Abstract: A method of forming a workpiece (18) comprises: holding the workpiece adjacent a mould (20); using a laser (30) to heat at least a part of the workpiece to a temperature sufficient induce superplasticity; and applying a fluid pressure to the workpiece, so that it takes the shape of the mould. This has the advantage that the superplastic properties of the material can be used to form the workpiece precisely to the required shape, without needing to heat all of the processing chamber to the superplastic temperature. Before using the laser to heat the workpiece to its superplastic temperature, the laser can be used to heat the whole of the workpiece to a substantially uniform temperature to anneal it. Similarly, after using the laser to superplastically form the workpiece, the laser is used to heat the whole of the workpiece to a substantially uniform temperature to remove any residual stresses.

Abstract: This invention relates to a series of PCR primers that will allow the simultaneous amplification of regions of the clinically significant ABO and RHD genes.

Abstract: A method of determining the cause of disease is described, which method uses the detection of “signature” or “fingerprint” volatile compounds in an emission, especially flatus, from a patient.

Abstract: A method for detecting Helicobacter pylori in a subject's gastroenteral tract involves measuring a change in resistance of an electronic or electrochemical sensor, notably a polypyrrole film, on exposure to gas from the subject's lungs and/or stomach. Depending on the magnitude of the change (if any) a positive or negative result is indicated visually by electronics means. Two sensors are used, one of which receives a sample of gas which has passed through an amonia-absorbing means to provide a corrected baseline value for the ammonia. The invention also provides apparatus suitable for carrying out the method.