Two-way data could lead to next-gen LIMS

A newly developed system which can both send and receive data at the same time - over a single channel - could lead to the development of more efficient and faster laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

Created at Stanford University, in the heart of Silicon Valley, the system overcomes the problem caused on radio frequency networks by what was believed to be an inescapable one-way nature of the traffic carried.

"Textbooks say you can't do it," says assistant professor of electrical engineering and computer science Philip Levis.

He adds: "The new system completely reworks our assumptions about how wireless networks can be designed."

The problem arises because the signal broadcast by a radio is much stronger than any it receives - making it akin to shouting at someone who is whispering at you.

Now the scientists claim to have created a method to screen out the transmitted waves, allowing a signal to be received without errors.

The invention could ultimately lead to improvements in Wi-Fi networks, with applications in LIMS, air traffic control and telecommunications.