Articles, News & Events

In today’s fast-paced scientific landscape, Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) play a pivotal role in ensuring the efficiency and accuracy of laboratory operations. From biotech companies to environmental agencies, the use of a LIMS can significantly influence the workflow and overall productivity of a laboratory. However, as with any technology, the satisfaction levels can vary significantly among users. Are you…

A contract testing laboratory is an independent organization that performs scientific research or conducts testing for external clients. These third-party laboratories complete activities that cannot be accomplished internally by their clients. The contract can be specific to certain components of an overall project and can last from weeks to many years, depending on the need. Businesses across multiple industries choose…

Thanks to a new U.S. law, drugs under development no longer need to be tested on animals before being administered to volunteers in human trials. Long-time animal rights advocates have lobbied for this action, while some people working in the pharmaceutical sector have claimed that animal testing may be both expensive and ineffective. The FDA Modernization Act 2.0 has caused…

It’s Thursday morning, and the director of R&D has a rush set of samples that need to be analyzed now (it’s always a rush). Do you have the materials on hand to do the work? Who’s your go-to supplier for fast delivery if something is in short supply? Is the equipment that will be used in good working condition and…

Choosing the right Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) isn’t just about features—it’s about flexibility. When evaluating LIMS platforms, labs often face the decision between customization and configuration. While the terms sound similar, their implications for scalability, cost, and long-term success are significantly different. Understanding the distinction between LIMS customization vs configuration can help you make smarter decisions that align with…

Staffing shortages can be felt in a multitude of industries, and laboratories are not immune. In fact, the number of active laboratory professionals overall has decreased. Laboratory staff are the backbone of scientific research, and their expertise and experience are vital to ensuring accurate and reliable results. However, shortages in laboratory staff can significantly impact the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality…

Before the 1970s, hard rock mine operators could dig for profitable hard rock minerals like gold or copper before abandoning the mining location and moving onward to find other prospective lands. About 140,000 relics of these hard rock mines, including unprotected tunnels and toxic waste dumps, have been found in areas under the control of federal agencies. Remedies to address…

One question that might have crossed your mind as a consumer as you reach in the fridge towards that questionable half gallon of milk to accompany your freshly poured cereal bowl is, “do these dates really matter?” The same can be said for over-the-counter medications, pharmaceuticals, and numerous other consumer items. One common misinterpretation is determining if expiration dates refer…

During most back-to-school sales you can pick up a basic college-ruled composition notebook for $1.00, or maybe even $0.50 if you shop around. Those 8” x 10” paperboard-covered, 100-page pads of paper are great for third-grade math homework and work exceptionally well as a teenage girl’s diary. But paper notebooks should have no place in a modern laboratory environment. Yet…

Starting and operating a laboratory is a vast and challenging undertaking. While securing the funding for a new lab represents progress and positivity, some intricacies exist in purchasing, hiring, and performing daily operations that are crucial for success. More than just a depth of scientific understanding is needed to set up a lab to guarantee years of fruitful and efficient…