New technique helps lab operators

A new chemical technique developed at Iowa State University could lead to faster results from your doctor’s office. I-S-U Chemist Dan Armstrong says the technique allows researchers to isolate tiny microorganisms for study. Armstrong says this process speeds up the tests now conducted in labs.Armstrong and his colleagues also plan to use the technique to monitor fermentation processes that are widely used in drug, food and biotechnology areas. He says there’s no good way to track the fermentation processes now.Armstrong says the use of the technique could impact a wide-range of industriesThe technique has already been used to quickly detect urinary track infections by separating out living and dead microbes.