In the Austral Summer of 2018-2019 a Norwegian research group aboard the RV Kronprins Haakon, an ice-breaking polar research vessel, traveled to the Antarctic on a research mission with two objectives: 1) to update the estimate of biomass and distribution of krill off the coast of West Antarctica and 2) to become educated on the marine environment in this area for the purpose of implementing a Feed-Back Management (FBM) system, allowing fishery managers to set catch limits based on current ecosystem health.

When you buy a FlowCam, you gain access to a team of technical experts dedicated to supporting and improving your FlowCam and VisualSpreadsheet experiences. Residing in the Fluid Imaging Technology headquarters in Maine, USA, our Support team works directly with our Engineering departments to stay up-to-date on the most pertinent FlowCam and VisualSpreadsheet updates and improvements. In turn, they provide you with the most accurate, beneficial, and efficient customer service.  Ask our Technical Support team about:

Flow Imaging Microscopy has revolutionized particle analysis by offering qualitative, morphological analysis in addition to quantitative analysis (count and size). 

Please welcome aboard two new team members at Fluid Imaging Technologies: Steve Bowen and Sarah Isakson.

A class of engineered proteins called elastin-like polymers (ELP) have shown promise for advanced drug delivery applications. In order to fully realize their potential however, they need to be rigorously characterized  to determine how they behave in different environments. The FlowCam is ideally suited to help with the characterization process.

A Maine Sea Grant has just been awarded to Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Science to study the effects on the lobster, one of Maine's most economically and commercially important resources. The ubiquity of marine microplastics is becoming well known. However, the impact of microplastics on ocean life remains poorly understood. 

How do you analyze algae populations? Algae analysis is simplified using the FlowCam^®'s image analysis software VisualSpreadsheet^®. While manual identification may still be required for taxonomic purposes, algae identification and population analysis can be achieved with little effort using this system. 

Join us in welcoming Dominic Benfatta, newly hired Customer Care Associate, to the Fluid Imaging Technologies team. 

Dominic finished his degree in Portland at the University of Southern Maine where he was awarded a B.S. in Biology with a Concentration in Human Biology and a Minor in Biochemistry, graduating this past December. While in school Dominic worked as a lab technician and wellness specialist at a local compounding pharmacy, in an on-campus optogenetics lab, and as a fellow for an international non-profit geared towards spreading meditation and stress management skills to college students. He enjoys hiking, slacklining, drawing, reading, and cooking in his free time.

How do you perform Oil in Water analysis? Flow Imaging Microscopy provides more comprehensive data than laser diffraction, beyond just count and size data, using particle images and morphological analysis. The FlowCam's image analysis software VisualSpreadsheet is equipped with an algorithm specifically designed for the petroleum industry to quickly and easily analyze the Oil in Water content. 

What should my fluorescence settings be for phytoplankton analysis? What should my context settings be for protein analysis? How do I use file processing mode? 

We've compiled VisualSpreadsheet^® How-To Videos on our YouTube channel that serve as guides on suggested settings, and instructions on useful functions, including: 

• Quick Start Guide: Context Settings for Aquatic Samples and Proteinaceous Samples
• Quick Start Guide: Fluorescence Settings for Phytoplankton Analysis
• How to Use File Processing Mode for Phytoplankton and Proteinaceous Samples