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Nanotube coating helps shrink mass spectrometers

Researchers at Purdue University developed a nanotube coating that significantly reduces the voltage required for mass spectrometers, allowing for miniaturization and increased portability. The technique simplifies analysis by nearly eliminating background noise, making it gentler on fragile molecules.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 25, 2014

A fingerprint of exhaled breath

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new method to analyze the chemical composition of exhaled breath, revealing an individual's unique 'breathprint' that stays constant over time. This non-invasive approach holds promise for early disease detection and monitoring, and could potentially replace traditional blood and urine analysis.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 3, 2013

Scientists confirm tobacco use by ancient Mayans

Researchers analyzed Mayan containers for nicotine traces, revealing physical evidence of tobacco use dating back to the Late Classic Maya period (600-900 AD). The study confirms the intended use of an ancient container and highlights the importance of mass spectrometry in analyzing organic residues.

SourceWiley·JournalRapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry·DateJan 12, 2012

Study of biomarker development in mice provides a roadmap for a similar approach in humans

Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center demonstrate a staged, targeted pipeline approach using mass spectrometry to prioritize and validate protein biomarkers in mice. This method enables the testing of a larger number of biomarker candidates than conventional technologies, improving the efficiency of biomarker evaluation. The stu...

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 19, 2011

Towards better explosives detectors

Researchers have developed a new technique using Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) to detect and differentiate explosives. This technology provides rapid identification of components in explosives like C4, including the explosive active components, additives, binders, and contaminants.

Personalized medicine in warfarin therapy

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a rapid and accurate method to genotype single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that affect warfarin dose, enabling personalized treatment for patients. This new approach has the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce adverse effects associated with warfarin therapy.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateFeb 25, 2010

NIST quantifies low levels of 'heart attack risk' protein

Researchers at NIST have developed a method to quantify extremely low levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a molecule that indicates cardiovascular disease risk. The new certified reference material will improve the accuracy of clinical laboratory tests for CRP, enabling more precise detection of individuals at high risk of heart attack.

New perspectives on cancer surgery

Researchers have developed a new technique that combines electrosurgery with mass spectrometry to analyze tissue during surgery. This allows surgeons to distinguish between malignant tumor cells and healthy tissue in real-time, potentially sparing patients from unnecessary second surgeries.

SourceWiley·DateSep 29, 2009

Membrane complexes take flight

Researchers at the University of Cambridge and Bristol have successfully maintained membrane complexes intact in a mass spectrometer, enabling the study of previously unexplored interactions. This breakthrough discovery has significant implications for understanding cellular security and drug resistance.

Space technology harnessed to search out TB

Researchers are developing a portable mass spectrometer to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) with greater sensitivity than smear microscopy. The device could automate the process, making it more widely available in resource-poor settings where TB kills two million people annually.

OSU 3-for-3 in NSF competition

Oklahoma State University has received $1.5M in NSF grants to acquire two new instruments: a field emission environmental scanning electron microscope and an LTQ mass spectrometer. These instruments will enhance research capabilities in areas of interest to industry, government, and other universities.