Method for separating biological cells

A method for separating biological cells by suspending a mixed cell population in a two-phase polymer system is described. The polymer system consists of droplet phases with different surface potentials for which the cell populations exhibit different affinities. The system is subjected to an electrostatic field of sufficient intensity to cause migration of the droplets with an attendant separation of cells

SPAR project: Counter current distribution of biologicals

Preliminary ground based experiments strongly support the validity of a proposed space experiment in the separation of biological cells by counter current distribution (CCD). It was shown that a low level applied selective field can accelerate the separation of the phases by a very large factor. An electric field therefore should be very effective in space in lieu of gravity for the phase separation step. This appears to solve a central problem in implementing CCD in space and opens the technique to many types of large cell mixtures for which it has not been applicable before due to rapid settling effects. It was determined that electrophoretic migration of the cells, as a possibly disturbing factor, will be of negligible effect. Attenuation of a light beam by scattering generated a signal indicating the course of the phase separation

Harry Potter and metaphysical hospitality

Continuing the series of investigations of hospitality practices in different locations, Kevin O'Gorman and David Brooks explore what muggles can learn from the hospitality experienced in the world of wizardry. These epic fantasies have some mind-expanding messages for those who will listen