In this edition we are also excited to introduce Turner Designs' Application Scientist Lawrence Younan. Finally we'd like to announce our new Knowledge Database, an interactive internet based search engine that will assist you with technical and application based questions on our entire line of fluorometers.

Yours Truly,
Chelsea Donovan
Environmental Marketing Manager

Introducing the New Submersible Active Fluorometer - PhytoFlash

The PhytoFlash is the first solid state (patent pending)
in situ variable fluorescence system that will detect the
quantum efficiency of phytoplankton in both oligotrophic and mesotrophic environments.

Unlike other active fluorometers, researchers can
determine real-time in situ physiological parameters of
phytoplankton in low chlorophyll systems at a fraction of
the price. PhytoFlash's increased sensitivity allows users to
obtain physiological parameters in coastal, open ocean and
freshwater systems.

PhytoFlash can be operated in three different modes. The Self-Contained Mode allows users to deploy PhytoFlash for extended periods of time in conjunction with the Turner Designs battery pack and internal data logging capabilities. The Integration Mode enables PhytoFlash to mate with a CTD or third-party system. Finally the Laboratory Mode allows users to access data from response curves for additional physiological information.

For PhytoFlash product information, performance data or to request a quote, please visit our website.

Coastal Ocean Projects Program/River Influences on Shelf Ecosystems (RISE) Columbia River, Oregon/Washington: Dr. Raphael Kudela from the University of Santa Cruz

Background
RISE (River Influences on Shelf Ecosystems) is a 5-year interdisciplinary study of the Columbia River plume, funded by the Coastal Ocean Program of the National Science Foundation. The UCSC component of RISE includes the Kudela Lab. Kudela's group is responsible for remote sensing, bio-optics and phytoplankton productivity estimates using stable and radiotracer techniques (http://oceandatacenter.ucsc.edu/RISE/). This study addresses three hypotheses during a 5-year program (2003-2008):

Figure 1: Satellite image of chlorophyll a distribution at the mouth of the Columbia River. For more information, click here.

Graph 1. The PhytoFlash was deployed as part of the NSF sponsored RISE program off the Oregon/Washington coast. Samples were collected from Niskin bottles, dark adapted for 30 minutes, and then run in laboratory mode. As expected there was a decrease in FvFm moving from onshore to offshore, and from surface to depth.

In a continuing effort to provide Turner Designs' customers with comprehensive customer support, Turner Designs has recently released a Technical Support Knowledge Database. The Knowledge Database (KDB) will be maintained to be a continually growing source of technical information to assist customers in the use of Turner Designs products. The Technical Database can be browsed to find specific product information, operational procedures, hardware questions, customer service procedures and general questions.

This database also features a search engine to assist in quickly finding information on a specific topic. It is the intent that the KDB will provide the quickest response for getting answers to questions of a general nature. To search the KDB, enter the topic of interest in the area provided for text input and click on the Go button. It is also possible to view all of the articles for a specific category. For more in-depth questions, technical support can be contacted after trying the KDB.

Your feedback and input are not only welcome but essential in continually improving our KDB. Therefore, please feel free to use the Add case link at the bottom of the main screen to submit ideas for future articles or suggest inclusion of information you feel would be of interest. Also the Feedback link provides a means to contact the technical support team on any question you may have regarding Turner Designs' products and services.

To access the Turner Designs KDB please visit: http://www.turnerdesigns.com/kb/kb.asp.

Please Meet Lawrence Younan

We recently hired a new Application Scientist Lawrence Younan. Lawrence came to us from the Biological Oceanography Department at Moss Landing Marine Labs in Monterey, California. Lawrence has direct experience working with large scale monitoring programs such as the Sanctuary Integrated Monitoring Network (SIMoN) project monitoring microalgal communities of Elkhorn Slough. He is versed in laboratory and field applications focused on phytoplankton population dynamics and characterization. We are continuously trying to add talent and expertise from the field that will add to our diverse research and development team. We are excited to have Lawrence on board!

What?
In response for more 'real-world' data from our customers, Turner Designs has launched the TD Databank Program where we present examples of customer research for all instruments and applications. The Databank is organized according to instrument type and application and offers our users real-world examples of how researchers and technicians are using Turner Designs instruments in their work. In addition to providing meaningful information for our customers, by having a description of your work highlighted on our website, it will serve as a means of reaching a greater number of scientists around the globe. We see this as a highly effective means of assisting our users in making informed decisions. In order for this type of program to succeed, we need information from you on your application and how a Turner Designs fluorometer is helping you.

How?
We have designed the TD Databank to make submitting an application summary as easy as possible. The entire process should not take more than 20 minutes. We ask for a brief description of your research, and how you use Turner instruments. Also, a picture or graph of data collected with Turner instruments is requested. To show our appreciation for your databank articles, we will send you a Turner Designs sports bag. Claim your sports bag now by submitting your Databank article!

Why?
We hope you will join us in this exciting and useful program by sharing your knowledge and experience with scientists and technicians around the globe. To take part, please visit http://www.turnerdesigns.com/databank/submit_data.html.