Recent highlights in chromatography and mass spectrometry showcased advances in environmental monitoring, biomedical analysis, materials testing, textile safety, planetary science, and scientific communication, demonstrating the expanding impact of LC–MS and GC–MS technologies across research fields.
Rapid liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis of wastewater samples across England revealed widespread and fluctuating community drug use patterns—particularly high cocaine and ketamine levels—highlighting the power of chromatography-based methods for real-time public health monitoring.
Waters Corporation reported double-digit organic growth and raised its 2026 outlook as the company begins integrating the recently acquired BD Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions businesses into its analytical and diagnostic portfolio.
High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed that the peel of the citrus fruit bushukan contains low levels of key flavonoids, highlighting that presumed health benefits of citrus peels should be confirmed through species-specific chemical testing rather than assumed from fruit type.
Using targeted liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), researchers showed that many sphingolipid levels rise with age and differ between men and women, highlighting the need for age- and sex-specific reference ranges before these markers can be used in routine health risk assessment.
Alba Rodriguez Otero combined liquid chromatography with high resolution mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS) with hierarchical cluster analysis to interpret the non-targeted features to assess this novel workflow to asses novel materials for wastewater treatment.
Using automated thermal desorption–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (ATD-GC/MS), researchers detected multiple chemicals in children’s clothing and showed that their presence, washout behavior, and migration into artificial sweat vary strongly depending on fabric type.
Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed that a stepwise precooling method better preserves key flavor-related aldehydes and esters in cherry tomatoes compared to conventional single-step cooling, helping maintain aroma quality during storage.
Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), researchers mapped where sugar-related collagen crosslinks occur in human bone and found site-specific differences in their distribution and only weak links to bone strength.
Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) alongside sensory tools, researchers showed that different cooking methods systematically alter the chemical compounds—and therefore the flavor profile—of Yuxiang shredded pork.
Using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), researchers showed that low, non-lethal exposure to deltamethrin alters key fatty acids in honey bee brains, indicating disrupted neural metabolism that may underlie pesticide-related cognitive effects.
A recent study developed and validated a highly sensitive reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) fluorescence method using OPA/ethanethiol derivatization to simultaneously quantify multiple gentamicin C-subtypes in tiny murine perilymph samples, enabling improved pharmacokinetic analysis in the inner ear. LCGC International spoke to Shreshtha Dash and Peter Streyger, two of the authors of the paper that resulted from this study,1 about their work.
Using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) aboard the Curiosity rover, scientists have identified more than 20 organic compounds in ancient rocks from Gale Crater, revealing a diverse mix of carbon-based molecules and helping advance the search for the origin—and possible biological significance—of organic matter on Mars.
From a preview of HTC-19 in Leuven to cutting-edge insights from analytica 2026, this week’s highlights span breakthroughs in environmental screening, non-invasive diagnostics, green analytical methods, and emerging biomarkers for adolescent mental health.
Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) hair analysis combined with surveys at a Portuguese music festival revealed frequent drug use, discrepancies with self-reports, and widespread polydrug exposure, demonstrating chromatography’s value for objective, long-term substance use assessment in high-risk settings.
The advent of large language models for text generation and the ease with which artificial intelligence (AI) can be used for image creation have led to posts that include incorrect information about chromatography to begin to proliferate social media.
Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics and lipidomics, researchers identified obesity-linked biomarkers, highlighting hexanoylglycine and LPC (16:0) as potential causal indicators tied to immune pathways and cardiometabolic risk.
The 35th International Symposium on Chromatography (ISC 2026) will take place from September 6–10, 2026 at the Prague Conference Centre (PCC) in Prague, Czech Republic.
Jef Focant on whether workflows transfer between biological matrices, and which holds the most promise for minimally invasive disease monitoring.
Researchers used high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to identify how 19 breast milk sugars shape healthy gut bacteria in 500 infants, discovering age-specific impacts that persist even after breastfeeding ends.
Jef Focant considers how far we are from fully automated, standardized GC×GC data processing pipelines accessible to labs without specialist chromatography knowledge.
Ultra-performance liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS) was used to profile metabolomic changes during papain- and bromelain-mediated hydrolysis of gourami fish proteins. Distinct time- and enzyme-dependent profiles revealed differences in proteolysis and metabolite release, highlighting strategies to optimize bioactive peptide production and enhance the nutritional functionality of fish-derived food products.
Researchers used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and chemometric analysis to identify 54 metabolites in commercial lavender oils, identifying quality markers like linalool and detecting potential adulteration with synthetic additives.
André Striegel gives an update on the evolution of macromolecular separation science and the rationale behind recently publishing his aptly named reference text book: "Macromolecular Separation Science".
Camilla Liscio from Da Vinci Laboratory Solutions, UK discusses hert talk at HTC-19, which will focus on the challlenges and solutions of automating hyphenated techniques into an integrated system. HTC-19 will take place from 26–29 May 2026 in Leuven, Belgium.
Drew Szabo from the Centre of Excellence in Mass Spectrometry at the University of York, UK discusses his talk at HTC-19, which will focus on developments in non-targeted screening (NTS) for environmental analysis. HTC-19 will take place from 26–29 May 2026 in Leuven, Belgium.
Small extracellular vesicles (EVs) from pericardial fluid (PF) of patients with and without CAD alter the lipid profile of human coronary artery endothelial cells. Using untargeted liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS), 1043 lipid species were identified, with changes in glycerophospholipids, glycerolipids, and sphingolipids. These results suggest PF EVs can influence endothelial lipid metabolism and may impact coronary artery function.
Researchers utilized advanced chromatography techniques to reveal that disrupted metabolic pathways and oxidative stress cause flavor deterioration and unpleasant off-taste in wooden breast chicken meat.
Jef Focant on what methodological and study design changes will drive volatolomics from promising biomarker discovery results to clinically actionable tests.
Researchers used liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) to identify blood metabolites linked to teen mental health, offering a potential objective tool for early risk detection and preventive care.
