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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Your quest for a lab system to increase the automation and achieve a higher throughput is now compromised by the requirements for remote working and social distancing.
At the same time, a lab cannot operate without people actually being physically in the lab. So how can we minimize staff presence on premises while maintaining operations? In this session, we will discuss how to balance these two objectives and how to optimize working remotely including discussions around data security and operative aspects. Key Learning Objectives. Learn what it takes to successfully implement an end-to-end solution to manage all content, context, and results in the lab. Discuss aspects to consider to evaluate, implement and operate a remote Lab Workflow solution. Tips for how to make physical and digital processes come together.
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Presenter: Nicolas Louvet (Software Product Manager, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Nicolas Louvet joined Agilent Technologies in 2005 as an ELN Services Consultant in the Software &amp; Informatics Division, became the Product Manager for OpenLab ELN, and currently serves as the Software Product Manager for SLIMS. He has more than 15 years of experience working directly with clients needing to digitalize their laboratory processes. His area of expertise is focused on workflow and content management in the laboratory.
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Agilent Technologies: Laboratory Workflow Solutions: What to expect when you’re away from the lab?

Laboratory Workflow Solutions: What to expect when you’re away from the lab?

How to balance these two objectives and how to optimize working remotely including discussions around data security and operative aspects.

What to expect when you’re away from the lab?

The modern laboratory has data collected and reported from a variety of different instruments and locations.
Agilent’s Enterprise Content Manager can store that data and make metadata available for searching through a variety of data specific filters or customized PDF templates. The Metadata ReUse program can then help query and combine that data into an XML/Excel format for further reporting.
Key Learning Objectives
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<li>Introduction to the ECM-XT Web Client Interface
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<li>MetaData Reuse tool features overview
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<li>XML/Excel Export function of the the MetaData Reuse Tool
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Presenter: Richard Mutkoski (Laboratory Informatics Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Richard Mutkoski began with Agilent (HP) in 1995. He has been an Application Engineer in Agilent’s Laboratory Informatics for the past 18 years. Prior to his career at Agilent Rich spent 12 years in a variety of small pharmaceutical firms in both R&amp;D and QA/QC capacities affording him first-hand knowledge of those workflows, bottlenecks and challenges.
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Agilent Technologies: The Power of Using Existing Meta-Data for Lab Wide Reporting

The Power of Using Existing Meta-Data for Lab Wide Reporting

Introduction to the ECM-XT Web Client Interface.

The promises of the digital lab are enticing but getting there sometimes seems daunting.
This presentation will discuss how to digitize lab operations from start to finish, which is especially relevant in a world where working remotely is becoming increasingly common. In the course of this journey, how can you realize your aspirations and create sustainable outcomes, all while dealing with varied lab environments? The good news is that you can start today. This talk will show how you can prepare the ground for a digital lab, how to improve efficiency of your lab operations, and what it takes to implement an end-to-end solution to manage all content, context, and results in the lab.
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Presenter: Nicolas Louvet (Software Product Manager, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Nicolas Louvet joined Agilent Technologies in 2005 as an ELN Services Consultant in the Software &amp; Informatics Division, became the Product Manager for OpenLab ELN, and currently serves as the Software Product Manager for SLIMS. He has more than 15 years of experience working directly with clients needing to digitalize their laboratory processes. His area of expertise is focused on workflow and content management in the laboratory.
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Agilent Technologies: How to Achieve a Fully Digital, End-to-End Analytical Workflow with CDS, ELN and LIMS

How to Achieve a Fully Digital, End-to-End Analytical Workflow with CDS, ELN and LIMS

How to digitize lab operations from start to finish, which is especially relevant in a world where working remotely is becoming increasingly common.

How to Achieve a Fully Digital, End-to-End Workflow

The recent European Directive RED II will impose a minimum of 14% of transportation fuels coming from renewable feedstocks in 2030 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
To reach this objective, non-edible oils must be processed to produce clean renewable fuels. However, the chemical composition of these complex matrices is mainly unknown and some impurities even if present at trace levels can affect biofuel’s production, such as the Cl and P content.
This communication will address, in a first step, an accurate determination of the total content of the previous elements in non-conventional biofuel feedstocks by ICP-MS/MS, and, in a second step, it will be developed a methodology by HPLC-ICP-MS/MS to reach an elemental fingerprint.
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Presenter: Santiago Martínez del Olmo, PhD (IFP Energies Nouvelles (Lyon, France))
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Santiago Martínez del Olmo obtained his PhD under the supervision of Prof. José Luis Todolí and Dra. Raquel Sánchez in 2022 at University of Alicante in collaboration with TotalEnergies. His work was focused on the development of new analytical methods based on ICP techniques for the determination of metals and metalloids in renewable fuel feedstock and conventional petroleum products. Since May 2022, he has a postdoctoral contract at IFP Energies Nouvelles (Lyon, France) based on the development of accurate methods for the determination of the total elemental content and elemental fingerprint in renewable biofuel feedstocks by ICP-MS/MS and the hyphenation of chromatographic techniques to this instrument.
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Agilent Technologies: Total content and speciation in non-conventional lipid feedstock for biofuel production

Total content and speciation in non-conventional lipid feedstock for biofuel production

Accurate determination of the total content of the previous elements in non-conventional biofuel feedstocks by ICP-MS/MS.

Total content and speciation in non-conventional lipid

In this webinar, we will introduce the ins and outs of performing the ASTM 8110 method with an Agilent ICPMS.
From instrumentation components, operating conditions, to software method setup and sample preparation, information you need to successfully perform the method with an Agilent ICPMS system. Come with your questions to maximize your learning experience. 
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Presenter: Yan Cheung, PhD (Applications Chemist, 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: ASTM 8110 method: Standard Test Method for Elemental Analysis of Distillate Products by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

ASTM 8110 method: Standard Test Method for Elemental Analysis of Distillate Products by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

The ins and outs of performing the ASTM 8110 method with an Agilent ICPMS.

ASTM 8110 method: Standard Test Method for Elemental Analysi

The measurement of trace metals in petroleum feeds and its derivatives provides vital information required for running sustainable and daily petroleum operations around the world.
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) is used in different petroleum facilities due to its ability to perform multielement analyses, covering a broad range of concentrations as well as being robust and reliable. ICP-MS is becoming more integrated into petroleum laboratories due to its maturity and versatility. This talk will cover our efforts towards developing an ASTM Jet Fuel method. Many interesting elements that aren’t commonly requested, including Platinum (Pt) and Pallidum (Pd), will be discussed with this new ICP-MS method. Preliminary data from our ASTM pilot study will be shared in this talk.
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Presenter: Jenny Nelson, PhD (Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Jenny Nelson received her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Cincinnati in 2007, and her MBA from Saint Mary’s College of California in 2011. Currently, Jenny is an Application Chemist for the Life Science and Chemical Analysis team at Agilent Technologies, joining in 2012 (with a step away in 2019). Jenny is also an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Viticulture and Enology at University of California, Davis since 2013. Jenny has been very active with AOAC and ASTM over the past 8 years, serving on expert review panels, chairing committees, and volunteering to develop new methods needed by the industry.
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Jenny has extensive experience in operating and method development for Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Jenny has broad knowledge and experience in different speciation analysis for many sample matrices using GC-ICPMS, LC-ICPMS. As well as vast experience with sp-ICP-MS, for many applications.
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Agilent Technologies: Efforts Towards an ASTM Jet Fuel Method

Efforts Towards an ASTM Jet Fuel Method

Efforts towards developing an ASTM Jet Fuel method. Many interesting elements that aren’t commonly requested, including Platinum (Pt) and Pallidum (Pd).

This talk will cover the new ASTM Standard Test Method for Determining Trace Elements in Biodiesel and Biodiesel Blends by Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (MP-AES).
This test method covers determining elements in biodiesel and biodiesel blends by MP-AES; calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sodium (Na). It is well understood that the presence of metals and metalloids in engine fuels can influence the performance of engines and contribute to shortening the lifetime of the equipment. In addition, some elements act as catalyst poison contributing to increases in the number of unwanted gases and particulate matter emitted by vehicles.
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Presenter: Jenny Nelson, PhD (Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Jenny Nelson received her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Cincinnati in 2007, and her MBA from Saint Mary’s College of California in 2011. Currently, Jenny is an Application Chemist for the Life Science and Chemical Analysis team at Agilent Technologies, joining in 2012 (with a step away in 2019). Jenny is also an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Viticulture and Enology at University of California, Davis since 2013. Jenny has been very active with AOAC and ASTM over the past 8 years, serving on expert review panels, chairing committees, and volunteering to develop new methods needed by the industry.
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Presenter: Paul Krampitz (Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Paul is a graduate of Bowling Green State University with a Chemistry Bachelor of Science degree. Twenty – five years of Spectroscopy experience mainly Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Spectroscopy as well as ICP-MS and AAS. His experience also includes X-Ray Fluorescence (ED, WD), Laser Ablation, Inorganic Speciation and Microwave Plasma Spectroscopy. Market Segment expertise includes environmental, petrochemical, metallurgical applications.
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Agilent Technologies: ASTM D8351-22: The newly approved Standard Test Method for Determination of Trace Elements in Biodiesel and Biodiesel Blends by Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (MP-AES)

ASTM D8351-22: The newly approved Standard Test Method for Determination of Trace Elements in Biodiesel and Biodiesel Blends by Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (MP-AES)

The new ASTM Standard Test Method for Determining Trace Elements in Biodiesel and Biodiesel Blends by Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (MP-AES).

ASTM D8351-22: The newly approved Standard Test Method

Agilent has been closely working with ASTM for a number of years to complete the MP-AES Biodiesel method.
We are excitied to announce that this is finally being completed, and we are thrilled to re-introduce this method to the community. Please join us for a refresher on this method.
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Presenter: Jenny Nelson, PhD (Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Jenny Nelson received her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Cincinnati in 2007, and her MBA from Saint Mary’s College of California in 2011. Currently, Jenny is an Application Chemist for the Life Science and Chemical Analysis team at Agilent Technologies, joining in 2012 (with a step away in 2019). Jenny is also an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Viticulture and Enology at University of California, Davis since 2013. Jenny has been very active with AOAC and ASTM over the past 8 years, serving on expert review panels, chairing committees, and volunteering to develop new methods needed by the industry.
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Jenny has extensive experience in operating and method development for Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Jenny has broad knowledge and experience in different speciation analysis for many sample matrices using GC-ICPMS, LC-ICPMS. As well as vast experience with sp-ICP-MS, for many applications.
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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: ASTM MP-AES Method- Efforts towards Finalizing the Biodiesel Method

ASTM MP-AES Method- Efforts towards Finalizing the Biodiesel Method

ASTM MP-AES Method- Efforts towards Finalizing the Biodiesel

This month-long, five-parts Energy and Chemical application workshop will showcase all Agilent atomic spectroscopy techniques, including ICP-OES and ICP-MS, and MPAES.
Week 1: We will start this series with our experts discussing sample preparation and sample introduction.
Week 2: We first give an overview of all the ASTM methods our atomic spectroscopy applications support, followed by breakout sessions with our experts of each technique for more detailed discussions. Bring your questions and comments to this small group, technique specific discussions.
Week 3: We will focus on applications (besides the ASTM methods discussed last week), both common and unique. We will continue to have breakout sessions for each technique with smaller group size and more detailed discussion for these applications. We look forward to all your comments and questions.
Week 4: We will have a live demo in one of our Center of Excellence (COE) to show you the features in both software and hardware of our ICP-OES and MPAES. We will have real world samples for the analysis and showcase the exceptional results our systems can provide.
Week 5: The workshop&#39;s final week, we will continue the live demo with features in software and hardware of our ICPMS systems, both single quadrupole, and triple quadrupole. We will show the robustness of the systems for all sample types while maintaining ultralow level analyte determination. We will also highlight the ability of the triple quadrupole system to remove interference for certain difficult analytes. In these two weeks&#39; live events, we look forward to interacting with the audience to answer any questions regarding the application or our systems.
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Presenter: Jenny Nelson, PhD (Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Jenny Nelson received her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Cincinnati in 2007, and her MBA from Saint Mary’s College of California in 2011. Currently, Jenny is an Application Scientist for the Life Science and Chemical Analysis team at Agilent Technologies, joining in 2012 (with a step away in 2019). Jenny is also an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Viticulture and Enology at the University of California, Davis, since 2013. Jenny has been very active with AOAC and ASTM over the past eight years, serving on expert review panels, chairing committees, and volunteering to develop new methods needed by the industry. Jenny has extensive experience in operating and method development for Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS), Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (MP-AES). Jenny has broad knowledge and experience in different speciation analysis for many sample matrices using GC-ICPMS and LC-ICPMS. As well as vast experience with sp-ICP-MS for many applications.
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Presenter: Yan Cheung (Applications Chemist, 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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Presenter: Paul Krampitz (Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Graduate of Bowling Green State University with a Chemistry Bachelor of Science degree. Twenty – five years of Spectroscopy experience mainly Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Spectroscopy as well as ICP-MS and AAS. Experience also includes X-Ray Fluorescence (ED, WD), Laser Ablation, Inorganic Speciation and Microwave Plasma Spectroscopy. Market Segment expertise includes environmental, petrochemical, metallurgical applications.
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Presenter: Mark Kelinske (Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Mark Kelinske is an Applications Chemist with Agilent Technologies, specializing in advanced ICP-MS and ICP-MS/MS techniques. He received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Texas A&amp;M University in College Station, TX. Prior to Agilent, Mark was a senior research scientist and research group manager with Southern Research Institute in Birmingham, AL, where he focused on low-level analytical chemistry, method development, and research program management.
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Agilent Technologies: Agilent Atomic Spectroscopy in Energy and Chemicals Part 1: Sample Preparation and Sample Introduction in ICP-OES, MP-AES, and ICP-MS

Sample Preparation and Sample Introduction in ICP-OES, MP-AES, and ICP-MS

Discussing sample preparation and sample introduction.

Sample Preparation in ICP-OES, MP-AES, and ICP-MS

Agilent Technologies: Agilent Atomic Spectroscopy in Energy and Chemicals Part 2: New and Existing ASTM Methods in ICP-OES, MP-AES, and ICP-MS

New and Existing ASTM Methods in ICP-OES, MP-AES, and ICP-MS

ASTM methods our atomic spectroscopy applications support, followed by breakout sessions with our experts of each technique for more detailed discussions.