Mass Spectrometry News and Research

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Mass spectrometry is an analytical method used to identify different compounds based on the atomic sample constitution of the molecules and their charge state, which enables “blind” analysis of an unknown sample without any prior knowledge of its composition.

Nanopores – the key to identifying amino acids in proteins

DNA and RNA sequencing has become the new watchword for the biological researchers, as this tells them exactly what is going on at cellular level in health and disease. However, it is a partial revelation unless we also know what is happening at the level of proteins as well.

19 Dec 2019

Scientists extract complete human genome from a thousands-of-years old “chewing gum”

It seems that chewing gum is not a new trend! Researchers have found chewing gum that is 5,700 years old and it has provided clues regarding ancient DNA. A study with the findings was published in the journal Nature Communications. It is titled, “A 5,700-year-old human genome and oral microbiome from chewed birch pitch.”

18 Dec 2019

Research shows harmful effects of chemicals in vaping liquids to lung tissue

New research appearing in the journal Scientific Reports unpacks the list of chemicals that comprise flavored e-liquids and pods used in vaping and details their harmful effects to lung tissue, including inflammation and genetic damage that could indicate long-term risk for respiratory disease and even cancer.

18 Dec 2019

Researchers find another piece of puzzle relating to bird flu viruses

Normally, bird flu viruses do not spread easily from person to person. But if this does happen, it could trigger a pandemic. Researchers from the MDC and RKI have now explained in the journal Nature Communications what makes the leap from animals to humans less likely.

10 Dec 2019

Goethe University researchers develop new method to measure acute cellular changes

When cells are stressed, they initiate a complex and precisely regulated response to prevent permanent damage. One of the immediate reactions to stress signals is a reduction of protein synthesis (translation). Until now, it was difficult to measure such acute cellular changes. As reported in the latest online issue of the renowned journal Molecular Cell, researchers at Goethe University have now developed a method overcoming this hurdle.

5 Dec 2019

Ground breaking discovery could lead to new anti TB drugs

New drugs to treat strains of TB which have become resistant to treatment are now a possibility following a ground breaking discovery from the University of Surrey.

4 Dec 2019

Built for counterterrorism, this high-tech machine is now used to detect fentanyl

Sarah Mackin runs a cotton swab around the inside of a tiny plastic baggie that appears empty. She spreads whatever residue the swab picked up onto a test strip that resembles a Band-Aid, then slides the strip into a buzzing machine about the size of a boxed, take-home pie.

4 Dec 2019

New findings may help researchers leverage ERAP1 to fight cancer

In a paper published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, University of Illinois at Chicago researchers and colleagues report a new mechanism for detecting foreign material during early immune responses.

3 Dec 2019

Multiple mechanisms at work in diabetes drug metformin

Metformin is the most commonly prescribed type 2 diabetes drug, yet scientists still do not fully know how it works to control blood sugar levels. In a collaborative effort, researchers from the Salk Institute, The Scripps Research Institute and Weill Cornell Medical College have used a novel technology to investigate why it functions so well.

3 Dec 2019

Key component of immune response is activated by short RNAs, shows study

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet (LMU) in Munich researchers report that a central component of the innate immune response is activated by two short RNAs which are produced by site-specific cleavage of a precursor RNA molecule - and both derivatives are generated by the same enzyme.

3 Dec 2019

Vitamin E acetate and vaping-induced lung injury

In a report posted early online in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), scientists report that vaping products containing vitamin E acetate are apparently linked to the occurrence of lung injury in e-cigarette or vaping product users.

2 Dec 2019

Validation of new method for studying how different drugs interact in the body

Scientists at Oregon State University may have proven how much people love coffee, tea, chocolate, soda and energy drinks as they validated their new method for studying how different drugs interact in the body.

26 Nov 2019

Researchers discover molecular underpinnings of Alexander disease

Scientists have known that genetic mutations leading to the production of a defective protein called GFAP cause Alexander disease (AxD), a debilitating neurodegenerative condition that can present during infancy, adolescence, or adulthood.

21 Nov 2019

Researchers discover a peptide involved in both migraine and opioid-overuse pain

About 10% of the world population suffers from migraine headaches, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

20 Nov 2019

Researchers detect photoinitiators in human breast milk

Photoinitators (PIs) are compounds used in the ink of many types of food packaging. The substances have been shown to migrate into food and, when consumed, show up in human blood serum.

20 Nov 2019

Applying a Proteomics-based Approach to the Clinic

Matthias Mann explains why applying proteomics-based technologies such as timsTOF could accelerate the diagnosis and prediction of human disease.

From Bruker Life Sciences Mass Spectrometry 20 Nov 2019

Proteomics & DIA Mass Spectrometry in Neurodegenerative Disease Research

News-Medical Life Sciences spoke to Nicholas Dupuis from Biognosys about proteomics & DIA mass spectrometry in neurodegenerative disease research.

From Biognosys 19 Nov 2019

Nicotine delivery different for different e-cigarettes finds study

A new study from Penn State College of Medicine researchers has shown that different electronic cigarettes or “electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS)” have different rates of nicotine delivery to the users. Most popular brand of e-cigarettes JUUL for example has been found to deliver more nicotine at a faster rate compared to other brands.

17 Nov 2019

Popular pod-based electronic cigarette can deliver more nicotine at faster rate than others

When it comes to nicotine delivery, not all electronic cigarettes are created equally, according to Penn State researchers. New research from Penn State College of Medicine shows that JUUL, a popular pod-based electronic cigarette, can deliver more nicotine at a faster rate than most other types of electronic cigarettes that have been studied.

15 Nov 2019

'Smart toilets' may work as real-time method of monitoring health

Wearable, smart technologies are transforming the ability to monitor and improve health, but a decidedly low-tech commodity - the humble toilet - may have potential to outperform them all.

13 Nov 2019