Accelerating Science: How to protect the environment with clean science

At the forefront of sustainable scientific advancements, SelectScience^® is thrilled to announce the launch of an exciting editorial feature: How to protect the environment with clean science. This interactive initiative sees leaders across industry and academia showcase the cutting-edge technologies that drive breakthroughs in the field.

The feature covers three pivotal topics. Find out how experts are leading the way in PFAS, battery testing, and lab sustainability to protect the environment below.

1. Scientists tackle PFAS – forever chemicals

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in both industry and consumer products since the 1940s due to their extreme stability. However, PFAS are extremely persistent and accumulate in the human body and the environment. Epidemiological studies have revealed associations between exposure to specific PFAS and a variety of effects on human health and this continues to be a key area of investigation. To better understand the environmental fate of PFAS, the ecological impacts, and the potential risk to public health, there is a need for robust analytical techniques that can provide unbiased quantitative and qualitative data.

2. Can battery testing drive a safer and greener future?

Rigorous battery testing has become increasingly important. This increase has been driven by the rapid expansion of electric vehicles, portable electronics, and renewable energy systems. Through comprehensive testing protocols, battery testing guarantees the performance, safety, and longevity of energy storage systems. By subjecting batteries to rigorous examinations, researchers and engineers can effectively mitigate potential risks, optimize battery design and performance, and elevate the overall system reliability. Substantial progress in testing technologies and methodologies have enabled more precise and efficient characterization of battery behavior under various operating conditions. These technological advancements have contributed toward significant improvements in battery performance, safety, and energy storage capabilities. 

3. Intelligent automation powers sustainable science

Laboratory automation is the incorporation of automated technologies into lab operations to enhance and streamline processes. Traditionally, these solutions target repetitive tasks like library preparation and liquid handling, which were manually executed by lab personnel. However, with technological advancements, automation now extends to more intricate processes and even entire workflows. In today's competitive landscape, automated technology has become indispensable for laboratories to meet demands efficiently. Modern laboratories face mounting pressures to boost throughput, efficiency, and quality amid resource constraints. Managing complex tests, diverse workflows, and time-consuming sample preparation poses significant challenges across different laboratory settings. Consequently, many labs turn to laboratory automation to replace manual tasks, enhance throughput, and elevate quality standards. Whether it's deploying a standalone automated instrument like a pipette machine or implementing comprehensive workflow automation, laboratory automation can revolutionize lab operations.

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