Fluorescence can be used to detect viruses such as AIDS or eboli, or probe soil for toxins such as petrochemicals. Fluorescence can be used to monitor the activity of drugs on the human nervous system. Fluorescence can be used to identify DNA and other biological samples. Living cells can be studied with no adverse effects. For instance, we can watch a heart muscle cell contract as it is stimulated by calcium ions, in real time .
Fluorescence produces no toxic waste.
Some competing research techniques utilize radioactive and biohazardous materials, which must somehow be disposed of after the research is completed . Fluorescence is economical. It is for these reasons and more that PTI has made fluorescence research its business. Copyright 1997-1999 Photon Technology International.