Peaks of Interest
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
National Institute of Standards and Technology Makes Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Structure Index Publicly Available
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, has made a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) structure index database publicly available on-line (http://pah.nist.gov/). A by-product of hydrocarbon fuel combustion, PAHs can have significant adverse health and environmental impacts. The website contains data on more than 650 PAH compounds, with more to be added in the future.
According to NIST, the Chemical Informatics Research Group of NIST's Material Measurement Laboratory created the site to provide standard reference data to industry, academia, and the US public, and builds on NIST Special Publication 922: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Structure Index (SP922) by Lane C. Sander and Stephen A. Wise of NIST. Publication SP922 indexed a large number of PAH structures and provided parameters for estimating retention indices for liquid chromatography using a simple model. The new database expands on this by providing data from further experimental data including a collection of thermochemical data on gas-phase PAH compounds, and UV–visible spectra.
Duke Molecular Physiology Institute Receives Agilent Grant
Agilent Technologies (Santa Clara, California) has awarded a grant to the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University (Durham, North Carolina) to support research into the metabolic and physiological aspects of major chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease. The institute researchers perform a range of analytical chemistry techniques, including liquid chromatography and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, to characterize molecular pathways in disease.
The group is headed by Christopher Newgard, a professor at Duke University School of Medicine's Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology and director of the Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center and the Institute for Molecular Physiology.
"The Duke Molecular Physiology Institute seeks to combine strong genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics platforms with computational biology, clinical translation, and basic science expertise to gain new insights into the mechanisms of cardiometabolic disease," Newgard said, adding "We thank Agilent for supporting our research and look forward to collaborating to advance the understanding of cardiovascular and undiagnosed metabolic diseases."
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 ions 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.
Liquid Chromatography to Analyze Vitamin D Proteins in Psoriasis Patients
January 21st 2025Can a protein involved in delivering Vitamin D to target tissues have an altered serum profile in psoriasis patients with cardiovascular disease? Researchers used liquid chromatography (LC) to help find out.
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.
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.
