Lab Manager June 2021

June 2021 Volume 16 • Number 5 LabManager.com THREE STRATEGIES to make LABS MORE SUSTAINABLE Making the research enterprise more sustainable and equitable Adapting to Change Green Lab Design

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contentsJune 2021 LabManager.com 10 14 22 18 feature leadership & staffing 10 Three Strategies to Make Labs 24 Common Myths About Leadership: More Sustainable Debunked Making the research enterprise more sustainable and equitable. Managing expectations versus reality for those in leadership roles. Star Scott and Christina Greever Sherri L. Bassner labs less ordinary lab design 14 Seed Potato Germplasm Program 26 Designing and Building a ‘Green’ Lab University of Idaho lab provides potato education, produces healthier tubers. Flexible, thoughtful lab design saves both energy and money. MaryBeth DiDonna MaryBeth DiDonna business management 30 Law Library Transformed into 18 Adapting to Organizational Changes Modern Science Labs Tips to help staff navigate the changes that impact them. University of South Carolina Science & Technology building Scott D. Hanton wins Special Mention for Adaptive Reuse in Lab Design Excellence Awards. asset management MaryBeth DiDonna 22 Recycling Laboratory Consumables health & safety How to reduce and recycle laboratory plastics. Michelle Dotzert 34 Chemical Spill Management and Response Best practices for preventing chemical spills in the lab. Ira Wainless 4 Lab Manager June 2021 LabManager.com

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lJaunbe o20r21atory product reports LabManager.com 2021 GREEN LABS DIGITAL SUMMIT DEPARTMENTS Achieving a truly sustainable lab can’t happen manager minute overnight. But there are small things lab manag- ers can implement now to get on the right track. 09 Three Keys to Improve How Lab Staff Ask for Help Join Lab Manager on July 20-21 for our Green Labs Digital Summit, “Working Toward a More The confidence to ask for help is an important trait employees need to succeed. Sustainable Lab.” This two-day program will Scott D. Hanton feature industry experts who will share their experiences in the sustainable lab, and will industry insights offer advice to help you “green” your own lab through lower energy consumption, less landfill 38 The Impact of Clouds on Climate Change waste, and more sustainable work processes. Cloud formation and other fundamental knowledge can enhance future climate models. summit.labmanager.com/greenlabs Lauren Everett Lab Manager® (ISSN: 1931-3810) is published 11 times per year; ask the expert monthly with combined issues in January/February, by LabX, 1000 N West Street, Suite 1200, Wilmington, Delaware, 19801. USPS 42 Ask the Expert 024-188 Periodical Postage Paid at Fulton, MO 65251 and at an additional mailing office. A requester publication, Lab Manager, is Artificial intelligence to enhance diagnostics development. distributed to qualified subscribers. Non-qualified subscription rates Tanuja Koppal in the U.S. and Canada: $120 per year. All other countries: $180 per year, payable in U.S. funds. Back issues may be purchased at product focus a cost of $15 each in the U.S. and $20 elsewhere. While every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained 44 Balances herein, the publisher and its employees cannot accept responsibility for the correctness of information supplied, advertisements or opin- Staying in compliance and creating an audit trail. ions expressed. ©2013 Lab Manager® by Geocalm Inc. All rights Mike May reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission from the publisher. 46 Cold Storage WDS Canadian return: 1000 N West Street, Suite 1200, Cold storage security is essential for safeguarding valuable contents. Wilmington, Delaware, 19801. Aimee O’Driscoll POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 48 Flow Cytometry Lab Manager®, PO Box 2015, Skokie, Il 60076. New applications accelerate potential as a platform for drug screening and subcellular characterization. Brandoch Cook 50 Power Supplies Protect the functions and lifetime of your instruments by optimizing power sources. Andy Tay in every issue 19 Infographic Energy efficient laboratory equipment. 51 The Big Picture Tackling the topics that matter most to lab managers. 52 Technology News The latest equipment, instruments, and system introductions to the laboratory market. 55 Lab Manager Online 6 Lab Manager June 2021 LabManager.com

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editor’s note can you achieve sustainability without equity? This issue’s theme—sustainability—is a topic that is regularly design editor MaryBeth DiDonna addresses what actually makes discussed in our editorial coverage, and continues with each passing a lab “green” and how lab leaders can collaborate with design and year to be an important business consideration for laboratories. As build teams to achieve their sustainability and energy goals. Also Star Scott and Christina Greever, the writers of this issue’s cover in our Lab Design section, we feature the University of South story, point out in their piece, “To date, most laboratory sustain- Carolina Science & Technology Building, which was the focus of ability efforts have focused on reducing the environmental impact a Special Mention for Adaptive Reuse in Lab Manager’s Lab Design of science and making those efforts economically viable.” However, Excellence Awards. These awards were developed to recognize there are three pillars to achieve true sustainability, one of them and celebrate the best new projects within the lab design com- being “people”, or social equity. This often-overlooked aspect of lab munity. Tur n to page 30 to learn how an outdated law library was sustainability is the focus of our main feature in this issue. Scott and transformed into a vibrant, modern science building. Greever’s approach to such a complex topic expanded my view of what the goal of sustainability truly is, and I hope our readers find it If you enjoy the information we provide in print, I encourage you valuable. Turn to page 10 for the full article. to explore our digital offerings as well. We have a robust library of comprehensive resource guides, articles, and infographics. You can For those trying to be more environmentally-conscious, an easy get a glimpse of one such infographic as an example on page 19. first step in our daily lives is to reduce or eliminate our use of In this visual, we showcase some of the innovative features now on plastic bags, straws, and other single-use plastics. But in the lab, the market that aim to reduce energy consumption and operating that seemingly simple task is a bit more complicated. In this issue’s costs. We include interesting facts and engaging information in Asset Management article, Michelle Dotzert, PhD, speaks with an easy-to-digest format that you can download for free. To see Rachael Relph, chief sustainability officer at My Green Lab, about everything we offer online, go to LabManager.com. helpful strategies for lab managers to reduce and recycle labora- tory plastics. Turn to page 22 to see what Relph recommends. Lauren Everett Managing Editor From a lab design perspective, there are a variety of unique ways architects, engineers, and builders can work with lab staff to improve the efficiency of their facilities. Beginning on page 26, lab editorial director art director senior account managers Published by LabX Media Group Scott Hanton Danielle Gibbons Alyssa Moore president [email protected] [email protected] Mid-Atlantic, Southeast & International [email protected] Bob Kafato creative services director graphic designer 610.321.2599 [email protected] Trevor Henderson Alisha Vroom [email protected] [email protected] Reece Alvarez managing partner Northeast Mario Di Ubaldi managing editor creative services coordinator [email protected] [email protected] Lauren Everett Sherri Fraser 203.246.7598 [email protected] [email protected] executive vice president Melanie Dunlop Ken Piech senior digital content editor business coordinator West Coast [email protected] Rachel Muenz Andrea Cole [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 888.781.0328 x231 production manager Greg Brewer scientific technical editor eMarketing coordinator account manager [email protected] Michelle Dotzert Laura Quevedo Dawn Schaefer [email protected] [email protected] Midwest and Key Accounts custom article reprints [email protected] The YGS Group contributors circulation specialist 910.880.8441 [email protected] Star Scott Matthew Gale 800.290.5460 Christina Greever [email protected] 717.505.9701 x100 Sherri L. Bassner, PhD Ira Wainless subscription customer service Tanuja Koppal, PhD [email protected] Mike May, PhD Aimee O'Driscoll 1000 N West Street, Suite 1200 Brandoch Cook, PhD Wilmington, Delaware, 19801 Andy Tay, PhD 888.781.0328 8 Lab Manager June 2021 LabManager.com

manager minute MANAGER MINUTE Three Keys to Improve How Lab Staff Ask for Help by Scott D. Hanton, PhD We all know the phrase, “it takes a village to questions. This can be difficult, especially if the more raise a child.” This concept is also true for senior staff are the ones misbehaving, but it is necessary labs. The science practiced in most labs to build a culture that supports asking for help. is too diverse, too complex, and too detailed to be fully mastered by individuals. It takes a team to really #3 – Direct staff to the local experts deliver high-quality technical work. For that team to really deliver, each member needs to access the In some labs, all questions go to the manager. Lab knowledge and experience from the rest of the team managers can help staff get more comfortable ask- members. The key skill to access this knowledge is the ing questions of peers by directing them to the local willingness to ask for help. Some people think that experts, rather than answering all of the questions asking for help is a sign of weakness, but as Wayne themselves. While it can feel good to be the source of Baker shared in his recent book, All You Have to Do is help, no one can know everything important about the Ask, asking for help is really a sign of strength and lab, and lab managers might find that, by redirecting confidence, and is a key skill to help employees suc- some questions to others, they free up time to complete ceed. Here are three tips that will help you improve other important activities. the sharing of knowledge in your lab through effec- tive questions and requests for help. #1 – Model the desired behavior Lab staff are constantly monitoring the behaviors of leadership. Lab managers can demonstrate to staff that it is OK and safe to ask questions by asking questions themselves. It is important that the questions asked by management are rooted in curiosity, not pop quizzes to see if staff are knowledgeable. By asking relevant questions, really listening to the answers, and making use of the shared knowledge, lab managers can show staff the value of asking for help at work. #2 – Ensure safety Thanks for reading. I hope you can use this information. I am very interested Some people are afraid to look foolish or ignorant in in hearing from you. If you have feedback or comments on this set of tips, front of their peers. This concern reduces the questions they are willing to ask, and reduces the benefits they can or suggestions for future Manager Minutes, I’d love to hear from you. Please receive from their colleagues. Lab managers can actively reach out to me at [email protected]. I’m looking forward to support staff as they ask questions, participate in the our conversations. Thanks. conversations, and reinforce the positive nature of ask- ing for help. Lab managers can also root out behaviors in staff that ridicule or mock the people who are asking the June 2021 Lab Manager 9

THREE STRATEGIES to make LABS MORE SUSTAINABLE Making the research enterprise more sustainable and equitable by Star Scott and Christina Greever To date, most laboratory sustainability efforts have working to remedy this fact. Equity is often conflated with focused on reducing the environmental impact of the term equality, which means sameness and assumes, science and making those efforts economically vi- incorrectly, that we all have had equal access, treatment, able. Though these efforts have been valuable, true sus- and outcomes. In fact, true equity implies that an individ- tainability should also consider people and communities ual may need to receive something different (not equal) to impacted by the research enterprise, and drive changes maintain fairness and access (Morton et al, 2015). for how researchers conduct science. To pursue these solutions, it is important to first under- stand what “equity” means. Equity is the notion of being fair and impartial as an individual engages with an orga- nization or system. It acknowledges that everyone has not been afforded the same resources and treatment while also

three strategies to make labs more sustainable If lab leaders want to support truly sustainable be recycled locally, such as via solvent distillation. research initiatives and uphold social and environmen- Finally, learn about your institution's disposal process tal justice, they need to prioritize equity within the for hazardous waste. Perhaps a disruptive model can be research enterprise. By using the framework, “who is implemented to transform the current system. benefitting and who is bearing the burden?”, lab leaders can consider the impact the scientific enterprise has on Laboratory plastics others and identify needed changes for improvement. Single-use plastics provide many benefits to science Hazardous waste such as improving efficiency and sterility, but communi- ties around the world are negatively impacted by its use. Once hazardous waste leaves the laboratory, other Urbina et. al. estimated the research enterprise generates professionals handle its processing, allowing scientists 5.5 million metric tons of plastic waste per year. to remain focused on research. One hundred thousand pounds, or more, of hazardous waste can be generated As most plastics are derived from fossil fuels, the by a single US research institution annually, transported growing need for these fuels and plastics has led to and disposed of per a contract usually given to the increasingly disruptive extraction processes. With eight lowest cost bidder. For scientists, this system has pro- million metric tons of plastic entering oceans each year, vided some invisibility to the volume of waste gener- plastics generated in one place can negatively impact ated and its final disposition. Hazardous waste is usually communities around the world. This is caused by mis- transported far away from a research institution to an managed coastal waste, as well as the plastic waste trade, incinerator, waste-to-energy plant, or subtitle C land- in which more developed countries ship plastic scraps to fill. Despite federal and state regulations, the disposal countries with less-regulated waste management. The process is not perfect, as communities around the US US is offshoring its plastic waste, which is often sorted experience negative health effects and environmental by poor workers in unsafe conditions. pollution from living near hazardous waste disposal facilities. Hazardous waste from laboratories impacts the Plastic becomes even more dangerous as it breaks air, soil, and water quality of the communities near these apart. Once in the ocean, plastic breaks into tiny pieces sites. At best, the incinerator or landfill abides by all en- (microplastics), which readily bind to some of the most vironmental regulations. At worst, the hazardous waste toxic chemical pollutants in our oceans. These pollutants causes harm in communities who didn’t generate it. 3 Pillars to Sustainability It is well documented that lower income and higher minority communities have historically been chosen as credit to newleaf-llc.com sites for waste disposal landfills and incinerators, and ex- perience detrimental health effects as a result of this close PEOPLE proximity (Mohai and Saha 2015; Commission for Racial social equity Justice 1987; Tessum et. al 2015). The current prevailing model in the US is that the burden of hazardous waste SUSTAINABLE disposal is unevenly experienced, a system that predomi- nantly benefits powerful research institutions and com- PLANET PROFIT munities that are whiter and more highly educated. environmental economic stewardship prosperity Scientists can mitigate these inequities by embrac- ing and applying principles of green chemistry. Using resources such as MilliporeSigma’s DOZN Tool and the American Chemical Society’s Solvent Selection Tool help eliminate the most toxic and environmen- tally-persistent chemicals from your lab applications. Consider whether reactions can be scaled down, or improve processes to reduce the quantity of hazardous waste byproducts. Consider whether chemicals could June 2021 Lab Manager 11

three strategies to make labs more sustainable bioaccumulate up the food chain, resulting in sometimes dangerously high contaminant levels in larger fish—those most likely to be con- sumed by people. Both the extraction of fossil fuels for making plastics and the man- agement of plastic waste are processes that harm the climate, wildlife, waterways, and the food chain. This ultimately also harms humans, but some of us more than others. Fracking wells and drilling sites are disproportionately located in poor, rural, and often minority communi- ties. Similarly, ocean plastics disproportionately impact coastal commu- nities in which local seafood is not only part of their cultural heritage, but also more affordable and accessible than food purchased at a store. This causes contention when scientists recommend to locals not to eat their local diet because it’s no longer safe. This pollution comes from the world, but these communities are left with the burden and suffer negative health impacts. Scientists can be developers of unique solutions to mitigate plastic use in the lab. While it may not be possible to stop all scientific plastic use overnight, it is important for lab leaders to take initiative to reduce use in their labs by engaging in sustainable procurement, engineering out plas- tics, opting for glassware and washing when possible, sourcing alternative plastics, asking companies to provide take-back programs for their prod- ucts, and asking questions about how their institutions manage this waste. The research community, including lab leaders, must seek to use plastics responsibly or find alternatives to reduce (and eventually eliminate) the environmental and social justice burdens of plastic. Equity within the lab While the above narratives demonstrate examples of how labora- tory sustainability must include equity considerations for communi- ties impacted by the research enterprise, scientists can also more fully embrace sustainability by considering equity within their laboratories. Research spaces have well-documented inequities: gender pay gaps, funding disparities, limits to collective bargaining, and burdens of invisible work on underrepresented individuals, to name a few. When considering what scientists contribute to society—knowl- edge, as well as ideas that inform advances in engineering, medicine, and public health—it is crucial that these processes be equitable to better serve all communities. A more equitable lab can also attract and retain more diverse talent, support different perspectives and ideas, and lead to better innovations. In clinical applications, this diversity of thought leads to better health outcomes for patients in underrepresented groups. In addition, there is evidence that greater equity leads to a happier workforce. Lab managers can take a variety of actions to build greater equity within their lab. A great place to start is being more transparent about pay and promoting pay equity within the lab. Other actions that can improve equity among lab staff include things like access to fam- ily leave, ensuring that lab chores are shared among all lab members PageVerticalAd#2.indd 1 6/17/20 4:21 PM

three strategies to make labs more sustainable regardless of tenure or seniority, provide recognition how scientists are trained and treated. Given the mas- to all staff for their accomplishments, encourage men- sive environmental footprint and buying power of the torship opportunities for everyone in the lab, and rec- scientific sector, seemingly small systemic changes can ognize the burden of extra mentoring and service work result in large global impacts. expected of underrepresented staff. For laboratories to become sustainable, the experience of scientists must Star Scott is a Green Labs expert with a background in be considered. A greater focus on equity will benefit conservation-driven research. She is the co-vice president for everyone, but especially underrepresented individuals the Georgia chapter of the International Institute for Sustain- in science. able Laboratories, as well as the Campus, Safety, Environmen- tal Management Association liaison to the Higher Education Making a positive impact Associations Sustainability Consortium. She can be reached at [email protected]. The research enterprise has a responsibility to produce science without burdening or harming oth- Christina Greever is the sustainability program manager for the ers. Adopting more equitable sustainability practices global nonprofit organization My Green Lab, which helps scientists will enable scientists to have more positive impacts on build a culture of sustainability within their labs. Her background society. Scientists should be empowered to discover includes lab sustainability in higher education, research compliance, less harmful ways of conducting science. Opportunity molecular biology research, and behavioral neuroscience research. exists for the entire research enterprise to do better; She can be reached at [email protected]. from lab and product design, to shipping practices, to

labs less ordinary Seed Potato Germplasm Program UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO LAB PROVIDES POTATO EDUCATION, PRODUCES HEALTHIER TUBERS by MaryBeth DiDonna Idaho is well-known for potato production. Accord- the seed potato industry, says Jenny Durrin, Seed Po- ing to the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, the tato Germplasm program director, University of Idaho. state leads the nation in potato production, with nearly “The products we produce are in vitro potato plantlets one-third of all US potatoes for greenhouse growers, grown there. More than 30 soil-less minitubers for seed varieties are harvested in the “We are working toward producers, and individual in Gem State, including Yukon vitro plantlets (germplasm) optimizing production of Golds, Reds, Fingerlings, and this high-value crop, and for other laboratories across the Russet, also known as the United States and world,” the “Idaho potato.” The crop says Durrin. “The services flourishes particularly well sharing this information we provide include establish- in Idaho thanks to its warm ing plants into tissue culture days, cool evenings, and fertile to others in the industry is (in vitro), virus clean-up volcanic soil. therapy, long-term germ- Fittingly, the University paramount to our mission.” plasm storage, and garlic of Idaho is home to a pro- pathogen screening.” duction laboratory on its The SPGP works within Moscow campus that works the University of Idaho’s closely with the seed potato industry to produce better, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences to establish, healthier tubers. The Seed Potato Germplasm Program maintain, and distribute disease-free germplasm and (SPGP) offers products and services for customers in minitubers, which are utilized by both domestic and 14 Lab Manager June 2021 LabManager.com

labs less ordinary 1. 2. 1. The SPGP lab houses a collection of 3. more than 250 potato varieties. Rus- sets are commonly known in the US as “Idaho potatoes.” 2. The Seed Potato Germplasm Program has developed an ebb and flow hydroponic system used to grow minitubers in a greenhouse—a time-consuming process, since pota- toes aren’t typically grown hydroponi- cally. 3. Ali Covey, SPGP greenhouse assistant manager, works in the original SPGP lab housed in the University of Idaho’s Agricultural Science Building. The program will move into a new, stand-alone lab facility in July 2021. 4. The SPGP uses a nutrient film tech- nique to develop minitubers. Because tissue culture plants don’t perform well when planted into field soil, they are instead planted into greenhouses using this hydroponic technique. Credit for all images: Jenny Durrin 4. international seed potato growers as well as research- manage the licensing and royalty collection on Tri- ers. It’s the only lab that maintains the entire collection State potato varieties. The SPGP also has the only of Potato Variety Management Institute (PVMI) lines. lab that performs virus clean-up of new experimental The PVMI was established in 2005 by the state potato lines that enter the Tri-State program. The lab cleans, commissions of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho to maintains, and distributes these experimental lines to growers and researchers. It’s this large collection of potato varieties (more than 250 in total) that makes the SPGO lab unique, says Durrin. “The collection includes clean versions of experimen- tal varieties that don’t exist anywhere else in the world. We send germplasm to other laboratories all over the world,” she says, adding that the SPGP is the “industry leader in virus clean-up therapy for potatoes,” through June 2021 Lab Manager 15

labs less ordinary a long process that rids plants of potato viruses by using technology on the cutting edge, as well as fund student a virus inhibitor and heat cycles. “We produce minitu- training and education via internships. The stand-alone bers using no soil. Instead, we grow in perlite and use a lab—funded through the Idaho Potato Commission, nutrient solution. The research we conduct is open and Northwest Farm Credit Services, private donors, and available to anyone that contacts the program. We are the State of Idaho—will ensure the program’s biosafety working toward optimizing production of this high- since it will enable isolation from the research that’s value crop, and sharing this information to others in the being conducted on potato pathogens. Increased cold industry is paramount to our mission,” Durrin says. storage capacity will support enhanced production of current varieties to meet industry needs, while also al- The research done by the SPGP is funded by the lowing for broader development of new varieties. sales of their products and services to the seed potato industry. This research includes optimizing conditions The lab’s main goal is to produce the highest quality for potato in vitro plantlets, which includes media and in vitro plantlets and minitubers possible, especially con- lighting conditions. Durrin says that her lab has devel- sidering the costs of these products to their seed potato oped an ebb and flow hydroponic system used to grow industry partners. “We produce about 200,000 in vitro minitubers in a greenhouse. “Potatoes are not usually plantlets per year, distributed in petri plates. Plantlets grown hydroponically, and developing this system took sell for 68 cents per plant. Minitubers are produced in a time and research into the different nutrient formula- greenhouse under strict guidelines without soil. Mini- tions,” says Durrin. tubers are sold for $38 per pound. With this high cost comes a responsibility to produce a high-quality product Additionally, the lab is currently experimenting with free from pathogens,” says Durrin. She adds, “Other a controlled environment project where potatoes are goals include educating the industry about the best prac- grown under artificial LED lighting rather than sunlight. tices for growing minitubers and sharing our production “Our work has shown the importance of light density research with the industry.” and duration for optimum tuber production in a con- trolled environment system,” Durrin says. “We are able Working with living organisms can be challenging, to eliminate sunlight from the growing requirements. says Durrin, because the different potato varieties don’t Eliminating sunlight increases control over the plants all respond to treatments in the same way. “Some variet- and subsequently leads to much higher yields. We are ies respond quickly to virus clean-up therapies while able to produce 150 percent more tubers in the same others struggle significantly. Some varieties respond well space as before.” to a new nutrient formulation while others struggle to produce higher yields,” she says. “The work is challeng- Growth like this is among the reasons why the lab ing in this way, and each day is a learning opportunity.” will soon be moving to a new location. The SPGP, originally housed in a corner of the university’s Agri- In addition to the learning opportunities, the seed cultural Science Building, plans to move into a new lab potato program also provides Durrin with the chance to building by July 2021. “The laboratory is moving into a interact with industry professionals and improve both multi-million-dollar stand-alone facility that will house their personal experience and their crops. “I enjoy talk- a quarantine lab, micropropagation lab, and four growth ing with seed potato farmers and producing a high-qual- chambers. We will continue to produce a high-quality ity product for them that makes their jobs easier,” says product for our customers, and we will be able to do it Durrin. “On a strictly science basis, my favorite part of on a larger scale. Future research in the new space will the lab is working with the plants and understanding on include more work into lighting and humidity for in vitro a deep level what makes them do what they do. Under- plantlets,” says Durrin. She adds that she also plans to standing the way they react in vitro to different stimuli bring in new species and work at storing germplasm for versus in the greenhouse is fascinating. Learning how to these species of plants. Her future plans include a germ- push the plants to produce as high yields as possible cre- plasm repository for garlic to help establish a clean garlic ates an understanding of their inner workings that you network free from pathogens. can’t get anywhere else.” The new lab facility plans to increase production MaryBeth DiDonna is lab design editor for Lab Manager. threefold within the next five years, which is expected She can be reached at [email protected]. to lead to an increase in revenue to help keep the lab’s 16 Lab Manager June 2021 LabManager.com

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN SUMMIT.LABMANAGER.COM/GREENLABS Green chemistry Circular economy Net zero labs Long-term savings strategies Metrics for sustainability Experts’ visions of the green lab of the future JULY 20-21, 2021 The Lab Manager Green Labs Digital Summit will feature industry experts who will share their experiences in  LEARN MORE the sustainable lab, and offer advice to help you “green” your own lab through lower energy consumption, less SUMMIT.LABMANAGER.COM/GREENLABS landfill waste, and more sustainable work processes. Presentations will also discuss how to develop long- term strategies to save energy and money, and how lab managers can incorporate metrics and data to better measure their sustainability initiatives. A Q&A session with the audience will follow each session.

business management Adapting to Organizational Changes TIPS TO HELP STAFF NAVIGATE THE CHANGES THAT IMPACT THEM by Scott D. Hanton, PhD Change is one of the constants of life. All orga- fully understand the change, lab managers need to have nizations experience change, some large and conversations with organizational executives who can some small. Some changes bring benefits to the help explain why the change is being made. To get the lab, and other changes feel negative, like something has most from these conversations, it is helpful to prepare been lost. Independent of how positive or negative the key questions that explore the motivation behind the change is, most staff have a tendency to resist change change, the manager’s role in implementing the change, because it disrupts the habits and patterns of the lab, the expectations of the organization on the lab, and the and causes them to be uncomfortable and uncertain in intended benefits to be derived from the change. It is also the new situation. possible that line management Lab managers can help staff won’t have all of these answers, to navigate change in more “To explain the rationale especially if the change origi- positive ways. The keys to ac- nates from farther above. It may complish this are to understand for the change to staff, take a few conversations to get the change as fully as possible, the needed information. lab leaders need to process your own feelings about understand why the Once the why is understood, the change, find the positive it’s time to fully understand elements of the change, com- the what, how, and when of municate clearly, and be sup- change was implemented.” the change. It is important to portive of staff as they navigate understand exactly what is how the change affects them. expected of your lab, what re- Understand why sources (if any) you will receive to help facilitate the change, and when the change is When change is brought to the lab from the broader expected to be fully implemented. This is a good time organization, it is vital that the lab manager explores to pressure test with line management their assumptions the changes and seeks to fully understand the details of about what is expected from the lab and to help manage the change. We can take our cue from Simon Sinek and expectations around any problems or assumptions. start with why. To explain the rationale for the change Process our emotions to staff, lab leaders need to understand why the change was implemented. Lab staff will expect management Once the impending change is fully understood, it to be able to articulate the reasons behind the change, is wise to take some time to fully process your emo- what motivated the organization to make the change, tions about the changes. Even if you expect the change and what the expected benefits of the change are. To to bring benefits, managing change can be difficult 18 Lab Manager June 2021 LabManager.com



business management and time consuming. It is important to find your own media like Zoom), email, and one-on-one discussions. equilibrium before communicating the change with your Each of these communications serve a purpose. The staff. If you feel the change is negative, or it impacts group setting helps everyone to hear the same mes- you in a direct way, it is even more important that you sage at the same time. Email helps document the details process any negative feelings before speaking with staff. and provides a written communication that people can Your staff will need you to help them process any nega- review and refer to as needed. One-on-one communica- tive emotions, and that is very difficult to do if you are tion provides the opportunity to answer more personal still in the midst of your own doubts and fears. Dealing questions and enables you to demonstrate caring and with your own emotions first will also help you be more empathy to the people as individuals. authentic. You can share how you dealt with the negative feelings, rather than simply hide them to process later. During these communication sessions, encourage staff to ask questions. Their questions will help you Find the benefits identify the sticking points, surface issues that you may not have considered, and show you where more atten- In any change, there are benefits. They may be small tion is needed to make the change successful. Don’t and difficult to find, but those benefits are there. As the worry about facing questions for which you don’t have lab manager, it is your responsibility to find, identify, answers. If you need to go learn more, take the time and communicate what good will come from the effort needed, find the answers, and bring the new informa- to change. Hopefully, the benefits will be clear to all, but tion back to staff. some changes feel pretty negative, which requires more effort to find the silver lining to communicate. Follow through Once some benefits are identified, create a few “so Once the change has been communicated and begins that” statements to help with communication to staff. A to occur, it is vital that you monitor the change process. so that statement will connect the actions required in the Just hearing the desired change from you is insufficient. change with the benefits coming from the change. An You can’t declare victory until the change is complete. example of a so that statement is something like, “we’ll Talk to the people in the lab about the change as you do go through the effort to be outsourced from the parent management by walking around. Help identify where organization, so that we’ll have more control of our bud- the change is going well, and where it needs a little more get and our future.” Connecting the immediate actions help from you. It might also be important to remove to a future benefit helps staff to understand why you’re items from the lab that were used in the old system, so asking them to be uncomfortable during the change. that the old ways can no longer be done and staff need to move forward with the change to deliver their responsi- Communicate clearly bilities. If there are pockets of resistance to the change in the lab, it is a good practice to focus on the folks who are Create clear and transparent communication around on the fence about the change. Once they come over to the change for staff. Ensure that the message is clear, the change side, they will help you bring the more active concise, concrete, correct, coherent, complete, and cour- resisters onboard with the change. teous. Share what you’ve learned about the motivation, benefits, and details of the upcoming change. Be direct Change can be difficult, especially when the change with the language so that staff are clear about the mes- is thrust upon you from higher in the organization. By sage, but also include elements of kindness and positive understanding the change, especially the motivation for communication, so that staff know you are considering it; finding the benefits, no matter how small; and com- them as you announce the change. Demonstrate your municating that change effectively to staff; you can help caring for the staff in this first communication. Help staff your lab navigate these kinds of changes successfully. to understand the change, especially the why, and use Becoming a good change leader will help your staff the so that statements to connect the expectations of the come through the inevitable changes with less disruption change to the intended benefits. and greater confidence. The communication around the change will need to Scott D. Hanton, editorial director for Lab Manager, can be occur through multiple channels. You should expect to reached at [email protected]. communicate in group settings (live or through a digital 20 Lab Manager June 2021 LabManager.com

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asset management Recycling Laboratory Consumables HOW TO REDUCE AND RECYCLE LABORATORY PLASTICS by Michelle Dotzert, PhD It is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore our According to Relph, laboratories face several chal- planet’s mounting plastic waste problem. In an effort lenges when it comes to recycling. The first is knowing to curb single-use plastic waste, several states—in- which items can be recycled, as municipal recycling cluding California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, programs are often not ready to process laboratory New York, Oregon, and Vermont—and countries have materials. “Laboratories need to work with their local implemented bans on certain single-use plastic prod- recyclers to understand which materials and specific ucts. However, plastic waste poses an even greater products can be recycled… and then be sure to educate challenge for laboratories as scientists discard signifi- lab personnel,” she explains. cantly more plastics associated with their work than the average person. Contamination is also a challenge, as many labora- tories work with hazardous chemicals or biohazard- “Very often, organizations and ous reagents. “Very often, organizations and recyclers would not take materials that may have come in contact recyclers would not take materials with any of these reagents—and for good reasons,” says Relph. Some items may be suitable for recycling if that may have come in contact properly cleaned, but this requires appropriate train- ing to ensure the items can be safely handled by the with any of these reagents—and recycling facility staff. for good reasons.” Relph also notes that space can be an issue, as labora- tories must find room to accommodate various bins for In 2015, researchers at the University of Exeter pub- different waste streams for recycling or reuse. lished a correspondence in the journal Nature calling for laboratories to do their part in reducing plastic waste. Despite these challenges, there are many ways The researchers estimated that their bioscience depart- laboratories can increase plastics recycling. Relph ment generated 267 tons of plastic in a single year (2014). recommends scientists work with their organization to determine what can be recycled locally, based on local Here, Rachael Relph, chief sustainability officer at capabilities and policies, and then work with the recy- My Green Lab, discusses some of the challenges and cler to identify other items that may be recycled. solutions regarding plastics recycling in the laboratory. Some laboratory plastics are more difficult to recycle locally, but several specialized programs have been developed to handle these items. “Kimberly-Clark, TerraCycle, and Medline all have glove recycling programs,” notes Relph. Pipette tips also create a major waste stream in the laboratory, and 22 Lab Manager June 2021 LabManager.com

asset management “there is a company called Grenova Solutions that of- products contribute most to the laboratory’s waste. fers a tip washing system that allows users to reuse tips Once the biggest contributors are identified, laborato- around 20 times on average,” ries can focus on minimizing or she explains. eliminating these waste streams. Ultimately, the best way to “Ultimately, the best “It is a good idea to engage your address the plastic waste problem suppliers in this conversation is to practice the first of the three way to address the and find out what products or Rs—reduce. “Rather than trying services they may have that can to find a different end-of-life plastic waste problem help you reduce your waste in solution like recycling for the the laboratory,” she adds. waste, scientists should be look- is to practice the first of The plastic waste problem will ing at how they can do protocols not be eliminated overnight, but differently, whether they can use the three Rs—reduce.” there are many actions labora- an alternative method that would tories can take to divert waste generate less waste, whether they from landfills. can reuse items, or whether they can switch to reusable items instead of single-use,” says Relph. She recom- Michelle Dotzert, scientific technical editor for Lab Manager, mends conducting a waste audit to understand which can be reached at [email protected] or 226-376-2538.

leadership & staffing Common Myths About Leadership: Debunked MANAGING EXPECTATIONS VERSUS REALITY FOR THOSE IN LEADERSHIP ROLES by Sherri L. Bassner, PhD As with any career opportunity, a new leader brings these “action” qualities will be most effective unless the certain expectations to their newly-achieved role. leader also embodies the most important leadership at- These expectations can often be plagued by common tribute: humility. While the perception of power can drive myths. To help new leaders better prepare and acclimate many to want leadership roles, what really should drive a to their position, a few of the most common and important leader is the awesome responsibility of the position as it myths about leadership are debunked in this article. relates to those depending on you to make decisions that impact their well-being. The bigger the leadership role, the Myth #1: The leader sits at the top of the greater the number of people impacted by your decisions. organization and everyone serves at his pleasure. Humble leaders don’t lead through fear and intimida- While it is true that most organizational charts show the tion. They lead through motivation. Employees respect leader at the top of the page with ever-expanding layers of him. And he’s earned their respect, in turn, by respecting employees reporting upwards, the reality is that the leader’s and valuing them for what they bring to the table. The success is wholly dependent on the work of those within difference between a good business and a great business is the organization he leads. It can be more instructive to that extra bit of effort an employee chooses to give—that picture that organizational chart inverted, with the leader at extra bit of attention to a report; that extra bit of time the bottom of the page supporting the increasing layers of with a customer on the phone; that extra question they contributors up to the top of the page. The role of the leader ask themselves about the quality of their work that causes is to set direction and strategy, provide the right working them to choose to spend more time to get it right. People conditions and materials, make sure all employees have the want to work for the humble leader and give that extra bit training and tools they need, and then get out of the way of effort because they know he will notice. They know he and let the team do their work. Leadership is more about will say “thank you”—and mean it. facilitation than power. The leader leverages her impact by enabling others to contribute more effectively. Humility is what causes a leader to recognize that she doesn’t have all the right answers all the time. She has the Myth #2: The most important leadership qualities confidence to seek true counsel, not just confirmation of are decisiveness, focus, vision, and similar her positions. The humble leader has no problem finding attributes that connote strength. and retaining strong employees. When something goes wrong, the humble leader does not ask who is at fault, but Google “characteristics of a good leader” and you will rather, “what can we learn from this?” And the humble often find a list of the types of “strength” qualities noted leader does not blame “conditions outside of my control” above. Qualities such as decisiveness and focus are indeed for her struggles, but rather asks, “what can I do differently important characteristics of effective leaders, but none of next time?” She does not shirk personal responsibility and 24 Lab Manager June 2021 LabManager.com

leadership & staffing accountability. The humble leader is not “soft.” She This is not meant to be a cynical view. By remembering will discipline as needed and do so quickly—the whole this rule of thumb, the leader will remember to take his organization is depending upon her to do just that. Ask time to fully develop and communicate his thoughts and yourself which type of leader you would prefer to work ideas. He will also not hesitate to ask questions to make sure for, then be that type of leader yourself. actions are completed and look for ways he can help. Most people like to project confidence for fear of being considered Myth #3: A leadership position will give you incompetent, but there is a lot of daylight between “needing the authority to make decisions within a defined a little support” and “incompetent.” Ask those questions! purview. There is more “freedom to act.” Remember that this rule also holds true for yourself. Don’t overestimate your own capabilities (see myth #2 above). This myth is true to a point. An individual con- tributor has limited authority, usually confined to the While the realities of leadership are different from technical aspects of carrying out their role. Strategic common myths, the pathway to effectiveness is clear. Stay direction, priorities, and even resources are provided by humble. Surround yourself with people who are strong others, while the individual is limited to providing input where you are not. Remember that you serve the organiza- and requests. A new leader will indeed find himself in tion and that their success is your success. Know your own the position of having authority to make decisions that limitations to best exercise the power within your purview. he previously only had input into, but he will quickly realize that there are new sets of restrictions that he Sherri L. Bassner, PhD, is a retired chemist, lab director, and couldn’t see before. Yes, he can make decisions around a business manager who spent 30 years developing new products capital purchase, for instance, but now he is bound by a and services, and then leading others in those same efforts. She is a budgetary limitation set by others. He can set program part-time leadership coach and blogs on personal and professional priorities now, but he is bound by a business strategy development (among other topics) at www.sherribassner.com. that he may have had input toward, but did not develop. 21_1013_Lab_Manager_JUN Mod: April 22, 2021 12:18 PM A cruel twist of fate is that the more senior a leader Print: 05/12/21 11:47:47 AM page 1 v7 becomes, the more difficult her decisions also become, because she is now bound by layers of constraints that π are even more complex. While a more junior lab leader’s decisions are bound by the constraints set by their SHIPPING SUPPLY SPECIALISTS functional boss, those constraints are mostly within the realm of the lab: project priorities, capital purchases, DRUMMING UP technical hires. Her boss, though, makes those decisions STORAGE SOLUTIONS around laboratory management bound by the constraints imposed by business management, customer/market ORDER BY 6 PM FOR dynamics, legal and environmental considerations, and SAME DAY SHIPPING other constituencies. The decisions may have greater impact, but the degrees of freedom are more constrained. Myth #4: The leader can count on the competence, follow through, and personal responsibility of other leaders he works with. This “myth of competence” can be a hard one to get past since it is natural to believe that those around you who carry themselves with such confidence are truly as capable and dependable as they would like you to believe. The hard truth is that no one is as good as you think they are. Don’t assume people do their homework; don’t as- sume they understand what you are trying to communi- cate; don’t assume they know what they are talking about. COMPLETE CATALOG 1-800-295-5510 uline.com

lab design Designing and Building a ‘Green’ Lab FLEXIBLE, THOUGHTFUL LAB DESIGN SAVES BOTH ENERGY AND MONEY by MaryBeth DiDonna L aboratories are well-known energy hogs because they Windows offer transparency and sunlight into a lab, creating a consume a high amount of natural resources. According brighter, more pleasant work environment. Credit: Eckert & Eckert to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, labora- tories typically consume five to 10 times more energy per What makes a lab “green” square foot than do office buildings. Some specialty labora- tories, such as cleanrooms and labs with large process loads, The desire to save money and lessen their environmen- can consume as much as 100 times the energy of a similarly tal impact has resulted in more and more labs seeking sized institutional or commercial structure.1 ways to “go green,” by adopting more energy-efficient lab equipment and practices. Experts such as the Department “The primary goal of managing or of Energy, I2SL, My Green Lab, and universities are just a few bodies that have issued guidance and studies on how planning a lab … is creating a place to develop a more sustainable laboratory facility. However, there is no standard, third-party definition, or specific set for research or diagnostics that's of criteria for what exactly constitutes a green lab. healthy for the people in the lab.” “When I think of a ‘green lab,’ I think of the United Nations’ definition of sustainability,” says Kimberly There are several reasons for this—many labs contain Reddin, AIA, LEED AP, director of sustainability for equipment or experimental processes that need to run 24 Flad Architects. “A green lab is a lab that supports sci- hours a day, and some of these labs also allow occupants ence and health and economics—is that success today, at any time of day to operate or monitor equipment. Lab without diminishing resources for tomorrow? We don't equipment consumes energy at much higher levels than know exactly what tomorrow will look like, so we need equipment and electronics found in offices and homes, and to be flexible as we design a green lab. And we also need may also generate high levels of heat that need to be dis- to work together to be innovative and creative with the sipated by the lab’s HVAC system. Air flow and air condi- solutions that we put into our labs today, so that they tioning must adhere to specific standards to manage waste continue to be green into the future.” removal and exposure to dangerous chemicals. Applications such as these mean that labs consume a particularly high “There's a quote used in sustainability circles ... it's amount of energy—which, in turn, means a greater impact to the effect that, ‘We've not inherited the land from on the environment, as well as a high operating budget. our ancestors, we have borrowed it from our children.’ I think that same fundamental premise underlies scientific discovery. It’s changing, of course, with more focus on application, but a lot of the actual impact application of a lot of science and engineering research can take years or decades to develop,” says Stuart Lewis, LEED AP, 26 Lab Manager June 2021 LabManager.com

lab design PROTECTING PEOPLE SINCE 1925 associate principal, planner with Flad Architects. Energy efficiency “I think researchers, for that reason, tend to you can bank on. be forward-looking people. To me, the idea of being ‘green’ in a lab context is something we've With the need for energy efficiency ever been doing for a long time—you're protecting increasing, finding a fume hood that meets people, protecting the environment, and that's your goals can be difficult. Why exhaust a core principle when it comes to managing or precious air when Labconco has the ideal designing a lab. The challenge to us is to take ductless solution? Our newest Echo™ and what we're already doing—taking the mindset Airo™ fume hoods pair the world’s most that we already have—and focus on pushing advanced containment with Neutrodine® the envelope with the tools and with the kind of Unisorb filtration technology. Labconco. broader buy-in to get these ideas that are much No duct, no doubt. labconco.com/echo more prevalent in the industry right now.” Collaborating for a green lab “The primary goal of managing or planning a lab … is creating a place for research or diagnos- tics that's healthy for the people in the lab. It’s absolutely fundamental that proper containment is there; proper SOPs; they're supported by the engineering controls, all that kind of stuff; and that the environment itself is protected from the operations in the lab. Fundamentally, that's ‘green,’” says Lewis. “The nice thing is that the process of talking with the lab managers and the other stakeholders about those concepts sets up a dialogue on those issues. It lets us bring in other important functional issues around supporting the processes they place in the lab—things like future flexibility that are really hard to get metrics to, but can have a lot of impact in reducing waste and downtime and energy inefficiencies in the future.” Reddin adds that it helps keep everyone on track if lab managers, design team members, and other stakeholders come up with their own definition of what makes a green lab early in the design process. “When we set up those goals and priorities and our definition with the client of a green lab, that gives us something that can act as a framework for decision mak- ing, too,” she says. “As we move through the project and we're developing the project, if the project ever starts to stray from that definition of green lab, or the vision that the client has set out, that means that it's our job as the design team to hit pause and sit back down with the project stakeholders, and reorient everyone until we're back on the same page.”

lab design that it will play into that whole idea of transparency and give employees a good understanding of what the companies they work for are trying to do and what they value ... it really means a lot to an employee to be able to go to work in a place that aligns with their own values.” A tactical strategy to achieve a green lab, says Lewis, relates to optimizing internal electricity use and heat loads. Lewis remarks that an engineer friend of his says that “the most sustainable thing that a lab manager could do would be to replace all their freezers when they move into a new lab—or just to do it anyway.” Current, state-of-the-art freezers are highly efficient in terms of electricity use and reduced heat load, and that efficiency will translate directly into the operating costs of the lab. Another example, he continues, would be for the lab manager to lead the design team through the type of containment the lab is using for things like fume hoods, and keep sashes closed rather than open when possible. Smaller labs may use less energy, which creates a ‘greener’ “[We] need to work together to be facility. Credit: Garry Belinsky innovative and creative with the Going green to save some green solutions that we put into our labs The future of green lab design has both potential and pitfalls, say Lewis and Reddin. The influx of information today, so that they continue to be provided by modern lab technology can measure energy use, or monitor air and detect contaminants in the air green into the future.” stream, for example. Lab occupants can rely on that data to vary the energy in their lab based on what is needed. There are a lot of different opportunities for long- However, the increase in automated lab technology might term cost savings when designing a green lab, says Red- mean that fewer people will occupy labs in the future. din. “When we design labs with sustainability in mind, “Maybe five to 10 years ago, we thought, ‘Oh, this is great. we tend to see between a 20 to 40 percent reduction in Labs are going to be smaller, people won't be in them, predicted energy use intensity.” this equipment is just going to be running,’” says Lewis. “But what we're actually seeing is that labs are not getting She adds that a flexible lab design also contributes smaller, they're just filling up with more equipment.” He to the longevity of a lab, which can lead to cost savings continues, “We need to figure out what the implications down the line. “If you can build a flexible lab for longev- of these technologies are, and figure out how to mitigate ity, and you don't need to renovate or build more in the them and leverage them for positive outcomes.” future, you're actually making a pretty considerable impact on the sustainability of that lab,” Reddin says. Reddin believes that ESG is a hot topic in green lab design. ESG criteria is a set of environmental, social, and References governance standards for a company’s operations that are used to analyze how a company performs as a steward 1. https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy08osti/29413.pdf of nature. “I think what we'll see is that ESG reporting is going to continue to gain momentum. And I think it MaryBeth DiDonna, lab design editor for Lab Manager, can won't just be investors who are paying attention to it, but be reached at [email protected]. we might end up seeing that the government is paying more attention to it,” she says. “And I definitely think 28 Lab Manager June 2021 LabManager.com

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lab design Law Library Transformed into Modern Science Labs UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY BUILDING WINS SPECIAL MENTION FOR ADAPTIVE REUSE IN LAB DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARDS by MaryBeth DiDonna F or its successful efforts in transforming an outdated Expansive glazings allow views into each lab. law library into a vibrant, modern science building, Lab Manager has awarded EYP, the design archi- windows, insufficient electrical power, and an obso- tect/lab planner for the University of South Carolina’s lete heating and ventilation system. One of the most Science & Technology Building, with Special Mention significant obstacles, says Tucker, was the presence of for Adaptive Reuse in its 2021 Lab Design Excellence asbestos throughout the building: “One major item was Awards. EYP worked on the project in conjunction with WTS, the architect of record. “I think particularly innovative to this “The early analysis of the building showed good project is the way that sustainability bones—excellent structural stability, tall floor-to-floor height, wide column spacing—which of course meant is integrated into the operations and an overall cost savings to the university,” says Brian Tucker, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, senior plan- management of the labs.” ner, higher education, associate principal with EYP. Transforming the Law Center into the new Science & hazardous material abatement. Almost everything you Technology Building was a very sustainable decision, touched in the existing building was asbestos,” he says. he adds, as well as a cost-saving move for the university “We couldn’t even open a ceiling tie during existing because the project was already starting with an exist- conditions surveys because they were hazardous. This ing structure and façade. represented a huge implication to the schedule and necessitated an early hazardous materials abatement Out with the old, in with the new package to keep the project on schedule.” The Law Center encompassed 192,000 gross square Structural columns were spaced out in a nonstandard feet, with a classroom wing as well as a library wing manner throughout the law building as well. “The exist- that could be converted to chemistry labs. The library, ing column spacing was also another challenge as typical EYP notes in its awards competition entry, had excellent lab modules of 10 to 11 feet don’t divide evenly into the structural stability and a floor height of 15 ft. 9 in. The existing 25-foot column spacing,” says Tucker. “Through project team undertook about 100,000 square feet of fit- some creative lab planning layouts, columns were incor- out during the first phase of the project. porated into walls of casework or rows of fume hoods The building was completely gutted on the inte- rior, meaning there was a lower chance of unforeseen conditions—but the project was not entirely without its challenges. The building suffered from a lack of 30 Lab Manager June 2021 LabManager.com

lab design 1. 2. 3. 1. The new entrance to the Science and Technology Center at the University of South Carolina. 2. The new entrance to the Science and Technology Building at the University of South Carolina. 3. The entrance into the Advanced Chem- istry Labs on level 2 of the Science and Technology Building. 4. A student col- laboration space located outside of the Advanced Chemistry Labs. Credit for all images: Gary Matson, gmatsonphoto 4. at the sides of the lab; this approach provided a 28-foot clear lab space. There are only two visible columns in the spaces and both are located in prep labs.” The use of an existing facility is one of the sustain- able design strategies used for the Science & Technol- ogy Building. Curbing energy use is another. “I think particularly innovative to this project is the way that sustainability is integrated into the operations and June 2021 Lab Manager 31

lab design management of the labs,” says Tucker. “So, for example, areas, intended to eliminate potential air infiltration in general chemistry, we reduced the number of fume through the 50-year-old precast panels and joints. EYP hoods because the department is transitioning to more refers to this concept as a sort of “thermal sweater” green chemistry experiments in labs with intensive wrapped around the lab spaces, which uses newly fume hood use like organic chemistry. We set up a installed thermal insulation under cladding and student process for student fume hoods to be turned off when collaboration areas. This “thermal sweater” traps heat to not in use. And this is, I think, really, extremely in- reduce energy costs and slow heat loss, which ultimately novative. I've never seen this approach before. It was makes for a more comfortable occupant environment. really driven by the users of the building because they recognize that the amount of energy it takes to oper- The focus on study areas, says Tucker, was very ate a facility like this is quite large. They were really important to the users of the building. Chemistry is one sensitive to what they could do in their everyday use to of the toughest sciences, he says, and so the project team minimize its impact on the environment.” made sure to include soft seating and plenty of lounge areas where students could congregate and form study “The early analysis of the groups at any time, as the building allows key card ac- cess 24/7. “When students study together, they increase building showed good bones … their success rate. So, it was really important to us in the design of this [building] that the student perspec- which of course meant an overall tive be taken into account, and that we could create lots of spaces where students can leave the lab and stay and cost savings to the university.” study. Or they can come back at night and have a place where they can study with their peers.” A welcoming, comfortable study space The input of those working and studying in the build- The exterior design of the Science & Technology ing, including lab managers, was sought as EYP designed Building incorporates additional openings to allow the modern science building. “I would say their input daylight and outside views into both the labs and the during design is critical to the success of the project. collaboration spaces. The law center’s existing windows Especially for this project where the lab managers are were replaced with new fixed glazed aluminum windows responsible for servicing, for example, eight general with low-E coating, optimal U-value, and reduced solar chemistry labs,” says Tucker. “This project sees 3,000 heat gain coefficient. students a semester who are taking chemistry classes, and the labs run almost 12 hours a day. The lab managers have “The exterior façade was also another challenge,” between 20 and 60 minutes to turn over a lab for the next Tucker adds. “The existing building was very much class. So, this is what facilitated that deep lab block.” fortress-like and we wanted to add more exterior glazing to create a modern science building vision, and bring in The conversion of the Law Center may not have been the daylight and views to create exciting spaces for students. first strategy that came to mind for the University of South Working with our structural engineer, we developed Carolina when they were looking to develop a modern some creative solutions to selectively remove existing science building, but it wound up being a highly success- precast panels to make wider windows, and to remove ful project. “The most unlikely of buildings may have large panels at the corner of the building where on each the ability to be infused with new life,” says Tucker. “We floor student study spaces were located.” transformed a law library into modern chemistry teaching labs—I’ll admit the idea at first seemed a little far-fetched The design team situated a large lab block in the to us. I would encourage institutions that might have build- center of the floor plate to minimize the intensive, ing stock that is past its useful life … to engage a designer negatively-pressurized spaces found along the existing or planner and explore the possibilities. We have found that façade. The student spaces around the exterior of the many buildings from the 50s, 60s, and 70s have good bones building are positively-pressured, low-energy student and are ripe for creative adaptive reuse.” MaryBeth DiDonna is lab design editor for Lab Manager. She can be reached at [email protected]. 32 Lab Manager June 2021 LabManager.com

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health & safety BEST PRACTICES FOR PREVENTING CHEMICAL SPILLS IN THE LAB by Ira Wainless A n uncontrolled chemical spill or leakage in the • Only purchase chemicals for which there is adequate lab is classified as a dangerous and notifiable storage space. incident. It can involve a solid, liquid, or gas. In the laboratory, chemical spills are a common occurrence. Storage They can occur at any time and during normal labora- • Chemicals should be stored in secure, designated areas tory activities. immediately after delivery. Even small chemical spills can have deadly consequenc- • Store chemicals within easy reach of everyone in the es if the substance is highly toxic, corrosive, reactive, or flammable. Therefore, avoiding chemical spills should be lab, generally at or below eye level. a priority for every laboratory. • Open shelves used for chemical storage should be stur- Larger spills will invariably release more airborne dy and be secured to the wall, and not overcrowded contaminants, be capable of spreading airborne con- with bottles or containers. taminants to other parts of the building such as through • Do not store chemical containers on the floor, in aisles, the ventilation system, and if flammable, create a more in overcrowded areas, or anywhere a bottle/container expansive explosive zone. could be knocked over and broken. Do not store in areas near heat or direct sunlight. Chemical spill prevention • Protect containers from breakage by keeping other items from falling on them. Regardless of the type or quantity of hazardous • Regularly inspect chemicals in storage to ensure there chemicals involved, all laboratories must implement are no leaking or deteriorating containers. measures to reduce the potential for spills and have a • All compressed gas cylinders must be securely fas- plan for responding to chemical spills. tened and stored upright. • Ensure that lighting is adequate in the storage area. Below are preventive measures that management can implement before a spill occurs. These measures are Transport listed under the type of activity during which spills can • When transporting large, heavy, or many containers, occur. These tips are meant to act as a general starting point for management to implement more comprehen- use a cart suitable for the load with high edges or spill sive and specific measures within their own labs. trays that will contain any spills or leaks. • Carry glass containers in bottle carriers or another Chemical procurement leak-resistant, unbreakable secondary container. • Purchase chemicals in plastic-coated glass bottles • Use a gas cylinder handcart when transporting large gas cylinders. Securely strap the cylinder to the cart. when appropriate. 34 Lab Manager June 2021 LabManager.com

health & safety Transferring chemicals • Recap containers immediately after use to reduce the risk of spillage if a container is accidentally tipped over. • Always use funnels for transferring liquids to smaller capacity bottles or volumetric flasks. • Be alert and attentive to what you are doing to prevent chemicals from being inadvertently dropped on the • Maintain situational awareness to prevent overfilling floor or countertop. of vessels and containers. Handling and use Disposal • Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) at all times. • Do not mix incompatible wastes to avoid uncontrolled • Always read the safety data sheet (SDS) and label chemical reactions. before using a chemical. • Correctly identify the contents of all waste containers • Wear appropriate personal protective equipment to prevent inappropriate disposal. (PPE) at all times. • Leave at least 20 percent air space in bottles of liquid • Work in a fume hood whenever possible, even when waste to allow for vapor expansion and to reduce the potential for spills due to overfilling. transferring a small amount of a hazardous chemical. • Use Pyrex glassware whenever possible since it has a • When not in use, keep waste containers securely closed or capped. low potential for breakage. • Secure flasks and beakers to prevent them from tipping over. • Dispose of waste regularly; do not allow excess waste • Do not use broken or cracked glassware. to accumulate in the work area. S pLaacbe s •UniLine Laboratory Furniture •UniFlow Laboratory Fume Hoods •Epoxy Lab Tops & Lab Ventilation Systems NEW UniFlow Fume Hoods Most Lab Tables & Worksurfaces Epoxy, Furniture Groupings Easy Lab UniLine Casework Lab Planning Solutions extensive line of fume hoods in the phenolic resin, or stainelss steel, built to planning, Versitile work areas provide ® SEFA 8 Compliant, Acid Casework Groupings, fume industry, energy efficient, laboratory your lab requirements lab storage, including lab fume hoods Certified Cabinets, Flammable hoods, tables, worksurfaces fume hoods ® Made in HEMCO .comU S A Storage Cabinets Find our products with ISO 9001:2015 Specify HEMCO on Certified Company Your Next Lab Project www.HEMCOfumehoods.com Lawbworwat.oHryEMPlCanOncinogrSpo.cluotmions Call: (800)779-4362

health & safety Minor and major spills • All surfaces and PPE that were contaminated by the spill must be cleaned and decontaminated. Dispose of A minor chemical spill is one that the laboratory staff any PPE that cannot be reused. can handle safely without the assistance of safety or emergency personnel. They are small, confined, and • Attend to injured/contaminated/exposed personnel. present minimal hazards to health or the environment. Remove contaminated clothing. Administer first aid as appropriate and seek medical attention. A major chemical spill is far more severe and generally necessitates the immediate evacuation of the area con- Training cerned, if not the entire premises. Major spills present an immediate hazard including fire, explosion, or chemical The OSHA Laboratory standard, 29 CFR 1910.1450, exposure to hazardous materials. A large chemical spill requires laboratories to develop and implement a chemi- requires an emergency response. cal hygiene plan (CHP). This written program must be tailored to reflect the specific chemical hazards present Below are SOPs for chemical spills or releases. The in the laboratory and require employers to provide their cleanup of a chemical spill should only be done by employees with information and training to ensure that knowledgeable and experienced personnel. they are apprised of these chemicals' dangers and the measures employees can take to protect themselves. “Emergency response planning The CHP sets forth appropriate procedures, equip- and training are critical aspects ment, PPE, and work practices to safely work with these chemicals and what should be done in the event of a spill. of a sound spill response plan.” Emergency response planning and training are critical Chemical spill response aspects of a sound spill response plan. Before handling any • Identify the spilled material and consult SDS to deter- chemical(s), employees should know the facility's policies and procedures for handling a chemical spill. The pro- mine potential hazard(s). gram should offer clear guidance on whether evacuations • Immediately alert area occupants and evacuate the are necessary and how employees should handle evacua- tions, and where employees should go. Employees should spill area if necessary. Notify your supervisor. know the location of all safety equipment and the nearest • In the event of a flammable liquid spill, turn off all fire alarm and telephones. Management should post a list of emergency telephone numbers in a prominent area. ignition and heat sources, and ventilate the area. • If a spill occurs beyond the laboratory staff’s ability to Safety equipment, including spill control kits, safety shields, fire safety equipment, PPE, safety showers and handle it safely, call emergency responders. eyewash units, and emergency equipment, should be avail- • Have someone familiar with the incident available to able in well-marked, prominent locations in all chemical laboratories. In addition to detailed instructions about proper provide information to the emergency responders. containment, cleanup, and disposal of spilled materials and • Don PPE that is appropriate for the hazards. equipment, the plan should explain how to safely decontami- • To stop the spread of vapors or gases, close the doors nate the surfaces where the spill occurred. Employees should be prepared to provide essential emergency treatment. to the affected area after everyone has safely exited. • Ventilate to the outside by opening windows and acti- By providing ongoing information and training to en- sure that employees understand what to do in the event vating any existing exhaust fan that vents to the outside. of a spill, laboratories will minimize the potential danger • Confine the spill to a small area. Use appropriate spill posed by chemical spills. kits, absorbents, and neutralizing agents that are com- Ira Wainless, B.Ch.E., PE, CIH, is a former senior indus- patible with the chemical spilled. trial hygiene engineer for the Occupational Safety and Health • Prevent spilled materials from going down drains to Administration (OSHA). His career spanned 42 years in avoid affecting the environment. industrial hygiene, and he is currently a freelance writer living • Properly dispose of all chemical waste and all materi- in Spring field, Virginia. als involved with the spill cleanup, such as absorbents, reactants, contaminated clothes, gloves, rags, equip- ment, broken glass, etc. 36 Lab Manager June 2021 LabManager.com

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industry insights: climate The Impact of Clouds on Climate Change CLOUD FORMATION AND OTHER FUNDAMENTAL KNOWLEDGE CAN ENHANCE FUTURE CLIMATE MODELS by Lauren Everett Reducing the effects of climate change to our planet View inside the CLOUD chamber with Jasper Kirkby, head is considered by many to be one of the greatest sci- leader of the project. Credit: Maximilien Brice, CERN entific challenges of this generation. Climate change can influence ocean acidity, sea level and temperature, a cooling effect—or trapping heat. These factors vary the frequency of extreme weather events, and more. depending on where you are in the world, as well. However, due to many variables and factors that are difficult to analyze, current climate models vary in their It is known, however, that aerosols (suspended particles projections on the severity of how the planet will be in the air) help form clouds. “If there were no aerosol impacted in the years to come. particles in the atmosphere, there would be no clouds in the sky,” says Jasper Kirkby, CERN Cloud Experiment Clouds, which cover more than two-thirds of Earth, spokesperson. Aerosols have become an area of interest for play a crucial role in the warming and cooling of the researchers aiming to better understand cloud formation, planet. But clouds are still difficult to study, as they and the role clouds play in the Earth’s climate. are constantly changing. Depending on their altitude, whether it is day or night, or how reflective they are dur- In the simplest of terms, clouds form when water ing a given time period are just a few factors that affect vapor condenses onto aerosols, which are either primary clouds’ influence on the climate. Clouds also have the (dusts, sea salt crystals, or black carbon) or secondary dual capability of either shading the planet—creating particles (formed directly in the air from condensable vapors such as those released by plants). Aerosols can 38 Lab Manager June 2021 LabManager.com

industry insights: climate Iodine emitted from the sea and ice is converted by ozone and sunlight into iodic acid and other compounds. These form new particles and increase clouds, warm- ing the polar climate. Cosmic rays strongly enhance the particle formation rates. Credit: Helen Cawley, CERN. also originate from human activities. Increases in emis- back in 1700. So, we need to learn everything possible sions of vapors such as sulfur dioxide from fossil fuels about the formation of aerosol particles and cloud seeds, lead to additional aerosol particles in the atmosphere. and then use climate models to predict pre-industrial Understanding the source of aerosol particles is an im- cloudiness,” says Kirkby. With this knowledge there will portant factor in furthering our knowledge of clouds and be a complete picture of the changes so far in green- climate, and needs to be understood “very precisely,” house gases and cloud cover from human activities, lead- according to Kirkby. If this can be accomplished, then ing to sharper projections of future warming. “If there were no aerosol particles Kirkby launched the Cosmics Leaving Outdoor Drop- lets (CLOUD) experiment at the CERN particle accel- in the atmosphere, there would be erator center in Geneva about two decades ago, leading an interdisciplinary team from 21 institutes across nine no clouds in the sky.” countries that are focused on studying aerosol and cloud formation. The team, which represents diverse disci- researchers can better predict what conditions were like plines within chemistry and physics, developed what in the pre-industrial atmosphere. The results will help is known as the “cleanest box in the world” to conduct determine how human activity has influenced cloud simulations. The “box,” or CLOUD chamber, provides formation throughout the years. the team with the capability to precisely control all conditions of the atmosphere and trace vapors within the “For greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), chamber, which Kirkby points out, “is at the technologi- we can measure the changes over the industrial period cal limit.” By simulating any atmospheric conditions, because we can drill ice cores and analyze the the CO2 including sunlight from several light sources and cosmic trapped in bubbles. But there’s no way to measure clouds rays from a CERN particle beam, the team is measur- ing the fundamental chemical and physical processes of aerosol and cloud formation. June 2021 Lab Manager 39

industry insights: climate One recent finding that came out of work done with funding for research examining solar geoengineering the CLOUD chamber was published in the journal to help cool Earth’s atmosphere. Specifically, the report Science earlier this year. The research highlights the authors recommend an investment of up to $200 mil- important role iodine has in aerosol formation, epe- lion over the next five years. As the report explains, cially within polar regions, and how this new knowl- solar geoengineering strategies aim to cool the planet edge could improve climate model projections for these through a few different ways—by adding small reflective regions, according to a press release on the study. As particles to the upper atmosphere, by increasing reflec- the release explains, aerosol particles over the sea are tive cloud cover in the lower atmosphere, or by thinning thought to originate mainly from certain sulfur com- high-altitude clouds that can absorb heat. pounds that are released from phytoplankton and react For example, the Climate Intervention Biology Work- to form sulfuric acid. ing Group since 2019 has been investigating a climate But every liter of seawater contains .05 milligrams of intervention strategy known as stratospheric aerosol iodine. Some of this is released to the atmosphere, where intervention (SAI), which would reduce some of the it forms iodic acid forms through the action of sunlight sun’s incoming radiation by reflecting sunlight back into and ozone. The CLOUD team investigated how iodic space, similar to the aftermath of large volcanic erup- acid plays a role in cloud formation by simulating atmo- tions. If this idea became a reality, it would be possible to spheric conditions in mid-latitudes and arctic regions in continuously replenish this “artificial cloud,” and control the CLOUD chamber. They its formation and location to found that aerosol particle maintain the desired tempera- formation by iodic acid takes “Understanding the source ture. The group published a place much more rapidly than paper on this proposed idea in of aerosol particles is an particle formation of sulfuric important factor in the Proceedings of the National acid and ammonia under com- Academy of Sciences (PNAS) in parable conditions. April, although they admit \"A vicious circle may have furthering our knowledge extensive further research is been set in motion here: The needed before this could be a pack ice thaws, which increases of clouds and climate.” potentially feasible option. the water surface area and The National Academies more iodine enters the atmo- report echoes the message of sphere. This leads to more the PNAS paper, acknowledg- aerosol particles, which form clouds that further warm ing that the use of solar geoengineering methods could the polar regions. The mechanism we found can now have dangerous, and unknown, outcomes. The authors be included in climate models, because iodine may play promote the idea of gathering information to determine a dominant role in aerosol formation, especially in the whether geoengineering methods could be a feasible polar regions, and this could improve climate model solution to climate change challenges. “This report con- predictions for these regions,” explains Joachim Curtius, cludes that a strategic investment in research is needed professor from Goethe University Frankfurt, who also to enhance policymakers' understanding of climate helps lead the CLOUD experiment. response options,” it reads. SOLUTIONS TO EXPLORE Whether or not solar geoengineering projects offer promising solutions remains to be seen. What is known, While the research highlighted above is imperative to however, is that researchers’ understanding of the funda- better understanding the fundamentals of cloud forma- mentals of cloud formation is crucial to getting a better tion, and how this contributes to more accurate climate grasp on how Earth’s climate is shifting. This insight will models, the question now still remains: what can humans guide scientists toward the right solutions to keep Earth’s do to limit the adverse effects of a warming climate? atmosphere and climate in more of a balanced state. In March, the National Academies of Science, Engi- neering, and Medicine released a report recommending Lauren Everett, managing editor for Lab Manager, can be that the US, in coordination with other nations, boost reached at [email protected]. 40 Lab Manager June 2021 LabManager.com

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ask the expert ASK THE EXPERT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO ENHANCE DIAGNOSTICS DEVELOPMENT by Tanuja Koppal, PhD Arvind Rao, PhD, associate professor, Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, talks to contributing editor Tanuja Koppal, PhD, about ways in which artificial intelligence (AI) will likely impact diagnostics development. He discusses some of the work he is doing in this area and points out the importance of understanding all the caveats and nuances of AI predictions before reaching any conclusions. Q: Can you describe some of Q: What are some of the may know the nuances, they don’t have the work you are doing using AI common mistakes and a systematic rubric to communicate how and machine learning (ML) and misconceptions when using AI/ the data was pre-processed or modi- how that is likely to impact the ML-based predictions? fied prior to being used in the modeling development of biomarkers and process. Metadata rigor and reproduc- diagnostics? A: AI is now becoming a commod- ibility aspects to data pre-processing, data ity that can be easily channeled for curation, data labeling—all of which take A: Our lab is developing integrated problem solving, without a lot of coding place upstream of the modeling process— image-based and genomics-based or programming experience. With can create problems during deployment, disease diagnosis and prognosis algo- no-code ML platforms, you use an if not attended to. Not understanding rithms. We are using ML methods for “app” to quickly leverage a variety of the interplay between data version, the automated interpretation of imaging algorithms on positive- and negative- model version, and model performance data, like radiology scans (CT/MRI/To- labeled training datasets and build a can lead to errors in predictions. Hence, mography) and pathology slides. We are fairly well-performing model with the deployment should ensure equivalence of using this imaging data to build ML/AI right computational resources. Now, the training and test data, calibrating concept models for disease grading and molecu- problem becomes how to interpret this drift, and assessing biases, among other lar diagnosis. Our intent is to be able to model and how to deploy it responsibly. considerations. The mistakes involving make diagnostics as objective as possible, There are inherent intricacies to ML image classification in conventional (low- by leveraging data that are commonly that can get skipped in the process. For risk) AI applications have very different available in the clinical workflow. For ex- example, a common mistake would be consequences when compared to similar ample, we try to determine disease treat- developing the model on a specific eth- mistakes made in healthcare. These costs ments for molecular sub-types based nic population and expecting it to work can be huge in healthcare and most mod- on radiology scans or hematoxylin and “out of the box” on a different ethnic els do not factor in that variation in the eosin (H&E) stained pathology slides. population. This is called the mismatch “costs of erroneous-inference.” We work with radiology scans because between training and validation, where you can get a quick assessment of the the testing cohort is so different from Q: What advice would you give patient’s disease state from this non- the training population that the results to readers who are using AI for invasive technique, which can really help are essentially irrelevant. Anyone who diagnostics development? downstream decisions. Our motivation overlooks these nuances is likely to for using H&E slides to predict patient make the wrong call. A: One needs to be thinking about ML disease states comes from a global health model deployment with a regulatory, context. H&E slides are available in most There is also a lot of variation in pre- compliance, and auditing “lens” rather pathology labs and we can use that to processing the raw, unstructured data into than a purely performance-based as- help patients who don’t have access to data that are used in building these AI/ sessment. There is a need to be adapting molecular testing facilities. ML models. Even though the engineers regulatory principles from FDA/NIST 42 Lab Manager June 2021 LabManager.com

ask the expert things are done reliably, responsibly, and with quality. There is likely to be a much deeper conversation around liability aspects for mistakes made by AI algorithms. Hence, it’s important to get on the conversation early be- cause it will help us all get educated about how AI algorithm-based health- care will look, what reimbursements will look like, and how to price AI predictions in the context of offering superior quality care. It involves going beyond building models to figuring out how to responsibly deploy those models involving a variety of stake- holders. It involves thinking about AI with a multifactorial lens. to continuously evolving ML systems. A: The past year has enlightened us Arvind Rao, PhD, is an associate pro- It’s important to certify both the model to challenges in how we share data, fessor in the Department of Compu- and the process for its iterative updates. how we build robust AI models, what tational Medicine and Bioinformatics standards these models adhere to in at the University of Michigan in Ann For engineers or model developers, terms of interpretability, bias, and Arbor. His group uses image analysis I would strongly suggest developing how models can continuously evolve and machine learning methods to rubrics around responsible reporting to receive more data. These are now link image-derived phenotypes with of the data, the model, and the process entering our collective consciousness genetic data, across biological scale to go from model to predictions, in a and is going to be the rubric by which (i.e., single cell, tissue, and radiology very clear and understandable manner. we are expected to develop AI models data). Such methods have found ap- Communication is key between the more responsibly going forward. No- plication in radiogenomics, pathology developer and the deployer. On the code ML/AI (Auto ML/AI) is likely informatics, and drug repurposing deployment side, the user must take an to be fairly routine going forward, algorithms based on phenotypic active interest in educating themselves making it easier to build complex screens. Arvind received his PhD in on what is required to compare models models. At the same time, it will also Electrical Engineering and Bioinfor- with different price points and perfor- make it easier for things to go wrong. matics from the University of Michi- mance guarantees, to find out which There will likely be greater use of gan, specializing in transcriptional ge- product is going to best meet their technologies like federated learning nomics, and was a Lane Postdoctoral needs. The companies that make these to work with data privacy restrictions, Fellow at Carnegie Mellon University, products also need to invest in educa- distributed model training, block- specializing in bioimage informat- tion to ensure that the deployers are chain, and model certification. ics. Prior to joining the University of able to make meaningful comparisons Michigan, he was a faculty member in the context of their applications. Similarly, there is expected to be in the Department of Bioinformatics more interaction between commu- and Computational Biology at the Q: What changes do you see nity members coming from compli- University of Texas MD Anderson occurring in the use of AI for ance, auditing, regulatory, and legal Cancer Center in Houston. diagnostics in the next two to perspectives, with those from the three years? healthcare community to ensure that Tanuja Koppal, PhD, is a freelance science writer and consultant based in New Jersey. She can be reached at [email protected] June 2021 Lab Manager 43

product focus | balances BALANCES STAYING IN COMPLIANCE AND CREATING AN AUDIT TRAIL by Mike May, PhD In collecting data in a regulated environment, a balance must be prepared before every use. Weber points out Many processes in a biopharmaceutical lab that the preparation includes leveling, adjusting, and depend on data from analytical balances. calibrating. To simplify some of that preparation, Viero In regulated work, balances must be in suggests a digital balance with external calibration compliance and create an audit trail. features. Some models also display and capture the uncertainty of every measurement. Usually, these balances must meet the data integrity guidelines of more than one regulator around the world. Keep it compliant In the United States, a biopharma balance must meet the US Food and Drug Administration’s 21 Part 11 An analytical balance needs maintenance to stay requirements. In the European Union, the key guidelines in compliance and create an accurate audit trail. In for balances come from the EU Annex 11. addition, only a regularly maintained and calibrated balance can perform optimally for a long time. To meet these guidelines, the instrument should include features for managing users and their roles, electronic Part of being consistent in taking care of a balance means signatures, and safe data-transfer options for integration regularly reviewing the data that it collects. In such into software systems like a laboratory information reviews, scientists can look for signs of malfunction or management system (LIMS), or electronic notebook violations of data integrity. (ELN), explains Sebastian Weber, product manager, software solutions at Sartorius Lab Instruments. The user Time is crucial to compliant weight measurements. “The assignments allow records to be traced in an audit trail correct time on the instrument is essential for a proper and limit users to the processes required in their work. audit trail,” Weber explains. “Therefore, the time should be checked at least once a month.” That can be handled Weighing the options automatically by setting up a time synchronization through a connected network. An important feature for compliance is the ability to save and transfer data, which requires Wi-Fi capabilities or Beyond time, other features of a balance can also be a hardware interface, such as Ethernet, RS-232, or USB. checked automatically. In some balances, that includes an These interfaces that provide an analytical balance with automatic check for leveling, adjustment, and calibration communications capabilities that allow it to interact with before every use. If a balance is out of specification, some other instruments in a lab. Plus, a balance’s software software can even block weighing until the instrument is can ensure that it stays in compliance with the required repaired or simply adjusted. guidelines, such as those from the FDA or EU. As one last bit of advice, Weber says, “never forget to Even selecting a balance based on its screen can simplify clean the balance regularly.” It’s not the case that clean is life in a lab. For example, John Viero, director of Cole- compliant, but it never hurts. Parmer essentials, recommends a balance with a color capacitive touchscreen that can be used by gloved Mike May is a freelance writer and editor living in Florida. personnel. Otherwise, some users would need to remove You can reach him at [email protected] gloves to interact with a balance, put gloves on to work with samples and, possibly, repeat that process all day. FOR ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON BALANCES, INCLUDING USEFUL ARTICLES AND A LIST OF MANUFACTURERS, VISIT WWW.LABMANAGER.COM/BALANCES 44 Lab Manager June 2021 LabManager.com

product in action Equinox Semi-Micro, Analytical, & Precision Balances Adam Equipment’s Equinox balances combine precision and an intuitive touchscreen display into a single device. Equinox is ideal for research, QA, education, precision counting, production, and general laboratory applications. TIME-SAVING APPLICATIONS FOR DATA STORAGE AND COMPLEX WEIGHING TASKS FORMULATION Equinox features an array of • Built-in memory for storing products built-in applications to save time for busy lab workers. and settings • Weighing • Formulation/recipe function • Parts counting • 3,000-item database to store and • Percentage weighing • Dynamic / recall data for ingredients, sample weights, and check weight limits animal weighing • USB flash drive can be used for • Density determination additional storage • Checkweighing • Peak hold SPECIFICATIONS • Accumulation • Capacity: 62g to 510g for semi- • Formulation • Statistics micro and analytical models; 360g • Textiles to 8200g for precision models • Printouts feature • Readability: 0.01mg to 0.1mg (0.0001g) for semi-micro and GLP-compliant formatting analytical models; 0.001g to 0.01g for precision models INTUITIVE INTERFACE ADVANCED SECURITY NETWORK Full-color 5” graphic touchscreen display Password-protected administrator and user access CONNECTIVITY provides clear, easy navigation via icon- levels allow labs to restrict certain functions and Standard RS-232 interfaces allow fast, driven menus. User-configurable preferences settings. A security slot for the optional Kensington- convenient connection to devices like include color combination options and the type lock and cable helps prevent theft. computers and printers. USB host for choice of black or white text. memory card and USB I/O interface. To learn more, visit: www.adamequipment.com/equinox-analytical-balances June 2021 Lab Manager 45

product focus | cold storage COLD STORAGE COLD STORAGE SECURITY IS ESSENTIAL FOR SAFEGUARDING VALUABLE CONTENTS by Aimee O’Driscoll On the one hand, there are physical access concerns such as those surrounding tampering or theft. But you Cold storage solutions have been getting more also need to safeguard the integrity of the contents. media coverage than usual in recent months. Allowing samples, drugs, and other cold storage With COVID-19 vaccination programs rolling contents to go above or below a certain temperature out, there is much discussion around the storage can render them useless. requirements of various vaccine doses and the logistics behind ensuring they are safely maintained and “The term ‘security’ is transported prior to being administered. more than just the physical access security of the cold Of course, cold storage solutions—from primitive ice houses storage device.” to ultra-low temperature freezers—have been essential to humans for centuries. They now play a huge role in a range of industries, including food, pharmaceutical, and medical. For example, cold storage is required for storing embryos, blood, plasma, research materials such as RNA, DNA, enzymes, reagents, and more. With so many important applications, it’s crucial To keep the contents of cold storage systems safe, to consider the impact when these systems are there are a number of security features available, compromised. Cold storage security is a hot topic with including backup systems, alarms, remote monitoring, many and varied solutions. As noted by Josh Lewis, a and access codes. senior product manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific, “The term ‘security’ is more than just the physical Why cold storage security is important access security of the cold storage device. It is also the protection of the equipment from an operational Cold storage security is vital for several core reasons, settings and remote monitoring perspective.” including ensuring the stability of stored samples and protecting contents against physical access by unauthorized parties. Aaron Stout, director of sales, Healthcare and Life Sciences at Follett and Vector Lab Products, explains that security is important in ensuring consistent experimental outcomes. For example, incorrectly stored reagents or cell lines could lead to reduced viability or varied results. Aside from hampering efforts to achieve accurate results, inadequate storage can extend project times and increase costs. Although financial losses are important, there is intangible value in some of the contents of cold storage systems. As Lewis points out, “the monetary value of the contents can’t begin to describe the pricelessness of the time and life’s work which the contents represent.” 46 Lab Manager June 2021 LabManager.com

product focus | cold storage One specific example Stout provides is the storage of human of remote monitoring, such as remote alarm contacts or fetal material. Inappropriate storage within in-vitro fertilization temperature outputs. laboratories has led to loss and legal action. He also notes the storage of vaccines as a relevant current example. Some “In addition to the standard configuration, premium cold COVID-19 vaccine doses require storage at temperatures as storage solutions should also make customizable options low as -80°C. Inconsistent or inappropriate storage can lead to available like HID key card access, advanced user interface spoilage, delays, shortages, and financial losses. options with profile/role types for different authorization levels, and even built-in connectivity solutions to enable cloud-based Then there are the physical access risks. In December 2020, monitoring from anywhere in the world,” Lewis says. Interpol warned about potential criminal activity related to the theft of COVID-19 vaccines. Stout notes that physical “The monetary value of the security is also particularly important when you consider contents can’t begin to describe the storage of narcotic drugs and other substances of abuse. the pricelessness of the time He mentions cannabis growth chambers and storage areas as and life’s work which the cause for concern. contents represent.” According to Lewis, another important factor to consider is Indeed, Stout emphasizes the importance of a robust alarm the required security protocols—for example, GMP (good monitoring system where parameters such as temperature, manufacturing practices). These will depend on which quality alarms, door openings, and mechanical viability are departments or agencies a business needs to comply with, consistently monitored. These systems are even more such as the FDA. Lewis explains that these protocols pertain effective if they can be monitored remotely—for example, to both physical security mechanisms and the logging of through push notifications on your smartphone. As Lewis access to ensure traceable audit trails for the equipment and notes, “data at your fingertips allows for peace of mind once ultimately the contents stored within. you physically leave the lab.” Security options available for cold storage solutions There are two main aspects to cold storage security: controlling physical access to contents and ensuring contents remain at the right temperature. When it comes to temperature control, a backup system is For protection against tampering and theft, secure access codes arguably the most important component. Stout explains that or key cards are popular options. Some systems take advantage liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide backup systems on -80°C of technological advances such as using biometric authentication. storage devices can ensure temperatures don’t rise above Each of these has its potential downsides—for example, a code critical levels during an energy interruption or mechanical can be cracked in a brute force attack and there are methods to breakdown. Power backup systems can help avoid outages and dupe facial recognition and fingerprint technology, but they are voltage boost or buck systems can circumvent voltage spikes or certainly better than no protection at all. drops that may cause downtime or mechanical damage. Aimee O’Driscoll, BSc, MBA, has a decade of experience as a To safeguard operational settings, Lewis suggests protecting development chemist and is a seasoned science writer. She can be with a password or passcode. He also notes the importance reached at [email protected]. FOR ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON COLD STORAGE, INCLUDING USEFUL ARTICLES AND A LIST OF MANUFACTURERS, VISIT WWW.LABMANAGER.COM/COLD-STORAGE June 2021 Lab Manager 47

product focus | flow cytometry FLOW CYTOMETRY NEW APPLICATIONS ACCELERATE POTENTIAL AS A PLATFORM FOR DRUG SCREENING AND SUBCELLULAR CHARACTERIZATION by Brandoch Cook, PhD and western blotting are inadequate, as they largely address samples as static lump sums without internal Flow cytometry has evolved from its initial variation. With increasingly powerful flow platforms, purpose as a cell counting technique investigators are within reach of objectives such as into a powerful and essential phenotypic improving efficiency and viability in stem cell-based characterization platform. The recent addition of strategies to derive therapeutically relevant cell types. acoustic focusing, and principles of microfluidic and nanotechnology devices, have allowed investigators Conventional flow cytometry to extend the capabilities of cytometry to high- throughput screening, and the collection and study of Conventional flow cytometry uses hydrodynamic subcellular compartments and rare cell types. focusing to align cells into single-file arrangements so that they pass the interrogation point as individual events. “The use of acoustic standing Sheath fluid within a long tube acts as the conduit into which the instrument injects and focuses the sample to waves across multiple parallel create a core stream. Within the sheath, hydrodynamic forces overtake investigator control, and particles rapidly streams can increase flow rates accelerate, such that adherence to Poisson distribution limitations places a restrictive cap on events detected more than 50-fold.” and recorded, and sample volume injected into the stream. The accurate detection limits of conventional The foundation of flow cytometry resides in the principle flow cytometry vary, but hover around 25,000 cells that electrical current applied to particles moving per second, with diameters between about one and 20 through an aperture results in impedance proportional microns, often in volumes of a milliliter or less, in the to their volume. Wallace Coulter patented this concept interest of optimizing assay duration and efficiency. and applied it to his eponymous cell counter. In the When exceeded, instrumentation can clog, or record too 1970s, the Los Alamos laboratories expanded upon the many doublet events for data to be informative, or simply Coulter Principle and generated devices in which laser perform inadequately to register the desired number light scattered by cells passing through an interrogation of events in the time allotted before the next user loses window could be used to infer parameters such as size, his patience. These limits are refractory to the modern membrane integrity, and proliferation. The experimental demands of cell biology, which place a premium on generation of antibodies specific to cell-surface proteins, throughput, and on the identification of rare cell types, and the more recent creation of elegant genetic reporter esoteric, or novel events. Adherence to these goals can systems, have facilitated characterization of different cell often necessitate concentration of media through time- types via excitation of conjugated fluorophore compounds consuming centrifugation steps. Moreover, the small or naturally fluorescent fusion proteins by corresponding volumes required in the interest of machine run-times laser wavelengths. translate to high percentages lost in void volumes, their contents squandered prior to injection and after post-run expulsion, frustratingly lost in the final analysis. Through these innovations, it is possible to identify, Acoustic-assisted focusing and quantify, and sometimes collect and subculture increased throughput important cell types from otherwise heterogeneous populations. These are capabilities for which venerable The recent addition of acoustic focusing to conventional molecular and biochemical techniques such as qPCR flow cytometry goes a long way toward improving 48 Lab Manager June 2021 LabManager.com

product focus | flow cytometry throughput and optimizing identification and collection of rare Nanoscale flow and extracellular vesicles events. Acoustic-assisted hydrodynamic focusing is an evolving platform that can focus a broader array of particle sizes, Finally, a new and exciting field has coalesced around characterizing more precisely, and in wider channels, than in conventional subcellular components, and using them as biomarkers, previously instruments. Therefore, it employs longer transit times with unfeasible because of the inadequate lower detection limits of reduced linear velocity, enabling a higher rate of analysis, with conventional cytometry. This development breaks analysis of sample volumes up to an order of magnitude greater than with organelles and extracellular vesicles (EVs) free from laborious hydrodynamic focusing alone. Increasing sample volumes fixation and cryo-preparation steps, and costly electron microscopic comparatively minimizes void volumes and eliminates the need analysis. Instruments with multiple high-powered short-wavelength for concentration steps. The net result is greater efficiency and lasers, and application of nanotechnology principles to detection, throughput, validating it as a robust technology for chemical can accurately discern size differences in calibrated beads down to and antibody screening. 100 nanometers, and detect liposomes half that diameter. This concept is incredibly important, considering the high Consequently, NanoFlow has been used in disease modeling studies barriers of cost, training, and coordination associated with use to distinguish whether cells preferably release exosomes expressing of screening core facilities, compared to retention of a benchtop hallmark surface proteins, or comparatively smoother and larger machine in an individual laboratory space. One can also obtain microvesicles, which bud from cell membranes. With these and significant populations of rare circulating tumor or endothelial other emerging studies, investigators can move toward high- cells from dilute solutions, without concentration steps that may throughput analysis and staging of different cancer cells, which may be time consuming and deleterious to the cells themselves before have intrinsic properties that dictate the ratio of EVs they release. analysis. Rare cells are defined as occupying less than .01 percent of the total population, so that obtaining 1,000 cells of interest The power of flow cytometry techniques to characterize would require a sample preparation containing at least 10 million subcellular compartments, and to process large volumes with high total. Acoustic-assisted cytometers can efficiently handle the throughput, distinctly accelerates its potential as a predictive tool. corresponding volumes, especially across multiple experimental conditions, while conventional instruments cannot. Brandoch Cook, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Surgery in New York City. He can be reached at Individual laboratories have begun to extend the capabilities [email protected]. of acoustic focusing through parallel flows and with microfluidic channels. The use of acoustic standing waves across multiple parallel streams can increase flow rates more than 50-fold, and analysis rates to over 100,000 events per second. Alternatively, traveling acoustic waves applied to microfluidic channels can simultaneously improve efficiency and decrease footprint by eliminating sheath altogether. There are benefits and disadvantages to this approach, because while the sheath spans the breadth of a conventional instrument, and intrinsically dilutes the sample flow, it also keeps cells from contacting and contaminating channel walls. Combining traveling waves with repeating curved microfluidic channel geometry can allow efficient focusing based on intrinsic physical flow forces, optimizing analytical efficiency, purity, and viability of collected cells. FOR ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON FLOW CYTOMETRY , INCLUDING USEFUL ARTICLES AND A LIST OF MANUFACTURERS, VISIT WWW.LABMANAGER.COM/FLOW-CYTOMETRY June 2021 Lab Manager 49

product focus | power supplies POWER SUPPLIES PROTECT THE FUNCTIONS AND LIFETIME OF YOUR INSTRUMENTS BY OPTIMIZING POWER SOURCES by Andy Tay, PhD UPS is often paired with a power distribution unit that distributes power to multiple devices. The power Laboratory instruments are designed to work within distribution unit does not generate or moderate power an operational power range, and disruptions to the conditions but rather distributes power from a UPS or power supply can affect the functions and lifetime generator. There are a variety of power distribution units of instruments. Natural disasters such as earthquakes and available, with some offering remote monitoring and typhoons can lead to blackouts, cutting off power supply to displaying input and output voltages. essential instruments like freezers, which affects the stability of frozen samples. Additionally, power fluctuations and spikes Power and voltage regulation may diminish data reproducibility and damage expensive equipment. Here, we will discuss some strategies to supply All lab instruments have a recommended working power your instruments with the correct electrical power at all times. and voltage range and beyond this, the data or the safety of the users is at risk. Additionally, an incorrect voltage supply Power backup can damage instruments and void the warranty. This is undesirable because most lab equipment is designed to work Inclement weather, such as heavy rain, can lead to for at least five to 10 years, and if the warranty is voided, it power tripping and blackout. When this happens, it can can add significantly to the lab expenditure. affect day-to-day lab operations by increasing machine downtime. Further, when refrigerators and freezers lose To avoid the detrimental effects of high voltage power, the integrity of chemical reagents and biological transients and surges—such as from lightning—labs can samples is compromised. With more machine learning- consider installing a power conditioner to improve the related research relying on supercomputers, there is an quality of the power that is delivered to lab equipment. A increased risk of power tripping and blackout causing power conditioner can improve power quality by offering analyses to fail midway, resulting in data loss. power factor correction, noise suppression, and transient voltage spike protection. One way to avoid this problem is to get an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) that comes with add-on battery packs Another option is to purchase circuit protection devices to adjust the backup time from a few minutes to a few hours. such as circuit breakers. As the name suggests, when Note that UPS is different from an emergency power system there is too much current, the circuit will reliably as it provides almost instantaneous protection from power disconnect the equipment from the power source to disruptions using batteries. With a UPS, users can continue prevent damage to the instrument and hazards to users. using instruments even when power supplies are affected. Despite the importance of supplying lab equipment with the correct electrical power, it is often an overlooked area in lab management. The use of specialized accessories like UPSs and power conditioners can help protect the integrity of chemicals, biological samples, and data while extending the lifetime of lab instruments. This can translate to great savings for the lab in the long run. Andy Tay, PhD, is a freelance science writer based in Singapore. FOR ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON POWER SUPPLIES, INCLUDING USEFUL ARTICLES AND A LIST OF MANUFACTURERS, VISIT WWW.LABMANAGER.COM/POWER-SUPPLIES 50 Lab Manager June 2021 LabManager.com