Abstract: The present invention related to a compound for use in prevention or treatment of a neurodegenerative disease associated with the formation of stress granules. The compound is selected from lipoic acid, lipoamide, dihydrolipoic acid, and dihydrolipoamide. The invention further relates to a method of identifying a compound that modulates a characteristic associated with one or more condensates comprising a condensate-associated molecule, comprising: (a) contacting the compound with a cellular composition comprising one or more condensates or a cellular composition capable of forming one or more condensates, and (b) determining the characteristic associated with the one or more condensates. A modulation in the characteristic, as compared to a reference, indicates that the compound modulates the characteristic associated with the one or more condensates.

Abstract: A multi-channel electrophoresis apparatus is fitted with a detection means disposed substantially across the width of the medium, intersecting all channels. The detection means senses components of samples as they migrate past the detection means and identifies the channel in which the detected components are located. In the preferred embodiment, the samples are tagged with radioisotopes which are detected by the detector.

Abstract: A device for treating samples, for example collection of fractions from a chromatographic separation process, comprises a series of test containers (11), a treatment unit (5) and an apparatus (4) for creating relative motion between the test containers and the treatment unit. The treatment unit passes the test containers in sequence and subjects the same to one or more treatment steps. According to the invention the test tubes are detected and their position indicated by a sensor (9) which is arranged to trigger the treatment step or steps when contacting a given area on the respective test container (11), especially by the resilient biasing of a spring (13).

Abstract: A shelf apparatus includes at least one horizontal shelf and a plurality of hollow support means connected to said shelf by a compressible, expansible attaching means. According to the preferred embodiment the support means comprise bottles and the attaching means comprises a rubber-like plug which in its non-expanded state fits easily into the neck of the bottle. The plug is connected to the shelf by a bolt which passes through a hole in the shelf and also passes through a hole in the plug. An anchoring device such as a nut and washer combination is connected to the bolt just below the plug member. Rotation of the bolt causes the anchor device to pull up against the base of the rubber plug thereby causing it to expand against the inside of the neck of the bottle. The expanded rubber plug firmly connects the bottle support to the shelf above it. A variety of different devices can be constructed in this manner including ornamental shelving arrangements, bookcases, coffee tables, and like items.