<div><div><div>Our immune system is incredibly powerful: among other things, it can recognize and destroy cancer cells. But tumors can be just as effective at avoiding detection – they build “invisibility shields” to protect themselves from attack.</div></div><div>One breakthrough in cancer therapy has been immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), drugs that reactivate immune T cells and help them fight tumors again. However, only about 20–50% of patients respond well to this treatment. Researchers are therefore seeking alternative therapeutic strategies. A small and well-known molecule called adenosine plays a key role in these efforts.When tumor cells are stressed or dying, they release ATP, which is normally a signal that something is wrong in the tissue. But in the tumor microenvironment, ATP gets rapidly broken down by two enzymes, CD39 and CD73. Released adenosine acts like a chemical “calm-down” signal, binds to immune cells (T cells, NK cells, and others), and tells them to slow down, reducing their ability to kill cancer cells. Targeting CD73 therefore represents a promising strategy for developing new cancer treatments.</div><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/UOCHB_Nove_latky_mohou_podporit_imunitni_system_v_boji_s_rakovinou_88c5e82cd5.jpeg" alt="IOCB Prague: Development of potent inhibitors to boost the immune system's ability to fight cancer" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_UOCHB_Nove_latky_mohou_podporit_imunitni_system_v_boji_s_rakovinou_88c5e82cd5.jpeg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="661" height="363">At IOCB Prague, interdisciplinary teams led by Jan Řezáč, Jan Konvalinka, and Michal Hocek used a newly developed high-throughput screening method to test over 5,000 compounds, identifying two ribonucleoside derivatives as promising CD73 inhibitors.The scientists then improved the compounds’ activity by carefully modifying the ribonucleoside scaffold with bulky (het)aryl groups. Further optimization improved the pharmacokinetic properties of these compounds, yielding inhibitors with low clearance, long half-life, high solubility, and strong selectivity over related enzymes such as CD39.In cellular experiments, the compounds reduced adenosine production in cancer cells, restored T cell activation, and showed no toxicity toward human fibroblasts. The most active compound showed a single-digit picomolar inhibition constant (Ki).These findings establish a strong foundation for further in vivo efficacy and combination studies, which will explore the therapeutic potential of this novel inhibitor class.<blockquote><h4>The Original article</h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsptsci.5c00707">Potent Competitive Inhibitors of Ecto-5′-nucleotidase (CD73) based on 6-(Het)aryl-7-deazapurine Ribonucleoside 5′-O-Bisphosphonates</a></h4>Ugnė Šinkevičiu̅tė, Magdalena Šímová, Radek Staník, Lenka Poštová Slavětínská, Kristýna Blažková, Pavel Šácha, Martin Lepšík, Jan Řezáč, Jan Konvalinka, Tereza Ormsby, Michal Tichý, Michal HocekACS Pharmacol. Transl. Sci. 2026, 9, 1, 191–213<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsptsci.5c00707">https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsptsci.5c00707</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>CD73 generates immunosuppressive adenosine in the tumor microenvironment and is a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. We have designed and systematically studied diverse 2-substituted 7-deazapurine ribonucleoside 5′-O-bisphosphonates bearing a variety of (het)aryl groups at position 6 and discovered their highly potent and selective CD73 inhibition activity. The most active compounds (with single-digit picomolar Ki) contained bicyclic (het)aryl groups at position 6 in combination with chlorine at position 2. Further optimization of pharmacokinetic properties identified inhibitors with low clearance, long half-life, high solubility, and excellent selectivity over CD39 and NTPDase3. They effectively suppressed adenosine formation in MDA-MB-231 cells, rescued CD8+ T cell activation, and were nontoxic to human fibroblasts. Overall, their profile compares favorably with AB680, a CD73 inhibitor currently in phase I/II clinical trials.</div>

Development of potent inhibitors to boost the immune system's ability to fight cancer

In the week from April 13, the following webinars await you in the field of atomic and molecular spectroscopy and spectrometry<blockquote><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinars">👉 DETAILS AND REGISTRATION IN THE WEBINARS SECTION</a></h4>👉 Search and filter in the largest global database with over 5 500 GC, LC, MS and spectroscopy webinars.</blockquote><h5>1. Agilent Technologies: The Journey of Safer Science through Safer Labs</h5><ul><li>Tu, 14.4.2026 07:30 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6104">Registration</a></li></ul>Agilent Safer Labs webinar highlights best practices in lab safety, including handling, storage, and instrumentation, helping professionals build safer, more efficient laboratory environments.<h5>2. Agilent Technologies: Rapid Analysis of Elemental Impurities in Li-ion Battery Samples by an ICP-OES and an Autodilutor</h5><ul><li>Tu, 14.4.2026 20:30 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6046">Registration</a></li></ul>Learn how smart ICP-OES and automated dilution streamline lithium-ion battery analysis, improving productivity while addressing spectral interferences in complex supply-chain matrices.<h5>3. Milestone: Sustainable Sample Preparation for Elemental Analysis: Practical Actions for a Greener Lab</h5><ul><li>We, 15.4.2026 16:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5820">Registration</a></li></ul>Discover how Milestone’s GreenPrep MW Score helps laboratories reduce acid use, energy consumption, and waste in elemental analysis without sacrificing analytical performance.<h5>4. Metrohm: Measure smarter, spend less – NIR spectroscopy for polymer analysis</h5><ul><li>Th, 16.4.2026 15:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6032">Registration</a></li></ul>Discover how NIR spectroscopy enables fast, chemical-free polymer analysis. Learn how manufacturers can streamline quality control, reduce waste, and improve efficiency with rapid multi-parameter measurements.<h5>5. SPECTRO Analytical Instruments: How Automated ED-XRF Workflows Strengthen Elemental Analysis Performance</h5><ul><li>Th, 16.4.2026 17:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6105">Registration</a></li></ul>Discover how automation in sample preparation and ED-XRF improves reproducibility, reduces errors, and enhances throughput for materials like cement, slag, and ores in modern laboratories.<h5>6. C&amp;EN: Precision Lab Solutions for High-End Optics and Coatings</h5><ul><li>Th, 16.4.2026 17:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6096">Registration</a></li></ul>Join this presentation and open discussion with industry-leading experts Patrick Muller and Kieran Evans – leaders in UV/Vis and IR analytical methods and testing techniques.

Webinars LabRulezICPMS Week 16/2026

Investigating Plastic–Metal Interactions in Aquatic Environments Using Laser Ablation ICP–MS and Chemical Markers

Article

Webinars

Scientific article

Science and research

The Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague) is a leading scientific institution in the Czech Republic, recognized internationally. Its primary mission is basic research in the fields of chemical biology and medicinal chemistry, organic and material oriented chemistry, chemistry of natural compounds, biochemistry and molecular biology, physical chemistry, theoretical chemistry, and analytical chemistry. 

Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences

Everything from the world of analytical chemistry in one place. We connect people in solving their problems. At Labrulez you will find all the necessary information easily, quickly and clearly. Stop searching and start finding.

LabRulez

Separation Science

Metrohm

Agilent Technologies

Cannabis testing focuses on harm reduction, by testing for unwanted pesticides, heavy metals and biological contamination. Cannabis and hemp products are tested just before being sold to consumers. While this single point testing mostly ensures the safety of the consumer, it does not safe the producer from process waste and product losses. In-process analytics is a valuable addition to cannabis and hemp production designs.
An IR Platform will be presented as a rapid, reliable and cheap platform for QC step.
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Presenter: Markus Roggen, PhD (President/CSO, Delic Labs)
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Dr. Markus Roggen is President and Chief Scientific Officer of Delic Labs, a licensed cannabis and psilocybin research laboratory focused on extraction optimization, analytical testing, and process development. Delic Labs is one of a handful of research labs licensed for both cannabis and psilocybin in Canada. Dr. Roggen received his PhD in organic chemistry from the Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich (ETHZ). His research was recognized with numerous awards.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Cannabis & Hemp analysis with FTIR

Cannabis & Hemp analysis with FTIR

An IR Platform will be presented as a rapid, reliable and cheap platform for QC step.

Agilent ICP-MS MassHunter Workstation instrument control and data analysis software manages all aspects of setup, operation and maintenance of Agilent ICP-QQQ instruments and accessories.
ICP-MS MassHunter is packed with all the features you need for ICP-MS software for the 8800 &amp; 8900 ICP-QQQ.​ With an all new redesigned interface, ICP-MS MassHunter streamlines the analytical workflow from start to finish. Smart features help you optimize instrument maintenance and let you know more about your samples giving you unprecedented insight into samples and instrument health.
Learn more about how the new ICP-QQQ MassHunter can transform your ICP-MS workflow in this Part 3 of our ICP-QQQ Software Bootcamp.
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Presenter: Bert Woods (Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Joined the Agilent ICP-MS team in 2004, with previous employment in the semiconductor industry with Dominion Semiconductor (IBM/Toshiba) and Micron. Bert is a 1997 Chemistry graduate of Radford University in Virginia and an avid Washington DC Sports fan.
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Agilent Technologies: Software BootCamp Kick-off - ICP-QQQ

Software BootCamp Kick-off - ICP-QQQ

Learn more about how the new ICP-QQQ MassHunter can transform your ICP-MS workflow in this Part 3 of our ICP-QQQ Software Bootcamp.

Polarizers are a common accessory on UV-VIS-NIR spectrometers. Though not needed for every measurement, there are certain common experiments where it is important to have one.
We will discuss in this presentation how polarizers operate in the spectrometer and some examples of when they are needed for transmission and reflection spectroscopy.
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Presenter: Scott Melis, PhD (Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Scott Melis has a PHD in Physics from Georgetown University in Washington, DC and started with Agilent in 2021 as a Molecular Spectroscopy Application Scientist. In his graduate work, Scott studied nanoparticle formation and growth for a variety of applications. Projects that he worked with include developing processes to deposit and characterize semiconducting molecular nano-cocrystals for use in optoelectronic devices as well as controlling polymer nanoparticle size through rapid mixing conditions.
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Agilent Technologies: When Do I Need a Polarizer on my UV-Vis-NIR?

When Do I Need a Polarizer on my UV-Vis-NIR?

We will discuss how polarizers operate in the spectrometer and some examples of when they are needed for transmission and reflection spectroscopy.

Do you regularly perform quality control or product screening of polymers? Then you know that this task usually requires several different technologies to determine critical parameters such as density, intrinsic viscosity, hydroxyl value, melt flow index, and more
In our upcoming webinar, Maria Angeles Cartes Dominguez and Wim Guns, both from Metrohm, present an alternative method for routine QC and screening of polymers. 
This multi-parameter approach is based on Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) and allows manufacturers and processors to determine multiple chemical and physical QC parameters all at the same time, in less than a minute, and without any sample preparation required. In fact, NIRS has been proven a solution that helped some of our customers to reduce the costs of their routine QC of polymers by up to 90%. Register for this webinar and learn:
<ul>
<li>What NIRS is and how this technology works</li>
<li>How NIRS compares to traditional wet chemistry</li>
<li>How NIRS is applied as per ASTM guidelines</li>
<li>Application examples for NIRS from the polymer sector</li>
</ul>
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Presenter: Wim Guns (International Sales Support, Metrohm International Headquarters)
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Wim Guns is based in The Netherlands and has a degree in chemical engineering. After 20 years of involvement with NIRS for FOSS, Wim joined the Metrohm organization in 2013. Wim is responsible for NIRS sales support and second line support for all Metrohm affiliates and distributors.
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Presenter: Maria Angeles Cartes Dominguez, PhD (Product Specialist Spectroscopy, Metrohm International Headquarters)
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Dr. Maria Cartes studied Chemistry. After finishing her PhD studies on ethylene polymerization at the University of Seville (Spain), she moved to Switzerland to work there as a Post-doc. In the beginning of 2021 Maria joined Metrohm where she works as Product Specialist spectroscopy at the Competence Center Spectroscopy, providing NIRS international support and product training.
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Metrohm: NIRS for polymers – a faster solution for product screening and QC

NIRS for polymers – a faster solution for product screening and QC

In our upcoming webinar, Maria Angeles Cartes Dominguez and Wim Guns, both from Metrohm, present an alternative method for routine QC and screening of polymers.

NIRS for polymers – solution for product screening and QC

The growing demand for battery production has increased the importance for battery manufacturers to ensure that production workflows are efficient and cost-effective. With the complexity of battery manufacturing workflows, there is a high-value need to ensure that the performance and safety of pre-production testing of raw materials, in-process monitoring of intermediate components, and end-products meets specific industry standards.
With the support of a modern laboratory information management system (LIMS), an organization can centrally organize the data generation through battery quality management workflows, and successfully access, analyze, and share data and information to increase time and efficiency. Implementing a LIMS can aggregate data in a meaningful way, seamlessly share that data, and drive insightful decision-making. With the right informatics tools to support production, battery manufacturers can build a strong foundation for improved quality and efficiency making sure that industry standards are met.
Attend this presentation to...
<ul>
<li>discover how LIMS can improve traceability, data integrity, and efficiency in battery cell manufacturing workflows</li>
<li>learn what the benefits of implementing a LIMS into your battery manufacturing organization today would be.</li>
</ul>
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Presenter: Tareq Al-Najjar (Global Strategic Account Executive, Energy – Digital Science Solutions, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
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Tareq has extensive experience identifying, establishing, and expanding market/product presence in the oil, gas, and energy arenas. With his most recent experience as the VP of International Business Development/Investor Relations at Vacom Systems LLC from 2015–2022, Tareq joined the Thermo Fisher Scientific team in February 2022 to bring his expertise into the LIMS sector. Tareq has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Utah and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Utah David Eccles School of Business.
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Separation Science: How LIMS can benefit battery manufacturing workflows

How LIMS can benefit battery manufacturing workflows

An upcoming presentation outlining the benefits of implementing a laboratory information management system into battery cell manufacturing workflows.

ICP-based analytical technologies are common inorganic analysis tools for trace elemental analysis in a wide range of industries. Instrument performance has evolved with ever more challenging regulations and to meet requirements for new and emerging applications. The role of software, however, is often underestimated when considering opportunities to improve the overall performance of the instrument and laboratory.
In a laboratory environment where personnel are required to operate a growing number of technologies, instruments that can support and facilitate daily tasks are critical to success.
The Thermo Scientific™ Qtegra™ Intelligent Scientific Data Solution is an instrument agnostic software platform controlling a wide range of instruments, such as ICP-OES, ICP-MS and MC-ICP-MS, that can help address this challenge. User centric architecture and intelligent software features for bringing the system into operation, handling interferences and real time data evaluation help overcome the typical challenges faced by many inorganic analytical laboratories.
This presentation will highlight the key role that software plays in a modern and integrated laboratory for elemental analysis. Attend and learn how software can support daily tasks and streamline your analytical workflow.
Attend this presentation to...
<ul>
<li>Discover how cross-platform software can assist your daily work and help you be more efficient in the modern inorganic laboratory</li>
<li>Understand how software can leverage the full potential of your instrument</li>
<li>Learn how data visualization can help you to streamline processes and deliver results faster</li>
</ul>
Who Should Attend:
<ul>
<li>Analysts operating multiple instruments for the analysis of trace elements</li>
<li>Operators handling large sets of data and expected to deliver results quickly</li>
<li>Lab leaders in search of new solutions for efficiency and compliance</li>
</ul>
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Presenter: Jon Peters (Product Marketing Manager, Trace Elemental Analysis, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
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Jon applies his experience with trace elemental analysis software, consumables, and sample introduction accessories to innovative marketing initiatives for ICP-OES and ICP-MS.
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Presenter: Shona McSheehy Ducos (Senior Product Manager, Qtegra ISDS Software, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
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Following post graduate studies specializing in analytical chemistry, Shona joined Thermo Fisher Scientific in 2006 and has had a series of roles applying experience to development of trace elemental instruments and platform software.
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Separation Science: Learn how Intelligent Software can Streamline your Elemental Analysis Workflow

Learn how Intelligent Software can Streamline your Elemental Analysis Workflow

Upcoming presentation examining the key role that software plays in a modern and integrated laboratory for elemental analysis.

How Intelligent Software can Streamline Elemental Analysis

The new revision to Agilent&#39;s 8700 LDIR Software will be presented, showing new features for further simplification of workflows for analysis of microplastics.
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Presenter: Louis Tisinger, PhD (Application Engineer, Molecular Spectroscopy, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Louis (Lou) Tisinger has a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from Miami University in Oxford Ohio, where his graduate research involved the study of ATR imaging and microscope performance in vibrational spectroscopy. Most of his career has been related to pre- and post-sales support of FTIR spectrometers, microscopes, imaging systems, and thermal analytical instruments, focusing on analyzing customer samples, demonstrations, post-sales training, troubleshooting, and R&amp;D.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Improved Automated Microplastics Analysis Workflows

Improved Automated Microplastics Analysis Workflows

The new revision to Agilent's 8700 LDIR Software will be presented, showing new features for further simplification of workflows for analysis of microplastics.

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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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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Jet Fuel by ICP-MS

This talk will cover our efforts towards developing an ASTM Jet Fuel method.

An in depth look on techniques, tips and tricks on achieving the lowest detection limits for semiconductor analysis on the ICP-QQQ.<blockquote>Presenter:&nbsp; Bert Woods (Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)Joined the Agilent ICP-MS team in 2004, with previous employment in the semiconductor industry with Dominion Semiconductor (IBM/Toshiba) and Micron. Bert is a 1997 Chemistry graduate of Radford University in Virginia and an avid Washington DC Sports fan.</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Agilent Webinars On Demand

Chasing Zero, Ultra Trace Analysis by ICP-QQQ: Workshop

An in depth look on techniques, tips and tricks on achieving the lowest detection limits for semiconductor analysis on the ICP-QQQ

Learning new software can be a challenge, but it does not have to be. Join us and this presentation to learn some tips and tricks surrounding the Cary WinUV software and the Cary 4000/5000/6000i/7000 UV-Vis-NIR systems including how to monitor your deuterium lamp to determine when to replace it.<blockquote>PResenter:&nbsp; Mark Fisher, PhD (Application Engineer, Molecular Spectroscopy, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)Mark, an Application Scientist for Agilent Technologies, has over 30 years of experience in molecular spectroscopy. He has held roles in Agilent's UV-Vis-NIR, fluorescence, and atomic absorption product portfolios. In addition to identifying industry trends and new business needs, Mark's responsibilities include application development, pre and post-sales support, as well as acting as a customer advocate for new product and technology opportunities. Mark received his doctorate in analytical chemistry from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.</blockquote>

Navigating through the Cary WinUV Software: A Software Bootcamp

Join us and this presentation to learn some tips and tricks surrounding the Cary WinUV software and the Cary 4000/5000/6000i/7000 UV-Vis-NIR systems