6 unusual instruments and installations used in scientific laboratories in Russia
Miscellaneous / / November 03, 2023
1. Space factory for the synthesis of biochemical molecules
The experimental setup can create space in a laboratory setting. Or more precisely, to reproduce within itself conditions from different points of the Universe - for example, places of star formation or cold molecular clouds. Collected Scientists from Samara have installed such an installation, and it should be operational by the end of 2023. Experiments at the factory will be carried out at the Center for Laboratory Astrophysics of the SF FIAN. Using the installation, researchers plan to study how complex organic compounds are formed in space, and test promising materials for cladding satellites, rockets and spacecraft for radiation resistance.
The principle of operation of the factory is this: powerful pumps create an ultra-high vacuum inside, and regulators set the required temperature level, from −269 to +76 ºС. The main element of the design is a silver mirror measuring 1 cm². During experiments, it, like particles of stardust, is covered with a thin layer of ice, and then precisely irradiated with beams of photons, electrons and other particles. Researchers expect that as a result they will be able to obtain biologically important molecules similar to those formed in the Universe. Only many times faster: ten hours of work in a factory would be approximately equal to a million years of radiation in space.
2. Fish-breeding plant for closed water supply (RAS)
Such There is at the Youth Laboratory of Genetic Technologies in Agricultural and Aquatic Economy VIZH named after Academician L. TO. Ernst. A fish hatchery is a system of artificial reservoirs in which fish grow from fertilized eggs to adults. The main feature of the installation is that the water there does not need to be constantly updated and cleaned. A multi-stage system of different filters is responsible for its condition. In such a setup, fish grow faster, and less resources are spent on maintaining them than in an aquarium.
Of course, this is not necessary to prepare the future lunch of scientists, but to preserve biodiversity. Now St. Petersburg researchers are working with sturgeon. The installation housed an experimental population of Siberian sturgeon of more than 300 individuals. In general, scientists have collected a collection of samples of genetic material from different species of fish. For example, there is already a passport for sterlet consisting of 12 microsatellite markers (sections in DNA). Such data will help in breeding work - it will be easier to determine the purebred of individuals.
The Youth Laboratory of Genetic Technologies in St. Petersburg was opened in 2022 with the support of national project "Science and Universities". And not only her. During the existence of the national project in Russia appeared 740 laboratories led by young scientists. All these organizations are equipped with high-tech equipment and specialize in different fields of science - from biomedicine and physics to agronomy and economics. By the end of 2024, under the national project “Science and Universities,” they plan to open 900 youth laboratories: two-thirds of their employees are under 39 years old.
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3. Complex with molecular detectors
The installation is engaged in phishing - this is a kind of fishing, only instead of perches and crucian carp there is a complex catches single biomacromolecules: proteins or nucleic acids. Scientists want to use such particles for early diagnosis of diseases or their prevention.
There is only one such complex in Russia - UNU (unique scientific installation) "Avogadro". It is located at the Research Institute of Biomedical Chemistry named after V. N. Orekhovich. Scientists are already there determined a reference group of biomacromolecules that can be considered the norm for a healthy person. That is, they created a real “molecular portrait of health.” It is with this that, using mathematical algorithms, it will be possible to compare the test results of people - to look for markers that signal the need for treatment or lifestyle adjustments.
4. Muffle furnace
Pies and pizzas are not prepared in this installation. A muffle furnace is needed to disinfect materials, create single crystals, and conduct research. Inside it there is a protective shell that prevents the object being burned from contacting the fuel and combustion products.
Muffle furnaces are not uncommon in scientific centers. For example, her use at the Laboratory of Environmental Problems of Post-Industrial Agglomeration of SUSU. Researchers there are looking for solutions to reduce environmental pollution in large cities with factories and industrial enterprises. To do this, scientists are developing new materials, such as modern filters for purifying liquids and gases.
5. Robotic cell for multi-axis 3D printing
Such a system for practicing multi-axis printing There is in the research laboratory “Mechanics of Biocompatible Materials and Devices” at Perm Polytechnic University. The peculiarity of this technology is that it allows you to create objects by fusing the material in stages - the layers can be not only flat, but also three-dimensional. The robotic cell of the Perm laboratory is suitable for working with various engineering “inks”, for example PEEK, Ultem, PA, PSU.
Using this and other tools, Polytechnic researchers are studying the physical and mechanical properties of biomaterials and searching for methods to control them. One of them achievements — development of a mathematical model for growing human skin. It will be useful for creating 3D implants, as well as for studying diseases, including carcinoma, as epithelial cancer is called.
6. Site for the production of medical implants
It is being created on the basis of the Laboratory of Superelastic Biointerfaces of TSU. There will be tested There are two methods for manufacturing implants: selective laser sintering (SLS) and direct laser growth (DLG). The first has been used in medicine for a long time, but the second has not. However, PLV has several potentially useful features. For example, it allows you to create structures with complex internal structures and unusual shapes - it is not without reason that it is used in the automotive and aviation industries.
The materials for the experiments will be various medical alloys that Tomsk scientists have already developed. They plan to create 3D products that can correct bone defects. In addition to the printing itself, TSU specialists will be testing implants for biocompatibility with the human body, studying their functionality and other properties. The researchers' goal is to make 3D implants as personalized as possible. That is, ones that would meet the specific requirements of medical cases and the individual parameters of the human body.
A “megagrant” helped Tomsk University launch the laboratory. This is the name of the program of cooperation between Russian universities and scientific organizations with leading world-famous scientists. It is implemented by national project “Science and Universities”. Alexey Volynsky, associate professor at the University of South Florida, became a visiting scientist at TSU. The megagrant program has existed since 2010. During this time, 345 world-class laboratories were created in Russia to conduct research.
Scientific centers are open for internships for schoolchildren and students - winners of the competition "The science. Heroes' Territory». This is a specialized online game through which you can get acquainted with the profession of a scientist. You can participate in the project from 10 to 22 years old. The competition tasks are posted on the platform "Heroes.science.rf", articles and animated videos are also collected there, in which they talk about various theories and phenomena in simple language.
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