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.

Scientists identify key driver in BRAF inhibitor resistant melanoma

Targeted therapy with BRAF-MEK inhibitors is an effective treatment for patients with advanced melanoma that cannot be surgically removed or has spread to other areas of the body.

2 Sep 2020

SARS-CoV-2 Neucleocapside (N) protein is heavily glycosylated

However, the nucleocapsid (N) protein is also extremely abundant and, therefore, a useful target for both vaccine and diagnostic test development. A new study published on the preprint server bioRxiv in August 2020 reveals the structure of this protein, a valuable step in using it for these purposes.

30 Aug 2020

Targeting a key gateway can help treat chronic pain, shows study

Something like a quarter of the world's population suffers from chronic pain at some point. As opposed to acute pain – for example, that feeling after hitting your finger with a hammer – chronic pain may not even have a clear cause, and it can linger for years or lifetimes.

27 Aug 2020

Sortilin may hold the key to developing more effective treatment for pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer has an extremely poor prognosis; it is the third most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States.

20 Aug 2020

New approach to chronic pain treatment could bring relief

Something like a quarter of the world's population suffers from chronic pain at some point in their lives. As opposed to acute pain - for example, the feeling after hitting your finger with a hammer - chronic pain may not even have a clear cause, and it can linger for years or lifetimes.

19 Aug 2020

Studying the Proteome and Human Diseases using Mass Spectrometry

An interview with Amanda Hummon, discussing how mass spectrometry can be used to analyze the proteome and how this can help with the study of human disease.

From Pittcon 13 Aug 2020

Novel method identifies traces of plastic in seafood samples

A study of five different seafoods has found traces of plastic in every sample tested.Researchers bought oysters, prawns, squid, crabs and sardines from a market in Australia and analysed them using a newly developed method that identifies and measures five different plastic types simultaneously.

13 Aug 2020

Face mask insert could allow screening for disease biomarkers

Given current events, many people are wearing face masks to protect themselves and others. But that same face mask could someday also collect useful health information.

12 Aug 2020

SPT enzyme can be used as metabolically responsive “switch” to slow tumor growth

The enzyme serine palmitoyl-transferase can be used as a metabolically responsive "switch" that decreases tumor growth, according to a new study by a team of San Diego scientists, who published their findings Aug. 12 in the journal Nature.

12 Aug 2020

Creating a blood test for the detection of Alzheimer’s disease

News-Medical spoke to Dr. Randall Bateman and Dr. Nicolas Barthélemy about their research on Alzheimer's disease, and their new diagnosis technique.

12 Aug 2020

New optimized protocol allows rapid identification of protein-protein interactions

A research team from University of Helsinki introduces a new optimized and integrated interaction proteomics protocol that combines two state-of-the art methods to allow rapid identification of protein-protein interactions and more.

12 Aug 2020

Genomic sequencing falls short as a standalone screening tool for newborns

With the rise of genomic sequencing, health technology companies are promising parents they can detect rare metabolic disorders in newborns who, despite a healthy appearance, may need immediate treatment.

10 Aug 2020

A 'short list' of signature peptides for tracking down SARS-CoV-2 virus

SPI researchers (Marcoule) used proteomics to identify signature peptides of the SARS-CoV-2 virus expressed in vitro.

10 Aug 2020

Mass spectrometry shows potential for rapid SARS-CoV-2 detection

A team from SPI in Marcoule detected by mass spectrometry, in 3 minutes and without specific reagents, signature peptides of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in clinical samples. It thus provides a proof of concept of the use of this method as a possible alternative to PCR, currently the reference method.

10 Aug 2020

Speed of Novavax vaccine development does not compromise quality of the SARS-CoV-2 immunogen

A new study by researchers from the Scripps Research Institute and Novavax Inc. in the US affirms the structural integrity of the full-length SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein immunogen. It enables the interpretation of immune responses to this multivalent nanoparticle immunogen. Their results are currently available on bioRxiv preprint server.

9 Aug 2020

Nanoparticle method captures and measures common marker of heart disease

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a method combining sticky nanoparticles with high-precision protein measurement to capture and analyze a common marker of heart disease to reveal details that were previously inaccessible.

7 Aug 2020

Study provides comprehensive update on ACE2 enzyme with key role in SARS-CoV-2 infection

Researchers at Uppsala University have described the presence, throughout the human body, of the enzyme ACE2.

5 Aug 2020

Specifically designed cyclic peptide inhibitor shown to be active against SARS-CoV-2

A new bioRxiv study by a research group from the University of California Irvine shows in vitro activity and non-toxicity of the first-in-class cyclic peptide that inhibits the main protease of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – laying the groundwork for its use in the treatment of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

4 Aug 2020

Scientists identify robust set of biomarkers to help guide treatment for brain injuries

A scientific team led by the University of Arizona and the Translational Genomics Research Institute, an affiliate of City of Hope, identified a robust set of biomarkers through proteomics and metabolomic analysis that could help guide treatment for tens of millions of patients who each year sustain brain injuries, potentially preventing severe long-term disabilities.

3 Aug 2020

SARS-CoV-2 spike protein recognized by innate immune receptors in a glycan-dependent way

The spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) depends on its ability to infect new host cells following its replication and release from infected cells. This pivots on its ability to bind to cell surface receptors like the ACE2 enzyme.

3 Aug 2020