The Scepter handheld, automated cell counter from Millipore provides researchers with a simple and affordable automated option for counting cells and monitoring the health of their cultures. The Scepter miniaturizes Coulter cell counting technology found in much larger instruments into a portable device the size of an automated pipette. The instrument contains advanced electronics for cell sensing, signal processing and data storage. A graphical display reports the cell count and average cell volume within 20 sec of inserting the tip into a cell culture sample. Currently, cells are typically counted manually under a microscope using a hemocytometer. However, loading a hemocytometer is tedious, and variability in user technique can impact the accuracy and precision of results. Automated cell counters are available, but these benchtop instruments are not portable and are more expensive than the Scepter handheld cell counter. In addition to showing cell counts and average cell volume, the instrument also displays a histogram of cell distribution by volume or diameter. The histogram can be used to provide an instant snap shot of culture’s health. Results can be stored on the instrument or downloaded to a computer.
Michelle LongoAsst. Managing Editor
Striving Toward Secondary GoalsLate last month, Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich stunned most everyone when he declared his promise that "by the end of my second term, we will have the first permanent base on the moon." While I don’t fault Gingrich for dreaming and trying to set high standards and goals, I can’t help but think of the enormous amount of known and unknown variables that significantly deter this accomplishment...continue
