The Column-02-18-2013

We Just Can't Do It!

The Column

Incognito found a 2D LC solution to a tricky separation problem but this technique did not meet the client's requirements. The magnanimous columnist admits to a rare defeat on this occasion but praises the thrill of seeking a solution to a perplexing method development problem. Could any readers suggest a more straightforward solution?

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The Column

Tablets found aboard an ancient shipwreck could identify the early beginnings of medicine. A team of scientists led by Erika Ribechini of the University of Pisa (Pisa, Italy) determined the composition of tablets found aboard a ship-wrecked off the coast of Tuscany (Italy) around 2,000 years ago.1

The Column

When discussing optimization and improvements to costly and time-consuming purification processes "trapping" columns can be an alternative to fractionation.

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Therapeutic poison

The Column

A team of scientists in Germany1 has identified a new protein from the venom of the snake, Vipera palaestinae, that could be used in the development of anti-cancer drugs.