3M Co. (MMM:NYSE)

Sigma-Aldrich Corporation announced it has teamed with 3M Co. to distribute TIPS Pentacene, a high-performance soluble organic semiconductor for printed and flexible electronics. Sigma-Aldrich will exclusively distribute research quantities of TIPS Pentacene globally through the Materials Science initiative of its Aldrich® business. 3M will continue to focus on development of the soluble organic semiconductor technology and to work directly with customers to deliver commercial quantities of TIPS Pentacene. TIPS Pentacene, manufactured by 3M under the name 3M(TM) Organic Electronics Semiconductor L-20856, is the first in a family of soluble Pentacene-based semiconductors developed by 3M Electronics Markets Materials Division in collaboration with Dr. John Anthony, professor at the University of Kentucky and founder of Outrider Technologies LLC. TIPS Pentacene, known chemically as 6,13-Bis(Triisopropylsilylethynyl) pentacene, is soluble in solvents compatible with the electronics manufacturing environment and has been used to make organic field effect transistors (OFETs) with highest reported switching speeds and field-effect mobilities in its class. These properties make TIPS Pentacene the most intensely studied small molecule soluble organic semiconductor and a prime candidate for emerging OFET applications such as backplane circuitry for utility-grade displays.

3M Co. announced that Scotch Tough Duct Tapes are available at home improvement, mass merchandisers, paint stores and hardware stores nationwide. The tapes range in price from $5.79 to $9.77, depending upon the product. The tapes can withstand outdoor elements like sunlight and moisture, and temperatures as high as 200 degrees Fahrenheit. 3M said that the tape can hold onto a variety of surfaces, such as brick, concrete and stucco. The new duct tape comes in six varieties, each with a different color of packaging: The 'No Residue' version is supposed to remove easily and leave no sticky adhesive behind if removed within six months; 'Extreme Hold' has rugged woven material and a double-thick adhesive layer for a tougher grip; There's a 'Transparent' version in the line; Heavy Duty All-Weather' resists drying, cracking and peeling caused by tough outdoor elements, such as sunlight, heat, cold and moisture; The 'Outdoor Painter's Clean Removal' has a high adhesion level so it sticks to rough surfaces like brick and stucco, and is supposed to remove cleanly for up to 14 days. It also has a waterproof backing. and a 'Poly Hangings and Tarps' version has a tight seal with strong adhesion.

3M Co. announced the introduction of the 3M(TM) Rapid Detection RSV Test. RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a respiratory virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages and is a common cause of bronchitis and pneumonia in children under one year. The Rapid Detection RSV Test is designed to detect the presence of RSV F-protein antigens in nasopharyngeal swab, nasopharyngeal aspirate, or nasal wash/aspirate specimens. The test can detect the presence of RSV in 15 minutes or less using the 3M(TM) Rapid Detection Reader, manufactured by Response Biomedical, which is also used with the 3M(TM) Rapid Detection Flu A+B Test introduced in 2008. The Rapid Detection Reader is fully automated, which can help prevent misinterpretation of results. A clinical study conducted by the North Shore-LIJ Health System (NS-LIJHS) Laboratories evaluated the 3M Rapid Detection RSV Test and compared its sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values to the hospital rapid antigen test brand and two conventional methods of diagnosing RSV, R-Mix culture and direct fluorescent antibody staining (DFA). A total of 338 samples were taken from nasal washings and nasopharyngeal swabs. Results showed that for all ages, the 3M Rapid Detection RSV Test demonstrated greater sensitivity for the detection of RSV (86%) compared to the brand (59%) and R-Mix culture (65%); like the other tests, it was less sensitive than DFA. In children under six, the 3M Rapid Detection RSV Test was even more sensitive (89%) than R-Mix (64%) and the brand (61%).