Gloves are no longer considered as laboratory commodity products and are now thought of as tools used to perform the science safely and effectively. There are three primary considerations one should observe when selecting the right laboratory gloves, starting with health and safety.

It is important that the lab gloves being used should meet various health and safety legislation. Before purchasing, check they are certified in accordance with the EU Directive 89/686/EEC, as a PPE Category III product. Much of this research should be done with the research in mind. Consider the level of risk personnel may be exposed to, and according to this select a glove with the appropriate level of certification and performance with respect to test standards relevant to the risk.

Other health and safety aspects include chemical splash hazards and microorganism hazards. Both of these can cause damage to the glove in use and as a consequence cause damage to the skin. There are standard signs in the industry that specify which glove is appropriate for these experiments, such as published EN374-3:2003 test data for chemical hazards and test standard EN374-2:2003 for microorganism hazards.

The second consideration for selecting the right glove is the application specific requirements. Different applications require different protection and functionality, and these considerations go beyond simply considering health and safety requirements.

Contamination is an important consideration, with latex gloves typically associated with protein contamination for example. Functionality is the next requirement, such as the physical attributes of the glove that allow it to be used to perform procedures safely and effectively, such as dexterity and tactile sensitivity, grip, comfort and tear resistance. 

Finally, there are personal considerations. Every person is different and this translates to how we perform in the lab. Choosing a glove that suits you is one of the most important aspects, because if you don’t feel comfortable in your work, your performance is likely to be impacted.

Research teams from the INRS University's Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications Research Centre in Canada have helped to develop the ultra fast, robust, stable and high precision lasers, which could allow for new avenues of medical research to be opened.

Professor Morandotti, who was elected a fellow by the Optical Society of America and by the International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE), said:"We advanced a new approach to develop a laser that boasts as yet unparalleled stability and precision, allowing us to conduct new experiments and open up new realms of research.

"Plus, a multitude of applications may be created in biology, medicine, materials processing, IT, high speed communications, and metrology."

The researchers developed a ring resonator (a key laser key component) that plays a duel role by acting as both a filter and a non-linear element. It is manufactured using a special glass which can harness nonlinear optical properties which are central to the operation of the laser.

Students from Limehurst High School in Loughborough exhibited their wares at this year’s Fisher Scientific Science World at Wembley Stadium.

Members of Limehurst’s science club spent three months learning about all aspects of the business and marketing laboratory supplies in preparation for the national event.

Several members of Fisher Scientific staff mentored the pupils on various aspects of marketing and communications to create an exhibition stand to rival stands by leading manufacturers. Students created their own brand of disposable laboratory gloves – “Glohurst” – to promote to customers at the exhibition.  

The Glohurst marketing team attracted visitors to their stand through their ‘Mystery box’ game. Visitors to the stand were asked to don a pair of gloves and then reach into a black box full of an unknown substance. If the customer correctly identified the substance, they were given a sweet reward.

Their manner and enthusiasm attracted the attention of Miss Ballooniverse who spent time fashioning glove themed hats for the Glohurst team.  These creations attracted even more visitors to the stand all of whom bravely tested Glohurst gloves in the mystery box including guest speaker Werner Gruber. Professor Gruber discussed the benefits of the gloves with the Glohurst team and posed for photos encouraging them to shout ‘Science Rules’ as the pics were snapped.

Glohurst gloves certainly made their mark on the exhibition and drew the attention of star guest speaker Professor Brian Cox. Professor Cox was impressed to see that Science World was a platform for encouraging young people to interact with the scientific community.

“Hosting school children at Science World is a first for us and they’re work is fantastic. Their presence here has created a real buzz and positive atmosphere. Everyone is talking about them. They are a credit to their teachers and parents. We’re very proud of all their achievements.”  –  Emily Quinton, Marketing Promotions Manager – Fisher Scientific.

When you invite Professor Brian Cox to speak at your science event, you get a good idea about what sort of mood there is going to be.

This year is all about making science fun, with events on throughout the day to keep visitors entertained, as well as informed, as they pass through over 75 world-leading exhibitors.

Dr Hal and Side Show Dave Campbell are back for the 2012 event, after engaging audiences in 2011 with their explosive experiments. Dr Hal is renowned for his destructive methodologies, becoming the first chemist in history to cause an explosion at the House of Commons.

This year he is back with demonstrations such as the Exploding Ostrich Egg, Manufacturing Liquid Oxygen, Chemiluminescence, YBCO Levitation and the world’s biggest N2O/CS2 Barking Dogs. 

As well as this there will be several other booths around the event with a similar remit of keeping the day perky and engaging. There are the wonderful, whacky creations of Miss Ballooniverse, who earlier today created a balloon version of Brian Cox.

There are also complimentary manicures, a caricaturist and Alison Russell, who is one of the few remaining silhouette artists in England.

Joe Skerratt was temporarily fitted with a 'Berlin heart' after he was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy.

This is a condition where the heart struggles to pump blood around the body, with the artificial heart used to provide a helping hand with this task.

The young boy used the device for eight months, which doctors say is a record time for a child in the UK, before having a heart transplant last year. Joe's mother, Rachel, said the process was long, but "seeing his new heart – a normal size and thumping away in his chest – was incredible".

Joe was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy when he was taken to hospital at just three weeks old. An X-ray showed his heart was severely enlarged. He was fitted with the Berlin heart, which is about the size of a small fridge.

Most children that use the device only stay on it for a matter of weeks, but others, like Joe, may have to use it for months before receiving a heart transplant.

Dr Alessandro Giardini, consultant paediatric cardiologist at Great Ormond Street, said: "Joe was very lucky to be able to have a heart transplant. There is a chronic shortage of donor organs for children in the UK and at any one time we have several children in the hospital awaiting a transplant. Lots of children wait years for an organ to become available and can very sadly die while they are doing so."

A recent Bionic Bodies series on the BBC explored the extent to which the human body can be rebuilt using technology. As well as replacing arms and legs, there are now technologies that can part-replace functions in the brain, the eye, the ear and the pancreas.

“Glohurst” is a unique display of protective gloves that has been designed by the pupils, aged 12-14 with help from marketing staff at Fisher Scientific UK.

This week the science club welcomed guest speaker Mark Whitely, Territory Manager for Fisher Scientific Safety products.  Mark’s expertise and enthusiasm really helped the pupils to understand the different types of safety gloves on offer and effective ways of communicating these products to customers.

The pupils are learning that extensive product knowledge will make for a truly confident sales pitch, SO important as they will join over 75 leading suppliers at the big event.

Mark also stressed the importance of encouraging customers to “try before they buy”.  With this in mind, the pupils have dreamt up some exciting (and rather gooey!) ways of asking customers to try on their range of protective gloves.

Join us on the “Glohurst” stand at Science World to find out more if you dare!!! Register now »

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Our list of Science World exhibitors reads like a who’s who of LAB GEAR!

Over 75 leading industry suppliers will join us for the UK’s BIGGEST lab event to showcase the very best scientific equipment. 

Come and meet the people behind the products.  Visitors will have the chance to test new products first hand and watch the experts in action at a host of live demos.  Bolle Safety, Corning Life Sciences, Esco, Grant and Thermo Fisher Scientific have already announced exclusive discounts for Science World attendees and some exciting competitions.

Keep a close eye on the exhibitor’s page for the latest competition news – we’ll be updating this page regularly in the lead up to the big event.

Not registered yet?  There’s still time – register now »

You would be forgiven for thinking that this is an innovative new lab product from a multi-million pound company. But you would be wrong!

Glohurst is the brainchild of 15 local school children who are designing their own product display, to stand alongside over 75 leading industry suppliers at Science World, the Fisher Scientific Laboratory Experience. The event will take place on 19 April 2012 at Wembley Stadium.

The pupils, all members of the Limehurst School science club, are busy with every aspect of the design and promotion of their Glohurst gloves and are being guided through the process by members of the Fisher Scientific UK marketing team.

They will join super-star Professor Brian Cox and a host of inspirational scientists for what promises to be the biggest and best Science World event to date.

Join us and cheer on the Limehurst pupils at Science World 2012. It is FREE to attend – register now »

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This year’s Science World has heaps of great entertainment to keep you amused.  So if you need a breather from all the exciting exhibitors then take advantage of the tantalizing treats in store…

For our extra special 21st event celebrations we welcome back some old favourites; Dr Hal will WOW the crowds with his Bigger Bang Elemental Spectacular, our resident caricaturist David Lewis will be thrilling the crowds with his witty portraits and the talented Alison Russell will bring the traditional skill of ‘silhouetting’ to life for those who fancy a unique memento of their Science World visit.

BRAND NEW for 2012 we welcome the marvelous Miss Ballooniverse, along with relaxing massage and manicures to soothe tension and pamper those hands – after grabbing all those Science World freebies.

Don’t forget, special guests Professor Brian Cox and Werner Gruber will also be joining us on the day.

Phew! With all this amazing fun stuff lined up, Wembley really is the venue of legends.

Not registered yet?  Visit our events page to register your FREE place at Science World 2012.

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