(Fujitsu Ltd.: Tokyo) -- Fujitsu Ltd. announces the development of the world’s first computer-aided design (CAD) engine, designed to be used as part of a 3-D CAD system for designing machinery that is capable of processing data for 1 million parts in 0.2 seconds.

The new engine features processing performance that is 200 times the speed of existing 3-D CAD systems, giving it the power to process large-scale machinery with 1 million parts in only 0.2 seconds. Although the processing performance limitations of existing systems have traditionally forced engineers to design mechanical, electrical, and control systems using separate systems, the new engine enables the design of these elements to be consolidated into one system, streamlining the task of designing large-scale machinery.

In addition, the ability to share 3-D data between departments, from design to manufacturing, prevents wasted effort and information discrepancies that can take place at each stage in the design process, thereby reducing the need for revisions during manufacturing, shortening development lead times, and increasing product quality.

This engine is to be incorporated into a iCAD V7 software package which Fujitsu plans to release at the end of 2010.

(U.S. Foodservice: Rosemont, IL) -- U.S. Foodservice, one of the premier food service distributors in the United States, is continuing its commitment to food safety by hosting a technical working group established to standardize the Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), or food safety standards, in the United States. The meeting of the “Produce Harmonization Initiative,” as it is known in the food industry, was in Rosemont, Illinois, on May 12–13.

This influential group of industry representatives is working to develop a single set of national standards for the produce industry in the United States that can be audited, recognized, and accepted globally by all segments of the food industry. The result of the initiative would enhance consumers’ protection from potential hazards that may contaminate produce at the farm level. Participants include some of the country’s most respected organizations, including Chiquita/Fresh Express, McDonald’s, Sunkist Growers, Target, Taylor Farms, and the United Fresh Produce Association.

The goal of the technical working group is to develop the best food safety standards to protect consumers. The first draft of these standards is expected by Oct. 1.

(Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.: Waltham, MA) -- Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., a leader in serving science, has launched the Thermo Scientific Lumina, a new research-grade dual-monochromator-scanning fluorescence spectrometer that offers a new level of clarity in fluorescence measurement. Designed for demanding research applications and routine laboratory analysis, the Lumina delivers 0.5 nm spectral bandwidth, high sensitivity, and fast scanning speed, providing industry-leading performance for rapid and accurate assay development, quantification, and sample analysis applications in life science, QA/QC, materials science, pharmaceutical, environmental, photochemistry, and luminescence laboratories.

With its ability to provide 0.5 nm spectral bandwidth, the Lumina offers superior resolving power when compared with competitive systems in the same price range, enabling analysts to uncover the most detailed information about their samples, including sample features that are closely positioned, and better discriminate between peaks in spectra. Additionally, the Lumina’s increased sensitivity offers the advantages of lower limits of detection, less noise, and more consistent baseline measurements.