<div>In 2025, two outstanding young female researchers, Drs. Filipa Oliveira and Stella Gonsales, both originally from outside the Czech Republic, received prestigious JUNIOR STAR grants from the Czech Science Foundation (GAČR). JUNIOR STAR enables early career researchers to establish their own independent research groups and significantly advance their scientific careers. Their projects reflect cutting-edge research in materials science and sustainable chemistry, highlighting the international reach and welcoming research environment at UCT Prague.Dr. Stella Gonsales is also a&nbsp;laureate of the Dagmar Procházková Fund, which supports promising scientific projects in sustainable and advanced organic chemistry. Another recipient of this grant is Dr.&nbsp;Anna Valunchene, whose research complements UCT Prague’s&nbsp;sustainability goals. This dual funding underlines Stella’s&nbsp;remarkable achievements and the wide scope of innovative research at UCT Prague.Both Filipa and Stella are actively looking for motivated students and researchers to join their teams, offering a&nbsp;unique opportunity to work at the forefront of science in a&nbsp;vibrant and supportive environment.</div><div><h3>Interview with Filipa Oliveira: Pioneering tubular MXenes for supercapacitor energy storage</h3><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/VSCHT_Praha_V_prestizni_soutezi_GACR_uspely_dve_zahranicni_vedkyne_z_VSCHT_2_da6e538579.jpeg" alt="VŠCHT Prague: JUNIOR STAR Grants at UCT Prague: Two talented women from abroad driving innovation in science: Filipa Oliveira" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_VSCHT_Praha_V_prestizni_soutezi_GACR_uspely_dve_zahranicni_vedkyne_z_VSCHT_2_da6e538579.jpeg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="1500" height="999"><h5>Congratulations on receiving the JUNIOR STAR grant. What does this achievement mean for you and how will it influence your next steps?</h5>Thank you. It’s&nbsp;a huge achievement to receive this prestigious grant. It gives me the opportunity to establish my own research group here at UCT Prague. The JUNIOR STAR program supports talented young scientists in building their teams and accessing resources. This means I&nbsp;now have the support to focus fully on my research about tubular MXenes and their application in supercapacitors.<h5>Why are tubular MXenes so innovative for energy storage?</h5>MXenes are a family of 2D materials with a layered, accordion-like structure and known for their excellent electrical conductivity. Our innovation is to produce them with a tubular morphology, combining the high conductivity and redox activity in superior ion-transport tubular architectures. Their open, hollow structure increases surface area, ion diffusion and charge transport. This could translate to faster, more efficient supercapacitors, critical for sustainable energy technologies.<h5>How did your scientific interest lead you to this field?</h5>Global challenges around green energy made me focus on materials that can improve energy storage. MXenes stood out because changes in the composition and structure can significantly change their properties. I&nbsp;was curious about how tuning different metallic elements in a&nbsp;tubular morphology can impact how MXenes perform and how to optimize them for practical applications.<h5>What challenges have you encountered?</h5>One major challenge is their stability: MXenes oxidize quickly which deteriorates performance. Another challenge is understanding how synthesis conditions of both MXenes and their precursors (MAX phases) must be adapted to create and preserve tubular morphologies since their synthesis mechanisms differ from conventional MXenes. Additionally, effectively communicating the project in the funding proposal to show to reviewers why I&nbsp;should obtain this funding was also a&nbsp;challenge, but thanks to mentorship and collaboration, I&nbsp;overcame these hurdles.<h5>What motivates you most about working at UCT Prague?</h5>The support from colleagues and the excellent technical infrastructure make it a&nbsp;great place to work. Also, being a&nbsp;former member of Professor Sofer’s&nbsp;leading group in 2D&nbsp;materials is inspiring and led me to this achievement.<h5>How do&nbsp;you see your professional development going in the future?</h5>The grant will help me build my own team, acquire equipment, and develop collaborations. My long-term vision is to contribute significantly to sustainable energy solutions and scientific progress both locally and internationally.<h5>You are looking for new team members. What kind of students or scientists do&nbsp;you need?</h5>We are currently welcoming enthusiastic master's&nbsp;students, PhD candidates, and postdocs who are passionate about materials science and eager to explore new frontiers in MXenes and energy storage. If you love curiosity-driven research and want to be part of a&nbsp;growing international team, we encourage you to join us.<h3>Interview with Stella Gonsales: Catalysis as a&nbsp;key to polymer recycling</h3><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/VSCHT_Praha_V_prestizni_soutezi_GACR_uspely_dve_zahranicni_vedkyne_z_VSCHT_3_3d0ded6274.jpeg" alt="VŠCHT Prague: JUNIOR STAR Grants at UCT Prague: Two talented women from abroad driving innovation in science: Stella Gonsales" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_VSCHT_Praha_V_prestizni_soutezi_GACR_uspely_dve_zahranicni_vedkyne_z_VSCHT_3_3d0ded6274.jpeg 233w," sizes="100vw" width="1499" height="1000"><h5>Congratulations on your JUNIOR STAR grant and also being awarded the Dagmar Procházková Fund. What does receiving both mean to you and how will they shape your work?</h5>Thank you. Both grants are hugely important. The JUNIOR STAR grant allows me to expand my group and resources for research into catalytic recycling of polymers, while the Dagmar Procházková Fund supports complementary projects such as synthesizing new biodegradable polymers. Together, they help tackle the plastic waste problem from multiple scientific angles.<h5>Could you explain your research in layperson’s&nbsp;terms?</h5>Most plastics have strong carbon-carbon bonds. We insert more cleavable double bonds into polymers that can be broken down by catalytic reactions called olefin metathesis, making recycling on a&nbsp;molecular level more feasible.<h5>What makes the JUNIOR STAR grant particularly important for your research and career development?</h5>The JUNIOR STAR grant is a&nbsp;prestigious and highly competitive funding opportunity aimed at excellent early-career scientists within eight years of completing a&nbsp;Ph.D. It provides up to 25&nbsp;million CZK over five years, allowing recipients to establish independent research groups and pursue innovative scientific topics. This grant is crucial for building a&nbsp;solid foundation, acquiring necessary equipment, and recruiting talented team members, enabling the pursuit of ambitious projects that can significantly contribute to both the Czech scientific community and global challenges.<h5>What collaborations support your research?</h5>The collaboration between UCT Prague and the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (IOCB) of the Czech Academy of Sciences primarily provides financial and technical support. The cooperation helps with funding, access to advanced equipment, and operational resources needed for running research projects.<h5>What advice would you give young scientists aiming to succeed?</h5>I&nbsp;encourage thinking outside the box and combining diverse knowledge you acquire during your career to address complex problems that are exciting and relevant to you.<h5>Your laboratory bears the name of Otto Wichterle and was ceremonially opened in the presence of Professor Kamil Wichterle. How does Wichterle’s&nbsp;legacy inspire you personally?</h5>Wichterle’<s>’</s>s&nbsp;innovative spirit motivates me to push creative boundaries and pursue novel solutions in sustainable chemistry.<h5>What are your visions for the future?</h5>I&nbsp;aim to build a&nbsp;research group that advances sustainable polymer recycling, contributing to environmental responsibility and the circular economy.<h5>You are recruiting people for your team. What skills do&nbsp;they need to have?</h5>We are looking for talented Ph.D. students and postdocs experienced in air-sensitive catalysis techniques. If you want to contribute to transformative research in sustainable chemistry and join a&nbsp;dynamic team, this is a&nbsp;great opportunity.</div>

JUNIOR STAR Grants at UCT Prague: Two talented women from abroad driving innovation in science

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 06, 2026

Scientists at IOCB Prague are uncovering new details of gene transcription. They have identified a previously unknown molecular mechanism by which the transcription of genetic information from deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) into ribonucleic acid (RNA) can be initiated. The researchers focused on a specific class of molecules known as alarmones, which are found in cells across a wide range of organisms and whose levels often increase under conditions of cellular stress. The results were published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature Chemical Biology.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_bc2bfffa6c.jpg" alt="IOCB Prague/Tomáš Belloň: Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription: Dr. Hana Cahová, head of the Chemical Biology of Nucleic Acids research group." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_bc2bfffa6c.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="2000" height="1335"><div>Molecules of ribonucleic acid can carry a variety of chemical modifications at one end, known as caps. In eukaryotic organisms, including human cells, the best-known cap plays an important role in RNA stability and in regulating its subsequent fate. In recent years, however, it has become clear that alternative, non-canonical RNA caps also exist, although their formation and the mechanisms by which they are attached to RNA remain only partially understood. These include alarmone caps, formed by dinucleoside polyphosphate molecules, that protect cellular RNA at moments when the cell is under threat.In their study, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cahova.group.uochb.cz/en">Dr. Hana Cahová</a> and colleagues examined bacterial RNA polymerase and investigated how this enzyme can initiate transcription using dinucleoside polyphosphates (NpNs) instead of the standard RNA building blocks. For the first time, the scientists described, at the atomic level, how RNA bearing an alarmone cap can be generated directly at the initiation of gene transcription. They also observed that NpNs bind through a different type of base pairing than is typically observed.The work was significantly shaped by Valentina Serianni from Hana Cahová’s team, who demonstrated the ability of dinucleoside polyphosphates to initiate gene transcription, and by Jana Škerlová, who focused on the structural analysis of RNA polymerase. Using cryogenic electron microscopy data, she showed how dinucleoside polyphosphate molecules bind within the active site of RNA polymerase – that is, the core of the enzyme where genetic information is transcribed. Together, their findings help to elucidate the processes that accompany the transcription of genetic information from DNA to RNA.Hana Cahová adds: “We’re describing something that truly occurs in cells and that we’re now able to observe directly at the level of individual molecules. This allows us to answer fundamental questions about cellular processes, such as how cells adapt to stress. RNA plays a central role in this, as it carries the cascade of information underlying any cellular response – for example, to threatening conditions caused by nutrient deprivation or temperature shock.”<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_2_0fe88ff9e9.jpg" alt="IOCB Prague/Tomáš Belloň: Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription: Dr. Tomáš Kouba, head of the Cryogenic Electron Microscopy core facility." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_2_0fe88ff9e9.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="2000" height="1335"><div>Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) was central to the project. This part of the work was led by Dr. Tomáš Kouba, one of the authors of the study. “Cryogenic electron microscopy allows us to freeze biological molecules in a state very close to their natural form and then determine their three-dimensional structure. This makes it possible to look directly into the active centers of enzymes and observe their function down to the atomic level,” he explains.Last year, IOCB Prague opened a new <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cryoem.group.uochb.cz/en">cryo-EM center</a> that is unique within the Czech research environment. State-of-the-art cryogenic electron microscopes are housed in a specially designed building and enable the study of biological processes with exceptional structural precision.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_3_4d881e7a58.jpg" alt="IOCB Prague: Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription: This work shows how NpnNs initiate bacterial transcription. Cryo-EM reveals how nucleobases pair with the template: one in canonical and one in reverse Watson–Crick mode, providing a structural basis for their function as non-canonical RNA caps." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_3_4d881e7a58.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2000" height="1077"><blockquote><h4>The Original article</h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41589-025-02134-5">Molecular insight into 5′ RNA capping with NpnNs by bacterial RNA polymerase</a></h4>Valentina M. Serianni, Jana Škerlová, Anna Knopp Dubánková, Anton Škríba, Hana Šváchová, Tereza Vučková, Anatolij Filimoněnko, Milan Fábry, Pavlína Řezáčová, Tomáš Kouba &amp; Hana Cahova&nbsp;Nat. Chem. Biol. 21 (2026)<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-025-02134-5">https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-025-02134-5</a><h6>licensed under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC-BY 4.0</a></h6></blockquote><h4>Abstract</h4>RNA capped with dinucleoside polyphosphates has been discovered in bacteria and eukaryotes only recently. The likely mechanism of this specific capping involves direct incorporation of dinucleoside polyphosphates by RNA polymerase as noncanonical initiating nucleotides. However, how these compounds bind into the active site of RNA polymerase during transcription initiation is unknown. Here, we explored transcription initiation in vitro, using a series of DNA templates in combination with dinucleoside polyphosphates and model RNA polymerase from Thermus thermophilus. We observed that the transcription start site can vary on the basis of the compatibility of the specific template and dinucleoside polyphosphate. Cryo-electron microscopy structures of transcription initiation complexes with dinucleoside polyphosphates revealed that both nucleobase moieties can pair with the DNA template. The first encoded nucleotide pairs in a canonical Watson–Crick manner, whereas the second nucleobase pairs noncanonically in a reverse Watson–Crick manner. Our work provides a structural explanation of how dinucleoside polyphosphates initiate RNA transcription.</div></div>

Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription

Article

Application

Scientists

Science and research

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The University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague is a natural centre of first-rate study and research in the area of chemistry in Czechia and is one of the country's largest educational and research institutions focused on technical chemistry, chemical and biochemical technologies, material and chemical engineering, food chemistry, and environmental studies.

UCT Prague

The Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague) is a leading scientific institution in the Czech Republic, recognized internationally. Its primary mission is basic research in the fields of chemical biology and medicinal chemistry, organic and material oriented chemistry, chemistry of natural compounds, biochemistry and molecular biology, physical chemistry, theoretical chemistry, and analytical chemistry. 

Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences

Everything from the world of analytical chemistry in one place. We connect people in solving their problems. At Labrulez you will find all the necessary information easily, quickly and clearly. Stop searching and start finding.

LabRulez

Separation Science

Agilent Technologies

Bruker

Shimadzu Corporation

Join our upcoming webinar on the MassHunter Quant Screener Tool to discover how to harness the power of quantitative analysis for effective screening and identification of potential suspect compounds.This session will provide in-depth guidance on creating methods from PCDL databases, evaluating result parameters, and generating straightforward summary reports. Additionally, learn how retention time (RT) prediction can enhance your screening process by significantly accelerating and simplifying large database searches.Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your analytical capabilities!<blockquote>Presenter: &nbsp;Jonathan Spencer (Application Specialist, Agilent Technologies)Jonathan studied BSc Natural Sciences at the University of Nottingham and later went on to Sheffield Hallam University to study a MSc in Forensic Science.Following graduation, he spent 2 years as a Confirmatory Analyst in an anti-doping and forensic toxicology lab, before joining Agilent as an LC/MS Applications Scientist. At Agilent, he focuses on small molecule applications using LC/TQ and LC/Q-TOF in fields of like food, forensic and environmental analysis.</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: MassHunter Masterclass Months

MassHunter Quant Screener Tool

Discover how to harness the power of quantitative analysis for effective screening and identification of potential suspect compounds. 

Join us on the hunt for the needle in the haystack!This session will delve into best practices for untargeted feature finding, focusing on achieving the optimal balance between sample coverage and processing speed using Profinder and the new MassHunter Explorer. We will explore techniques to differentiate between features and noise by applying the right filters for quality checking your data. Additionally, the webinar will cover essential aspects of compound identification, including database matching, formula generation, and structure elucidation.This is a must-attend event for anyone looking to enhance their analytical capabilities and streamline their data processing workflows.<blockquote>Presenter: &nbsp;Stefan Schaebler (Application Specialist LC/MS, Agilent Technologies)Stefan completed his PhD in Biology, specializing in LC-MS-based lipidomics and metabolomics. Following his doctoral studies, he joined Agilent Technologies as an LC/MS Application Specialist. In this role, Stefan focuses on small molecule applications using LC-QTOF, with a strong emphasis on software tools and data interpretation.</blockquote>

Finding the Needle in the Haystack Part I: From Complex Samples to Compounds of Interest

The best practices for untargeted feature finding, focusing on achieving the optimal balance between sample coverage and processing speed.

From Complex Samples to Compounds of Interest

The hunt goes on, let's find the needle in the haystack:Join us for an insightful webinar where we delve into the world of chemometrics to enhance your data interpretation skills. Learn how to select the appropriate statistical tools to make sense of your data and identify features of interest by visualizing trends and changes using various clustering and grouping approaches. We will also cover the construction of class prediction models to differentiate between sample cohorts effectively.Finally, gain a deeper understanding of your findings by mapping them onto relevant metabolomic pathways, providing essential context for your research.<blockquote>Presenter: Hannah Florance (Application Specialist LC/MS, Agilent Technologies)Hannah has had multiple roles in the life sciences, starting as a protein chemist, before moving into proteomics and then metabolomics. A major part of her time working in academia involved running LC and GCMS core facilities supporting projects ranging from synthetic biology to cancer research. She is currently an LCMS applications specialist for Agilent. Presenter: Shaun Reeksting (Application Specialist LC/MS, Agilent Technologies)Shaun completed his PhD in Biochemistry, specializing in molecular parasitology a focus in metabolomics. Following his doctoral studies, he worked in accredited industry laboratories and academia core-facilities before joining Agilent Technologies as an LC/MS Application Engineer.In this role, Shaun focuses on environmental small molecule applications using LC-QTOF, with a strong emphasis on software tools and data interpretation.</blockquote>

Finding the Needle in the Haystack Part II; All Things Chemometric

Join us for an insightful webinar where we delve into the world of chemometrics to enhance your data interpretation skills.

All Things Chemometric

In our last session, we will tackle compliance as we will delve into the critical aspects of compliance and its significance for your laboratory.Discover what compliance entails and why it is essential for maintaining the integrity and reliability of your lab’s operations. We will explore the various configurations available to meet your specific regulatory requirements, ensuring you have the necessary tools and knowledge to stay compliant.Additionally, gain valuable insights into content management, audit trails, and applications that streamline your compliance processes, making your lab more efficient and secure.Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding of working in a regulated environment and ensure your lab’s success.<blockquote>Presenter: &nbsp;Christian Hegmanns (Application Specialist LC/MS, Agilent Technologies, Waldbronn, Germany.)Christian Hegmanns is a state-certified food chemist and works at Agilent as an LC/MS application specialist.With over 10 years of experience in the field of instrumental analysis, Christian develops customer-oriented solutions for a variety of applications with a focus on food analysis.</blockquote>

MassHunter Compliance – Working in a Regulated Environment

We will tackle compliance as we will delve into the critical aspects of compliance and its significance for your laboratory.

Following up from our very successful previous sessions, we are delighted to offer another panel discussion in the ever-popular “Ask the Agilent Experts” series.Have you ever had a question about your GC/GCMS analysis and thought, “I have no idea what to do,” or that since the question seemed so simple, everyone must already know the answer and “Am I the only one who doesn’t know what to do?” We can assure you that you are not alone.If you have a question, we can guarantee that you are not the first…nor the last person to ask the question, especially when it comes to gases. Sometimes the simplest of questions can have the most complex answers. A question about the leaks on your mass spectrometer can lead to a discussion about how gas quality impacts sensitivity. A question about what to do when converting a method from helium to hydrogen carrier gas can lead to a discussion about column dimensions, column bleed, and what thermal stability means. There’s no such thing as an easy answer because the answer always depends on many different factors.Experts from Agilent, as well as from the field, will discuss some of the most frequently asked questions about GC and GCMS (which may seem like simple questions but have anything but simple answers). We'll also answer new questions that we hope you will submit to us.By attending this webinar, you will learn:<ul><li>How different carrier gases impact results and what to consider when converting methods from one carrier gas to another.</li><li>What is column bleed, how it relates to thermal stability, how your carrier gas can impact it, and why it matters even when using selective detectors like mass specs.</li><li>What is the difference between gas cylinders and gas generators, and should you consider using gas saving measures when using a generator.</li></ul>What you need to know:Date: 7th November, 2024Start times:<ul><li>Broadcast #1: 7th November - 7:00 PST (Los Angeles) / 9:00 CST (Chicago) / 10:00 EST (New York) / 15:00 GMT (London) / 16:00 CET (Paris/Berlin)</li><li>Broadcast #2: 7th November - 11:00 PST (Los Angeles) / 13:00 CST (Chicago) / 14:00 EST (New York)</li><li>Broadcast #3: 8th November - 8:30 IST (New Delhi) / 11:00 SGT (Singapore) / 11:00 CST (Shanghai) / 12:00 JST (Tokyo) / 14:00 AEDT (Sydney) / 16:00 NZDT (Auckland)</li></ul>Duration: Approximately 60 minutes<blockquote>Presenter: Vanessa Abercrombie (MFS, GC Applications Chemist, Agilent Technologies)Vanessa Abercrombie is a GC applications chemist at Agilent Technologies in Folsom, California, USA. Vanessa has a broad background in GC and GC/MS, including experience as an instrument chemist at Bode Technology in Virginia working under contract to the FBI’s Laboratory Division. Prior to that, Vanessa worked for ETS Labs in St. Helena, California, as an analytical chemist, where she researched and developed quantitative separations by GC/MS and UHPLC for beer, wine, and spirits. She holds a Masters of Forensic Science from The George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Sonoma State University.Presenter: Ed Connor (Product Manager, PEAK Scientific Instruments)Ed joined PEAK in 2013 as a GC product specialist and then moved to product management. He’s been working on many collaborative projects with PEAK customers and major instrument manufacturers worldwide. The main focus of these collaborations has been looking at conversion from helium to hydrogen carrier gas for GC applications. Ed completed his Dr.Sc. at ETH Zurich in 2007 using GC-MS to look at herbivore-induced plant volatiles and their interaction with beneficial insects. He then joined the University of Zurich where his work focused primarily on floral volatile analysis using a variety of volatile collection methods, GC-MS, and GC-FID.Moderator: Diane Turner (Director &amp; Senior Consultant, Anthias Consulting Ltd)A Warwick University graduate, Diane completed her Master's in analytical chemistry and started her career in environmental chemistry, later gaining significant experience as an applications chemist. Diane’s area of research through her PhD studies at The Open University was disease diagnosis. She has developed methods and given support and training for companies in most industries around the world for more than 20 years. Diane holds voluntary roles with The Royal Society of Chemistry and other scientific organizations.</blockquote>

Separation Science: Ask the Agilent Experts Series – Part 6: The Gas Edition

Ask the Agilent Experts Series – Part 6: The Gas Edition

GC and GC/MS scientists discuss and answer more of your most frequently asked questions.

<div><div><div>Conventional GC-HRMS using EI data alone for non-target studies suffers from ambiguous identification of unknowns in NIST library searches due to less specific fragmentation, missing molecular ion signals or compound absence in the reference library. Library searches become prone for false positive assignment. To increase compound identification certainty, the addition of the molecular information, e.g., via CI is mandatory.See how a novel GC-HRMS approach with simultaneous EI and CI data acquisition in a single GC run dramatically improves the quality of information and identification certainty. Non-target studies in wastewater analysis, human metabolites, vegan food similarity and material emission prove a game-changing power of the system.Why to join this webinar:<ul><li>Understand the power of simultaneous EI and CI-HRMS data in single GC runs</li><li>Learn how to get to a safe and confident identification of unknowns in suspect and non-target GC-MS</li><li>Get to know a novel CI source with unmatched performance due to a wide selection of reagent ions and “zero” instrument downtime&nbsp;</li><li>Accelerate your analysis and post-processing time plus optimize your instrument uptime with no need of hardware switching</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Arnd Ingendoh (VP Business Development Applied Markets, Bruker Daltonics GmbH &amp; Co KG)Arnd Ingendoh received his PhD in biophysics 1994 in the group of Franz Hillenkamp and Michael Karas who developed and invented MALDI. Following two years at ThermoFisher and Bruker in Japan and the USA as an application specialist, he moved through various management positions at Bruker Daltonics in Germany with +15 years of service as Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations EMEA.After 25 years at Bruker, he changed to a start-up company from New Zealand, Syft Technologies, to build the European commercial organization as the Vice President Europe for real-time mass spectrometry applications like air monitoring, food quality testing and monitoring of industrial processes. In 2023, he rejoined Bruker as the VP Business Development for the Applied Mass Spectrometry division. His goal is to develop and introduce novel and potentially disruptive technologies for the applied markets. Aside of his commercial activities, Arnd had active roles in academic education, e.g. as a Guest Professor at the University of Vienna. He is author or co-author of more than 60 publications.Presenter: Sonja Klee (Produkt Manager ecTOF, TOFWERK AG)Dr. Sonja Klee is Product Manager at TOFWERK, a leading mass spectrometer manufacturer based in Switzerland. Her journey in mass spectrometry began during her undergraduate studies in Chemistry at the University of Wuppertal, Germany, where she delved into ionization and mass spectrometry fundamentals in the group of Thorsten Benter. Both fundamental research and practical applications continued through her academic studies with her PhD in Physical Chemistry in 2014 on chemical ionization mechanisms in mass spectrometry for which she received the Wolfgang-Paul-Study Award of the German Society for Mass Spectrometry (DGMS). Following this, Dr. Klee was awarded a Postdoctoral Marie Curie Fellowship to contribute to the CLOUD TRAIN Network at CERN, Switzerland.Focus of this tenure was conducting complex experiments within the EU research program "CLOUD" utilizing various TOFWERK mass spectrometers. After her two-year postdoctoral position, she continued with TOFWERK, leveraging her expertise in ionization and mass spectrometry development in several key roles, including Leading Coordinator for Ion Source Technology and Project Manager. Dr. Klee's extensive research background and industrial experience have significantly contributed to the development and introduction of the ecTOF product line, a breakthrough solution for GC-MS based compound identification. Recognized for her expertise and leadership in the field, Dr. Klee was elected as an official board member of the Swiss Group for Mass Spectrometry (SGMS) in 2023. Here, she manages the "Education" portfolio, reflecting her commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation in mass spectrometry.</blockquote></div></div></div>

Bruker: Removing Barriers in Non-target GC/MS for the Confident Identification of Unknowns

Removing Barriers in Non-target GC/MS for the Confident Identification of Unknowns

Podívejte se, jak nový přístup GC-HRMS se současným sběrem dat EI a CI v jediném GC cyklu výrazně zlepšuje kvalitu informací a jistotu identifikace.

Non-target GC/MS for the Identification of Unknowns

Following the success of our last Ask the Expert session, we’re back with a part 2 focusing on GC and GC/MS workflows. This time, our panel is discussing your questions on maintenance, troubleshooting, and column care. Whether you’re aiming to improve accuracy, solve recurring issues, maximize productivity, and extend the life of your GC or GC/MS system, this session is for you. Our expert panel will address key challenges and share best practices, tips, and tricks to keep your GC/GCMS in peak condition while answering your burning questions.Key Topics:<ul><li>How to maintain your GC/GCMS for optimal performance</li><li>Troubleshooting common issues in GC and GC/MS</li><li>Best practices for column care and extending your column’s life</li><li>Tips for improving accuracy and reproducibility in results</li><li>How to ensure efficiency and productivity across your workflows</li></ul>Who Should Attend:<ul><li>Lab managers, analysts, and technicians using GC or GC/MS</li><li>Anyone looking to optimize their GC workflows for long-term performance</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Dr. Anshu Kumari Singh (Technical Support Manager, Agilent Technologies)Dr. Anshu Kumari Singh is the Technical Support Manager for India in the Chemistries and Supplies Division. She has more than 20 years of experience in this industry. She is leading a team of highly qualified Individuals responsible for providing technical support to customers. She provides support to customers on queries related to applications, products and troubleshooting for GC and LC columns and Supplies. She also conducts workshops, trainings and seminars for the customers helping them in understanding the chemistry behind GC &amp; HPLC columns and Sample Preparation Products. Dr. Anshu holds a Doctorate degree from Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi and is based out of Delhi.Presenter:&nbsp; Mr. Praveen Arya (Application Engineer - GC/MS, Agilent Technologies)Praveen Arya, Application Engineer at Agilent technologies, has a commitment and appreciation for Gas-phase residue applications. In 2005, Mr. Praveen Arya completed his M.Sc. in Food Technology . After post-graduation, he served as a Senior Analyst at SGS, Gurgaon- a commercial testing laboratory for 6 years and developed expertise in Residue analysis using sophisticated chromatographic instruments such as LCMS and GCMS. After that, in 2011, He joined Agilent Technologies as an Application Engineer where he supported country-wide GCMS customers for resolving application issues and method development. He has more than 18 years of experience in residue analysis in food and environmental samples using various high end chromatographic and spectrometric techniques (GC, GCMS, GCMS/MS, TDS, Headspace, Purge &amp; trap etc.). His area of specialization includes new analytical method development and validation as per national and international guidelines.Presenter:&nbsp; Mr. Anuraj Kumar (Customer Application Engineer - GC/GCMS, Agilent Technologies)Anuraj has overall 10+ years of experience in handling Gas Phase products. Working with Agilent since 4+ years and looking for GC &amp; GCMS products as core Post Sales application engineer for PAN India. Previously he had worked with multiple pharmaceutical R&amp;D as an Research Scientist in Teva, Fresenius kabi &amp; Jubilant Life Sciences.Presenter:&nbsp; Mr. Sunil B Lakhmapure (Technical Support Specialist, Agilent Technologies)Sunil holds 19 year plus experience in the analytical field with major exposure to LC/GC with Single Quad, Triple Quad and high resolution (QToF) mass spectroscopy. Started career in Pharma R&amp;D as a scientist with hands on experience on high end instruments like LC/MS, XRD &amp; NMR. Developed &amp; published application notes using Chromatographic techniques on real world samples/issues at various levels.</blockquote>

Agilent: Decoding GC & GC/MS: Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Best Practices

Decoding GC & GC/MS: Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Best Practices

Challenges, best practices, tips, and tricks to keep your GC/GCMS in peak condition.

GC & GC/MS: Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Best Practices

With the need for risk assessment and testing plans looming on the horizon, join us to learn about the challenges of low-level nitrosamine detection for both LCMS and GCMS applications.We will explore the pressing questions of coming regulation, including guidance on NDSRIs, the differing use cases of the 4 Procedures of USP &lt;1469&gt; and how Shimadzu can be your partner in creating solutions to meet these requirements.As you prepare for the August 1, 2025 deadline, whether your needs will be nitrosamine discovery with LCMS-QTOF or high-sensitivity QC monitoring with headspace GC-MS/MS, Shimadzu has the hardware and applications to help you succeed.We will host a Q&amp;A session after the presentation to address any questions or comments.<blockquote>Presenter: Brian Domanski (Strategic Collaboration Scientist, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments)Brian has over 10 years working to provide LC and SFC solutions for Pharma, as well as experience with a wide range of chromatography techniques including RP, NP, HILIC, IEX, SEC/GPC, and IC. His focus also includes scalable Informatics and Data Integrity solutions.</blockquote>

Shimadzu: Are you Nitrosamine Ready? Solutions for Nitrosamine Analysis

Are you Nitrosamine Ready? Solutions for Nitrosamine Analysis

Join us to learn about the challenges of low-level nitrosamine detection for both LCMS and GCMS applications.

Solutions for Nitrosamine Analysis by LCMS and GCMS

The complete Solution for Food Analysis: Presented by Retsch, CEM, Shimadzu and EltraAccurate and rapid food analysis is becoming increasingly important as regulations become stricter and consumers become more demanding. This expert day on food analysis will give you a comprehensive overview of the optimal steps from sample preparation to analysis, familiarize you with modern methods and bring you up to date.Registration is free of charge and without obligation.<div><div><div><div><div><h3>Heavy metals and pesticides in highly processed&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</h3>In the third part of the webinar series the focus is on analytics. Each step of food processing presents a source of contamination, which is why highly processed foods (ultra-processed foods (UPF)) should be viewed critically.Heavy metals are analyzed using ICP-MS and pesticides using GCMS/MS and SFC-LCMS/MS. You have the opportunity to get in touch with device experts and discuss your questions.</div></div>In this webinar, you will learn more about:<ul><li>How to measure pesticides in difficult samples using LC-MS/MS and SFC-MS/MS</li><li>Determination of pesticides in food samples using GC-MS/MS with hydrogen as carrier gas</li><li>Challenges and solutions for heavy metal analysis</li><li>How much heavy metals are lurking in trend food products?</li></ul>Presenters: Uwe Oppermann, Stéphane Moreau, Waldemar Weber and Johannes Hesper</div></div></div>

Heavy metals and pesticides in highly processed

Heavy metals are analyzed using ICP-MS and pesticides using GCMS/MS and SFC-LCMS/MS. 

<div>Join us for the first-ever Semicon e-Symposium, a one-day virtual event featuring expert discussions on crucial topics in the semiconductor industry, including yield improvement, sustainability, PFAS analysis, and advanced analytical techniques.Here’s why you don’t want to miss this:<ul><li>Discover how leading-edge analytical solutions are driving innovation, featuring a plenary talk by Dr. Stefanie Fingerhut from Merck KGaA on transforming semiconductor materials for mobile technology.</li><li>Explore key advancements in vacuum technology and regulatory updates.</li><li>Gain actionable insights from experts in GC-ICP-MS, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and a special talk by Inès Tendero from Technic France on the analysis of silicon in high-purity matrices.</li></ul>This is a must-attend event for anyone looking to stay informed on key trends and cutting-edge advancements in semiconductor manufacturing. Don’t miss out—register today!<h4>Agenda</h4>8:30 a.m. How Analytical Techniques Contribute to Yield Improvement and Environmental Sustainability in the Semiconductor Industry<ul><li>Gernot Hudin, Agilent Technologies</li></ul>9:00 a.m. Plenary Talk: The Hidden Connection: Merck's Advanced Analytical Techniques Transforming Semiconductor Materials for Mobile Technology<ul><li>Dr. Stefanie Fingerhut, Merck KGaA</li></ul>9:45 a.m. Agilent ICP-MS Supplies Selection Tips for the Semiconductor Industry&nbsp;<ul><li>Alain Desprez, Agilent Technologies</li></ul>10:00 a.m. PFAS 'Forever Chemicals'—Forever a Problem?<ul><li>Shifen Xu, Agilent Technologies</li></ul>10:30 a.m. Quantitative Workflow for the Analysis of PFAS in Semiconductor Lubricant with LC-MS (Q-TOF)<ul><li>Peter Kornas, Agilent Technologies</li></ul>11:00 a.m. Agilent Vacuum in Semiconductor Market<ul><li>Fabio Ardissone, Agilent Technologies</li></ul>11:30 a.m. GC, GC/MS, and GC-ICP-MS in Semiconductor: What, Why, and How?<ul><li>Stephane Decouflet, Agilent Technologies</li></ul>12:00 p.m. Lunch break1:00 p.m. Semiconductor Application of Single Particle ICP-MS<ul><li>Yoshinori Shimamura, Agilent Technologies</li></ul>1:30 p.m. Is It Possible to Identify Organic Solvents by ICP-MS?<ul><li>Katsuo Mizobuchi, Agilent Technologies</li></ul>2:00 p.m. Special talk: Analysis of Si in High-Purity Matrix for Semiconductor Application&nbsp;<ul><li>Inès Tendero, Technic France</li></ul>2:30 p.m. Measuring the Band Gap Energy Using UV-Vis Spectroscopy<ul><li>Marcus Schulz, Agilent Technologies</li></ul>2:45 p.m. Recap—closing session<ul><li>Gernot Hudin, Agilent Technologies</li></ul></div>

GCMS webinars focusing on GC/MS - page 14

Semicon e-Symposium 2024