The meat trade hasn’t had a good reputation since the horsemeat scandal that burst into headlines in 2013. The scandal has left such a mark that meat speciation, adulteration and authenticity are still high-profile topics today. Think about it from a...
What does every scientist think about in the lab? Validation. This is the feeling I encountered while reading a recent scientific report on nature.com. What struck me was not only the study itself which discounted cannabinoid incorporation into hair as a method for...
When carrying out routine pesticide identification tests in your lab how simple is the process of identification, quantitation, and final confirmation from sample to sample? A reliable method designed to generate multiple data sets and confirm sample data in parallel...
I am a label reader. I like to eat healthily and know what the long, confusing ingredients on the side of a package mean. Therefore, in the spirit of the holiday season, I dedicate this blog to all the gluten intolerant folks out there whose only wish is to eat a...
The Proof is in Your Holiday Drink If you think bootlegging was limited to the age of Prohibition then you have never tested liquor for authenticity using mass spectrometry. Maybe it is a scientist thing, but we simply cannot help but bring up the subject as people...
Bring out the boxes of decorations this holiday season and while you are at it, keep in mind you could be facing dangerous exposure to chemicals too. From trees to garland, candles and toys, here are some tips to keep in mind for safe handling. Trees Fake trees are...
On Thursday 26th November 2015, millions of households across the United States will sit down to a hearty traditional Thanksgiving meal. The Thanksgiving holiday is when people celebrate the blessings of the year, in particular the harvest. So what role does Mass...
Truth – the first turkey I ever cooked was still frozen when it hit our plates. I couldn’t figure out why that thing was taking so long to roast. Then it hit me. I forgot to defrost the bird. If I recall correctly, even the giblets were still in it. It was ten p.m....
Before you start wondering if you should buy organic ingredients this Thanksgiving, it is good to know regulating bodies set and monitor allowable pesticide limits within our food supply. Pesticides that help control pests, disease, and deter unwanted animals from...
Facts about Synthetic Cannabinoids and why you need to pay attention to evolving science Synthetic Cannabinoids are easy to purchase as they are sold in many different forms online and at gas stations across the country Each batch varies as manufacturers can make...
Halloween is the time for lots of trick or treats ranging from chocolate bars to lollipops and oh so good candy corn. However, come October 31, it is time to mind sneaky ingredients that have the best disguise of all. From pork extracts, artificial sweeteners, to...
Should I be a mad scientist or something else for Halloween? Wouldn't it be fun to bring these candy bars back to the lab tomorrow and test them for contaminants? I hope we have enough beakers for the Halloween punch. Who needs Minecraft when you can be a Mass...