Feb 2022

 
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CLIENT OF THE MONTH: 
THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH PACIFIC

Winners are chosen by our computer on a random basis. The prize is the client’s choice of $100 worth of laboratory items from a supplied list.

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From The University of South Pacific:

"USP was founded in 1968 and is one of the regional universities of the world. Our vision of “Shaping Pacific Futures” is guided by our Pacific Values of inclusive family, participatory and open dialogue.

As a global brand, USP has strong international relations, world-class research and most importantly, over 30 years’ experience in digital delivery. The multi-cultural nature of the staff and our student body gives USP an exceptional and unique character.

At USP, we are student-centered and values-led. We are a quality institution that produces Internationally Accredited Programmes and Courses through various modes and technologies which are deployed throughout our 14 campuses. We at USP are well suited to providing you with an extremely supportive and personalized student experience.

The University’s School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS) delivers an exemplary education in the area of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Marine Studies, and Biological and Chemical Sciences. We create an environment that supports competitiveness, creative thinking and innovation and encourages working on innovative projects in order to promote holistic personality development of our students for nurturing them as future leaders in their chosen areas.

As the world and future of work changes, we are constantly evolving and enhancing our ability for fusion of innovation, creativity and technology. Our responsibility is to ensure that all our students are receiving the best opportunities to succeed in life and their future work experience."

www.usp.ac.fj

 

CLEVER PERSON'S QUIZ

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Question:
Only one of the following is botanically classed as a berry. Which is it, and why aren’t the others?

Blackberry, Blueberry, Mulberry, Raspberry, Strawberry.

The answer will be in the next edition of the Rowe Scientific newsletter.

Did you know the answer to the last quiz question?

"Many dry clays, rocks and soils produce a peculiar and characteristic odour when breathed on, or moistened with water. In March of 1964, CSIRO scientists described in the journal Nature the cause of this phenomenon scientifically for the first time. What is the cause of this scent, and what is the name these scientists gave this distinct scent?"

Answer: 

Petrichor

"Isabel Bear and Richard Thomas of the CSIRO determined in 1964 that when airborne molecules from decomposing plant matter become attached to mineral or clay surfaces during a dry spell, the molecules chemically recombine with other elements as an oil on clay, rock or soil.
 
This oil consists of:
- A basic fraction, containing pyridine and quinoline like cyclic bases.
- An acid fraction consisting of a mixture of carboxylic acids together with a nitro-phenolic compound.
- A neutral fraction consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbons, saturated ketones, and ammonia.

 
When moisture is applied to the clay, rock or soil, typically due to rainfall, this oil becomes an aerosol, creating the iconic scent. This scent was named Petrichor, from the Greek petra/petros meaning rock/stone, and ichor, the blood of gods."

References
BEAR, I. J.; THOMAS, R. G. (1964). Nature of Argillaceous Odour. Nature, 201(4923), 993–995. doi:10.1038/201993a0
BEAR, I. J.; THOMAS, R. G. (1965). Petrichor and Plant Growth. Nature, 207(5004), 1415–1416. doi:10.1038/2071415a0
JOUNG, Y. S.; BUIE, CULLEN R. (2015). Aerosol generation by raindrop impact on soil. Nature Communications, 6, 6083-. doi:10.1038/ncomms7083
POYNTON, H. (2015). ‘The smell of rain: how our scientists invented a new word’. CSIROscope, https://blog.csiro.au/the-smell-of-rain-how-our-scientists-invented-a-new-word/

SUPPORTING THE RFDS

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SCIENCE TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA. 2021 ROWE SCIENTIFIC ANNUAL PRIZES.

Congratulations to the 99 students who were awarded Rowe Scientific sponsored prizes, at the 2021 awards STAWA Science Talent Search ceremony last year. The following is just one of the many award categories, chosen at random.


Year 9-10 Science Investigation – 1st place winners

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Mr Nathan Curnow (ASTA President), presenting awards to Mses Chloe Mouritz, Cara Mackenzie and Pavitra Savani of Lesmurdie Senior High School.

Fingerprinting Powder Investigation Abstract
(Pavitra Savani, Cara Mackenzie and Chloe Mouritz )

Industrial fingerprinting powder is quite expensive and not easily obtainable, especially for schools that often need large quantities. This group investigated alternatives to industrial fingerprinting. They measured the flow, sensitivity, adhesion and visibility of each alternative and found baby powder and fine ground clay to best alternatives if industrial powder was not available. The main drawback for most of the powders used in the investigation was the visibility.

Well done ladies, from the national staff of Rowe Scientific Pty Ltd.

SCIENCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND 68th QUEENSLAND
SCIENCE CONTEST 2021


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Congratulations to the 44 schools and the 559 students who participated in the 2021 Queensland Science Contest.

243 of the students were in receipt of prizes sponsored by Rowe Scientific Pty Ltd. A random sample is chosen as follows;

Sejal’s investigation/ project was on “3D printed Bone Scaffold”

Well done Sejal.

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SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SCIENCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION. 40TH ANNIVERSARY OLIPHANT AWARDS 2021.


Congratulations to the 2251 students and 107 schools who participated in the above for 2021. Four of he 137 students to receive prizes donated by Rowe Scientific, have been chosen at random, and are featured below;

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The age group, school, and project title are as per the following table.

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Well done all participants, from the national staff of Rowe Scientific Pty Ltd.

EDITH COWAN UNIVERSITY
SUPPORT FOR PhD CHEMISTRY STUDENT

Rowe Scientific has been pleased to support the PhD studies of a chemistry student at Edith Cowan university (Perth) during 2021, as follows;

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“During his undergraduate degree, Matthew developed an interest in analytical chemistry. He is currently pursuing this interest in his graduate research studies, focussing on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomics applied to the discovery of biomarkers of chronic disease.

Metabolomics is the in-depth study of small (50 – 2000 g/mol) biological molecules which can be used for characterising biochemical mechanisms of disease and identifying new biomarkers. Using an untargeted metabolomics approach, thousands of metabolites can be detected from a single biofluid or tissue sample injection onto a mass spectrometry platform.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is a robust platform which provides highly reproducible retention times as well as repeatable fragmentation patterns. The aim of Matthew’s research project is to optimise the method used for the extraction of metabolites from polycystic kidney tissue. Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) causes numerous fluid-filled cysts to develop in the kidneys, which will grow if untreated leading to kidney damage, reduced renal function and potentially kidney failure. Early detection of PKD is key to early intervention and improved patient outcomes. It is hoped that metabolite differences between polycystic kidney tissue and healthy kidney tissue discovered in this project will be useful biomarkers for early detection of PKD.”

Well done Matthew and best wishes in your ongoing studies, from the staff of Rowe Scientific Pty Ltd.

SCIENCE EDUCATORS’ ASSOCIATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY ROWE SCIENTIFIC 2021 PRIZES

Congratulations to the recipients of the 70 prizes awarded in the 2021 SEA ACT. The following is a random sample taken from a list of the prize recipients.

The abstract of Abbey’s report follows, via the SEA ACT;

Abbey Curran
How do flavonoids and isoflavonoids improve nodulation in legumes?
Year 10
Daramalan College
1st Biology

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“This experiment determined how plant chemical signal molecules, flavonoids and isoflavonoids, impact the nitrogen fixating symbiosis of the legume Medicago truncatula as shown by their nodulation rate.

After the plants had grown, a mass spectrometer analysis was conducted on the roots to measure the concentrations of flavonoids and isoflavonoids in roots compared to the number of nodules.

Different flavonoids were also added to rhizobia before inoculating them onto untransformed Medicago to see the direct effect of particular flavonoids on the nodulation process. A statistically significant increase in nodulation was found in the plants overexpressing isoflavone synthase and associated with 5 particular flavonoids.”

 

SCIENCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION OF TASMANIA. ROWE SCIENTIFIC 2021 STATE PRIZES.

Congratulations to the recipients of the 118 prizes sponsored by Rowe Scientific at the 2021 Science Teachers’ Association of Tasmania’s Science Talent Search. The following is a random sample report, from all of those awarded.

The abstract of Ms Campbell’s report follows.

Topic: Time to split: an investigation into the potential production of Green Hydrogen in Australia using solar energy to electrolytically split acidulated water.
Seonaid Campbell - Year 12, Marist Regional College, Burnie, Tasmania EQUAL First Senior secondary, Grades (11 – 12), Research Investigations

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“A research investigation was conducted to trial methods of hydrogen production using electrical energy and solar energy via the electrolysis of ionised water. With view of powering the process via electrical energy, two sets of trials were conducted, whereby varying concentrations of sulphuric acid were used to ionise the water.

This was done with the purpose of determining the optimal concentration of H+ ions which would produce the highest volume of hydrogen gas. These concentrations were tested to the standards of the apparatus available to avoid damage to the equipment. Despite some inconsistencies, the results show a direct linear relationship between the H+ (aq) concentration and H2 (g) production, with an average rate of production equation of: Rate of H2 (g) production, y = 0.0541 [H+ (aq)] + 0.0031 Regarding solar cell experimentation, trials indicated that, with the low-range sunlight intensity over the Tasmanian autumn/winter period and limited photo-voltaic panel size available, production of hydrogen was limited by comparison with theoretical modelling.

However, even in these restricting circumstances, a power of 14.25 W was generated, producing an average rate of hydrogen production of 1.40 mL/min. In theory, if enough hydrogen was produced in locations across Australia which receive the highest levels of sunlight exposure – Northern Territory and northern areas of Western Australia and Queensland – this hydrogen could then be stored at pressure in cylinders and used in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, as currently seen in the 2021 Hyundai Nexo [see Appendix 5] and Toyota Mirai [see Appendix 6] models.

Whilst limited capacity to trial solar production was the case in a Tasmanian autumn/winter season, further experimental data for this use could be determined in spring/summer to find maximum production rates at higher light intensities. Interesting lines of research that could also further the knowledge base in this area could include testing higher concentrations of H+ ions to determine a peak in productivity of hydrogen production, which was not viable in this experimentation due to the polyethylene apparatus.”

 

SCIENCE TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY ROWE SCIENTIFIC 2021 PRIZES

Congratulations to the recipients of the 64 prizes sponsored by Rowe Scientific in the 2021 Young Scientist Awards, run by the Science Teachers’ Association of the NT. The following is a random sample of one of the recipients.

A summary of Natasha’s report follows.

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Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine to combat the COVID-19 Pandemic

The development of the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine clearly demonstrates the importance of communication and collaboration between companies and scientists around the world to develop a vaccine to combat the coronavirus pandemic as quickly as possible.

The application of this technology will have a significant impact on society by reducing the number of deaths and infections and thus enabling travel restrictions to ease and business to reopen which will benefit the economy and the mental health of all individuals.

Future development of mRNA vaccine technology has the potential to create personalised mRNA cancer vaccines and a single vaccine capable of providing protection for multiple diseases.

 

SCIENCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION OF NSW
ROWE SCIENTIFIC 2021 STATE PRIZES

Congratulations to the recipients of the 35 prizes sponsored by Rowe Scientific at the 2021 Science Teachers’ Association of New South Wales, Young Scientist awards. The following are two samples, chosen at random from those awarded.

Ms Tahlia Martignago.
Menai High School 

She received the Rowe Scientific Science Investigation Year 11-12 Earth and Environmental Science - 1st Place award for her project entitled “The clash of the modern crises: A study investigating the development of antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli under increasing carbon dioxide concentrations”. She also received one of 12 Rowe Depth Study Awards for another project titled “The Search for Antibiotics”.

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This is a short description of her winning project:

"Tahlia performed a primary study aimed at investigating if different concentrations of carbon dioxide affect the rate and extent of antibiotic resistance developed by Escherichia coli bacteria over 4 generations using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method and MIC test strips.

She found that increased carbon dioxide exposure resulted in significant increases in both the extent and rate of antibiotic resistance in E. coli. "

 

Ms Alika Ho.
Sydney Girls High School.
 

She received the Rowe Scientific Science Investigation Year 11-12 Physics - 1st Place Award for her project titled “The Elastic Pendulum: A theoretical model and the Relationship Between Initial Positions and Reversal Points of a Mass Attached to a Spring Pendulum”.

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This is a short description of her winning project:
 
"Alika searched for physics fun beyond bungee jumping. Her setup involved dropping a mass attached to a spring from different initial points, the reversal points were also noted and compared to points released. Alika produced a model which improved on previous studies through the incorporation of dead length and an IF statement related to the compression of the spring."

 

Congratulations ladies, from the staff of Rowe Scientific nationally, including NSW.

THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY
ROWE SCIENTIFIC 2021 CHEMISTRY SCHOLARSHIP

The following students are the 2021 winners of the annual Rowe Scientific Chemistry scholarships at The University of Sydney. Well done people, from the national staff of Rowe Scientific, including NSW (Minto).

Alice Lu

I am a third-year student studying a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Advanced Studies majoring in Chemistry and Biology. After completing my undergraduate degrees, I intend to undertake a Master of Secondary Teaching, with hopes of becoming a high school teacher. I was inspired to pursue this career path because of the amazing teachers I have had throughout my life, who have instilled me with a desire to mentor others. I would love to be able to pass on my passion for science to my future students.

The Rowe Scientific Chemistry Scholarship has helped me and my parents pay our bills, alleviating our financial issues. I would like to sincerely thank you, Rowe Scientific, for your generosity. It has allowed me to focus all my attention on studying and has offered me some much-needed peace of mind.

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James Hien Luong

I am a Khmer - Vietnamese Australian from southwest Sydney in my third year of a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Advanced Studies majoring in Chemistry and International Relations. In 2022, I plan to pursue an Honours year after completing my undergraduate studies.
 
I chose to study chemistry after taking it as a subject during the HSC and realising that I enjoyed it. I am inspired by the immense progress that scientific advances have brought and hope to also contribute to the betterment of society through my work.

Receiving the Rowe Scientific Chemistry Scholarship has been a major relief to me. I was able to buy a webcam to participate in my Zoom classes and replace my bicycle tubes so that I could better travel to and from campus. This gift will also help cover my living expenses during my Honours year and allow me to fully focus on my research. Thank you so much, Rowe Scientific, I am truly grateful for your generosity.

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POSITION OPPORTUNITIES
Click on the links below to view these positions on our website.

Adelaide

Internal Customer Service

Brisbane
Internal Customer Service

Store Person

Technician - Scientific Instruments

Perth

Chemical Repacker / Formulator Perth

Experienced Store Person

 

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NEW SOUTH WALES

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Dear Clients. 

It is hard to believe that we have already reached the second month of this new year. Times remain interesting; and while we have all made our New Year’s resolutions for 2022, we do continue to face some of the same challenges presented throughout 2021.

Freight delays continue to cause difficulties in moving goods, both internationally and domestically. We ask again that you consider your ongoing requirements and order your consumables in advance wherever possible.

Our logistics teams have been working hard behind the scenes to maintain our existing supply chains and build new ones where required, in order to keep our clients supplied with the goods they need to do their jobs. One result of this is that we have secured good stock of consumables which are in high-demand, such as serological pipettes and Ultra Low Retention filter tips. We have these in stock in our warehouses locally, so please don’t hesitate to speak with your Account Manager regarding supply of these products.

We continue to strive to provide you with quality and competitive products across our range, and so we are happy to offer the ‘Ex’ line of Spark-free refrigerators and freezers from Haier. We have several units from this range in stock locally, and can readily supply these units into your workspace. More information on these Spark-free fridges and freezers can be found on our website, however our team are also ready to assist should you require further information.

We wish you all good health and happiness for 2022, and the very best for all that it may hold in store. We look forward to continuing to work with you all throughout this coming year.

All the best from:
Kathryn, Ari, Connor, Hayden, John, Julia and Robert

QUEENSLAND

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Dear Clients.

A Happy New Year to all! Let us hope this year is less disruptive than previous. We look forward to seeing you all in person in 2022.

There a number of supply chain issues which we are dealing with currently. We are working hard to keep you supplied with your laboratory needs, please reach out to us if you have concerns receiving your items which are time critical to you. We will do our best to find a solution in this current logistics climate.

On a positive note, we are hiring and looking for an Internal Sales PersonScientific Instrument Technician and a Store Person . If you are looking for a change in your career or know someone who may be interested in joining our team here in Brisbane, please see our career page on our website for further details.

Cheers from the Queensland team:
Yvonne, Cherise, Daniel, George, Jacob, Josephine, Leon, Martin, Robert and Steve.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA &
NORTHERN TERRITORY

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Dear Clients.
 
We certainly have seen more rain than what is normal for this time of year. Currently there are issues with damaged roads affecting transport between South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. 

We hope you all had a Merry Christmas and wish you the best for the year ahead in 2022. Your continued support throughout the years has necessitated the need to employ another Account Manager to join our growing SA team. We are also on the hunt for another Warehouse person to join our team. Feel free to let me know if you know someone who may be interested.

We are building good stocks of SPL Life Science products, so if you are still struggling to source your items in a timely manner, please let your Account Manager know. Likewise, we continue to hold good stock levels of BRAND liquid handling consumables and equipment, such as Transferpette Pipettors, Dispensette Bottle Top Dispensers and many more.

We still have good stock levels of racked filter tips, so if you are still experiencing delays in supply, please let your Account Manager know.

All the best and stay safe from,

Doug, Aarushi, Dannielle, David, Erik, Joanne, Luke, Michael, Paula, Samuel and Steve.

VICTORIA & TASMANIA

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Dear Clients.

Thank you, Victoria and Tasmania for your continued support throughout 2021 and now into 2022. The year ahead offers some exciting challenges and we will be striving to provide you with the best service possible under these continuing trying circumstances.

Please take a look at the Downloads section of our website for the latest Winery catalogue, along with brochures on a large range of products. In addition to this resource, don’t forget that we are also happy to take your phone call or email and provide the benefits of our experienced local staff here in Melbourne.

We are currently expecting a container delivery of goods from both Tarsons and JetBio - meaning we will replenish stocks of plasticware in the next few days – keep an eye out for specials on these plastics.

Hope to hear from you soon.

From your team in Victoria:
Garry, Adam, Amanda, Brian, Christine, Darren, Hoa, Louise, Mango, Nic and Paul.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

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Dear Clients.

Rowe Scientific like many businesses is feeling the effect of the employment squeeze. Whilst great for the country, it does place pressure on already stressed workers. If you have enjoyed working with Rowe Scientific, and know of a colleague who you feel holds the same values of accuracy and customer focus, let them know about our new CAREERS tab on our homepage. Just go to www.rowe.com.au and see the latest opportunities to join a growing, successful business.

Ensuring stock availability is a critical requirement in order for us to fulfil our Mission of keeping you supplied. Amid plant closures which create product shortfalls, which lead to an upward price spiral, we then have to address logistics issues. Transport hubs remain crowded, we have just cleared a container from a Singapore transhipment which sat of the dock for 8 weeks. We place an order for delivery this week, then the next week are told that the price has increased by 10%, and delivery is now 6 weeks away. But that is our job, to keep you supplied, if we have the stock you have options, if not there are none.

We are working hard to keep you supplied with the scientific items you need to do your work. As always, thanks for your business.

All the best from:
Peter Sommers and the Western Australian Team.

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South Australia
& NT

Queensland

Victoria & Tasmania

New South Wales

Western Australia

Ph: (08) 8186 0523
rowesa@rowe.com.au

Ph: (07) 3376 9411
roweqld@rowe.com.au

Ph: (03) 9701 7077
rowevic@rowe.com.au

Ph: (02) 9603 1205
rowensw@rowe.com.au

Ph: (08) 9302 1911
rowewa@rowe.com.au

Rowe Scientific Pty Ltd
www.rowe.com.au

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