been instrumental in the companyís global response to the COVID-19 pandemic.Bio-Rad Laboratories

For info: 800-424-6723

bio-rad.com

Newly offered instrumentation, apparatus, and laboratory materials of interest to researchers in all disciplines in academic, industrial, and governmental organizations are featured in this

space. Emphasis is given to purpose, chief characteristics, and availability of products and materials. Endorsement by Science or AAAS of any products or materials mentioned is not

implied. Additional information may be obtained from the manufacturer or supplier.

Electronically submit your new product description or product literature information! Go to www.sciencemag.org/about/new-products-section for more information.

����������������������������������������EVeryRNA is a column-based, phenol-free way to purify the full range of RNAs hidden within extracellular vesicles (EVs)óeven ������������������������������/���0���0�"�0�����/��0�������/��������#$��/��%���������������������/ ���/0�System captures RNAs with a wide distribution of lengths, /���/&������������0���������/�0���'$1(�� ����0����per reaction. It comes as a stand-alone product or bundled �/�����0)/�"����0)/�"1%���0��!����!���!/&����*����0�0������������������+���!����/�,����1����/ ���/0�-/�����/���/�0��/�/.����0��0�"��/�������������������������/ ���/0�!���������������������For info: 888-266-5066systembio.com

�������������������������������The NucleoSpin 96 Virus kit from MACHEREY-NAGEL is designed for the extraction of viral nucleic acidsóRNA and DNA virusesó��0������1�������/0�0&/�����/����������/�����/��������or plasma, and from sample homogenates (particle-free supernatants), for example, from swabs, tissue, or stool. It

������/ ���/0���0��������0��/�/&�

���/����/���0���silica membrane column in a high-throughput, 96-well format. The NucleoSpin 96 silica membrane extraction plates can be processed in about 60 min using vacuum or positive pressure in an automated laboratory setup, such as the Resolvex A200 positive-pressure workstation from Tecan. MACHEREY-NAGEL

For info: 888-321-6224www.mn-net.com

������������������������������������Oxford Gene Technology has launched a transformative NGS panel for constitutional cytogenetics research. The CytoSure Constitutional NGS Panel contains the most up-to-date, hand-curated content for intellectual disability and developmental delay research. Delivering accurate, reliable detection of copy number variations, single-nucleotide variations, insertion/deletions (indels), and loss of heterozygosityóincluding in �&��%���������#����������&��%���������������&���"�������%��&�������%��&����&��'����%���������� ������&��������&�����panel is of the highest quality and shows excellent concordance with arrays. The intuitive, user-friendly software means there is no need for large bioinformatics teams to work alongside labs for data analysis. �������������������

For info: +44-(0)-1865-856800www.ogt.com/cytosure-ngs

Electrophoresis SystemminiPCR bio announces the launch of the GELATO, an integrated DNA analysis system. GELATO combines gel electrophoresis with transillumination technology, allowing for simultaneous nucleic acid separation and visualization in a single, compact system. Despite a small footprint, GELATOís range of casting options allows users to process up to 50 nucleic acid samples at a time. Its variable-voltage, built-in power supply allows for fast separation of DNA, and its integrated blue-light transilluminator makes it safe for use in all settings. GELATO features a cell-phone compatible documentation hood and a built-in cutting tray for �%������������%�%&����%���%��&����������%�%�%��������������������professional laboratory users expect, its user-friendly interface ��������������������&������&�%���������������������

For info: 781-990-8727www.minipcr.com

��������������������������ResolveDNA kits form the core of whole-genome sequencing &���&��������%����%����'�����&�%������%���������&���number variant analysis in application areas such as cancer genomics, cardiology, neurology, immunology, toxicology, and preimplantation genetic testing. The kits contain all the enzymes and reagents needed for versatile, scalable whole-genome ����%����%&����&���%�����������&��������&� ���%�������$%&������&����������'�&'����&���&��&���%&���%�����%������%�$��!������cloud-based bioinformatics platform that allows users to explore single-cell human genomic datasets generated with ResolveDNA products. TrailBlazer access is included with the purchase of a kit or the use of BioSkryb custom services.BioSkrybFor info: 919-370-0841bioskryb.com

TRILLIONSOF MICROBES

ONE ESSAY

Apply by 1/24/21 at www.sciencemag.org/noster

Sponsored by Noster Inc.

The NOSTER Science Microbiome

Prize is an international prize t hat

rewards innovative research by

investigators, under the age of 35,

who are working on the functional

attributes of the micro-biota. The

research can include any organism

that has potential to contribute to

our understanding of human or

veterinary health and disease, or to

guide therapeutic interventions.

The winner and /nalists will be

chosen by a committee of

independent scientists, chaired by

a senior editor at Science. The top

prize includes a complimentary

membership to AAAS, an online

subscription to Science, and

$25,000 1USD4. Submit your

research essay today.

Oliver Harrison

2020 Grand Prize Winner

One or more of these products are covered by patents, trademarks and/or copyrights owned or controlled by New England Biolabs, Inc. For more information,

please email us at gbd@neb.com. The use of these products may require you to obtain additional third party intellectual property rights for certain applications.

Illumina® is a registered trademark of Illumina, Inc.

© Copyright 2020, New England Biolabs, Inc.; all rights reserved.

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