A WORLD-beating bio-science instrument developed at Daresbury Labratory is set to give universities and students fresh insights into ultra-fast chemical reactions.

Four years of research have gone into the development and commercial launch of a new stopped-flow spectrometer, which is claimed to be up to three times as effective as its competitors.

Usually spectrometers, which track fast chemical reactions such as protein folding, have a 'dead time' of up to 10 miliseconds between the initial mixing of reactants and the point at which they react.

Professors from the lab's life science team, who linked up with Essex-based Jenway, have developed a device which reduces this margin to just three milliseconds.

One of the key components is a unique cell originally used for Daresbury's synchotron light source, which can be produced more cheaply than equivalent cells, it is claimed. Prof Gareth Jones said: "The design is simpler and more robust. The instrument is a spin-off from cutting-edge research, using national facilities that can be used by undergraduates in chemistry and life sciences.

"The idea is to stimulate and encourage our next generation of scientists."

Last week the instrument was officially unveiled at an industry showcase, International Biotech.

It was developed under the auspices of the lab's subsidiary company CLIK (Central Laboratory Innovation and Knowledge Transfer Ltd).

A Jenway spokesman added: "This is the result of a successful collaboration and technology transfer which utilises the particular expertise of both parties. It has extended the range of Jenway spectrophotometers to address the specific needs of a fast-growing and significant sphere of research."