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

In the week of February 9, the following webinars await you in the field of gas / solid phase and especially Raman, FTIR, GC and GC/MS.<blockquote><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinars">👉 DETAILS AND REGISTRATION IN THE WEBINARS SECTION</a></h4>👉 Search and filter in the largest global database with over 5 000 GC, LC, MS and spectroscopy webinars.</blockquote><div><div><div><div><div><div><h5>1. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Process Raman – A Reliable and Versatile Tool for Downstream Process Monitoring and Control for mAb Production</h5><ul><li>Tu, 10.2.2026 16:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinar/5808">Registration</a></li></ul>The presentation highlights how process Raman spectroscopy offers several advantages over traditional in-line UV-Vis analysis for process monitoring and metabolite production control in mAb manufacturing.<h5>2. Wasson-ECE Instrumentation: The Data Driven Plant – How AI Transforms Chemical Manufacturing</h5><ul><li>Tu, 10.2.2026 21:30 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinar/5744">Registration</a></li></ul>Explore how artificial intelligence is applied to improve process efficiency, monitoring, and decision-making in modern chemical manufacturing.<h5>3. New Food Magazine: The Science of Next-Gen Ingredients – Fermentation, Formulation and Function</h5><ul><li>We, 11.2.2026 16:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinar/5720">Registration</a></li></ul>Discover how fermentation-driven innovation is transforming functional food ingredients, with analytical insights to optimize flavour, functionality, and product stability.</div></div></div></div></div></div>

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This study presents an analytical strategy combining QuEChERS extraction with low-temperature partitioning (LTP) for the determination of multiclass pesticide residues in cocoa beans by GC–MS. Extraction conditions were optimized using a fractional factorial design, resulting in a simple and efficient workflow suitable for complex cocoa matrices.The validated method showed satisfactory limits of detection and quantification, recoveries within 70–120%, and good overall performance. Application to cocoa samples from Brazil detected permethrin in several samples, demonstrating that the QuEChERS–LTP approach is an effective and reliable cleanup strategy for routine pesticide residue analysis in cocoa.<blockquote><h4>The original article</h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360">QuEChERS Combined with Low-Temperature Partitioning and GC–MS as an Analytical Strategy for the Determination of Multiclass Pesticide Residues in Cocoa Beans</a></h4>Priscilla M. de Freitas Machado, Madson M. Nascimento, Paulo R. R. Mesquita, Manuela B. Nascimento, Lilian Lefol N. Guarieiro, Gisele O. da Rocha, Jailson B. de Andrade, Raildo M. de Jesus*ACS Omega 2025, 10, 51, 63464–63473<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360">https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360</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>Selected sections from the article follow. Formats and hyperlinks were adapted from the original.Cocoa is best known as the primary raw material for chocolate but is also processed into products such as cocoa butter, biscuits, cocoa honey, and cocoa powder. Cocoa powder is derived from roasted, pressed, and milled nibs, containing on average 20% (w/w) lipids on a dry basis and less than 9% moisture. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(3,4)</a>According to the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA), pesticides such as atrazine, bifenthrin, cyproconazole, metalaxyl, tebuconazole, trifloxystrobin, and permethrin are approved for use in Brazil. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(13)</a> However, among these, only metalaxyl, trifloxystrobin, and tebuconazole are authorized by the European Union. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(14)</a> Thus, investigating these contaminants in cocoa samples is of utmost importance, as Brazil is one of the largest cocoa exporters, supplying cocoa commodities to South America, the United States, and the European Union. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(2)</a> Furthermore, Organochlorine pesticides, in particular, belong to the class of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Although banned in many countries, they continue to be used in some developing nations because of their chemical stability, resistance to degradation, volatility, and high lipophilicity, which promote bioaccumulation and neurotoxicity. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(15)</a> Epidemiological evidence also associates their exposure with Parkinson’s disease, certain cancers, diabetes, and endometriosis. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(16)</a>Residues of pesticides in cocoa have been reported in various studies. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(17)</a> Analyzing pesticide residues in cocoa presents analytical challenges due to the matrix’s complexity, comprising high lipid content, fatty acids and esters, sugars, polyphenols, and caffeine. These components can interfere with extraction efficiency and contaminate analytical instrumentation. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(18)</a> Therefore, efficient sample preparation methods incorporating effective cleanup steps are essential for accurate residue determination.Several techniques have been employed for multiresidue pesticide analysis in cocoa. For instance, Idowu et al. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(19)</a> quantified 14 organochlorines using Soxhlet extraction and silica/Na2SO4 cleanup, with GC ECD detection. Okoffo et al. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(20)</a> determined 13 organophosphates and 9 pyrethroids employing SPE cartridges (Envi-carb/LC-NH2 and Bond Elute C18), acetonitrile extraction, and GC PFPD or GC ECD quantification. Yusiasih et al. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(21)</a> applied dispersive SPE with PSA, Florisil, and MgSO4 for pyrethroids, followed by GC ECD and GC–MS.Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a QuEChERS–LTP analytical procedure for the determination of multiclass pesticide residues in cocoa beans. The factors that affect the QuEChERS–LTP procedure efficiency were optimized. After validation, the procedure was employed to investigate the occurrence of 15 multiclass pesticides in cocoa samples.<h4>Experimental Section</h4><h5>Instrumental Apparatus</h5>Pesticide separation and identification were performed on a Shimadzu <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=GC-MS-QP2010SE">GC-MS-QP2010SE</a> system (Kyoto, Japan) equipped with an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=AOC-20i">AOC-20i autosampler</a>. Separation was achieved using an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=DB-5MS">Agilent DB-5MS capillary column</a> (30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 μm) with a stationary phase of 5% phenyl/95% dimethylpolysiloxane. The instrumental conditions were based on Nascimento et al. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(49)</a> and they are summarized in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360#tbl4">Table 4</a>.For quantification, the base peak was used, while two additional ions were monitored for confirmation (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360/suppl_file/ao5c10360_si_001.pdf">Table S2</a>) in accordance with SANTE guidelines. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(50)</a> A GC–MS/SIM chromatogram illustrating the separation of all target pesticides is presented in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360#fig5">Figure 5</a>.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ACS_Omega_2025_10_51_63464_63473_Figure_5_Extracted_ion_chromatogram_EIC_in_SIM_mode_of_the_target_pesticides_f2461c14f4.jpg" alt="ACS Omega 2025, 10, 51, 63464–63473: Figure 5. Extracted ion chromatogram (EIC) in SIM mode of the target pesticides obtained from the injection of a mixed standard solution at 100 μg L–1. Analytes are listed in order of elution: [1] Molinate (6.18 min); [2] α-HCH (8.15 min); [3] atrazine-d5 (8.69 min); [4] atrazine (8.75 min); [5] diazinon (9.31 min); [6] disulfoton (9.67 min); [7] dimethachlor (10.60 min); [8] metalaxyl (11.25 min); [9] p,p′-DDE (15.82 min); [10] cyproconazole I (16.50 min); [11] cyproconazole II (16.56 min); [12] p,p′-DDD (17.29 min); [13] ethion (17.34 min); [14] trifloxystrobin (18.43 min); [15] tebuconazole (19.13 min); [16] bifenthrin (20.47 min); [17] permethrin I (23.92 min); [18] permethrin II (24.18 min)." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ACS_Omega_2025_10_51_63464_63473_Figure_5_Extracted_ion_chromatogram_EIC_in_SIM_mode_of_the_target_pesticides_f2461c14f4.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2080" height="835"><h5>Application of the Proposed Procedure to Real Samples</h5>In a 50 mL Falcon tube, 2.0 g of sample was weighed using an analytical balance (AUX320, Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan). A total of 2.0 g of salt (NaCl and Na2SO4 in a 1:1 w/w ratio) was added, followed by an aliquot of the atrazine-d5 solution (surrogate standard) to yield a final concentration of 250 μg kg–1. A mixture of acetonitrile (8.0 mL) and ultrapure water (2.0 mL) was then added. The system was vortexed (K40-10208, Kasvi, São Paulo, Brazil) for 3.0 min at 2500 rpm and centrifuged (MPW-351R, MPW Med. Instruments, Warsaw, Poland) for 10.0 min at 15 °C and 10,000 rpm. After phase separation, approximately 6.0 mL of the supernatant was transferred to a Falcon tube containing 150.0 mg of PSA sorbent. The mixture was vortexed again for 3.0 min at 2500 rpm and centrifuged for an additional 10.0 min under the same conditions. The tubes were then placed in the freezer for 24 h. Once the aqueous phase had frozen, the organic extract containing the analytes was collected, filtered through a Cytiva Whatman MiniUniprep G2 vial with a 0.20 μm membrane filter (Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA), and injected into the GC–MS system (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360#fig6">Figure 6</a>).<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ACS_Omega_2025_10_51_63464_63473_Figure_6_Schematic_representation_of_the_extraction_procedure_using_the_Qu_E_Ch_ERS_LTP_procedure_for_pesticide_extraction_in_cocoa_powder_samples_ed58549bcf.jpg" alt="ACS Omega 2025, 10, 51, 63464–63473: Figure 6. Schematic representation of the extraction procedure using the QuEChERS–LTP procedure for pesticide extraction in cocoa powder samples." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ACS_Omega_2025_10_51_63464_63473_Figure_6_Schematic_representation_of_the_extraction_procedure_using_the_Qu_E_Ch_ERS_LTP_procedure_for_pesticide_extraction_in_cocoa_powder_samples_ed58549bcf.jpg 223w," sizes="100vw" width="1458" height="1022"><h4>Results and Discussion</h4><h5>Evaluation of the Effect of Low and Ultralow Temperatures on the Analytical Response</h5>Studies reporting the use of LTP generally employ a conventional freezer, which typically reaches −18 ± 2 °C as the minimum temperature. In this equipment, effective phase separation can require 8 to 24 h. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(35−37)</a> In contrast, ultralow temperature freezers (ultrafreezers) can reach −80 °C, leading to a substantial reduction in partitioning time. In this study, tests performed with the conventional freezer achieved satisfactory partitioning after 24 h, whereas in the ultrafreezer, complete partitioning was observed in only 20 min.Considering the analytical response in terms of peak area (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360#fig3">Figure 3</a>), higher signals were obtained when LTP was performed in a conventional freezer rather than an ultrafreezer. This behavior can be attributed to the partitioning mechanism. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(32)</a> Partitioning depends on cooling and the subsequent freezing of the aqueous phase. In the conventional freezer, the slower freezing rate provides sufficient time for the system to approach thermodynamic equilibrium, favoring analyte diffusion between phases. Under these conditions, analyte molecules have more time to migrate and distribute optimally before complete solidification. In contrast, the rapid freezing in the ultrafreezer may trap analytes in a nonideal distribution, reducing the efficiency of the partitioning process <a href="javascript:void(0);">(32)</a> (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360#fig3">Figure 3</a>). According to these observations, the conventional freezer was selected for subsequent experiments.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ACS_Omega_2025_10_51_63464_63473_Figure_3_Comparison_of_chromatographic_peak_areas_of_pesticides_after_partitioning_in_the_conventional_freezer_versus_the_ultrafreezer_9598bcfec3.jpg" alt="ACS Omega 2025, 10, 51, 63464–63473: Figure 3. Comparison of chromatographic peak areas of pesticides after partitioning in the conventional freezer versus the ultrafreezer." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ACS_Omega_2025_10_51_63464_63473_Figure_3_Comparison_of_chromatographic_peak_areas_of_pesticides_after_partitioning_in_the_conventional_freezer_versus_the_ultrafreezer_9598bcfec3.jpg 175w," sizes="100vw" width="996" height="891"><h5>Application to Real Samples</h5>Fifteen samples were analyzed in triplicate, comprising two from the State of Pará and 12 from the State of Bahia, located in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil, respectively. Among the 15 pesticides investigated, only permethrin isomers were quantified in four samples (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360#tbl3">Table 3</a>). The herbicide molinate was also detected in three samples; however, its concentration was below LOQ. Permethrin isomers concentrations ranged from 17.1 ± 0.3 to 49.6 ± 1.8 μg kg–1. These values are below the MRL established by European Union regulation, which is 100 μg kg–1. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(42)</a> Although permethrin is not permitted in the European Union, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(42)</a> it remains authorized for use as insecticide in Brazil, particularly in crops such as cotton, rice, coffee, citrus, cabbage, beans, tobacco, maize, soybean, tomato, wheat, and grape. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(13)</a> However, no MRL values have been established for cocoa beans under Brazilian legislation. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(13)</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360#tbl3">Table 3</a> shows the concentration of detected compounds in the cocoa samples.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ACS_Omega_2025_10_51_63464_63473_Table_3_Mean_Concentrations_mg_kg_1_Standard_Deviation_of_Target_Pesticides_Detected_in_This_Study_2427955699.jpg" alt="ACS Omega 2025, 10, 51, 63464–63473: Table 3. Mean Concentrations (μg kg–1 ± Standard Deviation) of Target Pesticides Detected in This Study" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ACS_Omega_2025_10_51_63464_63473_Table_3_Mean_Concentrations_mg_kg_1_Standard_Deviation_of_Target_Pesticides_Detected_in_This_Study_2427955699.jpg 196w," sizes="100vw" width="1070" height="851">To assess method performance for pesticides not detected in the cocoa samples, one of the analyzed samples was fortified with a mixed standard solution at concentrations of 50, 250, and 500 μg kg–1. The fortified analytes were subsequently detected in the chromatograms presented in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360/suppl_file/ao5c10360_si_001.pdf">Figures S2–S4</a>, indicating good response of the proposed method.<h4>Conclusions</h4>The QuEChERS–LTP procedure was successfully developed for the determination of 16 multiclass pesticide residues in cocoa beans. For the first time, ultralow temperature (−80 °C) was applied to accelerate the low-temperature partitioning process during pesticide extraction from cocoa beans. Nevertheless, conventional freezing at −12 °C proved to be more effective for the extraction of the target analytes.Evaluation of the matrix effect demonstrated that matrix-matched analytical curves, constructed in an analyte-free cocoa bean extract, were more effective in compensating for matrix interferences than the use of analyte protectants.The pyrethroid permethrin was quantified in four cocoa samples. However, the concentrations did not exceed the MRL established by European Union legislation.Overall, the QuEChERS–LTP procedure proved to be a promising approach for pesticide residue determination, as it requires smaller volumes of solvents and reagents, involves fewer cleanup and extraction steps, and shows strong potential for application to other complex matrices.

QuEChERS Combined with Low-Temperature Partitioning and GC–MS as an Analytical Strategy for the Determination of Multiclass Pesticide Residues in Cocoa Beans

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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

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In this session, discover how Wiley’s KnowItAll saves hours of GC-MS manual analysis time by combining fast, flexible deconvolution with an integrated reference database search into a single, automated workflow to identify components.<h4>We will demonstrate through a series of live examples:</h4><ul><li>KnowItAll’s various methods for GC-MS analysis and how they can impact your workflow.</li><li>Professors and students engaged in chemistry and mass spectrometry courses or lab work.</li></ul>About KnowItAll: KnowItAll combines all the tools and spectral databases you need for effective analysis into a single, easy-to-use interface to make your lab its most efficient. Compatible with over 130 instrument formats, it streamlines your entire workflow regardless of how many techniques and instruments you use. Learn more at sciencesolutions.wiley.com<blockquote>Presenter: Dr. Leanna Ergin (Associate Editor, Wiley Science Solutions)Dr. Leanna Ergin is an Associate Editor for Wiley Science Solutions, for which she helps create tools for spectroscopy, structural, and scientific standard reference data and helps create innovative software applications. Leanna completed her PhD in Clinical-Bioanalytical Chemistry from Cleveland State University, where she developed a protocol for processing hyperspectral image data that distinguishes the spectra, removes degeneracies caused by symmetry, and is generalized to work with any number of wavelength dimensions and spectra. The results are mapped to the full RGB colorspace of modern computer displays. Leanna joined Wiley in 2022.Presenter:&nbsp;Dr. Michelle D’Souza (Product Manager, Software Products, Wiley Science Solutions)Dr. D’Souza has over 15 years of experience in the management and development of spectroscopy software, including her current position as product manager for software products at Wiley Science Solutions and prior to that at Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. She also worked many years in the pharmaceutical industry after obtaining a Ph.D. in chemistry from Northern Illinois University.</blockquote>

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We’ll explore how outlier setup can help you focus on samples and compounds that require your attention, ensuring accurate and reliable results.Additionally, you’ll learn how viewing compounds and calibration at a glance can expedite data review, making the process faster and more intuitive.Finally, we’ll demonstrate how easily you can summarize your results in comprehensive reports or export them to Excel, streamlining your workflow and enhancing productivity.Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your data analysis skills with MassHunter Quant!<blockquote>Presenter: Peter Kornas (LC/MS Applikationsspezialist, Agilent Technologies)Peter Kornas has more than 10 years of experience in the development and validation of analytical methods for the determination of pesticides, mycotoxins and contaminants using LC/MS/MS. Before joining Agilent as an LC/MS application specialist in 2018, he worked as an analytical chemist in the food industry. During this time, he was responsible for the development and validation of analytical methods and worked in close coordination with Regulatory Affairs to ensure compliance with the legal requirements of the LC/MS method portfolio.</blockquote>

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MassHunter Quant – A Fast and Easy Way from Data to Results

Join us and discover how quickly a quantitation method can be set up, enabling efficient data processing.

Join us for an insightful webinar where we will explore the critical aspects of differentiating good from bad data and how this distinction can significantly influence your results. From screening to quantification, discover the value of targeted data analysis workflows using non-targeted data with our innovative software and hardware.Find by Formula algorithm. Learn to identify the most suitable MS/MS approach for your experiments, initiate quantitation for your compounds of interest, and incorporate retention times (RTs) and MS/MS spectra into a custom database and library.This session is designed to enhance your understanding and application of Q-TOF data analysis, ensuring robust and reliable outcomes.<blockquote>Presenter: Hannah Florance (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: 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>

MassHunter Qual – The Solid Pillar in Q-TOF Data Analysis

We will explore the critical aspects of differentiating good from bad data and how this distinction can significantly influence your results.

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>

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.

<div>In this session, discover how Wiley’s KnowItAll saves hours of GC-MS manual analysis time by combining fast, flexible deconvolution with an integrated reference database search into a single, automated workflow to identify components.We will demonstrate through a series of live examples:<ul><li>KnowItAll’s various methods for GC-MS analysis and how they can impact your workflow.</li><li>Professors and students engaged in chemistry and mass spectrometry courses or lab work.</li></ul>About KnowItAll: KnowItAll combines all the tools and spectral databases you need for effective analysis into a single, easy-to-use interface to make your lab its most efficient. Compatible with over 130 instrument formats, it streamlines your entire workflow regardless of how many techniques and instruments you use. Learn more at sciencesolutions.wiley.com<blockquote>Presenter: Dr. Leanna Ergin (Associate Editor, Wiley Science Solutions)Dr. Leanna Ergin is an Associate Editor for Wiley Science Solutions, for which she helps create tools for spectroscopy, structural, and scientific standard reference data and helps create innovative software applications. Leanna completed her PhD in Clinical-Bioanalytical Chemistry from Cleveland State University, where she developed a protocol for processing hyperspectral image data that distinguishes the spectra, removes degeneracies caused by symmetry, and is generalized to work with any number of wavelength dimensions and spectra. The results are mapped to the full RGB colorspace of modern computer displays. Leanna joined Wiley in 2022.<div>Presenter: Dr. Michelle D’Souza (Product Manager, Software Products, Wiley Science Solutions)</div>Dr. D’Souza has over 15 years of experience in the management and development of spectroscopy software, including her current position as product manager for software products at Wiley Science Solutions and prior to that at Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. She also worked many years in the pharmaceutical industry after obtaining a Ph.D. in chemistry from Northern Illinois University.</blockquote></div>

Discover how Wiley’s KnowItAll saves hours of GC-MS manual analysis time by combining fast, flexible deconvolution with an integrated reference database

Data helps power the analytical laboratory. However, converting vast amounts of data into actionable decisions and confidence in business critical operations is extremely challenging.Existing solutions require custom system integrations that are expensive and difficult to maintain. Join us as we launch our newest cloud software solution, waters_connect Data Intelligence, specifically developed to help overcome these challenges by proving near-real time, in depth dashboards and powerful purpose-built analytics on your Empower&nbsp;Software data, helping you to:<ul><li>Improve productivity</li><li>Reduce risk</li><li>Save money</li><li>Accelerate time-to-market</li></ul>Be confidently audit ready, access deeper insights, and improve your laboratory operations.<blockquote>Presenter: Jonathan Scott (Director of Product Management, Connected Science, Waters Corporation)Prior to joining Waters in 2012, Jonathan worked in the regulated bioanalytical space focusing on developing and validating small and large molecule LC-MS methods. While at Waters, Jonathan has held multiple roles within product management including a focus on mass detection and biopharmaceutical software.Presenter:&nbsp;Ben Dearnaley (Principal Product Owner, Connected Science, Waters Corporation)Ben has worked at Waters for 17 years, and 14 years in Pharma prior to that. His area of interest as both a customer and at Waters has been on how to leverage Empower meta-data into analytics and business intelligence which helps Empower stakeholders understand better how their laboratories are working, such as understanding system and resource utilization, laboratory workflows and potential data integrity issues. Ben was a key individual involved with EDS365 and is now working as a Cloud Product Owner with a focus on bringing Empower analytics into the Cloud.</blockquote>

Waters: Level-up your Empower data with in-depth dashboards and powerful custom data analytics

Level-up your Empower data with in-depth dashboards and powerful custom data analytics

In-depth dashboards and powerful custom data analytics

Level-up your Empower

Join us as we dive into a common challenge faced by research facilities: managing the ever-growing mountain of measurement data. As a facility manager, you’re all too familiar with the constant juggling act of handling sample submissions, data collection, and distribution—all while trying to keep your workflows efficient and your focus on the science.In today’s data-driven landscape, adhering to the FAIR principles—making your data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable—is not just a best practice but a growing requirement for securing public funding. Funding bodies are increasingly looking for research facilities to demonstrate that their data management processes align with these principles.That’s why we’re excited to introduce you to LOGS for Facilities, our comprehensive software solution tailored specifically for research facilities like yours. Supported by the powerful automation engine Mnova Gears, LOGS streamlines your entire workflow—from sample submission and automatic data processing to data distribution—into a single, seamless platform that adheres to the FAIR principles.In today’s session, we’ll explore how LOGS can simplify your data management processes, helping you save time, reduce errors, and get back to what matters most: advancing your research by making your data findable - wherever you are.<blockquote>Presenter: Peter Bellstedt, PhD (Director of Business Development and Product Manager)Peter studied Biochemistry at the University of Jena before completing a PhD on the structural characterization of a DNA repair protein using solution and solid-state NMR. He was then appointed as the head of the NMR Spectroscopy Platform in Jena, Germany, where he pioneered the implementation of modern, highly efficient data-driven workflows. After five years, he moved to the University of Zurich, Switzerland, as a principal investigator, where his lab focused on structure-based drug discovery. This year, he brought his wealth of experience to the LOGS by SciY team, focusing on efficient workflow solutions for research labs and facilities on a global scale.</blockquote>

Mestrelab Research: Integrating Measurement Requests, Data Collection, and Data Distribution in One Platform

Integrating Measurement Requests, Data Collection, and Data Distribution in One Platform

In today’s session, we’ll explore how LOGS can simplify your data management processes, helping you save time

GCMS webinars focusing on Software - page 8

MassHunter Compliance – Working in a Regulated Environment

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

Level-up your Empower data with in-depth dashboards and powerful custom data analytics

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

MassHunter Quant Screener Tool

MassHunter Qual – The Solid Pillar in Q-TOF Data Analysis

Introduction to KnowItAll for Mass Spectrometry

Introduction to KnowItAll for Mass Spectrometry

MassHunter Quant – A Fast and Easy Way from Data to Results

Integrating Measurement Requests, Data Collection, and Data Distribution in One Platform

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