Best of the Week: Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science

This past week, LCGC International published a variety of articles on hot topics in separation science. We celebrated International Day of Women and Girls in Science by sharing some of our more popular interviews, covered a news story about a recent acquisition by Waters Corporation, and examined how untargeted liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) metabolomics can distinguish metabolic effects of carbohydrate restriction from those of low energy availability in elite endurance athletes.

This is the Best of the Week.

Celebrating Women Advancing Science and Society in Chromatography

This week, LCGC International celebrated International Day of Women and Girls in Science by highlighting women advancing analytical science through innovation, leadership, and sustainability. In this compilation of articles, we show how women in science are using chromatographic techniques such as multidimensional LC methods for oligonucleotides, comprehensive two‑dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time‑of‑flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC–TOF-MS) volatome profiling, LC–high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS) workflows for RNA therapeutics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) biomonitoring in hair, and modern supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC), alongside greener sample preparation using natural deep eutectic solvents, to achieve new technological breakthroughs.¹ The holiday also provided us the opportunity to get their thoughts on the current state of science, reflecting on career pathways, industry transitions, mentorship, and inclusive laboratory culture.¹ Together, these perspectives show how women scientists are shaping both cutting-edge research and a more sustainable, inclusive scientific community.

Volatile Organic Compound Profiling of Commercial Kombucha Using GC-TOF-MS and GC×GC-TOF-MS

A joint study by William & Mary and James Madison University used advanced gas chromatography techniques to characterize volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in commercial and locally sourced kombucha. In this interview, Sarah Foster, who was the lead author of the study and an undergraduate researcher in Katelynn Perrault Uptmor’s Nontargeted Separations Laboratory, discussed the main takeaways from the study. By comparing conventional gas chromatography–time-of-flight mass spectrometry and flame ionization detection (GC–TOF-MS/FID) with comprehensive two-dimensional GC×GC–TOF-MS/FID, Foster explained how it demonstrated that GC×GC provides superior separation, broader chemical coverage, and improved identification of co-eluting compounds in this complex fermented beverage.² She also discussed how the VOC profiles enabled differentiation among products, separation of tea-derived and fermentation-related compounds, and evaluation of analytical performance.² The findings enhance understanding of kombucha chemistry and support future quality control, consumer transparency, and regulatory monitoring.²

Waters Completes Combination with BD Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions Businesses

Recently, it was announced that Waters Corporation finalized its acquisition of the Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions units from Becton, Dickinson and Company. This strategic merger is designed to integrate advanced analytical chemistry with biological research to create a unified portfolio for high-throughput laboratory environments.³ To manage these diverse capabilities, the company has established four new operating divisions focusing on analytical sciences, biosciences, diagnostics, and materials. The integration aims to modernize biologic drug development by combining technologies like flow cytometry and mass spectrometry (MS) into a singular workflow.³

LC–MS–Based Untargeted Metabolomic Profiling Distinguishes Carbohydrate Restriction from Low Energy Availability in Elite Endurance Athletes

A new research collaboration between researchers from Australia and the United Kingdom investigated how untargeted LC–MS metabolomics can distinguish metabolic effects of carbohydrate restriction from those of low energy availability in elite endurance athletes. In a controlled trial of 20 high-performance race walkers, the researchers showed how plasma profiling across three dietary interventions revealed that a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet induced pronounced lipid-centered metabolic perturbations, particularly after prolonged exercise.⁴ These changes were not observed during short-term energy restriction alone. The findings demonstrate diet-specific metabolic signatures and highlight the importance of carefully managing carbohydrate restriction, as lipid metabolic disruptions may affect recovery and long-term health in elite athletes.⁴

Perioperative Endocannabinoid Profiling by LC–MS in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty

A study conducted by the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and the Mayo Clinic investigated how total knee arthroplasty and perioperative acetaminophen influence the endocannabinoid system in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Using validated LC–MS methods, researchers quantified endocannabinoids in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma before and after surgery.⁵ Distinct endocannabinoid profiles were linked to acetaminophen exposure, surgical intervention, and postoperative pain outcomes.⁵ Patients with higher pain scores showed altered levels of key endocannabinoids, including anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol.⁵ The findings suggest that endocannabinoid signaling may help explain persistent postoperative pain and inform future nonopioid, individualized pain management strategies.⁵

References

1. Jones, K. Celebrating Women Advancing Science and Society in Chromatography. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/celebrating-women-advancing-science-and-society-in-chromatography (accessed 2026-02-12)
2. Foster, S.; Chasse, J. Volatile Organic Compound Profiling of Commercial Kombucha Using GC-TOF-MS and GC×GC-TOF-MS. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/volatile-organic-compound-profiling-of-commercial-kombucha-using-gc-tof-ms-and-gc-gc-tof-ms (accessed 2026-02-12).
3. Jones, K. Waters Completes Combination with BD Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions Businesses. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/waters-completes-combination-with-bd-biosciences-and-diagnostic-solutions-businesses (accessed 2026-02-12).
4. Chasse, J. LC–MS–Based Untargeted Metabolomic Profiling Distinguishes Carbohydrate Restriction from Low Energy Availability in Elite Endurance Athletes. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/lc-ms-based-untargeted-metabolomic-profiling-distinguishes-carbohydrate-restriction-from-low-energy-availability-in-elite-endurance-athletes (accessed 2026-02-12).
5. Chasse, J. Perioperative Endocannabinoid Profiling by LC–MS in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/perioperative-endocannabinoid-profiling-by-lc-ms-in-patients-undergoing-total-knee-arthroplasty (accessed 2026-02-12).