The Information Resource for Lab Design, Engineering & Construction
February 2013 Laboratory Design Newsletter Issue Milestones
February 8, 2013 10:39 am | News | CommentsAcentech Inc., Cambridge, Mass., has hired Jay Epstein, RCDD, ESS, as an information technology and security system designer in its systems design group. The company is a multidisciplinary acoustics, AV systems and information technology design and vibration consulting firm. Previously, Epstein was a senior technology systems consultant and project coordinator at Bard, Rao + Athanas, Watertown, Mass.
UCLA, Oral Cancer Research Center, Los Angeles, Calif.
February 5, 2013 4:54 pm | News | CommentsThe project was a renovation of research space on the 7th floor of the UCLA School of Dentistry Building. The core support facilities include a large, open wet laboratory; alcoves for chemical fume hoods; tissue culture support; a dark room; a genomics/proteomics core; and equipment rooms.
ASHRAE publishes revised filtration standard
February 5, 2013 3:55 pm | News | CommentsIn a move to increase technical accuracy, ASHRAE has combined Standard 52.1, Gravimetric and Dust Spot Procedures for Testing Air Cleaning Devices Used in General Ventilation for Removing Particulate Matter, and 52.2, Method of Testing General Ventilation Air-Cleaning Devices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size.
Architecture Billings Index up for fifth consecutive month
February 5, 2013 3:52 pm | News | CommentsThough the score of 52.0 for December was down from 53.2 in November, the most recent AIA Billings Index reflects an increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). Highlights from the most recent report show that the Midwest came in first at 55.7.
UC Merced Science and Engineering Building 2 topped out
February 5, 2013 3:50 pm | News | CommentsThe new University of California, Merced Science and Engineering Building 2 "topped out" the structural steel, a significant milestone in the construction of the new facility. UC Merced officials, faculty, community members, and employees of general contractor McCarthy Building Companies Inc. commemorated the milestone by signing the last steel beam to be used, which was then hoisted and secured in place
OSU closer to goal of new engineering research facility
February 5, 2013 3:44 pm | News | CommentsLeveraging $20 million in gifts from private donors and possible matching state funds, Oregon State University (OSU) hopes to launch a $40 million building that will house laboratories for multidisciplinary research, while also addressing faculty space needs and creating a center focused on recruitment and retention of engineering students.
Automated building systems noted as a sustainability trend of 2013
February 5, 2013 3:40 pm | News | CommentsIn a blog on Greenbiz.com, Dan Probst, chairman of Energy and Sustainability Services for Jones Lang LaSalle, picked "smart building investment" as sustainability trend #4 for 2013. He notes that even though many companies aren't willing to part with the financial resources to invest in large-scale change, the quick payback of an automated building system can introduce building owners to the wonderful world of data collection.
Fresh thinking for sustainable, economical laboratories
February 5, 2013 3:35 pm | News | CommentsThe Laboratory Design Conference is a dynamic educational and networking event for those involved in planning, designing, engineering, constructing, and operating laboratory facilities. This year's agenda features recognized experts delivering sophisticated content on trends in creating efficient, green, and research-forward laboratory spaces.
Geothermal loops used in AIA honor award project
February 5, 2013 3:32 pm | News | CommentsOne of the first uses of a geothermal system in the U.S. was part of a project recently given an AIA 2013 National Honor Award. The Art Stable by Seattle-based Olson Kundig Architects uses geothermal loops inserted in the building's structural piles to create an innovative and highly energy-efficient radiant heating and cooling system.
Oberlin wins USGB best green four-year institution
February 5, 2013 3:28 pm | News | CommentsThe Center for Green Schools, part of the U.S. Green Building Council, announced its second annual "Best of Green Schools" list, which recognizes top educational institutions and individuals across the country for embracing environmental initiatives.
Compact lab sterilizer uses ozone for safe, effective cleaning
February 5, 2013 3:24 pm | Product Releases | CommentsThe CoolCLAVE is a compact, easy-to-operate sterilizer that uses ozone gas to clean laboratory tools. It is effective in sterilizing and deodorizing lightly contaminated pipettes, pipette tips, gloves, plates, small instruments, and even personal items such as keys and glasses.
Separation module upgrades microplate washers
February 5, 2013 3:21 pm | Product Releases | CommentsTitertek-Berthold's bio-magnetic bead separation module is available for use as an add-on unit for the company's Zoom series line of microplate washers. The module supports magnetic separation in both 96- and 384-well formats.
Identification labels survive sterilization processes
February 5, 2013 3:17 pm | Product Releases | CommentsCILS has launched high-performance labels that stay attached during repeated autoclave sterilization, radiation exposure, chemical sterilization, and extreme temperatures (-196 to +388 C).
Sterilization pouches provide puncture-resistant protection
February 5, 2013 3:13 pm | Product Releases | CommentsFormed with a 3/8-in seal, the peelable and header breathable pouches offer puncture protection and abrasion resistance. The Peelable Breathable Pouches are available in sizes from 13 x 15 in to 24 x 30 in.
R&D and related projects score mid-level rankings in construction forecast
January 23, 2013 9:09 am | News | CommentsAn annual analysis of the architecture, engineering, and construction business by consultant The JAGG Group indicates that science buildings won't be booming this year—but shouldn't lag, either. The "2013 Guide to the US AEC Markets" pegs apartments as the nation's top construction market sector.
