Abstract: A temperature control device for controlling a temperature of a substance to obtain a first temperature and to change to a second temperature has first and second heating blocks and a heating device. The heating device heats the first and second heating blocks to the first and second temperatures, respectively. The temperature control device has a first material opposing the first heating block to define a first space between them arranged to receive the substance and to define a first temperature zone having substantially the first temperature. The temperature control device has a second material opposing the second heating block such as to define a second space between them arranged to receive the substance and define a second temperature zone having substantially the second temperature, the first and second spaces being arranged such that the substance can be moved from the first temperature zone to the second temperature zone.

Abstract: A pipette tip having a first end arranged to be fitted to a pipette body (3) of a pipette (1) and having a second end with an opening (15) arranged to be inserted in a sample which is at least in part intended to be drawn up by the pipette, wherein the opening (15) has a sharp profile such that it can be used to cut through a cover (119) covering an enclosure containing the sample.