Scientists from CEITEC Brno University of Technology led by Markéta Kaiser have achieved a globally unique breakthrough in coral research. Using the live microCT method, they were able, for the first time ever, to observe the growth of living marine corals in real time and reveal the processes behind the formation of their calcium carbonate skeletons, which had previously remained hidden beneath the surface. The results of the international study, published in the prestigious journal Science Advances, show how corals grow, regenerate, and respond to stress and competing organisms.The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aee3183">study</a> was carried out through a collaboration between researchers from Brno, Vienna, and several other international institutions. A key role was played by the X-ray Micro and Nano Computed Tomography Laboratory (CTLAB) at CEITEC BUT, where all the crucial data and three-dimensional coral models were produced. CEITEC also shares both the first and corresponding authorship of the study.“Thanks to live microCT, we were able, for the first time, to observe what happens beneath the surface of a coral skeleton,” explains Markéta Kaiser from CTLAB at CEITEC BUT. “For example, we witnessed situations where a coral, after being attacked by algae, completely halted its normal growth and began building a protective wall around the threatened area. Once the danger had passed, it was able to resume its original growth pattern.”<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Zivi_korali_jezdili_vlakem_z_Vidne_do_Brna_Vedci_diky_nim_odhalili_jejich_tajny_zivot_540e183e84.jpeg" alt="CEITEC BUT/Jakub Rozboud: Live Corals Traveled by Train from Vienna to Brno. Scientists Uncovered Their Secret Life: Markéta Kaiser, CTLAB CEITEC at CEITEC BUT." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Zivi_korali_jezdili_vlakem_z_Vidne_do_Brna_Vedci_diky_nim_odhalili_jejich_tajny_zivot_540e183e84.jpeg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1067">The scientists successfully captured coral growth both vertically and horizontally, the formation of protective barriers against competing organisms, and regeneration mechanisms following damage.The research was exceptionally demanding from a technological standpoint. The team had to develop a special system that enabled living corals to be safely scanned directly in seawater. The coral colonies regularly traveled by train from Vienna to Brno for measurements and, after several hours, were transported back to professional aquarium systems in Vienna.“At first, it seemed like a somewhat crazy idea. No one knew whether living corals could withstand repeated scanning,” says Kaiser. “Gradually, however, we found that they survived, continued to grow, and provided us with unique data.”<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Zivi_korali_jezdili_vlakem_z_Vidne_do_Brna_Vedci_diky_nim_odhalili_jejich_tajny_zivot_2_fcbb29a4f6.jpeg" alt="CEITEC BUT/Jakub Rozboud: Live Corals Traveled by Train from Vienna to Brno. Scientists Uncovered Their Secret Life: Markéta Kaiser is placing a coral sample into CT for scanning." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Zivi_korali_jezdili_vlakem_z_Vidne_do_Brna_Vedci_diky_nim_odhalili_jejich_tajny_zivot_2_fcbb29a4f6.jpeg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1067">The original concept for the project came from developmental biologist Igor Adameyko of the Medical University of Vienna, who proposed combining marine biology with advanced imaging technologies more commonly used in engineering and technical fields.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Zivi_korali_jezdili_vlakem_z_Vidne_do_Brna_Vedci_diky_nim_odhalili_jejich_tajny_zivot_3_8c5f376f41.jpeg" alt="CEITEC BUT/Markéta Kaiser: Live Corals Traveled by Train from Vienna to Brno. Scientists Uncovered Their Secret Life: Corals CT - 1." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Zivi_korali_jezdili_vlakem_z_Vidne_do_Brna_Vedci_diky_nim_odhalili_jejich_tajny_zivot_3_8c5f376f41.jpeg 228w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1096">The findings of the Brno researchers have already attracted the attention of experts in Okinawa, Japan, who specialize in coral reef research. They plan to use the live microCT method to study the effects of light, photosynthesis, and environmental changes on coral growth.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Zivi_korali_jezdili_vlakem_z_Vidne_do_Brna_Vedci_diky_nim_odhalili_jejich_tajny_zivot_4_445c1cc3b7.jpeg" alt="CEITEC BUT/Markéta Kaiser: Live Corals Traveled by Train from Vienna to Brno. Scientists Uncovered Their Secret Life:Corals CT - 2." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Zivi_korali_jezdili_vlakem_z_Vidne_do_Brna_Vedci_diky_nim_odhalili_jejich_tajny_zivot_4_445c1cc3b7.jpeg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="988">According to the researchers, the project demonstrates the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between engineering and biological sciences. The research could contribute not only to the study and conservation of coral reefs, but also to fields such as paleontology and materials science.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Zivi_korali_jezdili_vlakem_z_Vidne_do_Brna_Vedci_diky_nim_odhalili_jejich_tajny_zivot_5_514ee9c974.jpg" alt="CEITEC BUT/Markéta Kaiser: Live Corals Traveled by Train from Vienna to Brno. Scientists Uncovered Their Secret Life: Corals CT - 3." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Zivi_korali_jezdili_vlakem_z_Vidne_do_Brna_Vedci_diky_nim_odhalili_jejich_tajny_zivot_5_514ee9c974.jpg 143w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1750"><blockquote><h4>Original Article</h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aee3183">Coral growth, retraction, defense, and regenerative strategies revealed by live microCT</a></h4>Karina Araslanova, Marketa Kaiser, Anton Fetisov, Diana Gavrik, Tomas Zikmund, Daniel Abed-Navandi, Karel Katovský, Jozef Kaiser, Igor AdameykoSci. Adv., 2026, 12, eaee3183<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aee3183">https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aee3183</a><h6>licenced 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>Understanding how corals build and remodel their skeletons is key to explaining reef resilience, yet most insights come from static imaging. Using longitudinal live microCT, we tracked the same coral colonies over weeks to months at micrometer resolution. Coral skeleton formation is not a uniform accretion process but a dynamic integration of multiple programs, including vertical and horizontal patterned growth, previously undescribed defensive wall-building against competitors, exploratory edge behavior with reversible expansions and retractions, and skeletal regeneration favoring rapid, imprecise yet effective matrix expansion. Time-resolved imaging links colony-scale growth to microscale events, showing that all modes depend on balances between fusion of skeletal microparticles and layered matrix deposition, guided by tissue prepatterning. Beyond corals, this framework generalizes to studying skeletal dynamics across diverse biomineralizing organisms.

Live Corals Traveled by Train from Vienna to Brno. Scientists Uncovered Their Secret Life 

This study investigates the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of (−)-epicatechin in an in vitro model of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Lipid peroxidation, inflammatory, and profibrotic markers were assessed alongside ATR-FTIR spectroscopy to evaluate whether spectral changes reflect disease progression and treatment response.Epicatechin reduced lipid peroxidation products, TNF-α, and TGF-β1 in a concentration-dependent manner, with stronger protective effects observed during pretreatment. ATR-FTIR spectral changes closely correlated with biochemical markers, demonstrating its potential as a rapid, non-destructive tool for monitoring oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis in MASLD research.<blockquote><h4>The original article</h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c09978">ATR-FTIR Assessment of the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of (−)-Epicatechin in MASLD</a></h4>Marija Hefer, Nikolina Filipović, Stjepan Šarić, Nela Malatesti, Ana Petrović, Elvira Kovač-Andrić*, and Martina Smolić*ACS Omega 2026, 11, 23, 33333–33344<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.5c09978">https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.5c09978</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.<div>Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) represents one of the most prevalent chronic liver disorders. Due to its predisposition to progress toward metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), MASLD has become a significant global health burden and a major challenge for healthcare systems. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(1−4)</a>The majority of patients with MASLD or MASH are obese and frequently present with additional metabolic comorbidities, most commonly insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(5−7)</a> Furthermore, most conditions associated with MASLD and MASH are characterized by lipid metabolism impairment, with elevated levels of oxidative stress. Impaired lipid metabolism, together with prolonged oxidative stress, promotes hepatocellular lipotoxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction. These alterations affect the antioxidant defense system and increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, thereby contributing to the onset of MASLD and its progression to MASH, along with more advanced liver diseases. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(8,9)</a>One of the main results of oxidative stress is lipid peroxidation, in which ROS attack (poly)unsaturated fatty acids within membrane lipids. This initiates a series of structural and functional alterations, where the formation of conjugated dienes (CDs) reflects early double-bond rearrangements in fatty acyl chains, while lipid hydroperoxides (LOOHs) represent key propagation-phase products that destabilize cell membranes and increase oxidative injury. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(10,11)</a> Therefore, determining LOOH and CD levels, along with their overall LOOH/CD ratio, might be useful for determining the lipid peroxidation dynamics and the progression of MASLD.Along with oxidative damage to the cell structures, inflammation is also a key regulator of MASLD progression. In this context, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is suspected to play a central role as its levels are found to increase alongside MASLD to MASH progression. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(12−14)</a> It has also been found that ROS and TNF-α are closely interconnected, where elevated TNF-α levels could serve as an indicator of oxidative cellular damage and enhanced lipid peroxidation. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(15−17)</a> Often, one of the results of MASLD progression is the development of liver fibrosis, which is usually mediated by transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) as its levels are frequently elevated in MASH and contribute to the worsening of hepatic steatosis. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(18)</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c09978#fig1">Figure 1</a> summarizes the pathways associated with MASLD to MASH progression, with emphasis on lipid peroxidation (CDs, LOOHs) and inflammatory/fibrogenic signaling (TNF-α, TGF-β1).<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ACS_Omega_2026_11_23_33333_33344_Figure_1_Schematic_representation_of_lipid_peroxidation_and_its_role_in_MASLD_progression_e6a8e05d3e.jpeg" alt="ACS Omega 2026, 11, 23, 33333–33344: Figure 1. Schematic representation of lipid peroxidation and its role in MASLD progression. Lipid accumulation in MASLD leads to the release of free radicals and ROS, which attack (poly)unsaturated fatty acids within membrane lipids, leading to lipid peroxidation, inflammation (via TNF-α), and fibrotic changes (via TGF-β1), thereby contributing to the transition from MASLD to MASH and further progression to cirrhosis and HCC. In lipid peroxidation, reactive radicals (R·) subtract the hydrogen from the (poly)unsaturated lipid, thereby resulting in the formation of a lipid radical, which undergoes rearrangements to form a CD. The lipid radical then reacts with molecular oxygen to form an unstable lipid peroxyl radical, which further subtracts a hydrogen from another (poly)unsaturated lipid, thereby resulting in the formation of a LOOH. The subtraction of hydrogen from the (poly)unsaturated lipid also results in the formation of a lipid radical, thereby perpetuating the chain reaction. The figure was created with Servier Medical Art (https://smart.servier.com/) and MarvinSketch (ChemAxon, https://chemaxon.com/marvin)." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ACS_Omega_2026_11_23_33333_33344_Figure_1_Schematic_representation_of_lipid_peroxidation_and_its_role_in_MASLD_progression_e6a8e05d3e.jpeg 216w," sizes="100vw" width="1834" height="1327">However, the exact role of different lipid peroxidation indicators and their contribution to MASLD progression toward MASH have not yet been fully elucidated, with the number of studies addressing this issue remaining limited. Given these limitations in research, attention has increasingly turned toward dietary antioxidants, particularly polyphenols or mixtures of polyphenol-rich plant extracts, as potential modulators of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in hepatic steatosis. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(19−23)</a>Among available polyphenols, we selected (−)-epicatechin (EC) because of its strong antioxidant and radical scavenging capacity, with its documented effects on inflammatory signaling. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(24−26)</a> One study even found that the antifibrotic properties of EC were comparable to those of silymarin, with EC showing even stronger reducing effects on malondialdehyde (MDA) formation in vivo. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(27)</a> Since MDA is a secondary product of LOOH breakdown, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(28)</a> these results could link EC’s potential antifibrotic properties to its ability to attenuate lipid peroxidation, thereby potentially mitigating the progression of MASLD to MASH. Unlike more extensively studied compounds such as epigallocatechin gallate, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(29,30)</a> EC has been less investigated in the context of MASLD, providing an opportunity to explore a novel candidate. At the same time, the growing use of advanced spectroscopic techniques offers new opportunities to monitor biochemical alterations in cells and tissues.Attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy recently emerged as a promising tool for monitoring such changes. The application of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and similar techniques for steatosis and lipid quantification, along with determining the lipid peroxidation extent, has been introduced, especially in the context of hepatic steatosis. Determining the intensity of C═O vibrational stretching at ∼1740 cm–1 (triacylglycerols, cholesteryl esters, lipid oxides), as this type of bond usually occurs in lipid peroxidation, could also be valuable for determining the overall extent of steatosis. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(31−33)</a> Along with lipid peroxidation extent, determining the degree of unsaturation in MASLD models is crucial for understanding the changes in cellular components as the degree of unsaturation is often found to decrease due to steatotic changes in cells and tissues. (Poly)unsaturated fatty acids contribute to membrane fluidity and are essential for maintaining membrane integrity and signaling, while their depletion leads to increased membrane rigidity and impaired cellular function. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(34,35)</a> Given their high susceptibility to peroxidation, a reduction in their levels could indicate either an adaptive response to oxidative stress or a disruption of lipid homeostasis. Therefore, correlating the degree of unsaturation (∼3010 cm–1 for ═C–H) and the intensity of carbonyl stretching (∼1740 cm–1 for C═O) with the LOOH/CD ratio and cytokines, TNF-α and TGF-β1, could be valuable for the noninvasive monitoring of disease progression.<h4>Methods</h4><h5>Experimental Design</h5>Two experimental models were introduced for the experiments: EC pretreatment and EC Posttreatment models. In both models, the untreated cells (UT) group was used as a negative (vehicle) control group, while the sodium oleate-treated group (OA) was used as a positive control group, with EC (control) being the highest concentration of EC used as a control for the tested compound. In the Pretreatment model, the cells were pretreated with 10, 30, and 50 μM EC for 4 h, followed by a 24 h posttreatment with 1.5 mM sodium oleate. In the Posttreatment model, the cells were treated with 1.5 mM sodium oleate for 12 h, followed by the addition of the same concentrations of EC in the presence of 0.75 mM sodium oleate. All of the experimental groups were labeled as EC50+OA, EC30+OA, and EC10+OA, according to the concentration used in the experiments. EC concentrations of 10, 30, and 50 μM were chosen based on our previous MTS assay and Oil Red O staining results, where we tested 10–100 μM EC to evaluate its effect on MASLD in the Pretreatment model. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(42)</a> As it was proven effective in the Pretreatment model, the Posttreatment model was added to evaluate whether EC could also mitigate oxidative and inflammatory/fibrotic changes once steatosis was already established. Another important consideration was to assess the potential cytotoxicity of the concentrations used, as EC and other polyphenols are often consumed as dietary supplements with poorly regulated dosages. As these cytotoxic effects are often subtle and overlooked in conventional biochemical assays, combining FTIR spectral analysis with complementary assays could provide a more comprehensive assessment of potential cytotoxicity.<h5>ATR-FTIR Assessment of Lipid Peroxidation</h5>ATR-FTIR spectroscopy was used to determine the extent of lipid peroxidation and steatosis. The lipid samples were dissolved in chloroform and normalized to a lipid concentration of 20 mg/mL. After the evaporation of the solvent, the ATR-FTIR spectra were recorded using an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=Cary+630">Agilent Cary 630 FTIR spectrophotometer</a> (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, USA), at the Faculty of Biotechnology and Drug Development at the University of Rijeka. All ATR-FTIR spectra were processed using the automatic least-squares baseline correction algorithm implemented in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=MicroLab+Expert">Agilent MicroLab Expert v.10.5 software</a> (4000–650 cm–1; clean scans: 4; threshold: 0.002; background scans: 2; sample scans: 100; resolution: 16 cm–1; apodization: HappGenzel; phase correct: Mertz; method gain: 221). Spectra of pure chloroform were recorded under identical conditions and subtracted from sample spectra to remove any residual solvent contributions. Chloroform was recorded to be excluded in the background, and the data were collected in the spectral range 3200–1600 cm–1 on an ATR device. To ensure comparability between samples, the spectra were normalized against the asymmetric CH2 stretching vibration of lipid acyl chains (2925–2922 cm–1), which was used as an internal reference band due to its relative stability across treatments and minimal alteration during lipid peroxidation. Baseline correction was applied prior to normalization to minimize background variability. Relative intensities of lipid peroxidation-associated bands (C═O stretching at 1744–1735 cm–1 and ═C–H stretching at 3010 cm–1) were then expressed as a ratio to the CH2 reference peak, allowing quantitative comparison of the lipid peroxidation extent between experimental groups. The data were presented as percent relative intensities (%Irel).<h4>Results and Discussion</h4><h5>ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy for the Assessment of Lipid Peroxidation and Steatosis Extent</h5>To evaluate the overall steatosis and lipid peroxidation extent in HepG2 cells, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy was used. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c09978#fig5">Figure 5</a> shows the 3200–1600 cm–1 spectral region, including the key C═O (1744–1735 cm–1) and ═C–H (3010 cm–1) stretching bands, which correlated with the biochemical parameters measured in this study. The increased intensity of the C═O band in sodium oleate-treated groups corresponds to the accumulation of oxidized lipid species derived from peroxidation of (poly)unsaturated fatty acids. On the other hand, a decrease in the ═C–H stretching band near 3010 cm–1 indicates a progressive depletion of double bonds which undergo rearrangement to form CDs or further transformations associated with lipid peroxidation.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ACS_Omega_2026_11_23_33333_33344_Figure_5_ATR_FTIR_spectra_of_control_groups_aabfabbdc1.jpeg" alt="ACS Omega 2026, 11, 23, 33333–33344: Figure 5. ATR-FTIR spectra of control groups: UT (blue) and EC (control) (purple); along with experimental groups: OA (yellow), EC50+OA (red), EC30+OA (orange), and EC10+OA (brown) in the wavenumber range 3200–1600 cm–1 for the (a) EC Pretreatment Model and (b) EC Posttreatment Model." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ACS_Omega_2026_11_23_33333_33344_Figure_5_ATR_FTIR_spectra_of_control_groups_aabfabbdc1.jpeg 193w," sizes="100vw" width="1572" height="1272">All experimental groups show similar FTIR profiles in the lipid regions; however, to determine the overall extent of lipid peroxidation and steatosis, the relative intensities of ═C–H stretching of unsaturated lipids (3010 cm–1) and C═O stretching of esters (1744–1735 cm–1) were measured according to the baseline and normalized according to asymmetric CH2 stretching of lipid chains (2925–2922 cm–1) (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c09978#fig6">Figure 6</a>). This approach was chosen as the greatest changes were noticed among the given intensities of the peaks in all groups.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ACS_Omega_2026_11_23_33333_33344_Figure_6_Percent_relative_intensities_e921d53b57.jpeg" alt="ACS Omega 2026, 11, 23, 33333–33344: Figure 6. Percent relative intensities (%Irel) of ═C–H stretching (unsaturated lipids) and C═O stretching of esters for the (a) EC Pretreatment Model and (b) EC Posttreatment Model. The results are presented as mean values of %Irel ± SD." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ACS_Omega_2026_11_23_33333_33344_Figure_6_Percent_relative_intensities_e921d53b57.jpeg 149w," sizes="100vw" width="1000" height="1044">Also, as indicated in the literature, the increase in intensities of C═O stretching and a decrease in intensities of ═C–H stretching are mostly associated with an increase in the lipid peroxidation extent. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(33,50)</a> Furthermore, a decrease in ═C–H stretching corresponds to a decrease in the (poly)unsaturated fatty acid content, which is often noted in MASLD/MASH models. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(51,52)</a><h4>Conclusion</h4>In a sodium oleate-induced hepatic steatosis model, EC showed a concentration-dependent effect on the overall radical scavenging ability of HepG2 cells. However, when EC was given as a posttreatment, these results were not achievable. EC also reduced propagation-phase lipid peroxidation by reducing relative LOOH levels in both models, lowering the LOOH/CD ratio (except for the EC50+OA pretreatment group), and effectively decreasing sodium oleate-induced increases in TNF-α and TGF-β1 concentrations. ATR-FTIR results were consistent with changes in lipid (per)oxidation and reflected the overall antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of EC observed through biochemical assays. Compared with biochemical assays, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy has several advantages, including rapid and nondestructive analysis that requires minimal sample preparation. Considering that it can simultaneously capture multiple molecular changes, this represents a reliable approach for accurate and complementary insights into lipid peroxidation and redox alterations in MASLD. However, it is important to correlate ATR-FTIR spectral changes with biochemical assays to further strengthen its interpretation.</div>

ATR-FTIR Assessment of the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of (−)-Epicatechin in MASLD

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Agilent MP Expert software is supplied with all MP-AES instruments and is your gateway to complete control of your analysis. This software includes proprietary features, such as FLIC background correction, to ensure you are always able to get the right result.
With intuitive workflows and assistance at every step from method setup to results processing, you will always be in the driver&#39;s seat and have total confidence in your results.
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Presenter: Greg Gilleland (Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Greg began his spectroscopy career in 1987 in Colorado, working at a series of environmental labs. After 14 years working in the world of commercial environmental labs, he moved on to a spectroscopy instrument manufacturer where he performed service and sales functions over the course of 11 years. He has been with Agilent Technologies, Inc., since 2012 in the role of Application Scientist for ICP-OES, MP-AES and AA products.
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Agilent Technologies: Software BootCamp Kick-off - MP-AES

Software BootCamp Kick-off - MP-AES

Agilent MP Expert software is supplied with all MP-AES instruments and is your gateway to complete control of your analysis.

Agilent Vaya Raman spectrometer is a true see-through-barrier instrument with great adaptivity and sensitivity. The Agilent Vaya Raman system tests more raw materials for the same cost and reduces the need for sampling. Vaya offers best-in-class ID testing through transparent containers, and transformative handheld testing through nontransparent containers—for the fastest possible release to manufacturing.
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Presenter: Yanqia Wang, PhD (Application Engineer, Molecular Spectroscopy, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Dr. Yanqia Wang started working for Agilent Technologies Inc. as a FTIR application Engineer in 2013, providing pre-&amp;post-sale application support. The products he covers from Bench-top FTIR microscopes to various Mobile FTIR spectrometers. Dr. Wang received his PhD of analytical chemistry from Duke University in 2004, doing dynamic IR spectroscopy research. Then he joined Fitzpatrick Center for Photonics at Duke University, doing Tissue Raman spectrometer instrumentation. Since 2007, Dr. Wang worked for Avery Dennison Corp. as a spectroscopist, providing molecular analytical support to the research &amp; development.
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Agilent Technologies: Through Barrier Verification using a Handheld Spectrometer with SORS

Through Barrier Verification using a Handheld Spectrometer with SORS

Agilent Vaya Raman spectrometer is a true see-through-barrier instrument with great adaptivity and sensitivity. 

Through Barrier Verification by SORS Handheld Spectrometer

As the production and use of solar panels increases worldwide, there is an urgent need to find more effective and efficient photovoltaic materials testing techniques.
During this webinar, we will investigate how FTIR and UV spectroscopy can be used in a number of materials testing areas including material degradation, surface cleanliness, material identification and coating/adhesive thickness and quality analysis. We will also show how parameters relating to these applications can be measured effectively.
Attend this webinar to:
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<li>Gain an overview of the 4300 handheld FTIR system</li>
<li>Learn how to analyze photovoltaic material degradation and surface contamination</li>
<li>Understand the importance of material identification and coating/adhesive thickness testing</li>
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Presenter: Donald Inglis (Product Specialist Handheld/Portable FTIR and Raman Systems, Agilent Technologies)
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Technology Networks: How To Test Photovoltaic Cells Using FTIR and UV Spectroscopy Techniques

How To Test Photovoltaic Cells Using FTIR and UV Spectroscopy Techniques

We will investigate how FTIR and UV spectroscopy can be used in a number of materials testing areas.

Test Photovoltaic Cells Using FTIR and UV Spectroscopy

The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) is the only major pharmacopeia with a general chapter dedicated to analytical instrument qualification (USP &lt;1058&gt;). This makes &lt;1058&gt; a globally significant regulatory reference. However, despite the significant changes with the 2017 edition of &lt;1058&gt;, 68% of laboratories have not updated their qualification procedures. Additionally, the USP has already started the process to initiate updates to &lt;1058&gt;, when many laboratories may not fully comply with the current edition!
This raises many questions about the role of the current &lt;1058&gt; general chapter and how it aligns with the recently issued 2nd Edition of GAMP® 5.
By attending this webinar you will learn about:
<ul>
<li>How USP &lt;1058&gt; aligns with GAMP® 5</li>
<li>Core elements of the &lt;1058&gt; instrument life-cycle framework</li>
<li>Areas of &lt;1058&gt; the USP are exploring improvements in</li>
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Presenter: Paul Smith (Global Laboratory Compliance Marketing Specialist (USP &lt;1058&gt;), Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Paul has a passion for laboratory compliance and started his career as an Infrared Spectroscopist, performing his first FT-IR software validation in 1992, 30 years ago. In his current Agilent role, Paul is an active member of GAMP, a member of the UK GAMP Community of Practice (CoP) steering committee and has contributed to GAMP® Good Practice Guides. He helps laboratories understand their laboratory instrument qualification requirements and writes publications and white papers about this.
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Pixabay/Rigby40: Evolution of USP<1058> updates and insights in regulations

Evolution of USP<1058> updates and insights in regulations

The role of the current <1058> general chapter and how it aligns with the recently issued 2nd Edition of GAMP® 5.

The presence of microplastics in the environment, drinking water, and food chains is gaining significant public interest. To study their presence, rapid and reliable characterization of microplastic particles is essential. Significant technical hurdles in microplastics analysis stem from the sheer number of particles to be analyzed in each sample. Total particle counts of several thousand are not uncommon in environmental samples, while well treated bottled drinking water may contain relatively few.
While visual microscopy has been used extensively, it is prone to operator error and bias and is limited to particles larger than 300 µm. As a result, vibrational spectroscopic techniques such as Raman and FTIR microscopy have become more popular, however they are time-consuming. There is a demand for rapid and highly automated techniques to measure particle count, size, and provide high-quality polymer identification. Analysis directly on the filter that often forms the last stage in sample preparation is highly desirable as, by removing a sample preparation step, it can both improve laboratory efficiency and decease opportunities for error. 
Recent advances in infrared micro-spectroscopy combining a Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) with scanning optics has created a new paradigm, laser direct infrared imaging (LDIR). It offers improved speed of analysis as well as high levels of automation. Its mode of operation however requires an infrared (IR) reflective background, and this has, to date, limited the ability to perform direct “on-filter” analysis. This study explores the potential to combine the filter with an infrared reflective surface filter.
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Presenter: Andreas Kerstan (SPSD Product Specialist, Agilent)
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Agilent Technologies: Rapid, automated characterization of microplastics using laser direct infrared imaging and spectroscopy

Rapid, automated characterization of microplastics using laser direct infrared imaging and spectroscopy

Recent advances in infrared micro-spectroscopy combining a Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) with scanning optics has created a new paradigm, (LDIR).

Microplastics by using LDIR and spectroscopy

Join Agilent application scientists as they demonstrate our OpenLab CDS and MassHunter software for cannabis workflows. This webinar series will guide participants through optimizing the features of OpenLab CDS and MassHunter in order to save time and drive productivity to a higher level. Speakers will answer some of your most frequently asked software questions and share their tips and tricks. Each webinar in the series will cover a different workflow.
Key Learning Objectives:
<ul>
<li>How to set up correction equations and tune modes with the half mass acquisition, and how to set up and use UHMI and the element template function</li>
<li>How to use the EMF, Help, and Learning Center in MassHunter 5.1</li>
<li>​How to build processing methods for determining potency calculations</li>
<li>How to prepare calibration tables for use in determining cannabinoid levels</li>
<li>How to utilize custom calculations to prepare custom reports</li>
<li>Learn the quantitative workflow in OpenLab CDS</li>
<li>Learn to create LC/MS custom libraries.</li>
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Who Should Attend:
Lab managers, analysts, processors, growers, and other individuals who are responsible for cannabis potency, pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, or terpenes testing.
 
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Presenter: Jenny Nelson, PhD (Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Dr. Jenny Nelson is an Applications Scientist with Agilent Technologies specializing in Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS), Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (MP-AES). Her broad knowledge of atomic spectroscopy has been applied to both AOAC and ASTM through her serving on expert review panels, chairing committees, and volunteering to develop new methods needed by the industry.
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Presenter: L. Craig Jones (ICP-MS Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Craig has been with Agilent for over 15 years as an ICP-MS applications scientist. He has been involved with multiple type of applications for ICP-MS, including environmental, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, geologic, and clinical analyses, to name a few. Previous to Agilent he worked in an environmental lab performing analysis and supervising both the inorganic and organic sections of the laboratory. In his spare time, Craig enjoys volunteering at the local marine science center, mountain biking, hiking, and relaxing at the beach. Craig obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO.
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Agilent Technologies: Software for Cannabis Testing

Cannabis - Heavy Metals

Join Agilent application scientists as they demonstrate our OpenLab CDS and MassHunter software for cannabis workflows.

Can the TopScan 4300 FTIR test liquid? What is the detection limit of the 4300 FTIR? Is ambient light an issue for Vaya Raman spectrometer?
Lets discuss some of the most common questions about Agilent Handheld spectrometers.
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Presenter: Yanqia Wang, PhD (Application Engineer, Molecular Spectroscopy, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Dr. Yanqia Wang started working for Agilent Technologies Inc. as a FTIR application Engineer in 2013, providing pre-&amp;post-sale application support. The products he covers from Bench-top FTIR microscopes to various Mobile FTIR spectrometers. Dr. Wang received his PhD of analytical chemistry from Duke University in 2004, doing dynamic IR spectroscopy research. Then he joined Fitzpatrick Center for Photonics at Duke University, doing Tissue Raman spectrometer instrumentation. Since 2007, Dr. Wang worked for Avery Dennison Corp. as a spectroscopist, providing molecular analytical support to the research &amp; development.
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Agilent Technologies: Common Handheld FTIR and Raman Questions Answered

Common Handheld FTIR and Raman Questions Answered

Lets discuss some of the most common questions about Agilent Handheld spectrometers.

In this webinar, we will address the most asked questions from customers, as well as important questions to ask when evaluating an ICP-MS. But don’t let us stop you from bringing your pressing questions!
We will be sure to leave plenty of time for Q&amp;A as well!
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Presenter: Yan Cheung, PhD (Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Yan received her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from Indiana University Bloomington. She joined Agilent Technologies as an Application Scientist in the Life Science and Chemical Analysis team in April 2020. Yan has extensive experience in operating and method development in ICP-MS. Yan also has years of experience working in the oil and gas industry.
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Agilent Technologies: Got ICP-MS questions? We got answers!

Got ICP-MS questions? We got answers!

We will address the most asked questions from customers, as well as important questions to ask when evaluating an ICP-MS.

Today the vast majority of ICPMS analysis is performed in solution mode, however, very few of the samples analyzed are liquids to start with and have to be acid-digested and diluted before analysis can take place.
Laser ablation has been developed over nearly three decades to become a mature technique that provides the opportunity to sample rapidly directly from the solid material with little-to-no sample preparation. Like solution analysis laser ablation is capable of high-throughput automation of hundreds of samples per day, but unlike solution analysis it can also create micron-scale images of the distribution of elements through a sample. No other sample technique has such range of capability.
In this webinar we will set the stage for an open Q&amp;A by introducing the benefits of laser ablation for many types of elemental analysis.
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Presenter: Rob Hutchinson, PhD (Senior Product Specialist, Elemental Scientific Lasers)
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Rob trained as an analytical chemist and did his PhD in bio-imaging via LA-ICP-MS at the University of Sheffield in the UK. Since 2005 he has been the senior global application specialist in laser ablation at Elemental Scientific (formerly New Wave Research).
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Presenter: L. Craig Jones (ICP-MS Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Craig has been with Agilent for over 15 years as an ICP-MS applications scientist. He has been involved with multiple type of applications for ICP-MS, including environmental, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, semiconductor, geologic, and clinical analyses, to name a few. Previous to Agilent he worked in an environmental lab performing analysis and supervising both the inorganic and organic sections of the laboratory. In his spare time, Craig enjoys volunteering at the local marine science center, mountain biking, hiking and relaxing at the beach. Craig obtained a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO.
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Agilent Technologies: Laser ablation – a mature technique for analysis of solid samples

Laser ablation – a mature technique for analysis of solid samples

In this webinar we will set the stage for an open Q&A by introducing the benefits of laser ablation for many types of elemental analysis.

Laser ablation – technique for analysis of solid samples

Leprechaun is the only system that hunts down viral titer by double-checking if particles are the right size and have the right structure. Count up your lentiviruses with capsids in crude or pure samples. Make your own luck and follow Leprechaun straight to the viral titer you’ve been looking for without the noise from trickster particles that can throw you off the trail. &nbsp;<blockquote>Presenter:&nbsp;Kevin Lance PhD (Marketing Manager, Analytical Instruments, Unchained Labs)Moderator: Alex Shephard (Market Manager, Cell Therapy at Unchained Labs)Alex Shephard is the Market Manager for Cell Therapy at Unchained Labs. She has many years of experience at the bench and as a field application scientist characterizing exosomes and viruses, using techniques including NTA, DLS, nanoflow cytometry and interferometry. Alex completed a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology at Bristol University, UK, and held a postdoc position in the Tumour Microenvironment Group at Cardiff University, UK.</blockquote>

Unchained Labs: Leprechaun leads you to lentivirus gold

Leprechaun leads you to lentivirus gold

Track down true lentiviral titer with Leprechaun—verify size and structure to count only real capsids in crude or pure samples, no tricks from false particles.