University at Albany researchers at the RNA Institute have developed a new method to test COVID-19 vaccine integrity that could allow anyone with basic skills in vaccine handling to detect expired vaccines quickly and effectively, without specialized lab equipment. By employing laser-derived signals to assess vaccine stability, the method can be performed on sealed vials … Read more
When you get a tattoo, do you know what you’re putting under your skin? According to new Binghamton University research, the ingredient labels on tattoo ink don’t match the actual substances in the bottle. Produced by the lab of Binghamton University Assistant Professor of Chemistry John Swierk, “What’s in my ink: An analysis of commercial … Read more
The chemical formula for water is H₂O, a representation of its molecular composition. Water, a fundamental substance for life on Earth, plays a crucial role in various biological, chemical, and physical processes. Understanding the chemical formula H₂O involves exploring the molecular structure of water, its properties, significance in different contexts, and its impact on the … Read more
Analytical chemistry is a branch of chemistry that focuses on the identification and quantification of chemical substances. It involves the use of various techniques and methods to analyze and interpret the composition of matter, providing essential information for a wide range of scientific, industrial, and environmental applications. Analytical chemists employ sophisticated instruments and methodologies to … Read more
Chemistry, often referred to as the central science, is a branch of natural science that explores the properties, composition, structure, reactions, and changes of matter. It is a discipline that delves into the microscopic realm of atoms and molecules, seeking to understand the fundamental principles that govern the behavior of substances and their transformations. Chemistry … Read more
Based on blood tests, it is possible to detect rare genetic diseases, recognize cancer, or determine the inflammation level in the body. Moreover, due to the rapid development of medical diagnostics based on biofluid analysis, many efforts are being made worldwide to adapt medical approaches, making personalized medicine the paradigm of future health care. Moving … Read more
Enzymes, essential for normal cellular and physiological functions, are implicated in various diseases like cancer and diabetes due to their abnormal activity. Therefore, tracking enzyme activity is a valuable strategy for the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases. Conventional imaging techniques are limited by the need for contrast agents, low sensitivity, and spatio-temporal resolution. To overcome … Read more
Failure to effectively control the presence of viable bacteria in the bloodstream, known as bacteremia, can lead to severe conditions such as bloodstream infections (BSI) and sepsis, characterized by a dangerous inflammatory response. For BSI patients, timely and accurate antimicrobial prescriptions are crucial for significantly reducing mortality rates. However, the conventional method for testing antimicrobial … Read more
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University, led by Professor Hiroshi Shiigi from the Graduate School of Engineering, have demonstrated that speed doesn’t necessarily equate to inefficiency. They’ve pioneered a technology, detailed in Analytical Chemistry, which rapidly and precisely gauges the number of viable bacteria in food products using electrochemistry and a water-soluble molecule called tetrazolium salt … Read more
Nanoplastics (NPs) can have various harmful effects on human health, such as physical harm, oxidative stress, disrupted cell signaling, and developmental abnormalities. Detecting NPs in the environment remains challenging due to their small size, varied shapes, different chemical compositions, and tendency to clump together and sink. In addition to environmental monitoring, laboratory and controlled field … Read more
Accessible and rapid COVID-19 testing has played a pivotal role in our battle against the pandemic, but it has not been without its challenges. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, long considered the gold standard for diagnostic accuracy, come with significant drawbacks. They demand precious time, sometimes taking a day or more to produce results, and … Read more
Led by Professor Chu Yannan, a team of researchers from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science at the Chinese Academy of Sciences embarked on a groundbreaking endeavor. They harnessed the power of a cutting-edge method known as headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) to delve into the realm of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in … Read more
PET, or polyethylene terephthalate, is one of the most widely used plastics in the world and is commonly found in reusable drink bottles. However, once a PET product reaches the end of its lifecycle, it can be difficult to dispose of without harming the environment. To combat this, researchers from Leipzig University have been working … Read more