The U.S. Secretary of Energy visited the Ames Laboratory on Wednesday, the second visit in the facility’s history.

Spencer Abraham, energy secretary, and Rep. Tom Latham, R-Iowa, were on hand to tour the Ames Lab and help staff celebrate the opening of the Midwest Forensics Resource Center. Several senior scientists at the lab demonstrated instruments.

The technology of one instrument, a molecular spectrometer, could lead to the development of an early warning system for the detection of anthrax spores, John McClelland, an Ames Lab associate scientist, told Abraham.

“Right now, if someone gives me white powder and asks me what it is, we can do that pretty easily,” McClelland said. This technology “has the potential of evolving into an early warning system.”

However, McClelland reminded the guests the instruments are only as smart as the databases of information that power them.

Another instrument, designed and produced by Ames-based CombiSep, can analyze chemical and biochemical compounds in “one-fiftieth of the time and cost of current methods,” said Edward Yeung, distinguished professor of chemistry. The MCE 2000 can analyze 96 samples of everything from blood to anthrax in two hours, rather than days.

Both instruments are part of the Midwest Forensics Resource Center, which will assist law enforcement and work with homeland security for nine states.

Abraham said the equipment was an illustration of basic science research applied to the real world.

“Detection technologies . in application are great,” he said. “But it’s fascinating to see how they got there.”

After touring the facility, Abraham and Latham joined more than 200 students, faculty, staff and administration for the official “ribbon cutting” for the Midwest Forensics Resource Center.

“If you cut class to be here we don’t want to hear about it,” said Ames Lab Director Tom Barton. “We know how exciting this is.”

Latham called the Ames Lab “Iowa’s best-kept secret” because of the work that goes on there.

“It’s about doing the basic research we’ve seen here . and transferring it into jobs and opportunities in Iowa,” he said.

Abraham said the national labs should work to “pique the curiosity of young people in math and science,” and ISU students with background in those areas are good candidates for Department of Energy jobs.

“Talented young scientists and mathematicians will always find opportunities in our department,” he said. “We need more people who have these great skills.”

Barton said Abraham’s visit means “greater recognition of the lab’s unique capabilities and the unique cost effectiveness of the marriage between ISU and the Ames Lab,” he said. Events like this “are always to our benefit. It enhances our opportunities.”