<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

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

New Food magazine

Separation Science

Agilent Technologies

Phenomenex

Waters Corporation

Contaminants in the sample matrix can create chromatography issues, system downtime, and unreliable test results. Having clean samples can help prevent most of these problems. There are many options for sample cleanup.
We’ll discuss the following options:
<ul>
<li>Solid phase extraction (SPE), which provides the cleanest sample.
</li>
<li>“Targeted” filtration, which can remove specific interferences from the sample matrix and provides clean samples.
</li>
</ul>
In this talk, we’ll discuss tips for selecting, developing, and implementing SPE methods. We’ll also discuss newly developed targeted filtration options and their benefits.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Golnar Javadi (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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<blockquote>
Golnar Javadi is an applications engineer providing online applications assistance and technical support for LC columns and supplies, Sample Preparation products, and Spectroscopy supplies.
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Before joining Varian and then Agilent, Golnar worked in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries on method development and quality control. She also taught college level chemistry courses for a few years.
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Golnar then joined Varian as a technical support specialist, providing customers with method development assistance and technical support on Sample Preparation (SPE, SLE, and Filtration), HPLC, GC, ToxiLab and DAT. After the Varian-Agilent merger, Golnar joined Agilent Technologies as an Applications Engineer. She provides technical support to customers on Sample Preparation products, Liquid Chromatography columns, and Spectroscopy supplies.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Sample Cleanup: Method Development for Solid Phase Extraction and Beyond

Sample Cleanup: Method Development for Solid Phase Extraction and Beyond

We’ll discuss tips for selecting, developing, and implementing SPE methods. We’ll also discuss newly developed targeted filtration options and their benefits.

Sample Cleanup: Method Development for SPE

Leaks are problematic for any operation that uses gas tubing and fittings. Even small gas leaks can lead to safety issues, reduced productivity, and increased costs.
<ul>
<li>Leaks can introduce water and air into the gas flow and tubing.
</li>
<li>Persistent, unidentified leaks can saturate gas filters faster than expected and cause decreased sensitivity and/or elevated baselines in instrument detectors, such as GC, GC/MS, ICP-MS, or ICP-OES.
</li>
<li>Leaks can also lead to shortened lifetimes of some consumables, especially in GC systems.
</li>
<li>Further, leaks allow the gas to flow out of the fitting and can cause loss of production and revenue if trying to produce or collect and supply the gas.
</li>
</ul>
Also, if gas is being consumed at a higher rate than expected because of leakage, gas supply costs will increase. Checking for and eliminating leaks from the gas source to the terminus can reduce safety concerns and reduce costs through decreased use of cylinders or fewer refills by the gas supply company.
Join us as we explore how to identify signs of leaks, address any existing leaks, and prevent future leaks.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Alex Ucci (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
In his current position at Agilent, Alex provides application assistance and technical support for sample preparation products as well as GC and LC consumables. Before he joined Agilent in 2014, Alex was a graduate student at the Pennsylvania State University researching the morphology and surface properties of aerosol particles using a wide variety of analytical techniques. He has an MS degree in chemistry.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Sealing the Deal: Strategies for Leak-Free GC

Sealing the Deal: Strategies for Leak-Free GC

We explore how to identify signs of leaks, address any existing leaks, and prevent future leaks.

Who Should Attend:
Anyone new to SPE who wants to get familiar with the basics of SPE method development. Anyone who has a basic understanding of SPE and would like to learn how to improve their extractions. 
Key Learning Points:
<ul>
<li>Understand how to develop SPE methods from start to finish.</li>
<li>Receive general methods to use as starting points.</li>
<li>Learn when and how to optimize SPE methods, and discover new tips and tricks to make SPE method development easier.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Koen Askamp (Technical Specialist, Phenomenex)
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<blockquote>
Koen Askamp is a Technical Specialist at Phenomenex. He was awarded his BSc and MSc degrees in Molecular Life Sciences at Wageningen University in the Netherlands and joined Phenomenex in 2020 as Technical Sales Consultant. Koen became part of Phenomenex’s global technical support team in 2022 and assists laboratories in training chromatographers and developing analytical methods. 
</blockquote>

Phenomenex: Solid Phase Extraction Method Development

Solid Phase Extraction Method Development

Learn when and how to optimize SPE methods, and discover new tips and tricks to make SPE method development easier.

We all know the importance of performing routine maintenance on laboratory equipment. And we all know how easy it can be to forget to do it … or do it on time. Agilent GCs include Early Maintenance Feedback (EMF) counters to help manage this routinely, but many users become overwhelmed with determining the optimal limits for consumables. Set them too low and you replace consumables that still have life. Set them too high and you risk downtime and recalibrations. In addition, each combination of configuration and sample type can require its own optimal set of counters. What is a GC Operator to do?
Attend this GC Live session to learn how the latest GC instruments can track historical maintenance events and display trend plots for easy interpretation. Based on those trend plots, the EMF counters can be set at the optimum values for your instrument’s specific workflow. Bring your questions and participate in the LIVE discussion!
In this session, expect to learn:
<ul>
<li>How to automate counter resets after maintenance</li>
<li>How to view and trend your last 10 maintenance events</li>
<li>How to trend diagnostics and other data to manage each GC optimally</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Saurabh Patel (Product Support, GC Applications, Agilent Technologies)
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<blockquote>
Saurabh Patel is a Product Support Engineer on the Technical Marketing Team at Agilent. He holds a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from Stony Brook University. He began his career as a chemist in the Materials Characterization Lab at Merck Pharmaceuticals. Since joining Agilent in 2019, he has been focused on providing applications support for a wide range of chemical analysis using GC-GC/MS.
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<blockquote>
Presenter: Abbey Fausett (Applications Scientist, Gas Phase Division, Agilent Technologies)
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<blockquote>
Abbey Fausett is an applications scientist within Agilent’s Gas Phase Division. Her responsibilities include developing methods for emerging markets, proving existing methods on new systems, and creating material focused on new features within GC and GCMS systems. Before joining Agilent in 2011, she was an Agilent customer for 10+years, tasked with multi-technique method development, validation, and troubleshooting.
</blockquote>

Agilent: End Consumables Counting Chaos: Track and Trend for Timely GC Maintenance

End Consumables Counting Chaos: Track and Trend for Timely GC Maintenance

Attend this GC Live session to learn how the latest GC instruments can track historical maintenance events and display trend plots for easy interpretation.

Track and Trend for Timely GC Maintenance

We are excited to bring you a three-part Ask Me Anything webinar series on one of the topics you ask about most – processing data. Empower Software allows you to use two different peak detection algorithms, Traditional and ApexTrack. What are the differences between these algorithms and when might you use one versus the other? Given all the choices on the Integration tab of the Processing Method, how do you set these important parameters to ensure accurate peak integration? &nbsp;In the first part of this webinar series, we will explore the algorithms and learn how to set the parameters in a logical fashion. We will discuss:<ul><li>How both algorithms work</li><li>Starting with peak width and threshold first</li><li>Interactively setting timed events in the chromatogram</li><li>Practical examples</li><li>Empower System Policies that impact your peak detection and integration</li></ul>Please join us for a lively discussion as we explore this topic. As always, please bring your questions for this exclusive opportunity to ask our experts anything about Empower Software.<blockquote>Presenter: Neil Lander (Principal Product Manager, Informatics, Waters Corporation)Neil has worked for Waters Corporation since 1994 and has held a variety of positions including Technical Support Specialist, Technical Trainer, Manager Customer Education and currently, Principal Marketing Manager focusing on Informatics solutions. He provides internal support for Empower Chromatography Data System and is focused on developing laboratory software solutions that help organizations achieve their scientific and operational objectives. Prior to joining Waters, he was an analytical chemist where he gained experience in both the cosmetics and specialty chemical industries.</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Empower Tips: Ask Me Anything About Processing Data - Part 1

Empower Tips: Ask Me Anything About Processing Data - Part 1

We will explore the algorithms and learn how to set the parameters in a logical fashion.

Empower Tips: Ask Me Anything About Processing Data

<h4>Key Learning Points:</h4><ul><li>Identify the common challenges associated with solid phase extraction methods &nbsp;</li><li>Understand and troubleshoot the recovery, contamination and reproducibility issues &nbsp;</li><li>Learn how to find and apply solutions to develop robust and reproducible extraction methods for their sample preparation needs</li></ul><h4>Who Should Attend:</h4><ul><li>Any scientists who wants to learn about solid phase extraction and it’s associated challenges, common troubleshooting steps and solutions to develop robust and reproducible extraction methods for their sample preparation needs</li></ul><blockquote>Presnter: Namrata Saxena (Technical Manager, Phenomenex)Namrata is the Technical Manager for the Asia-Pacific region in Phenomenex and is based in Sydney, Australia. As a member of the global technical team, she is responsible for assisting external customers as well as internal marketing and sales teams of Phenomenex for multifarious technical queries. She specifically support company’s bio-products portfolio through external and internal seminars/webinars, trainings and also contribute in biologics related technical content creation.Before joining Phenomenex she had worked as a Product Specialist and spent several years in stationary phase chemistry, column manufacturing and method development groups in a German company Bischoff Chromatography GmbH.Namrata has a post graduate degree with specialization in Analytical Chemistry. Her competence and focus lies in biotherapeutics characterization through liquid chromatography, antibodies and oligonucleotide chemistry, gene therapy and new bio-therapeutic modalities.</blockquote>

Phenomenex: Solid Phase Extraction Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks

Solid Phase Extraction Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks

Identify the common challenges associated with solid phase extraction methods.

This is the second in our three-part Ask Me Anything webinar series on one of the most frequently asked about topics - processing data. The Components tab in the Processing Method displays many fields of information, giving you options about peak identification, calibration, reference peaks, and fields used in conjunction with custom fields.In Part 2 of this series, we will discuss:<ul><li>Peak identification</li><li>Calibration options including external and internal calibration</li><li>Reference Peaks for peak identification and calibration</li><li>Impurity fields</li><li>CCompRef1, 2, 3, and CConst1-7</li><li>Fields related to chemical structures</li></ul>Please join us for a lively discussion as we explore this topic. As always, please bring your questions for this exclusive opportunity to ask our experts anything about Empower Software.<blockquote>Presenter: Neil Lander (Principal Product Manager, Informatics, Waters Corporation)Neil has worked for Waters Corporation since 1994 and has held a variety of positions including Technical Support Specialist, Technical Trainer, Manager Customer Education and currently, Principal Marketing Manager focusing on Informatics solutions. He provides internal support for Empower Chromatography Data System and is focused on developing laboratory software solutions that help organizations achieve their scientific and operational objectives. Prior to joining Waters, he was an analytical chemist where he gained experience in both the cosmetics and specialty chemical industries.</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Empower Tips: Ask Me Anything About Processing Data - Part 2

Empower Tips: Ask Me Anything About Processing Data - Part 2

This is the second in our three-part Ask Me Anything webinar series on one of the most frequently asked about topics - processing data.

Who Should Attend:<ul><li>Anyone who would like to gain more knowledge on PAH analysis with GC columns&nbsp;</li><li>Any scientists who is struggling with resolution on PAHs with GC analysis</li></ul>Key Learning Points:<ul><li>Learn about columns with different selectivities in PAH analysis&nbsp;</li><li>Understand the pain point in PAH analysis in food and environmental industry</li><li>Find what are the parameters to adjust to improve the resolution in GC&nbsp;</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Grace Guo (Senior Technical Specialist, Phenomenex)Grace Guo graduated from the Johns Hopkins University with a Master’s degree in Material Science and Engineering. She joined Phenomenex Technical Team in 2017 providing technical support globally. With more than 8 years of experience on SPE, HPLC and GC, she delivered 50+ seminars and webinars globally covering food and environmental, clinical, pharma and biopharma industry.&nbsp;</blockquote>

Phenomenex: GC Column Selectivities for PAH Compounds

GC Column Selectivities for PAH Compounds

Learn about columns with different selectivities in PAH analysis

Discover how Process NIR technology from Perten, a PerkinElmer company, can boost profitability in food processing by reducing waste, lowering energy costs, and improving operational efficiency.In today’s fast-paced world, we’re flooded with information, choices, and challenges. As David Honigs, Senior Field Applications Scientist at Perten, puts it, “Some things will be helpful, others not so much. But like NIR, we can’t know what really matters unless we take a close look.” Process NIR technology from Perten, a PerkinElmer company, offers that crucial insight—providing real-time, non-invasive data to help food processors identify what truly impacts efficiency and profitability. Whether you need to reduce waste, optimize energy use, or streamline operations, Process NIR adapts to your specific goals. This webinar will show how NIR technology can provide the precision and control your operations need to stay competitive in an evolving industry.Process NIR technology offers a solution by providing real-time, non-invasive data that enables precise control over production processes. By adopting Process NIR, you can<ul><li>Reduce waste: Minimize product loss due to errors and inconsistencies.</li><li>Lower energy costs: Optimize processes to reduce energy consumption.</li><li>Improve operational efficiency: Streamline workflows and enhance overall performance.</li></ul>This webinar will explore common challenges faced by food processors and demonstrate how Process NIR can address them. You’ll learn about:<ul><li>Real-world applications: Discover how companies are successfully using Process NIR to improve their operations.</li><li>Future trends: Understand the latest developments in NIR technology and its potential impact on the industry.</li><li>Practical advice: Gain insights into how to integrate Process NIR into your existing processes.</li></ul>Register now to join us live on 6th November 2024<blockquote>Presenter: David Honigs, Senior Field Applications Scientist, PertenFor the last almost 20 years David has worked at Perten (part of Perkin Elmer) on Near Infrared Instrumentation and applications in the food industry. He has 35 research papers as listed on ResearchGate.com. He has 10 issued US patents.Presenter: Gustaf Upmark, Product Manager for Process NIR and Software at Perten Instruments/PerkinElmer.With a background in Electronics. Gustaf started with NIR and Chemometrics in 1998. Worked at major suppliers since 2002. Proficient in sales, service, and applications. Joined the Perten Applications team in 2016. Product Manager for Process NIR and software from January 2024.Presenter: Stefan Lundgren, Business Leader for Process NIR solutions in EMEAI at Perten Instruments/PerkinElmer.Background in Electronics. Working with NIR since 1987. In the early days with another Scandinavian manufacturer but since 2007 working with all aspects of the Perten range of NIR products.</blockquote>

New Food Magazine: Process NIR’s impact on profitability in food processing

Process NIR’s impact on profitability in food processing

Process NIR technology from Perten, a PerkinElmer company, can boost profitability in food processing.

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.

GCMS webinars focusing on Tips & Tricks - page 6