Ancient smoke signals
A team of researchers has proved that the Ancient Mayans used tobacco. The discovery was prompted by the examination of several ancient Mayan containers from the Kislak Collection of the US Library of Congress for the presence of alkaloids.
A team of researchers has proved that the Ancient Mayans used tobacco. The discovery was prompted by the examination of several ancient Mayan containers from the Kislak Collection of the US Library of Congress for the presence of alkaloids.1
One of the flasks had text upon it that read yo-‘OTOT-ti ‘u-MAY; ‘the home of its/his/her tobacco’. Samples were extracted from the flask and analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Nicotine was discovered to be the major component of the extracts. They also found three oxidation products of nicotine. High-resolution high mass accuracy tandem mass spectrometry spectra of protonated nicotine and nicotine mono-oxides were measured to verify previous product ion assignments. These analyses identified the flask as a likely holder of tobacco leaves.
In addition, the tobacco contained in the flask was so strong that it may have been hallucinogenic.
Ultimately, the research concluded that this is the first physical evidence of tobacco from a Mayan container, and only the second instance where the vessel content demonstrated in a Mayan hieroglyphic text has been confirmed directly by chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis.
1 Dmitri Zagorevski et al., Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry, DOI: 10.1002/rcm.5339 (2012).
This story originally appeared in The Column. Click here to view that issue.
New Study Uses MSPE with GC–MS to Analyze PFCAs in Water
January 20th 2025Scientists from the China University of Sciences combined magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to analyze perfluoro carboxylic acids (PFCAs) in different water environments.
The Next Frontier for Mass Spectrometry: Maximizing Ion Utilization
January 20th 2025In this podcast, Daniel DeBord, CTO of MOBILion Systems, describes a new high resolution mass spectrometry approach that promises to increase speed and sensitivity in omics applications. MOBILion recently introduced the PAMAF mode of operation, which stands for parallel accumulation with mobility aligned fragmentation. It substantially increases the fraction of ion used for mass spectrometry analysis by replacing the functionality of the quadrupole with high resolution ion mobility. Listen to learn more about this exciting new development.
A Guide To Finding the Ideal Syringe and Needle
January 20th 2025Hamilton has produced a series of reference guides to assist science professionals in finding the best-suited products and configurations for their applications. The Syringe and Needle Reference Guide provides detailed information on Hamilton Company’s full portfolio of syringes and needles. Everything from cleaning and preventative maintenance to individual part numbers are available for review. It also includes selection charts to help you choose between syringe terminations like cemented needles and luer tips.
The Complexity of Oligonucleotide Separations
January 9th 2025Peter Pellegrinelli, Applications Specialist at Advanced Materials Technology (AMT) explains the complexity of oligonucleotide separations due to the unique chemical properties of these molecules. Issues such as varying length, sequence complexity, and hydrophilic-hydrophobic characteristics make efficient separations difficult. Separation scientists are addressing these challenges by modifying mobile phase compositions, using varying ion-pairing reagents, and exploring alternative separation modes like HILIC and ion-exchange chromatography. Due to these complexities, AMT has introduced the HALO® OLIGO column, which offers high-resolution, fast separations through its innovative Fused-Core® technology and high pH stability. Alongside explaining the new column, Peter looks to the future of these separations and what is next to come.
Oasis or Sand Dune? Isolation of Psychedelic Compounds
January 20th 2025Magic mushrooms, once taboo, have recently experienced a renaissance. This new awakening is partially due to new findings that indicate the effects of psilocybin, and its dephosphorylated cousin psilocin may produce long lasting results for patients who might be struggling with anxiety, depression, alcohol and drug abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Hamilton Company has developed a methodology for the isolation and identification of 5 common psychedelic compounds used in the potential treatment of disease. The PRP-1 HPLC column resin remains stable in the harsh alkaline conditions ideal for better separations.
