The Column-06-07-2010

Squalene and squalane are oils, often used in the production of cosmetics and vaccines. Originally derived from the liver oil of deepwater sharks, squalane is also available from olives, and since 2008 some important cosmetic firms have claimed to switch to this more ethical squalane supply. However, the shark oil offers a higher yield and lower costs, so suppliers face the temptation to disguise the oil?s origin, while continuing to exploit sharks. A method in Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry is reported to reveal the source, protecting sharks, as well as cosmetic firms and consumers.

In the forests of Borneo in South-East Asia, a carnivorous pitcher plant, Nepenthes rafflesiana, lures, traps and digests small animals, mainly insects. As part of the lure, the pitchers copy flowers in a variety of ways, producing nectar as well as using bright colours and ultraviolet patterns. A study published in the Journal of Ecology has shown that this mimicry also includes a range of floral scents to trick insects to their demise.

The Pittcon programme committee has announced the call for papers for Pittcon 2011, which will be held at the Georgia World Congress Centre, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 13?18 March 2011.

GPC/SEC analysis reveals a multitude of molar mass information about unknown samples that are chemically simple or homogenous.

Atmospheric pressure gas chromatography is a technique that allows rapid switching between UPLC-MS and GC-MS applications.

In a recent survey of over 264 laboratory automation users conducted by Strategic Directions International (SDi), the participants were asked to indicate the best characteristics of their recently purchased laboratory automation system. System reliability, software ease of use and flexibility were among the most frequently mentioned characteristics.

A selection of the latest green chromatography products