Blog

What Are the Positives of Rail Travel?

Published

4 years ago

March 26, 2020

When most people travel they want to get to their destination as fast as possible. Whether this is driving down the motorway, or flying further distances. However, there is something to be said for taking a train. It’s not just a mode of transport that will take you from A to B. It allows you time to work, as well as time to appreciate the planet. Why should you start thinking about taking the train more?

Be Productive

When you travel by train it allows you to do so much more with the journey time. Rather than be stuck behind the wheel, and in rush hour traffic, your commute is yours to spend how you want to. Whether you want to get ahead in your working day, read for fun more, or even start crafting – you’ve got plenty of time. London commutes can be pretty hectic – trains to Peckham Rye can get quite full, so make sure to get a good seat to make the most of your trip.

Environmentally Friendly

When you travel by train, you’re also doing your part in helping the planet. Cars make up roughly 71% of C02 emissions. If more people get off the road and onto a train, it could help reduce the country’s carbon footprint. It can help cut down on pollution and improve the quality of air for everyone. Also travelling by train can help cut down on road accidents because it means there are fewer people driving on the road.

Admire Scenery

There is something to be said for simply sitting back and watching the world go by. When you board a train, you get a chance to see some stunning views. Railway routes cut through the countryside, and it offers you a chance to see some spectacular scenery that you couldn’t see any other way. There are some truly breath taking journeys you should look into going on.

Get Comfortable

When it comes to long-distance travel trains are much roomier than planes or buses. The seats are bigger and you’ve got more legroom, so it’s much easier for you to get settled and comfortable on your journey. Depending on your trip and how long you’ll be on board for, you may even get a bed to sleep in. This is a much better option than reclining your seat and hoping your neighbour doesn’t snore too much. Also if you fancy getting up and having a stroll, you’ve got much more to explore on a train. Drink in the dining cart, anyone?

There’s something special about taking the train. Even if it’s part of your regular commute, it still offers you some quality time to focus on what you need to. What’s your favourite part about taking the train.

Blog

Applications of Automation in Research and Clinical Diagnostics

Published

2 months ago

May 18, 2024

Rosario Farell

Precision counts in the fields of science and medicine. This is particularly true for the basic task of counting and analyzing cells, which is used in both clinical and research settings. The introduction of automatic cell counters, which provide efficiency and accuracy that manual approaches cannot match, has resulted in a notable advancement in this field.

What is Automated Cell Counting?

Automated cell counters are advanced instruments that are made to precisely and swiftly count and examine cells. In contrast to manual counting methods that rely on human vision and a microscope, automated counters use software algorithms and image technology to count and analyze cells. This ensures more accurate findings by expediting the procedure and lowering the possibility of human error.

Type of Automated Cell Counters

There are several types of automated cell counters used in research and clinical diagnostics, each employing different technologies and methods for cell counting. The main types of automated cell counters include:

● Image Cytometers: These devices use optical microscopy to statically image cells, which are frequently labeled to detect certain molecules or provide contrast. Cell counting is aided by the automation of image cytometers made possible by digital cameras.

● Flow Cytometers: Use a regulated flow of suspended cells to align individual cells for analysis. Staining cells with fluorochromes enables visual characterization of the cells and facilitates high-throughput analysis.

● Cell Sorters: Arrange cells according to their electrical properties. Sorting is accomplished by dividing the fluid stream containing the cells into droplets whose electrical charge varies according to the kind of cell and guiding them into various containers.

● Time-Lapse Cytometers: Allow for continuous monitoring of cells in an incubator by employing non-heat-generating light sources, such as LEDs, in conjunction with image cytometry to investigate cellular dynamics without causing damage to living cells.

● Hemocytometers: A qualified technician, an optical microscope, and a gridded slide with known volume wells are used in this manual cell counting approach. Up until the 1950s, hemocytometers were the norm for counting cells.

These various types of automated cell counters provide effective and precise methods for cell counting and analysis, each with unique benefits and uses in clinical and research environments.

Research

Automated cell counters have become indispensable tools in understanding cell behavior. They are used in various research fields, including cancer research, drug discovery, and stem cell therapy.

One of the key benefits in research is the ability to handle large volumes of data. For instance, in drug discovery, automated counters can quickly analyze the effects of thousands of compounds on cell growth and death. This high-throughput capability accelerates the pace of research, allowing scientists to screen potential drugs more efficiently than ever before.

Moreover, automated cell counters offer the precision required to detect subtle changes in cell populations. This is crucial in fields like cancer research, where understanding the behavior of cancer cells can lead to the development of more effective treatments.

Clinical Diagnostics

The impact of automated cell counters extends beyond the research laboratory and into clinical diagnostics. In medical laboratories, these devices play a critical role in routine blood tests, infectious disease diagnostics, and monitoring patient health during treatment.

For example, in a routine complete blood count (CBC), automated cell counters can quickly provide a detailed analysis of different blood cell types. This information is vital for diagnosing conditions such as anemia, infections, and blood cancers. The speed and accuracy of automated counters mean that patients can receive diagnoses and begin treatment more swiftly.

In the context of infectious diseases, automated counters can detect and quantify specific pathogens or immune cells, helping to diagnose infections quickly and accurately. During the COVID-19 pandemic, automated cell counting technologies were instrumental in monitoring virus spread and patients’ immune responses, showcasing their value in crisis situations.

Challenges and Future Directions

The initial cost of these devices can be high, and their operation requires specific technical expertise. Additionally, different types of cells and conditions may require customized counting protocols, necessitating ongoing adjustments and updates to software algorithms.

Looking ahead, ongoing advancements in technology promise to further enhance the capabilities of automated cell counters. The global cell counting market growth is anticipated at a CAGR of 7.5% by 2032. Innovations in imaging technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are expected to improve accuracy, speed, and the ability to analyze more complex cell characteristics. As these technologies evolve, automated cell counters will become even more integral to research and diagnostics, opening new avenues for scientific discovery and patient care.