6 Tips to Keep Your Lab’s Software Up and Running by SCIEX Community | 0 Comments 6 Tips to Keep Your Lab’s Software Up and Running Is your lab utilizing SCIEX instrumentation but hesitant about upgrading to the latest software release? Perhaps you are uncertain about key features, error codes, or output. Not to worry, behind every great mass...
A Smart Way to Profit from the Wealth of Biobanks by SCIEX Community | 0 Comments Microflow LC with SWATH® Acquisition for Digitizing Biobanks What if you could access thousands of high-quality samples for your research? What if these samples were well-annotated biological specimens? And what if they were carefully segmented into just the...
Why Conventional Flow LC-MS/MS Bioanalysis Is out and Microflow Is In by SCIEX Community | 0 CommentsNew technologies can transform a laboratory’s throughput and efficiency. At Alturas, if we try out a new technology, we ask: Does it work? Is it convenient? Is it rugged? Are we getting good results? When we look at the convenience, uptime, and overall data that we’re...
Food Testing Labs: What Technology Is Right for You? by SCIEX Community | 0 CommentsConsumer safety is the driving force behind food analysis. From field (or ocean) to fork, there are numerous opportunities for food to become potentially hazardous to human health. As fast as new contaminants enter the food chain, changes in regulation and legislation...
Bulletproof your clinical laboratory with rugged and reliable LC-MS/MS instrumentation (Clinical diagnostic blog) by Pierre Negri | Blogs, Clinical, Ion sourcesThe ability to consistently achieve reproducible results on many complex samples across multiple days is critical to a routine clinical laboratory. Laboratories relying on analytical instrumentation require stability and robustness to perform a variety of screening and confirmatory assays with confidence. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has become the preferred analytical method in the clinical laboratory to reliably perform clinical testing as it provides best-in-class performance and reliability for the most challenging assays. LC-MS/MS offers the required levels of sensitivity and specificity for the detection and quantitation of molecules from complex biological samples, helping laboratories deliver highly accurate data for a variety of clinically relevant analytes across a wide range of assays.
Bulletproof your clinical laboratory with rugged and reliable LC-MS/MS instrumentation (Clinical research blog) by Pierre Negri | Blogs, Clinical, Ion sourcesThe ability to consistently achieve reproducible results on many complex samples across multiple days is critical to a routine clinical laboratory. Laboratories relying on analytical instrumentation require stability and robustness to perform a variety of screening and confirmatory assays with confidence. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has become the preferred analytical method in the clinical laboratory to reliably perform clinical testing as it provides best-in-class performance and reliability for the most challenging assays. LC-MS/MS offers the required levels of sensitivity and specificity for the detection and quantitation of molecules from complex biological samples, helping laboratories deliver highly accurate data for a variety of clinically relevant analytes across a wide range of assays.
Methods for electrode cleaning for Echo MS systems by John Gibbons | Blogs, Echo® MS+ system, PharmaDepending on the samples that you are running on the system, it is possible for the Echo MS electrode to become dirty or occluded over time. Below are two different cleaning strategies that will be helpful for you to maintain your system and keep your electrodes running well.
The myth of costly training: debunked. by Andrea Mueller | Blogs, Instrument maintenance, Optimizing Performance, Technology, TrainingAs analytical organizations grow, there is an even greater need to train scientists and operators more consistently to meet tight deadlines, handle increasing samples, and meet data quality expectations. A high rate of employee turnover also affects the productivity of labs worldwide. Consistent training helps today’s labs stay competitive, whether the goal is sample throughput, therapeutic development, or publication.
PFAS regulations – a journey around the globe by Gitte Barknowitz | Blogs, Environmental / IndustrialA few years ago, I was plotting along in my analytical job and keeping up-to-date with residue regulations took a considerable amount of time, but it was always manageable. Nowadays, we have PFAS.
Tackling mycotoxin testing: Harnessing mass spectrometry for safer foods and healthier futures by SCIEX Community | Blogs, Food / Beverage, Food and BeverageProduced by certain moulds, thriving in crops such as grain, nuts and coffee, mycotoxins have contaminated agriculture and food production industries for a long time. To intensify the challenge, mycotoxins are resilient, not easily broken down and ensuring the safety of food supply chains requires comprehensive solutions and we are here to share those solutions with you.
Enhancing omics-based mass spectrometry workflows with Electron-Activated Dissociation (EAD) by Rebekah Sayers | Blogs, Life Science ResearchElectron-Activated Dissociation (EAD) is transforming the fields of metabolomics and lipidomics by providing enhanced fragmentation techniques that offer deeper insights into molecular structures. In September, Technology Networks hosted a webinar, “Enhancing Mass-Based Omics Analysis in Model Organisms,” featuring Dr. Valentina Calabrese from the Institute of Analytical Sciences at the University of Lyon. Valentina shared her insights on improving omics-based mass spectrometry analysis for toxicology studies using model organisms, particularly in metabolomics and lipidomics. This blog explores the additional functionalities EAD offers, its benefits in untargeted workflows, its incorporation into GNPS and molecular networking, and the future role it could play in these scientific domains.
The economics of food testing: A strategic perspective for laboratory managers by Philip Taylor | Blogs, Food / Beverage, Food and BeverageIn today’s rapidly evolving food industry, the role of food testing laboratories has never been more critical. Ensuring the safety, quality, and authenticity of food products is paramount, and this responsibility falls heavily on the shoulders of laboratory managers. The economics of food testing—encompassing everything from high-throughput pesticide screening to advanced research on alternative protein sources—plays a pivotal role in shaping the operational efficiency and financial health of these laboratories.
Six benefits of remote support every laboratory should know by Andrea Mueller | Biopharma, Blogs, Environmental / Industrial, Food / Beverage, Food and Beverage, Forensic, Instrument maintenance, Life Science Research, Optimizing Performance, Pharma, Service, Support, Technology, TrainingImagine having a tech expert at your fingertips to solve computer issues or a fitness trainer guiding you through workouts from the comfort of your home. In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to provide and receive service and support remotely is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Whether it’s troubleshooting a software issue, repairing a device, offering customer assistance, or enjoying the convenience of telehealth as a private individual, remote capabilities have revolutionized how businesses operate and how individuals get help
Advancing immunopeptidomics for pancreatic cancer research with ZT Scan DIA by Katherine Tran | Blogs, Life Science ResearchPancreatic cancer remains one of the most fatal types of cancer, and the rates of occurrences and mortalities continue to be on a global rise.1,2 Recent statistics have reported that the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is the eighth most common type of cancer and...
Screening Novel Psychoactive Substances with Confidence by SCIEX Community | Blogs, ForensicHow do you know what you can’t see? This is the challenge many a lab faces as they relentlessly test for novel psychoactive substances (NPS) as unknown samples with an ever-changing ingredient list make discovery difficult work at best. There are many reasons for the complexities of which you can discover in this application note, “Accurate Mass Screening Workflows for the Analysis of Novel Psychoactive Substances.” However, the biggest of which is that non-targeted findings can turn up thousands of molecular features in a single sample. Sifting through the peaks is laborious, and many are normal besides.
Why Study Lipids? by Baljit Ubhi | Blogs, Life Science Research, LipidomicsI had an opportunity to follow up with Steven M Watkins, Ph.D. to talk about the importance of studying lipids in disease. Steve has been working in the lipids field for over 20 years and is one of the foremost experts in lipid biology. Steve founded Lipomics in 2000, an early metabolomics company focused on quantitative lipidomics and had followed that company through a series of changes that led to its involvement in the clinical diagnostic development and global metabolomics. Steve authored over 70 peer-reviewed publications including several book chapters on lipids and lipid metabolism. His presentations on this topic are fascinating and very informative, so I wanted to capture some of his thinking here!
Improved complex sample processing for higher quality of results, reproducibility and depth of proteomic analysis by ken.hamill@sciex.com | Blogs, Life Science Research, ProteomicsSCIEX partners to improve depth of proteome coverage SCIEX and Pressure BioSciences address a major challenge for researchers performing complex sample preparation by marketing a complete solution to increase the depth, breadth, and reproducibility of protein extraction, digestion, and quantitation in all tissue types, especially challenging samples like tumors.
Perfluoroalkyl Acids in Drinking Water – EPA Method 537 by SCIEX Community | Blogs, Environmental / IndustrialThe United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), requires a new list of no more than 30 unregulated contaminants to be monitored by public drinking water systems. Known as the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR), a new list is published every five years. The last rule, UCMR3, was published May 2, 2012, and is the focus of the following application note, “Analysis of Perfluoroalkyl (PFFA) Acids Specified under the UCMR3 Using the QTRAP® 6500 LC-MS/MS system,” which can be found in the Food and Environmental Compendium.
SCIEX helps set food standards in China by Brandon McInnis | Blogs, Food / BeverageOne of the biggest concerns of Chinese citizens is food safety1. Even though China ranks second in global economies2, crowding, industrial pollution, labor and certain agriculture practices have contributed to this. In October 2015, however, we began to see a turnaround as the Chinese government revised its 2009 Food Safety Law in an attempt to strengthen its food supply oversight and quality.
Discover the new and accurate SCIEX way to enhance your routine food allergen testing by SCIEX Community | Blogs, Food / BeverageFood allergy is an immune-mediated, adverse reaction to an antigenic protein. Even limited exposure to an antigen can provoke a significant reaction in sensitive individuals, causing rashes, itching and swelling in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, and asthma. Additionally, food allergies are the leading cause of anaphylaxis, an acute, potentially deadly allergic reaction. The prevalence and severity of food allergies are rising, with approximately 150 million people suffering from food allergies worldwide.1, 2 Presently, there is no cure for food allergies, and sufferers must rely on the correct labeling of foods to avoid consuming allergens. Hence, the development of sensitive and accurate analytical methods to screen for the presence of allergens in food products is necessary for the prevention of potentially life-threatening health problems for allergy sufferers.
Three Infographics to Show You How to Overcome Challenges in Transitioning to Biologics Bioanalysis by SCIEX Community | Biopharma, BlogsThe move to large molecules in Pharma is accelerating, offering unprecedented opportunities to improve human health and expand into new markets. But for those with extensive experience with small molecule bioanalysis, the shift to biologics can be challenging, from Sample Prep to Instrumentation and Software, to Methods and Training:
Rapid Characterization of Biologics using CESI-MS by SCIEX Community | Biopharma, BlogsToday, 30 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), have been approved for the treatment of certain cancers, autoimmune and infectious diseases. Even more are in development, and perhaps you and your team of scientists are working on one now. Keeping pace with fast development timelines while performing comprehensive characterization of biologic candidates can be challenging. However, more and more, scientists are tackling these challenges with new techniques to speed and simplify their characterization workflows. Read more in the application note, “Rapid Characterization of Biologics using a CESI 8000 – SCIEX TripleTOF® System,” found in the Biologics Analytical Characterization Compendium, which highlights how CESI separation coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry can provide a comprehensive characterization of biotherapeutics.
The Not So Hidden Truth about Climate Change How It’s Poisoning Your Food by Robert Di Lorenzo | Blogs, Food / BeverageDid you know climate change could be poisoning your food? According to the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) report on Emerging Issues of Environmental Concern, rising temperatures are making crops more toxic.
Guardians of Antibiotics by SCIEX Community | Blogs, Food / BeverageThis second is a blog series on the global war: Rise of Superbugs! Part 1 took a critical look at the antibiotic threat we face in today’s battlefield. The waning effectiveness of antibiotics as we head into what may seem like a post-antibiotic era has impelled new reformation to at the very least control antibiotic usage to ensure food safety.
Protein Quantitation Workflows using the TripleTOF 6600: A Case Study for Rituximab by SCIEX Community | Biopharma, BlogsAlthough the triple-stage quadrupole (QQQ) mass spectrometer remains the pillar for quantitative LC-MS/MS bioanalytical assays, due in part to the platforms’ high duty cycle when operated in multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) mode, the applicability of high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) has become of increasing importance for protein quantitation given the complexity of proteolytically digested samples in the surrogate peptide approach. While the QQQ demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity, the relatively low-resolution measurement of m/z may fail to differentiate analyte response from nominally isobaric background interference. In contrast, HRMS with accurate mass assignment of product ion allows interference to be resolved through judicious selection of a post-acquisition mass extraction window whose tolerance is largely dictated by the effective resolution and stability of mass calibration.
Rise of the Super Bugs by SCIEX Community | Blogs, Food / BeverageThe term “antibiotic-free” is becoming more and more popular in food advertising these days. Take Subway for example; in March the company elevated their antibiotic-free policy and introduced a new antibiotic-free rotisserie-style chicken sub, and they plan to, “Nix antibiotics in all its meat by 2025.”
Glyphosate, a Polar Pest Put to Test by SCIEX Community | Blogs, Environmental / Industrial, Food / BeverageNo other pesticide has courted more media attention and controversy in recent months than glyphosate, with governments and national agencies debating its use and health effects.
Using Mass Spec to Detect Trace Explosives by SCIEX Community | Blogs, ForensicThe importance of protecting a country’s border is a very topical issue. The war on drugs and terror is a 24/7 task 366 days a year (2016 is a leap year). The government agencies in charge must be vigilant and maintain instrumentation to prevent terrorism, drug trafficking, and other illegal activities. Mass Spectrometry is rapidly becoming the instrument of choice for border agencies throughout the world when it comes to explosive trace detection and forensic drug compounds.
Routine Food Testing Using Mass Spectrometry by SCIEX Community | Blogs, Food / BeverageThese days, it is not uncommon to hear about the overzealous application of pesticides to crops or the injection of antibiotics into animals. From grocery stores to restaurants, our food is at risk. How then, can consumers be assured that chemical contaminants like these , not to mention the risk of mycotoxin compounds are not making their way to your dinner table?
Industrialize Your Quantitative Proteomics Using a More Simplified Sample Prep by Christie Hunter | Blogsin part 1 and part 2 of this blog series we discussed how you can increase your efficiency for high throughput quantitative proteomics by industrializing your sample analysis and data processing. Microflow SWATH® Acquisition on your TripleTOF® system coupled with OneOmics™ data analysis tools allow you to run samples faster, collect data faster, and process your data files faster. It all adds up to getting more meaningful biological information in a shorter amount of time.
Quantify and Identify Pesticides in Complex Food Samples Using the QTRAP 6500 LC-MS/MS System by SCIEX Community | Blogs, Food / BeverageRecent regulations on food analysis require screening for pesticides using confirmatory techniques, such as GC-MS and LC-MS/MS. More than 1000 pesticides are used worldwide and, along with their metabolites and degradation products, are present in food. There is a demand for powerful and rapid analytical methods that can identify pesticides with high confidence in a broad range of food matrices and quantify at low concentrations with good accuracy and reproducibility. Challenges for pesticide residue laboratories at the moment are the request to test for more compounds, in a wider range of samples, all without sacrificing data quality.
Industrialize Your Quantitative Proteomics with the OneOmics Project by Christie Hunter | Blogs, Life Science Research, ProteomicsFor many labs, the days are long gone when it was acceptable to run only a few samples a week for your quantitative proteomics projects. The pressure for faster turn-around times, to support larger cohort studies, to sustain multiple research directions, and to transition from a purely unbiased discovery mode to verifying something truly unique and interesting, all demand a faster pace. Many labs are now being asked to analyze a hundred samples a week or more. In part 1 of this blog series, we saw how moving to a microflow SWATH workflow can dramatically increase your throughput with little compromise on overall results. In this part, we’ll address what to do with all of this data because it’s just no good if all we’ve done is move the bottleneck downstream.
Fast, Efficient, Disulfide Bond Mapping Using BioPharmaView™ Software by SCIEX Community | Biopharma, BlogsFast LC-MS acquisition and automated data processing will help you speed up peptide mapping of your biotherapeutic, including critical disulfide bond and post-translational modification characterization. SCIEX helps you untangle the complexity of disulfide bonds, speeding up your characterization process.
Bottom-Up Proteomics: A Discussion with Christie Hunter by Christie Hunter | Blogs, Life Science Research, ProteomicsBiocompare recently featured an article on Bottom-Up Proteomics. I had a chance to follow up with Christie Hunter and expand on some of the questions featured in the article: