Over the coming months we will be converting to the new name, but visitors will still be able to contact us using the same emails and website. Customers can expect the same innovative approach to study documentation that has built the CERF brand, coupled with new vision for mobility, access, and ease of use that is so necessary in today’s modern laboratory.

Redwood City, CA April 26, 2012

ELN Technologies Directors Rob Day and Wolfgang Rumpf, PhD accept the 2012 Best of Show award

“This awards program identif[ies] exceptional innovation in technologies used by life sciences professionals today.” –Bio-IT World Magazine

CERF for iPad is a new vision in mobile, collaborative laboratory documentation and file management. CERF for Apple iPad features a free personal version on the cloud server myCERF, ground-breaking social networking and collaboration tools, and an attractive, easy-to-navigate laboratory notebook and file cabinet system. CERF for iPad is a dedicated app available for free download in the App Store.

“This award from Bio-IT World Magazine recognizes our efforts to build the new collaborative workspace for researchers and scientists. I would like to thank Bio-IT World and particularly our product development and engineering teams who have worked so hard to deliver an exceptional solution for our customers”, said ELN Technologies, Inc. CEO, Peter Herz.

This is the third Best of Show award granted to CERF by Bio-IT World during CERF’s ten-year span in the industry, and CERF has received Best of Show Finalist standing on two other occasions.

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About ELN Technologies, Inc:
ELN Technologies, Inc. provides CERF enterprise software to help organizations protect their R&D investments and increase collaboration and efficiency. The company serves a global base of commercial, academic, government and nonprofit research labs in biology and multidiscipline research areas. CERF combines Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) and scientific content management for a complete paperless lab information and record-keeping solution. See http://www.rescentris.com.

Building on CERF’s established focus on the collaborative nature of research, myCERF introduces NEW Sharing and Networking features. Perfect for graduate students, labs operating on small budgets, and countless others, myCERF lets you connect with others, ask questions, and share documentation. In addition, Find Experts can be used to search the entire server, suggesting contacts outside of your known network.

In conjunction with our presence at the 10th Anniversary Bio-IT World Expo, we are giving away a FREE Apple iPad! Request an invitation to myCERF between now and noon Thursday, and be entered to win!

This contest is now closed!

Collaboration on myCERF
- Search and add contacts as Colleagues
- Share notebooks, pages, and files
- Share status updates, ask questions, get advice, and network with other researchers
- Create groups of Colleagues as lists for easy sharing
- Manage privacy by sharing with individual Colleagues or lists

Redwood City, CA (PRWEB) April 17, 2012

CERF for iPad reinvents the lab notebook

ELN Technologies (formerly Rescentris) announced today that it will unveil an all-new version of the CERF electronic laboratory notebook iPad App at the 10th Bio-IT World Conference & Expo in Boston next week. CERF for iPad allows research scientists to document experiments on the go, in addition to adding files, images, bookmarks, and more. The software platform has been selected as a Finalist for the Bio-IT Best in Show Award. CERF ELN has been awarded multiple recognitions from Bio-IT World in the past, and representatives are excited to use this special anniversary event to debut the newest vision in mobile science laboratory research.
The 10th Anniversary of Bio-IT World takes place from April 22nd – 26th, at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston. Attendees are invited to visit the CERF booth, #318 and demo the app, in addition to signing up for a chance to win a free Apple iPad.

CERF for iPad is currently available for free download in the iTunes store

According to Amber Miller, Microbiologist at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), “The app is powerful, intuitive, and fast. I love the CERF iPad interface.” The CERF electronic lab notebook iPad app has been fully re-designed, and sports the full functionality needed for portable data recording.
“CERF is purpose-designed to replace the paper notebooks with something more suitable to a modern research environment,” said Dr. Wolfgang Rumpf, Director of Product, ELN Technologies. The CERF iPad App allows users to connect to any CERF Server and work with their notebooks using a rich, intuitive interface. “Our initial feedback has been very positive,” said ELN Technologies CEO Peter Herz. “Users – even those with no previous exposure to CERF – said they found it easy to use. Many scientists have told us that they’d much rather do their work on a small portable device than carry around a laptop or be chained to a desk. The CERF iPad App enables them to do so.”
With the CERF iPad App, users can directly create notebook entries from text, images, and any documents they have in their Cloud storage systems such as DropBox. “Users can even dictate their notebook entries using the new iPad’s Speech to Text feature,” continued Mr. Herz. “It just works.” And users agree.
“I just came back from Las Cruces for a National Alliance for Advanced Biofuels & Bio-Products (NAABB) CERF meeting”, said Jeremy Tate, CERF Admin for NAABB and Help Desk Manager at the Danforth Plant Science Center. “I was showing off the iPad CERF app and got some very positive feedback from a variety of people. We think it’s great. Simple, intuitive, and very fast.”
Simple and intuitive design is key to providing scientists with the tools they need to get their work done. According to Dr. Rumpf, “There is too much scrapbooking and reinvention in science – cutting and pasting from one piece of paper to another; repeating experiments because it’s faster than searching through all of the old paper notebooks – or worse, repeating experiments because you accidentally overwrote the original data, or simply don’t know that one of your colleagues has already done that experiment. Science advances when we build on existing work rather than reinvent it. With CERF, scientists can finally do that.”

***

About ELN Technologies
ELN Technologies, Inc. provides CERF enterprise software to help organizations protect their R&D investments and increase collaboration and efficiency. The company serves a global base of commercial, academic, government and nonprofit research labs in biology and multidiscipline research areas. CERF combines Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) and scientific content management for a complete paperless lab information and record-keeping solution. See http://www.rescentris.com.
Media contact: Jan Dennison, Communications, marketing(at)rescentris(dot)com

“When the first iPad was released in 2010, many dismissed it and the tablet craze it inspired as faddish. Fast forward two years and it’s clear they are here to stay.” Tom Brewster, Rolling out iPads in the Enterprise

Lab Manager Magazine

A growing number of laboratories, hospitals, and universities are embracing the iPad as an information recording tool in the workplace. A survey conducted by Lab Manager Magazine found that the number of researchers who do now or plan to use mobile devices is already greater than those who don’t.

“Sandra Gunselman, lab director for Kailos Genetics (Huntsville, AL),… says using mobile devices at the bench significantly cuts down on time spent doing paperwork. Every lab technician uses a wireless scanner and iPad tablet, which helps track the progress of various processes.” Katia Caporiccio, Lab Manager Magazine

Some industries, such as medicine and pharmaceuticals, have been reporting up to 75% or more adoption. In fact, one university has even given graduating medical students iPads as gifts. While this kind of usage is ahead of traditional research labs, it shows that it can happen and sets examples for how implementation challenges are being addressed.

More and more, industry expert lists of pros and cons (or benefits and challenges) are being overcome, with the cons being crossed off and the pros becoming realities. Indeed, in the past year the conversation has moved from whether tablets will be used, to determining the logistics.

As these oft-cited challenges to tablet use become less challenging, functionality and practical solutions are simultaneously becoming more available.

Apps

Perhaps the real value that iPads bring to lab work is in the extraordinary things you can do with one. Beyond simply taking notes, native apps already exist or can be built to supplement or replace many lab activities.

• Timers: simple enough as a program, but having one on your iPad eliminates needing to carry another thing around with you
• Calculators and scientific conversions: spanning a wide range from dilutions to molecular weights to formulations
• Buffer and reagent references
• Electronic lab notebooks specially designed for science
• Reference guides for an array of disciplines, including diagnostic lists, microbiology methods, and more
• Barcode scanners and Inventory records
• Molecular modeling
• Protocol management
• Remote equipment monitoring

And this is just a sample of the apps available, and as iPad use becomes yet more commonplace, it’s exciting to think of what will come.

Cases and Covers

Naturally, hardware protection is a primary concern, not just from spills in general but also for those used in biohazardous, clinical, or other settings where sterility is imperative. Many researchers report simply using Ziploc-style plastic bags, which they can wipe down before and after use. Here are a few other options.

solo Smart iSkin covers have Microban® antimicrobial silicon and work seamlessly with Apple iPad Smart Covers.

The Chef Sleeve disposable iPad cover was originally made for kitchens, but is indicated for use in hospitals and clinics.

This TrendyDigital Waterproof Case protects from spills and can be wiped down.

This iPad Defender Series case is built for durability and drop protection.

Mounts

Mounts solve that awkward issue of “I have to do something else with both hands now, where can I put my notebook where it won’t get in the way?” while still letting you refer to it as needed.

Griffin Cabinet mount – under-cabinet mounts would be perfect for labs where bench tops are usually covered with work materials.

Another versatile wall mount option includes the swing-arm style, which would be inordinately useful for pulling the screen closer or pushing out of the way.

FridgePad Magnetic mount – sold as a fridge mount, but there is usually no lack of metal surfaces in labs: cabinets, flow hoods, fridges and freezers abound. This magnetic mount can be moved around from place to place with you.

Belkin 3M wall mount – for a slightly more permanent attachment, this Belkin mount uses 3M adhesive strips which can be adhered to any surface, not just magnetic ones.

Keyboards

An important usability consideration is the lack of a traditional keyboard for typing. While some users say that they are getting faster at typing directly onto the screen, some still prefer using actual keyboards. Luckily, accessory producers are already meeting that need.

This Bluetooth keyboard is made of antimicrobial silicone, is spill-proof, and comes with a built-in case.

The TouchFire iPad Keyboard is a silicone overlay that is placed right on the screen’s surface. It provides the 3D responsiveness that people are used to, without needing an extra piece of hardware.

Logitech has a keyboard case which is a durable aluminum cover with padding inside to protect from drops, and has a Bluetooth keyboard which charges via USB, so no batteries need.

The newest Apple wireless keyboard connects with Bluetooth, is slim and portable, and requires one less battery than previous models.

Bonus

They even make iPad lab coats now.

 
What are your thoughts on iPads in the lab? Let us know on Twitter!

This article explains how NAABB’s leadership has created very effective distributed R&D teams using innovative “collaborative informatics” systems. The consortium members are working together to research and develop alternatives to petroleum that will help the US overcome its energy challenges. NAABB is using CERF, the Collaborative Electronic Research Framework software by Rescentris, to make it easy for its scientists, engineers, and economists to be productive together.

Erasing data can lead to scientific fraud

We all want to believe that the results of experiments that scientists report are proven facts, backed by a wealth of statistical data and peer review. That is what research is all about, right? Unfortunately, several instances of scientific misconduct have been uncovered in recent years, highlighting another true fact: scientists are not infallible. Yet the research institutions backing these scientists can be held legally responsible or suffer reputation damage, and often human health can be put at risk.

How, therefore, can data integrity be preserved?  By putting into place a permanent safeguarding mechanism that not only stops tampering, but is also easy to implement and use so that scientists are naturally encouraged to use it. An electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) is this tool.

False reporting can be the result of errors either intentional or mistaken, but the consequences are widespread in either case. Just in 2011 alone, multiple cases of scientific falsity were uncovered in the media limelight. Test data and results were manipulated and mishandled. Signatures were falsified. Records were stolen. Reputations of both researchers and backing institutions have endured irreparable damage.  These scandals at times discouraged new scientists from entering the field and left the rest of the populous wondering what to believe.

Figure 1. Distribution of reporting errors per paper for papers from which data were shared and from which no data were shared.

Bad recordkeeping violates data integrity and fosters research misconduct. One article on error misreporting in scientific journals draws attention to discrepancies between published results and the actual experimental data. The article encourages data sharing to reduce instances of errors, and also states “the association between reporting errors and sharing of data after results are published may also reflect differences in the rigor with which researchers manage their data. Rigorously working researchers may simply commit fewer reporting errors because they manage and archive their data more diligently.”

In all of the above cases of misconduct, the preferred method of choice for recordkeeping was the paper laboratory notebook.  Paper notebooks are flawed instruments for good recordkeeping for several reasons.

• They cannot be easily monitored to ensure compliant recordkeeping.
• They are hard to secure.
• The notebooks themselves can easily be lost, damaged or misplaced.
• Their records are vulnerable to falsification and manipulation.
• The notebooks are not searchable and not readily shared.

Clearly, another mechanism averse to these issues must be employed to ensure good and sustainable recordkeeping.

Electronic notebooks are infused with all of the elements that encompass good recordkeeping:

• Each captured record has its own date/time stamp and the electronic signature of the researcher who modified it.
• Each record and its audit trail are permanently retained and preserved, ensuring its authenticity. Constant monitoring and auditing of data allows for the easy detection of fraud.  Regulatory findings can be readily compared with raw data.  When data issues are uncovered early, action can be taken early to minimize the cost of these data risks later in a project.
• In addition to auditing and archiving data, ELNs preserve data integrity through the mechanisms of disaster recovery, data backup, and, most importantly, role-base access controls.  Important data can never be lost.  Access to data access is given only to those with suitable privileges, preventing inappropriate or inadvertent disclosures of information.
• ELNs provide a venue by which collaboration among researchers is both encouraged and fostered, creating an atmosphere which leads to an even greater minimization of scientific misconduct.

Scientific misconduct is a serious risk for both safety and legal reasons. If the key to maintaining data integrity and reducing opportunities for misbehavior is good recordkeeping, electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs) have the needed mechanisms that both digitally record actions and foster those good recordkeeping habits. When data integrity is preserved and results are more reliable, fewer mistakes are made, and legal risks are averted, researchers are freed to expend their valuable energy towards the important task of finding solutions, rather than fending off issues of scientific misconduct. Clearly, the solution to limiting scientific misconduct is an ELN.

About the Author:
Isabel Fasciano has a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science and a MBA in Technology Management. She has worked with laboratory systems for over a decade in roles such as systems analyst, systems developer, and systems administrator. Fasciano is currently the President/CEO of consulting firm Quality Systems Consultants. She is always seeking new challenges, opportunities, and learning experiences; visit her blog Thoughts on Laboratory Software at labsoftthoughts.com.

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	CERF The Collaborative Electronic  Research Framework Making Paperless Data Management Easy
	Hello Everyone, We have been very busy the past few months, and would like to take a moment of your time to tell you about some of the happenings. If you haven't already heard, CERF has received it's newest product update, Version 4.5. We are excited about the many features we have included to improve CERF and think you will be also. Be sure to take a look at the CERF 4.5 brochure for more details! We have also been working hard to bring you more informative articles, press releases, web pages and more to enhance your experience visiting our site and help in your decision-making processes. Rescentris Website Visit our updated site for helpful articles and to stay current with our news! What's New in CERF 4.5 Email-To-CERF Forward emails to CERF Enhance audit trails Track disclosures New Entry Types Drawing tools Record audio directly Take screenshots Make mind maps Built-In Forms Improve workflows Better productivity Intelligent design MS Word and Excel View Word & Excel inline Solves compatibility issues 3-Panel Interface Consolidates actions Maximizes screenspace   and much more! See the CERF 4.5 Brochure! Tips, Articles, and News Rescentris Helps Put the "Excellence" in the Next Generation of ELNs Bio-IT World has published a new article covering the maturation of ELN software beyond simply replacing paper lab notebooks. Rescentris is often referenced in the article, "ELN Excellence: The New Lab Notebooks," thanks to CERF's advanced approach to collaboration, IP protection, and mobility via our iPad app iCERF. The article reports that "for ELNs to truly replace paper, the next frontier is mobility. A keyboard and a mouse aren’t really replacing paper, points out Stapleton, but an iPad can be a true paper replacement. Mobile solutions that accompany the researcher promote interaction with both collaborators and instruments." The article also touches on other CERF features such as Email-to-CERF and semantics-based ontologies.  Visit Bio-IT's site to read the rest of the article. NAABB Choses CERF To Fuel Collaboration The National Alliance for Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts (NAABB) selected BioIT-award-winning CERF Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) software for NAABB’s data management, collaborative sharing, and intellectual property (IP) protection. Keep Reading… NAABB Client Recommendation SharePoint or ELN: Using The Right Tool For The Job What is the difference between Microsoft SharePoint and an Electronic Lab Notebook(ELN)? While both are designed to store and share data, thus fostering business communication and collaboration, an ELN has the added advantage of being uniquely designed to satisfy the needs of the scientific community's workflows, information viewing, and built-in compliance with regulatory requirements such as 21 CFR Part 11. Keep Reading… OSU Digital Union Learns About ELNs Students and faculty members of Ohio State University recently had a chance to learn what Electronic Lab Notebooks are and how they are used in lab research settings. CERF specialists Rob Day and Wolfgang Rumpf visited the University’s Digital Union on January 29th and talked about why ELNs are needed in modern research. Keep Reading… QUICK LINKS Press Releases News & Events Helpful Articles CERF 4.5 Update Details   "How to Properly Backup Your CERF Server" Did you know it is your company's responsibility to properly backup your CERF data?  Attend this special technical "how-to" webinar avoid problems before they occur by practicing proper backup procedures.  "How to Properly Backup Your CERF Server" Thursday, April 26 3 PM EST Sign up here, and include "CERF Server Backup" in the Topics of Interest   INSTRUCTIONAL WEBINARS Basic introductory Webinars are now held every second Wednesday at 1pm EST. Sessions are open to prospective CERF customers or current users looking for a training refresher. The next CERF Webinar is: Wednesday, March 7 Sign up today!   FREE TRIAL Do you know someone who should get on board with digital data and give CERF a try? FREE Trials last for two weeks and users can upload their own data or explore using pre-populated files. Send them to sign up for a FREE Trial today or sign up yourself: eCERF FREE Trial

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Visit Bio-IT’s site to read the rest of the article.