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A molecular label: traceability for medical implants

Researchers have developed a molecular labeling method using polymers to identify biomedical implants, even after prolonged periods inside the living being. The technique uses mass spectrometry to decode the 'code' of the labels, enabling unambiguous identification and potential extension to other healthcare materials.

SourceCNRS·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 5, 2018

New 2D spectroscopy methods

Physicists have developed two novel principles for optical spectroscopy, allowing for the direct observation of excitation-excitation interactions and energy transport in systems. This breakthrough enables the study of dynamic properties such as energy transport in natural light-harvesting systems and artificial dye aggregates.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 4, 2018

Protein analysis may reveal new cancer treatment targets

Researchers have used mass spectrometry to study proteins expressed by human cancer cells, identifying new potential therapeutic options for patients with exhausted clinical options. The advance allows for the quantitation of thousands of tumour proteins over several hours.

SourceWiley·JournalMolecular Oncology·DateJun 15, 2018

Researchers can count on improved proteomics method

Researchers at Princeton University have improved a proteomics method to accurately count proteins in cells under different circumstances. The new approach, TMTc+, uses a combination of cell sample preparation and computer algorithm changes to provide superior measurement accuracy and precision compared to existing methods.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJun 14, 2018

A brewer's tale of proteins and beer

Scientists used mass spectrometry to analyze proteins in beer at three stages of production, revealing over 200 unique proteins from barley and yeast. The study aims to understand how these proteins control beer's properties and potentially improve brewing techniques.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateMar 14, 2018

Uncovering varied pathways to agriculture

A team of scientists and archaeologists has discovered a 15,000-year-old Natufian site in Jordan that pushes back the timeline for permanent settlement in the region. The site's early dates suggest that hunter-gatherers were more versatile than previously thought and had multiple pathways to agriculture.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 7, 2017

Advances in MALDI mass spectrometry within drug discovery

This special issue highlights innovations in MALDI mass spectrometry for characterizing proteomes, detecting analytes, and screening non-covalent binding of small molecules to target proteins. MALDI imaging is used to study diseases and therapeutics, including the distribution of glycosphingolipids in a Gaucher Disease model mouse brain.

New mini tool has massive implications

Researchers at Brigham Young University have developed a miniaturized mass spectrometer capable of analyzing chemicals with high sensitivity. This portable device has significant implications for applications such as detecting chemical weapons, explosives in airports, and forensic investigations.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry·DateAug 29, 2017

The inner lives of molecules

Researchers have developed a new experimental technique to take 3D images of molecules in action, combining two technologies to probe the structure and behavior of molecules. This tool enables experiments with larger molecules that were previously impossible, allowing for better understanding of quantum mechanics in complex systems.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateApr 4, 2017

Coding and computers help spot methane, explosives

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new technology using coded apertures to improve the performance of mass spectrometers, enabling portable devices to detect environmental hazards in the field. The innovation could lead to miniaturized mass spectrometers for detecting trace amounts of methane and explosives.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Mass Spectrometry·DateApr 14, 2016

Getting a picture of the molecules in a cell in just minutes

Researchers at RIKEN and Hiroshima University create technique to analyze metabolites, hormones, nutrients, and lipids in individual cells using nanospray tip and mass spectrometer. This breakthrough could speed up understanding of molecular distribution in time and space, transforming agricultural science.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Protocols·DateAug 27, 2015

Exercise-induced hormone irisin is not a 'myth'

Researchers have found that human irisin circulates in the blood at nanogram levels and increases during exercise. The discovery resolves a long-standing controversy over irisin's existence, with alternative start codons explaining its production in skeletal muscle cells.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 13, 2015

Combination of imaging methods improves diagnostics

Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München developed an approach to quantify gadolinium-based contrast agents in tissue using MALDI-MS imaging, correlating it with MRI images. This combination improves diagnostic value by detecting tissue-related kinetics of contrast agents used in myocardial infarction models.