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Scientists discover triboionization in discontinuous atmospheric pressure inlet for miniature ion trap mass spectrometer

Researchers from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics discovered triboionization in a discontinuous atmospheric pressure interface, enabling analytes to be detected without an extra ionization source. By adjusting the pinch valve frequency, signal intensity was improved by nearly 20 times.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 7, 2021

Spicy breast milk?

A study by the Technical University of Munich discovered that pungent substances from chili, ginger, and pepper are transferred to breast milk after consumption. These substances can be detectable in breast milk for several hours, with maximum concentrations being 70- to 350-fold below the taste perception threshold of an adult.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateNov 29, 2021

Inhibiting targets of SARS-CoV-2 proteases can block infection, study shows

A study published in Nature Communications reveals the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 proteolysis and identifies key cellular substrates with therapeutic potential. The research provides a powerful resource for developing targeted strategies to inhibit the virus, which has caused over 227 million infections and 4.6 million deaths worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2021

News on fine cocoa flavor

Scientists at TUM and LSB developed a new methodology to quantify the flavor profile of cocoa samples. The method provides quantitative data on 66 taste-decisive substances using a single mass spectrometric platform, allowing analysis of 200 samples per week.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateSep 17, 2021

Probotic-containing yogurt protects against microbiome changes that lead to antibiotic-induced diarrhea

A randomized clinical trial found that yogurt containing Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 protected against harmful changes in the gut microbiome after antibiotic administration. The study also showed that levels of beneficial short-chain fatty acid acetate returned to baseline within 30 days.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 14, 2021

SLAS Discovery's July special edition 'Drug discovery targeting COVID-19' now available

A team of researchers developed a high-throughput biochemical assay to assess small molecule impact on SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 14, identifying potential inhibitors from FDA-approved drugs. The study aims to deliver therapeutics for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, targeting its critical methyltransferase activity.

A massive advance in spectrometry

Scientists at Kanazawa University developed a new method to study the neutralization of excess charges during mass spectrometry, which can lead to more accurate results. The team used a combination of continuum and molecular dynamics simulations to model the effect of adding molecules of the opposite charge to neutralize excess charge.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateJan 18, 2021

Computational method provides faster high-resolution mass spectrometry imaging

Researchers at the Beckman Institute created a subspace mass spectrometry imaging approach to accelerate data acquisition without sacrificing quality. This technique can detect biomolecules across a wide range of sizes and has implications for analytical chemistry, clinical studies, and neurochemical research.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalJournal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry·DateDec 10, 2020

Face mask insert could help diagnose conditions

Researchers have developed a method to use face masks to collect compounds in exhaled breath aerosols for analysis, enabling large-scale screening for disease biomarkers. The new technique uses a fiber inserted into an N95 face mask to concentrate molecules, allowing for more efficient identification through mass spectrometry.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateAug 12, 2020

Rapid screening method targets fatty acids in yeast; Key to sustainable bioproducts

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a high-throughput screening tool to rapidly profile medium-chain fatty acids produced in yeast. They identified seven new genetically engineered mutants that produce higher levels of those fatty acids, which are crucial components of biodiesel and other industrial chemicals.

Surveying the lipid landscape

A groundbreaking tool, LipidCreator, has been developed to efficiently analyze specific lipid groups and signal molecules, accelerating the discovery of biomarkers for diseases. This software enables scientists to quantify 60 lipid classes and their signaling molecules in larger studies than previously possible.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 28, 2020

Probing semiconductor crystals with a sphere of light

Tohoku University researchers have developed a technique that improves on current photoluminescence spectroscopy techniques, allowing for the measurement of larger semiconducting crystals. The new approach uses a hollow sphere to minimize photon loss and test internal quantum efficiency, a key property of semiconductors.

SourceTohoku University·JournalApplied Physics Express·DateJun 6, 2019

Finding chemicals inside a cell

Researchers at Xiamen University have created a device that enables the direct detection and mapping of chemicals inside biological cells. This breakthrough technique, called near-field desorption postionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (NDPI-TOFMS), overcomes challenges in high-resolution imaging and provides undistorted chemi...

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 7, 2019