The Column-11-07-2012

The Column

Breath analysis

November 07, 2012

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A group of scientists in Austria 1 have developed and characterised a method for the detection of S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae in the upper respiratory tract by analysing breath samples of patients.

Forensic fingerprinting

November 07, 2012

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Fingerprint analysis has been a standard method for forensic analysis and is used to identify suspects at the scene of a crime. Recent advances in next-generation DNA sequencing technology have revolutionized the criminal justice system and has downgraded the importance of fingerprint analysis. However, the positioning of DNA material can be circumstantial in some cases and this is where recent advances in analytical chemistry instrumentation can enhance the power of fingerprint analysis.

Dragon's blood

November 07, 2012

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"Dragon's Blood"(DB) has become increasingly popular in Europe and the USA this year. Marketed as an anti-ageing compound within cosmetics, DB is a deep red resin secreted from the fruit of the dragon tree species, Daemonorops draco. Scientists in China 2 believe they have identified two novel biomarkers that could be used in the QC of DB.

Helium Crisis or Helium Hype?

November 07, 2012

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John Hinshaw offers his insights into how the current helium shortage will affect gas chromatographers and answers some concerns of The Column readers selected from the CHROMacademy Forum.

Massively Parallel Phase Analysis Light Scattering Enables Reliable Mobility Measurements of Proteins, Nanoparticles and Colloids

November 07, 2012

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Traditionally, measuring the mobility of proteins and nanoparticles has been a challenging task. An effective measurement method traditionally used is phase analysis light scattering (PALS), a technique based on interfering laser light scattered from a sample solution. However, it has been associated with two important shortcomings. Massively Parallel Phase Analysis Light Scattering (MP-PALS) has emerged as a viable alternative to the conventional PALS method.

Fighting bacterial resistance

November 07, 2012

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Antibiotics are used frequently and there has been a corresponding growth in antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, such as MRSA (multi resistant strain antibiotics). This resistance is placing pressure on healthcare systems worldwide with numerous government agencies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), campaigning to reduce the use of antibiotics. There is now an emerging research focus on the development of plant-based anti-microbial agents that could be used for non-medicinal purposes; specifically of interest is the use of antimicrobials in the preservation of foodstuffs.