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Purdue food scientists improve testing of health supplements

Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a new method using infrared spectroscopy and statistical analysis to classify dietary supplement oils and common food oils. The study found that the FT-IR method could identify adulteration levels down to 2%, allowing for faster and less expensive quality control.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateSep 4, 2003

New chemical instrument uses advanced missile technology

The new system can analyze many samples within seconds, nearly 5,000 times faster than other technology in screening samples of catalysts that react with liquids. It will speed up the analysis of combinatorial chemistry samples and reveal molecular mechanisms involved in gas-solid catalysis.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Combinatorial Chemistry·DateMay 1, 2000

Tarlike macro-molecules detected in 'stardust'

Researchers have found that most of the interstellar dust particles consist of 3-dimensionally cross-linked organic macro-molecules, called polymeric-heterocyclic-aromates. These molecules have been detected in five impact mass spectrometer samples from NASA's STARDUST spacecraft.

Porous Silicon Lights Way For New Analytical Devices

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a technique that combines porous silicon with mass spectrometry to streamline biochemical analyses. The technique, called desorption ionization on silicon (DIOS), allows for the simultaneous testing of large numbers of compounds in a fraction of the time required by current methods.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature·DateMay 20, 1999

New Fluorescence Technique For Ultra-Sensitive Enzyme Characterization Developed - Screening Catalytic Activity At The Single-Molecule Level

A new fluorescence technique has been developed for ultra-sensitive enzyme characterization at the single-molecule level. The technique, known as dual-color fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy, allows for precise and highly specific detection of molecules in large unspecific fluorescent backgrounds.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 1998

Teaching Old Watchdogs New Tricks

A US chemist, Cliff Meloan, has developed a comprehensive training manual to help Central American food inspectors detect pesticide residues using advanced analytical methods. The manual, published in 1996, covers procedures for handling raw and processed foods, identifying chemical compounds, and quality control and assurance.

Dating A Caveman

Geochronologist Richard Ku's analysis of Peking Man fossils reveals they date back to at least 400,000 years ago, significantly older than previous estimates. This finding sheds new light on human evolution and challenges current understanding of the species' origins.