Seal Sickness
A recent study has used a method designed to test human blood to confirm the presence of ciguatoxins in living seals.
In 1978 50 Hawaiian monk seals died mysteriously. Scientists at the time believed that ciguatoxins were responsible but at the time lacked the tools to test for the toxins directly. A recent study has used a method designed to test human blood to confirm the presence of ciguatoxins in living seals.1
Ciguatoxins are neurotoxins, produced by algae, which build up in fish that are then eaten by the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal. In investigating the levels of seal exposure the researchers used a Neuro-2A cytotoxicity assay to quantify ciguatoxin activity, and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry to confirm the molecular structure.
According to the study, tissue analysis from dead stranded animals revealed ciguatoxin activity in brain, liver and muscle. Analysis of blood samples from 55 free-ranging seals revealed high levels of ciguatoxin activity in 19% of the animals. Samples from animals in shoreline pens had no toxin in their blood. In some cases blood samples from the exposed seals contained toxin levels as high as several picogrammes per millilitre, which is a high enough level to kill a rat.
The study provides the first confirmation that Hawaiian monk seals are exposed to significant levels of ciguatoxins and the first evidence of transfer of ciguatoxin to marine mammals.
1. M.-Y. Dechraoui Bottein et al., Environ. Sci. Technol., 45(12), 5403–5409 (2011).
This story originally appeared in The Column. Click here to view that issue.
The Complexity of Oligonucleotide Separations
January 9th 2025Peter Pellegrinelli, Applications Specialist at Advanced Materials Technology (AMT) explains the complexity of oligonucleotide separations due to the unique chemical properties of these molecules. Issues such as varying length, sequence complexity, and hydrophilic-hydrophobic characteristics make efficient separations difficult. Separation scientists are addressing these challenges by modifying mobile phase compositions, using varying ion-pairing reagents, and exploring alternative separation modes like HILIC and ion-exchange chromatography. Due to these complexities, AMT has introduced the HALO® OLIGO column, which offers high-resolution, fast separations through its innovative Fused-Core® technology and high pH stability. Alongside explaining the new column, Peter looks to the future of these separations and what is next to come.
Investigating Plastic Contamination in Olive Oil with GC–MS/MS
January 17th 2025The objective of this study was to investigate contamination by 32 plasticizers in olive oil throughout its production and packaging process. Separation and detection were carried out by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS), without the need for pre-concentration steps.
Top Execs from Agilent, Waters, and Bruker Take the Stage at J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference
January 16th 2025The 43rd Annual Healthcare J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference kicked off in San Francisco earlier this week. Here’s what top executives from Agilent, Bruker, and Waters, discussed during the event.
