Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for recovering selected particles having predetermined properties from a number of particles. The apparatus includes a stimulation system, a detection system, a retriever and a control system. In use, the control system is adapted to activate the stimulation system to attempt to stimulate one or more of the particles and then detect at least one stimulated particle using detection system. Once a stimulated particle has been detected this is recovered using the retriever.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for fusing first and second cells. In particular, the method includes positioning the first and second cells between two electrodes (35) in a fluid filled container (40) using a pipette system (33), with the first and second cells being held separated from each electrode. Once this has been achieved a current having a predetermined waveform is applied to the electrodes (35) to generate a predetermined electric field thereby causing the cells to fuse.