<div><p><strong>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.</strong></p><p><strong>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.</strong></p><p><strong>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.</strong></p></div><div><h3><strong>Interview with Filipa Oliveira: Pioneering tubular MXenes for supercapacitor energy storage</strong></h3><p><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"></p><h5><strong>Congratulations on receiving the JUNIOR STAR grant. What does this achievement mean for you and how will it influence your next steps?</strong></h5><p>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.</p><h5><strong>Why are tubular MXenes so innovative for energy storage?</strong></h5><p>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.</p><h5><strong>How did your scientific interest lead you to this field?</strong></h5><p>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.</p><h5><strong>What challenges have you encountered?</strong></h5><p>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.</p><h5><strong>What motivates you most about working at UCT Prague?</strong></h5><p>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.</p><h5><strong>How do&nbsp;you see your professional development going in the future?</strong></h5><p>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.</p><h5><strong>You are looking for new team members. What kind of students or scientists do&nbsp;you need?</strong></h5><p>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.</p><h3><strong>Interview with Stella Gonsales: Catalysis as a&nbsp;key to polymer recycling</strong></h3><p><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"></p><h5><strong>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?</strong></h5><p>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.</p><h5><strong>Could you explain your research in layperson’s&nbsp;terms?</strong></h5><p>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.</p><h5><strong>What makes the JUNIOR STAR grant particularly important for your research and career development?</strong></h5><p>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.</p><h5><strong>What collaborations support your research?</strong></h5><p>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.</p><h5><strong>What advice would you give young scientists aiming to succeed?</strong></h5><p>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.</p><h5><strong>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?</strong></h5><p>Wichterle’<s>’</s>s&nbsp;innovative spirit motivates me to push creative boundaries and pursue novel solutions in sustainable chemistry.</p><h5><strong>What are your visions for the future?</strong></h5><p>I&nbsp;aim to build a&nbsp;research group that advances sustainable polymer recycling, contributing to environmental responsibility and the circular economy.</p><h5><strong>You are recruiting people for your team. What skills do&nbsp;they need to have?</strong></h5><p>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.</p></div>

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

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 06, 2026

<p><strong>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 </strong><i><strong>Nature Chemical Biology</strong></i><strong>.</strong></p><p><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"></p><div><p>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.</p><p>In their study,<strong> </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cahova.group.uochb.cz/en"><strong>Dr. Hana Cahová</strong></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.</p><p>The work was significantly shaped by <strong>Valentina Serianni from Hana Cahová’s team</strong>, who demonstrated the ability of dinucleoside polyphosphates to initiate gene transcription, and by <strong>Jana Škerlová</strong>, 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.</p><p>Hana Cahová adds: <i>“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.”</i></p><p><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"></p><div><p>Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) was central to the project. This part of the work was led by<strong> Dr. Tomáš Kouba</strong>, one of the authors of the study. <i>“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,”</i> he explains.</p><p>Last year, IOCB Prague opened a new <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cryoem.group.uochb.cz/en"><strong>cryo-EM center</strong></a><strong> </strong>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.</p><p><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"></p><blockquote><h4><strong>The Original article</strong></h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41589-025-02134-5"><strong>Molecular insight into 5′ RNA capping with Np<sub>n</sub>Ns by bacterial RNA polymerase</strong></a></h4><p>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;</p><p>Nat. Chem. Biol. 21 (2026)</p><p><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></p><h6>licensed under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"><strong>CC-BY 4.0</strong></a></h6></blockquote><h4><strong>Abstract</strong></h4><p>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 <i>Thermus</i> <i>thermophilus</i>. 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.</p></div></div>

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

Article

Application

Scientists

Science and research

Video

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

F-DGSi

Restek Corporation

Peak Scientific

Shimadzu Corporation

<p><strong>F-DGSi company is hosting a webinar the 24th of June with the participation of David Benanou, Analytical Innovation &amp; Research expert at Veolia company.</strong></p>
<h3><strong>YOUR LABORATORY ... GREEN AND 6.0</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Do you want to save time?</li>
<li>Do you want to save up to 20,000 euros per year?</li>
<li>Do you want to be independent?</li>
<li>Do you want to reduce your carbon footprint?</li>
</ul>
<p>The price of helium is still going up and it is already, without you knowing it, an increasingly significant expense in running your laboratory.</p>
<p>The attractive alternative with many advantages is the hydrogen generator: thus, the F-DGSi COSMOS line generators represent an ideal source of hydrogen having the potential to supply many GCs with a gas quality of 99.9999% superior to those in cylinder while producing on-demand and at low pressure.<br/>In addition, the GC-MS/MS can be supplied with hydrogen carrier gas and this is no longer a challenge but a more reassuring reality!!</p>
<p>In collaboration with David Benanou, F-DGSi will present the results of an analytical and economic study of this transition from helium to hydrogen.</p>
<p>F-DGSi wishes to support you and share with you this transition from helium to hydrogen.</p>


Pixabay: From Helium to Hydrogen in GC-MS/MS

From Helium to Hydrogen in GC-MS/MS

<p><strong>The price of helium is soaring and deliveries can be erratic.</strong></p>
<p>Learn how to save time and money in your lab by reducing your GCMS system&#39;s helium consumption or swapping your GCMS carrier gas to hydrogen!</p>
<p><strong>This webinar will cover:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>How Shimadzu&#39;s GCMS systems can reduce carrier gas consumption by 80% and power consumption by 40%.</li>
<li>How Shimadzu&#39;s GCMS-QP2020 NX is designed for operation with He, H2 and N2 carrier gas.</li>
<li>Information on how Peak Scientific&#39;s range of generators for GC &amp; GCMS can improve your lab safety and reduce running costs.</li>
</ul>


Shimadzu Products & Applications Series - Helium (Part 2 - GCMS): Save it or Swap it!

Learn how to save time and money in your lab by reducing your GCMS system's helium consumption or swapping your GCMS carrier gas to hydrogen!

Helium (Part 2 - GCMS): Save it or Swap it!

<p><strong>Peak Scientific&#39;s Product Manager, Dr. Ed Connor, shares his recommendations on how labs can reduce helium consumption by making the switch to hydrogen carrier gas for GC analysis.</strong></p>
<p>Following the webinar there will also be a live Q &amp; A session where you can get answers to your questions about Peak&#39;s products &amp; services and lab productivity.</p>


Peak Scientific - Converting from Helium to Hydrogen Gas

Converting from Helium to Hydrogen Gas

<p><strong>1. FAMEs analysis method re-validation from helium to hydrogen for GC</strong></p>
<p><strong>2. Detailed hydrocarbon analysis (DHA) using ASTM method D6729 &amp; D6729 Appendix X2</strong></p>
<p><strong>3. The Effect of Draw-out Lens Diameter on Sensitivity of GC-MS analysis</strong></p>
<h3><strong>Webinar Q&amp;A</strong></h3>
<p>Dr. Ed Connor answers all the questions from the webinar Q&amp;A below. </p>
<h5><strong>Is a gas generator environmentally friendly?</strong></h5>
<p>The production of H2 is via electrolysis of DI water. The process is a repeatable process, so once a generator is in the lab, there is no need for repeated deliveries of gas, meaning lower emissions from delivery trucks. If the supply of electricity is from renewable sources, the generator is a very environmentally friendly option.</p>
<h5><strong>What are the safety risks in using H2 instead of N2?</strong></h5>
<p>When supplied by a gas generator, the risks of H2 are minimised, so there should be little risk using H2 carrier for any GC or GC-MS analysis. N2 bulk supply (dewars and cylinders) also poses a risk to lab personnel, so should not be underestimated as a risk. Generators of any kind are a safer alternative to cylinders and bulk supply.</p>
<h5><strong>If hydrogen is 5 minutes faster than helium in the FAMEs analysis, could it be faster if we reduce column width/length?</strong></h5>
<p>Yes, reducing column width and length would be a way to improve separation and speed up analysis.</p>
<h5><strong>Do you know of any issues with helium supply to labs in Europe recently?</strong></h5>
<p>We have had reports from labs worldwide in regards to the current helium shortage, including customers in Europe. In areas where labs can obtain regular supply, the price of helium has risen starkly over the past few years.</p>
<h5><strong>Can we use H2 gas simultaneously for carrier and combustion in FID?</strong></h5>
<p>Yes, the supply from the generator can be connected to the ‘carrier’ and ‘H2 detector’ inlets on the GC by making a T-piece.</p>
<h5><strong>How many GCs can one generator supply? And how many GC-FID can a generator supply?</strong></h5>
<p>This will depend on the total carrier gas flow of the methods being run and how many FID detectors need gas. Peak have H2 generators producing up to 1200cc/min which can support multiple GCs and for larger labs, multiple generators can be cascaded to give multiple litres of H2 per minute.</p>
<h5><strong>Have you tried the DHA analysis using 100 Micron ID column?</strong></h5>
<p>We did not try using a small diameter column, but this would be an interesting option to speed up the analysis further. We would need to double-check the requirements of the ASTM method, in terms of recommended column to be sure whether this could be done.</p>
<h5><strong>What is the loss in sensitivity when you change from helium to hydrogen without any BG subtraction?</strong></h5>
<p>On an Agilent system, typically a 2-5x reduction in sensitivity is expected in full scan mode, although this will depend on the analyte.</p>
<h5><strong>Can you discuss the safety implications of using hydrogen? I.e. if there is a leak in the system into the oven etc</strong></h5>
<p>The risk of a leak into the GC oven is possible, but most leaks are seen at the inlet. If the inlet cannot maintain pressure, the GC would normally shut down and the generator would go into standby. If there was a leak at the detector end of the column, there is a risk that back pressure would allow the system to run as normal, so there is a small risk that in this situation, the LEL could be reached. All Peak H2 generators have a safety shut down if they supply H2 at maximum flow for 20 minutes, to prevent this from happening. Additionally, Peak offer an in-oven leak detector that can be connected to the generator to shut it down if a significant H2 concentration is detected in the GC oven. However, we have never heard of any customers without an H2 detector having any significant problems with a build-up of H2 in their GC.</p>
<h5><strong>Risk of H2 gas leakage in column oven. Hence, labs do not recommend use of H2 as carrier gas. Do you agree on this?</strong></h5>
<p>As mentioned in the previous response, there is a small, but very low risk of leaks causing a problem in the GC. Modern GCs are very sensitive to pressure and flow changes and can be equipped with in-oven detectors. Peak also offer a leak detector that can be connected to the generator.</p>
<h5><strong>Did you have any application with Shimadzu GCs?</strong></h5>
<p>Yes we have application notes with Shimadzu GCs on GC-MS applications. Please see <a href="https://www.peakscientific.com/discover/articles/gc-ms-ms-pcbanalysis-on-site-gas-generators/">here</a> as an example.</p>
<h5><strong>Are there any classes of chemical which tend to react with hydrogen when used with GCMS?</strong></h5>
<p>The key concern that most people have is reaction with Chlorinated solvents and the subsequent formation of HCl. This can be avoided by using pulsed pressure injection, which will reduce residence time of H2 in the GC inlet, where reactions are most likely to occur.</p>
<p><strong>Are there any classes of chemical which tend to react with the hydrogen when used with GCMS? We are particularly interested in aromatic VOCs.</strong></p>
<p>We are not aware of any specific classes of compounds where reactivity is a problem. Terpenes have been cited as a risk, previously, but in testing at Peak we have not had any difficulty in analysing terpene samples.</p>


Peak Scientific: Hydrogen as an alternative to Helium for GC

Hydrogen as an alternative to Helium for GC

<p><strong>And takes you through:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Key benefits of gas generators</li>
<li>Generator safety</li>
<li>Calculating gas flow requirements for GC (detectors &amp; carrier gas)</li>
<li>​Acquisition methods</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Dr. Ed Connor (Product Manager, Peak Scientific)</strong></p>
</blockquote>


Peak Scientific: Your Local Gas Generation Webinar: Choosing the correct gas set up for GC

Your Local Gas Generation Webinar: Choosing the correct gas set up for GC

<p><strong>In GC mostly helium is used as the carrier gas. The challenge with helium is that it is expensive and will only become more expensive.  Also the supply is not secured which makes many labs look for alternatives. It is also possible to use nitrogen or hydrogen as the carrier gas. Big advantage of these gases is their low cost and secured availability. They can even be produced in the lab. Depending on the separations required it is possible to use nitrogen or hydrogen.</strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Presenter: Jaap de Zeeuw (Gas Chromatography Specialist, Restek)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Jaap is a world-renowned chromatographer with over 40 years of experience, including 27 years with Varian/Chrompack focusing on industrial analysis challenges. For his 1979 graduation from The Institute for Higher Education, specialized in chemistry, Jaap authored a paper titled &quot;The Challenge of Coating Flexible Fused Silica Capillary Columns&quot; and has since distinguished himself as an authority on the subject. Directly involved with the creation of numerous chemically bonded columns, including the first bonded PEG column and the stabilized PLOT columns widely used in the petrochemical arena, Restek’s international GC specialist has helped develop new techniques, such as fast GC-MS using vacuum GC technology, and has filed two patents for his work. Based out of the Netherlands, Jaap celebrates 10 years with Restek. Jaap is extensively published and regularly travels internationally to share his knowledge.</p>
</blockquote>


Restek: Choosing a different carrier gas in GC

Choosing a different carrier gas in GC

<p><strong>With helium prices on the rise and shortages looming, people everywhere are looking for an alternative. Join us Tuesday February 4th at 1pm EST to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of hydrogen as a carrier gas. We will cover everything from ease of switching to how your GC and GCMS results will be affected. We will also have a special guest from Peak Scientific joing us to discuss using generators!</strong></p>
<p>All webinars will be available after completion for on demand access for an unlimited amount of time. We look forward to having you!</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Richard Karbowski, GCMS Product Specialist, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Richard received his B.S. degree in Chemistry from Northern Illinois University. In November 2017, Richard joined Shimadzu as a GCMS Product Specialist at corporate headquarters in Columbia, MD. Prior to working at Shimadzu, Richard was a Field Service Engineer for various companies and was a Chemist in Environmental Laboratories.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Kyle Reddick, GC Product Specialist, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Kyle earned his B.S. in Chemistry in 2012 from Salisbury University and his M.S. in Chemistry from the University of Maryland – College Park (UMD) in 2016 under the direction of Professor Lawrence Sita. While at UMD, Kyle conducted antiretroviral drug research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under the supervision of Dr. Dan Appella, Principal Investigator. Kyle started his professional career as faculty in the Chemistry Department at Montgomery College in 2016 where he continues to teach as adjunct faculty. He accepted a GC Product Specialist position at the corporate headquarters of Shimadzu in Columbia, MD in July of 2018 where he has been since. Kyle’s investigative research at Shimadzu has mainly focused on the implications of using hydrogen carrier gas as an alternative to helium, analytical food applications, and using Shimadzu’s Barrier Discharge Ionization Detector (BID) to conduct trace water analysis in a variety of sample matrices.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Ed Conner, Product Manager, Peak Scientific</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Ed Connor has been with Peak Scientific for 7 years, initially working as a technical specialist before joining the Product Management team 3 years ago, to manage Peak’s Precision gas generators for GC applications.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Prior to joining Peak Scientific, Ed completed his PhD at ETH Zurich conducting analysis of plant volatiles by GC-MS and then worked for 5 years as a lab manager at the University of Zurich in a research group specializing in GC and GC-MS analysis.</p>
</blockquote>


Pixabay/Michael Schwarzenberger: Helium vs. Hydrogen: Lifting your chromatography above the rest

GCMS webinars focusing on Gas Generators - page 2