What’s a capillary hemangioma?

Capillary hemangiomas, or strawberry marks, are red birthmarks that usually fade by 12-15 months. They are caused by abnormal blood vessels near the skin’s surface and are more common in premature girls. Treatment is only necessary if they cause vision, breathing, or eating problems. Laser surgery and steroids are common treatments. Most marks fade by […]

Capillary viscometer: what is it?

Capillary viscometers measure the viscosity of liquids by measuring the flow time through a small tube. Viscosity is important in many industries, and capillary viscometers come in various designs. The efflux time is converted to viscosity using a unique conversion factor. Viscosity is measured in units of Pa*s or mPa*s, or in the cgs system, […]

What’s capillary electrophoresis?

Capillary electrophoresis separates molecules based on size and electrical charge. An electric field is applied, causing molecules to move at different speeds. UV light or fluorescent detection is used to locate molecules. It has applications in genetics, food science, and medical research. In biochemistry, capillary electrophoresis is a technique used to separate molecules based on […]

Capillary action: what is it?

Capillary action, or capillarity, is the absorption of fluids into other substances due to cohesion and adhesion. It explains how trees get water up to their canopies and how water appears to climb up a straw. The thickness and cohesion of the liquid affect capillarity, and it reaches a point of equilibrium where the weight […]

What’s a capillary tube?

Capillary tubes made of plastic or glass are used to collect small liquid samples through capillary action. They rely on surface tension and adhesion to counteract gravity. The thickness of the tube opening varies based on the weight of the fluid. Researchers can create custom tools by heating and stretching glass tubes. A capillary tube […]

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