Researchers Develop New Method for Drug Testing
US researchers have developed a new LC-MS-MS method of detecting if athletes have taken drugs to artificially boost testosterone and increase physical performance.
US researchers have developed a new LC-MS-MS method that is more senstive for detecting if athletes have taken drugs to artificially boost testosterone and increase physical performance. Previous testing methods used GC-MS to compare the ratio of testosterone to epitestosterone and determine if performance enhancing drugs were taken. However, measuring the T/E concentrations is difficult due to the low levels present in urine.
According to the lead researcher, Dr Jonathan Danaceau of the University of Utah, the new method "means that we can determine the T/E ratio in a sample with greater confidence, and therefore be in a better position to spot doping violations without falsely accusing innocent athletes."
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.
Metabolomics Analysis of Low Birth-Weight Infants Using UHPLC-MS/MS Following Lipid Emulsion
January 10th 2025A recent study aimed to directly compare the changes in serum metabolites among very low birth-rate (VLBW) infants following the administration of the soybean oil-based lipid emulsion and soybean oil, medium-chain triglycerides, olive oil, and fish oil (SMOF) lipid emulsion using untargeted metabolomics techniques.
Analyzing New Drug Modalities: An ISC 2024 Interview with Kelly Zhang
January 10th 2025At ISC 2024 in Liverpool, United Kingdom, LCGC International interviewed Kelly Zhang of Genentech about her work analyzing new drug modalities, such as mRNA, oligonucleotides, peptides, and cell and gene therapies.
