Scientists at IOCB Prague are uncovering new details of gene transcription. They have identified a previously unknown molecular mechanism by which the transcription of genetic information from deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) into ribonucleic acid (RNA) can be initiated. The researchers focused on a specific class of molecules known as alarmones, which are found in cells across a wide range of organisms and whose levels often increase under conditions of cellular stress. The results were published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature Chemical Biology.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_bc2bfffa6c.jpg" alt="IOCB Prague/Tomáš Belloň: Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription: Dr. Hana Cahová, head of the Chemical Biology of Nucleic Acids research group." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_bc2bfffa6c.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="2000" height="1335"><div>Molecules of ribonucleic acid can carry a variety of chemical modifications at one end, known as caps. In eukaryotic organisms, including human cells, the best-known cap plays an important role in RNA stability and in regulating its subsequent fate. In recent years, however, it has become clear that alternative, non-canonical RNA caps also exist, although their formation and the mechanisms by which they are attached to RNA remain only partially understood. These include alarmone caps, formed by dinucleoside polyphosphate molecules, that protect cellular RNA at moments when the cell is under threat.In their study, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cahova.group.uochb.cz/en">Dr. Hana Cahová</a> and colleagues examined bacterial RNA polymerase and investigated how this enzyme can initiate transcription using dinucleoside polyphosphates (NpNs) instead of the standard RNA building blocks. For the first time, the scientists described, at the atomic level, how RNA bearing an alarmone cap can be generated directly at the initiation of gene transcription. They also observed that NpNs bind through a different type of base pairing than is typically observed.The work was significantly shaped by Valentina Serianni from Hana Cahová’s team, who demonstrated the ability of dinucleoside polyphosphates to initiate gene transcription, and by Jana Škerlová, who focused on the structural analysis of RNA polymerase. Using cryogenic electron microscopy data, she showed how dinucleoside polyphosphate molecules bind within the active site of RNA polymerase – that is, the core of the enzyme where genetic information is transcribed. Together, their findings help to elucidate the processes that accompany the transcription of genetic information from DNA to RNA.Hana Cahová adds: “We’re describing something that truly occurs in cells and that we’re now able to observe directly at the level of individual molecules. This allows us to answer fundamental questions about cellular processes, such as how cells adapt to stress. RNA plays a central role in this, as it carries the cascade of information underlying any cellular response – for example, to threatening conditions caused by nutrient deprivation or temperature shock.”<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_2_0fe88ff9e9.jpg" alt="IOCB Prague/Tomáš Belloň: Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription: Dr. Tomáš Kouba, head of the Cryogenic Electron Microscopy core facility." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_2_0fe88ff9e9.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="2000" height="1335"><div>Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) was central to the project. This part of the work was led by Dr. Tomáš Kouba, one of the authors of the study. “Cryogenic electron microscopy allows us to freeze biological molecules in a state very close to their natural form and then determine their three-dimensional structure. This makes it possible to look directly into the active centers of enzymes and observe their function down to the atomic level,” he explains.Last year, IOCB Prague opened a new <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cryoem.group.uochb.cz/en">cryo-EM center</a> that is unique within the Czech research environment. State-of-the-art cryogenic electron microscopes are housed in a specially designed building and enable the study of biological processes with exceptional structural precision.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_3_4d881e7a58.jpg" alt="IOCB Prague: Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription: This work shows how NpnNs initiate bacterial transcription. Cryo-EM reveals how nucleobases pair with the template: one in canonical and one in reverse Watson–Crick mode, providing a structural basis for their function as non-canonical RNA caps." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_3_4d881e7a58.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2000" height="1077"><blockquote><h4>The Original article</h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41589-025-02134-5">Molecular insight into 5′ RNA capping with NpnNs by bacterial RNA polymerase</a></h4>Valentina M. Serianni, Jana Škerlová, Anna Knopp Dubánková, Anton Škríba, Hana Šváchová, Tereza Vučková, Anatolij Filimoněnko, Milan Fábry, Pavlína Řezáčová, Tomáš Kouba &amp; Hana Cahova&nbsp;Nat. Chem. Biol. 21 (2026)<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-025-02134-5">https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-025-02134-5</a><h6>licensed under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC-BY 4.0</a></h6></blockquote><h4>Abstract</h4>RNA capped with dinucleoside polyphosphates has been discovered in bacteria and eukaryotes only recently. The likely mechanism of this specific capping involves direct incorporation of dinucleoside polyphosphates by RNA polymerase as noncanonical initiating nucleotides. However, how these compounds bind into the active site of RNA polymerase during transcription initiation is unknown. Here, we explored transcription initiation in vitro, using a series of DNA templates in combination with dinucleoside polyphosphates and model RNA polymerase from Thermus thermophilus. We observed that the transcription start site can vary on the basis of the compatibility of the specific template and dinucleoside polyphosphate. Cryo-electron microscopy structures of transcription initiation complexes with dinucleoside polyphosphates revealed that both nucleobase moieties can pair with the DNA template. The first encoded nucleotide pairs in a canonical Watson–Crick manner, whereas the second nucleobase pairs noncanonically in a reverse Watson–Crick manner. Our work provides a structural explanation of how dinucleoside polyphosphates initiate RNA transcription.</div></div>

Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription

In the week from February 9, 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 5 000 GC, LC, MS and spectroscopy webinars.</blockquote><h5>1. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Process Raman – A Reliable and Versatile Tool for Downstream Process Monitoring and Control for mAb Production</h5><ul><li>Tu, 10.2.2026 16:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5808">Registration</a></li></ul>The presentation highlights how process Raman spectroscopy offers several advantages over traditional in-line UV-Vis analysis for process monitoring and metabolite production control.<h5>2. Bruker: Meet Compact-Q DEER Spectrometer – Your Gateway to Quantum Innovation</h5><ul><li>Tu, 10.2.2026 17:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5757">Registration</a></li></ul>Discover how the Compact-Q DEER spectrometer enables high-fidelity qubit characterization and control, combining advanced microwave architecture, AWGs, and cryogen-free operation.<h5>3. Agilent Technologies: Novel Advancements in Trace Level Determination and Long-Term Stability of Metals in TMAH and UPW Matrices</h5><ul><li>Tu, 10.2.2026 21:30 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/3733">Registration</a></li></ul>Explore novel approaches for trace-level metal determination and long-term stability assessment in TMAH and ultrapure water matrices.<h5>4. AZoM: From First to Best – Introducing the Litesizer DIF Series</h5><ul><li>We, 11.2.2026 15:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5765">Registration</a></li></ul>Join this live webinar introducing the new Litesizer DIF series of laser diffraction particle size analyzers.<h5>5. Anton Paar: Polymer Rheology – Rotational and Transient Measurements on a Polymer Melt</h5><ul><li>We, 11.2.2026 18:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5786">Registration</a></li></ul>Learn how rotational and transient viscosity measurements on rotational rheometers reveal polymer melt flow behavior, from method setup and accessories to data interpretation.<h5>6. Milestone: Practical Guidance to Improve the Journey from Sample to Heavy Metals Analysis for Environmental Labs</h5><ul><li>Th, 12.2.2026 16:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5803">Registration</a></li></ul>Improve heavy metals analysis in environmental laboratories with practical tips on reagents, filtration, cleaning, and workflow optimization to enhance data quality and efficiency.<h5>7. Agilent Technologies: Moving from R&amp;D and Limited QC on a UV-Vis-NIR Instrument to Large-Scale QC Using an Autosampler</h5><ul><li>Th, 12.2.2026 20:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/2104">Registration</a></li></ul>This presentation covers key aspects of adding and using an autosampler to maximize UV-Vis-NIR QC workflows when scaling from R&amp;D to routine quality control.

Webinars LabRulezICPMS Week 07/2026

LA-ICP-MS imaging, particularly in TOF mode, provides rapid, high-resolution elemental maps of complex geological materials, but quantitative accuracy is often limited by heterogeneous mineralogy. This study introduces a workflow using UMAP for unsupervised dimensionality reduction combined with k-means clustering to segment mineral phases directly from per-pixel elemental data.Cluster compositions are matched to known minerals based on stoichiometry, allowing phase-specific normalization and reducing quantification errors by up to 60%. Validated on dawsonite-bearing sandstones, the approach enables consistent phase-resolved geochemical comparisons across depth profiles and establishes UMAP as a practical tool for accurate, interpretable multielement imaging.<blockquote><h4>The original article</h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c05398">Mineral Phase-Resolved Quantification in LA-ICP-MS Imaging</a></h4>Barbara Umfahrer, Jakub Buday, Pavel Pořízka, Jozef Kaiser, Paolo S. Garofalo*, and Detlef Günther*Anal. Chem. 2026, 98, 1, 581–589<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c05398">https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c05398</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.Since its introduction in 1985, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(1)</a> Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) has matured into a routine technique for both qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis, finding use in diverse fields such as geology, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(2−4)</a> biology, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(5,6)</a> materials science, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(7)</a> and cultural heritage. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(8,9)</a> Especially in comparison to liquid analysis techniques, the method excels through minimal sample preparation, negligible sample destruction, and low limits of detection, which enable trace element analysis. However, besides the availability of standard reference materials, a longstanding challenge of quantitative LA-ICP-MS is the need for a suitable internal standard to account for variations in ablation rate and transport efficiency, as well as instrumental drift. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(10)</a> Developed for applications in geological matrices, this requirement was elegantly circumvented by Liu et al. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(11)</a> through 100 wt % normalization, which assumes that all detected elements form oxides summing up to 100 wt %. This approach was conceptually inspired by the summed-spectrum normalization calibration procedure introduced by Leach and Hieftje in 2000, which emphasized the use of total signal intensities for robust internal standardization. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(12)</a> The 100 wt % normalization strategy was subsequently extended to the bulk analysis of carbonates. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(13)</a>Concurrently, the advent of time-of-flight (TOF) mass analyzers and the development of fast-washout laser ablation cells <a href="javascript:void(0);">(14−16)</a> have transformed LA-ICP-MS into a powerful imaging tool, capable of generating spatial maps across a variety of sample matrices at high data acquisition rates. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(17−19)</a> Furthermore, in comparison to, e.g., X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) or Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), LA-ICP-MS offers a high depth resolution of approximately 0.2 μm on glass, enabling precise measurement of fine-scale structures not only laterally but also in depth. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(18)</a> However, as the volume and complexity of these elemental images have grown according to the progressive advancement of the method itself, now consisting of gigabytes of data produced within minutes, manual data interpretation has become increasingly impractical. To uncover meaningful details and patterns, researchers have applied multivariate methods such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and k-means clustering to reduce dimensionality and delineate distinct regions within the images. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(20−23)</a> The nonlinear dimensionality reduction technique Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP), <a href="javascript:void(0);">(24)</a> which supports data interpretation with its capability to capture and separate subtle local structures, has first been employed to LA-ICP-MS bulk analysis data in 2024, where it was used to classify pyrite samples and discriminate between Pb and Zn deposit types. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(25,26)</a> In combination with elemental imaging, UMAP has recently been applied to biological tissue data sets as an exploratory analysis tool, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(27)</a> further enhancing the ability to visualize and interpret complex elemental distributions.Despite these advances, no existing approach combines the unsupervised segmentation of mineral phases by UMAP with phase-specific normalization. In this study, we introduce a UMAP-driven workflow that (1) automatically segments distinct mineralogical phases within fine-grained geological matrices and (2) applies phase-specific 100 wt % normalization (e.g., oxide <a href="javascript:void(0);">(11)</a> or carbonate <a href="javascript:void(0);">(13)</a>), thereby improving quantification accuracy and enabling phase-specific quantitative interpretation of mineral distributions in complex matrices.<h4>Materials and Methods</h4><h5>LA-ICP-TOFMS Imaging</h5>LA-ICP-TOFMS analyses were performed using a 193 nm ArF excimer laser (GeoLas C, Lambda Physik, Göttingen, Germany) coupled to an ICP-TOFMS instrument (icpTOF 2R, TOFWERK AG, Thun, Switzerland). Ablation was conducted in the modified parallel flow ablation cell (MPFAC) <a href="javascript:void(0);">(16,34)</a> under a He atmosphere (99.999%, Linde Gas Schweiz AG, Dagmersellen, Switzerland) with Ar (99.996%, Linde Gas Schweiz AG) used as the carrier gas. A piezoelectrically driven xyz translational stage (1 nm resolution, SmarAct GmbH, Oldenburg, Germany) enabled precise sample positioning. Laser, stage movement, and ICP-TOFMS data acquisition were synchronized using a custom-built imaging control system. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(19)</a> The system was optimized each day based on maximum sensitivity while ensuring a 238U+/232Th+ intensity ratio of 1.0 to 1.1 on NIST SRM 610 and a 232Th16O+/232Th+ rate of below 0.5%.<h5>LIBS Imaging</h5>The LIBS analyses were performed on a Firefly system (Lightigo, Czech Republic). The laser (1064 nm, 5 mJ, pulse duration ∼10 ns, diameter 6 mm, operating at 50 Hz) was focused on the sample with a singlet lens (focal length 50 mm) to a 30 μm spot. The spatial resolution of the acquired elemental maps, with a size of about 16 mm × 26 mm, was 20 μm. Plasma radiation is collected by a multifiber configuration with a collimator and an optical fiber (400 μm core diameter), which delivered the light to several Czerny–Turner spectrometers (resolution 0.25–0.4 nm). The spectral range of the spectrometers is 180–850 nm. The radiation is collected 1.5 μs after ablation, with a gate width of 15 μs.Data processing was done with Python 3.11.8 in the Spyder environment and included background correction and per-pixel z-score normalization.<h4>Results and Discussion</h4><h5>LIBS and XRD Measurements</h5>To assess whether carbonate-based normalization <a href="javascript:void(0);">(13)</a> is warranted, first, large-scale LIBS elemental intensity maps of the samples across about a third of the thin sections were acquired. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c05398#fig1">Figure 1</a> reveals the results for “Layer 2” of the Poggio del Gatto sandstone for selected elements. A complete mapping of all four thin sections can be found in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c05398/suppl_file/ac5c05398_si_001.pdf">Figures S3 and S6</a> in the Supporting Information. The maps reveal that C is strongly enriched in fracture veins as well as in finer-grained domains within the matrix and correlates with Ca, indicating carbonate minerals rather than oxides. Bulk XRD analysis identifies calcite alongside quartz, plagioclase, white mica, and kaolinite. These complementary observations confirm calcite as a major phase and thus justify the need for performing the 100 wt % normalization on a carbonate basis for pixels representing calcite.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Anal_Chem_2026_98_1_581_589_Figure_1_LIBS_elemental_intensity_maps_of_the_data_set_from_Layer_2_of_the_Poggio_del_Gatto_sandstone_mounted_on_a_microscope_slide_73ada1b7b8.jpg" alt="Anal. Chem. 2026, 98, 1, 581–589: Figure 1. LIBS elemental intensity maps of the data set from “Layer 2” of the Poggio del Gatto sandstone mounted on a microscope slide, depicting calcite veins and fine-grained structures within the matrix, underlining the need for carbonate-based normalization for specific pixels. Emission lines for evaluation are shown in the corresponding subfigure title. The epoxy used to fix the thin section on the slide is visible along the margin." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Anal_Chem_2026_98_1_581_589_Figure_1_LIBS_elemental_intensity_maps_of_the_data_set_from_Layer_2_of_the_Poggio_del_Gatto_sandstone_mounted_on_a_microscope_slide_73ada1b7b8.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2088" height="414"><h5>Renormalization Based on Carbonates</h5>Applying an oxide-based normalization to carbonate samples will introduce composition-dependent biases that cannot immediately be generalized as a singular numerical value. The difference between the molecular masses of carbonate CO32– and its oxide equivalent O2– yields an intrinsic bias on the order of a factor of about two, depending on the stoichiometry. Once this data is renormalized to a total of 100 wt %, the magnitude of the error becomes highly dependent on the specific elemental composition of the sample. An exemplary calculation illustrating this effect for a representative calcite pixel is provided in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c05398/suppl_file/ac5c05398_si_001.pdf">Table S2</a>, yielding a relative error of 79%. In practice, this error varies across the image according to the local phase composition. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c05398#fig6">Figure 6</a> illustrates the impact of normalization approaches for layer 2 of the samples as well as the spatial distribution of the resulting relative error. The figure presents Ca and Si elemental maps in two rows, while the first three columns compare different normalization strategies: normalization based on all oxides, normalization based on all carbonates, and a pixel-wise normalization guided by mineral phase identification, as outlined in the workflow proposed in this study. The final column displays the relative error between the bulk oxide- or carbonate-based normalization and the pixel-wise, phase-informed normalization.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Anal_Chem_2026_98_1_581_589_Figure_6_Comparison_of_normalization_strategies_for_Ca_and_Si_LA_ICP_TOFMS_elemental_maps_in_Layer_2_ce3a0c1a5c.jpg" alt="Anal. Chem. 2026, 98, 1, 581–589: Figure 6. Comparison of normalization strategies for Ca and Si LA-ICP-TOFMS elemental maps in “Layer 2” of the Poggio del Gatto sandstone. Rows show Ca (top) and Si (bottom); columns compare (1) oxide-based normalization, (2) carbonate-based normalization, (3) pixel-wise, phase-informed normalization (this study), and (4) relative error between the first two and the phase-informed approach." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Anal_Chem_2026_98_1_581_589_Figure_6_Comparison_of_normalization_strategies_for_Ca_and_Si_LA_ICP_TOFMS_elemental_maps_in_Layer_2_ce3a0c1a5c.jpg 202w," sizes="100vw" width="2088" height="1622">For Ca (in this matrix primarily associated with calcite, a dominant carbonate phase in our samples), the relative error depicted quantifies the effect of applying oxide-based normalization across the entire image. This results in a systematic overestimation of the Ca concentration by approximately 60%. Conversely, for Si─in this matrix found mainly in quartz and various plagioclase phases─the error is shown for applying carbonate-based normalization across an oxidic matrix. In such cases, the Si concentrations are underestimated by roughly 10% to 40%, depending on the mineral phase.These findings highlight that using a single normalization scheme across heterogeneous samples introduces substantial quantification errors. To mitigate this, the pixel-wise phase segmentation enabled by the proposed UMAP-based workflow offers a significant advantage, especially in fine-grained matrices. In short, phase-aware, pixel-wise normalization combines the strengths of both normalization approaches and proves to be highly beneficial.<h4>Conclusion</h4>This study demonstrates that phase-specific normalization, guided by unsupervised phase segmentation of LA-ICP-MS images, can substantially improve the accuracy of elemental quantification in fine-grained geological matrices. Rather than relying on a single global assumption (e.g., all oxides or all carbonates), the workflow adapts normalization to the actual mineralogy, minimizing systematic errors and enabling phase-resolved geochemical interpretation.The segmentation step, based on UMAP embedding and k-means clustering, is fully unsupervised. However, the subsequent matching of clusters to specific minerals still relies on a limited set of preidentified stoichiometries and is therefore not yet fully unsupervised. Expansion to larger stoichiometric databases could help overcome this limitation and move toward automated mineral classification. A key challenge remains the similarity of cation ratios in certain mineral groups, which may still require complementary data to ensure robust assignments.Overall, beyond the specific case of the Poggio del Gatto sandstone presented in this study, this work provides a framework for quantitative elemental imaging of complex geological samples and is readily transferable to other contexts that require spatially resolved composition-aware normalization. This contribution adds a practical implementation to a growing literature that already uses multivariate statistics to unlock the immense information depth of LA-ICP-TOFMS.

Mineral Phase-Resolved Quantification in LA-ICP-MS Imaging

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

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

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Conventional chemical analysis requires sophisticated sampling and laboratory instrumentation, which are usually costly and time consuming. There is a trend for chemical analyses to shift from complex laboratory procedures to rapid, simple and non-destructive spectroscopic methods that can be used in the field. Handheld Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has the advantage of providing chemical information for rapid in situ site characterization.
Agilent’s portable handheld FTIR spectrometers provide a perfect solution for in-field analysis with great convenience, stability and high-throughput solution to the RMID applications. This online seminar provides a comprehensive introduction to the FTIR in-field testing technology and Agilent TopScan 4300 Handheld spectrometer.
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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.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Handheld FTIR for in-field Chemical Analysis

Handheld FTIR for in-field Chemical Analysis

This online seminar provides a comprehensive introduction to the FTIR in-field testing technology and Agilent TopScan 4300 Handheld spectrometer.

On-site chemistry analysis has been a more and more important task of today’s FTIR spectroscopy. However, the traditional desktop or mobile FTIR instruments still facing significant restrictions. Agilent’s Handheld FTIR spectrometer is a unique and innovative platform for measuring samples on site to yield fast and reliable chemistry analyses.
The ergonomically-designed handheld systems can handle tough sampling situations in which the samples are difficult to be reached by traditional FTIR spectrometers. The versatile system is equipped with variety of accessories such as ATR, Specular Reflection and Diffusive Reflection, making minor-damage or even non-invasive testing practical.
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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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Agilnt Technologies: Out of Lab Analysis Workshop: Meet the Handheld FTIR Family

Out of Lab Analysis Workshop: Meet the Handheld FTIR Family

Agilent’s Handheld FTIR spectrometer is a unique and innovative platform for measuring samples on site to yield fast and reliable chemistry analyses.

Ensuring the cleanliness and integrity of substrates before bonding or coating is a crucial application in numerous industries.
Contaminants, even in trace amounts, can significantly impact a substrate&#39;s surface, affecting its stiction (static friction) properties. This, in turn, can lead to compromised bond strength and adhesive properties, causing premature wear and, ultimately, material failure.
Our webinar will delve into the cutting-edge technology of the Agilent 4300 handheld FTIR spectrometer, specially equipped with the specular reflectance interface. This powerful tool enables precise identification of substrate materials and evaluation of the presence of contaminants. Moreover, it allows for accurate quantification of these contaminants, ensuring your substrates meet the highest quality standards.
Why attend this webinar?
<ul>
<li>Understand the importance of substrate analysis identifying and characterizing various substrate materials.
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<li>Gain insights into the cutting-edge Agilent 4300 handheld FTIR spectrometer.
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<li>Discover practical techniques for detecting and characterizing various substrate materials and contaminants.
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Presenter: Donald Inglis (Product Specialist EMEAI for FTIR, Agilent Technologies)
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Donald Inglis has worked in analytical instrumentation for over 30 years. He started his career as a field service engineer in chromatography and mass spectroscopy before moving into commercial sales; he has been a product specialist in portable and handheld FTIR and Raman systems at Agilent for over a decade. His role at Agilent involves advising customers on, and building solutions for, the various analytical challenges they face in their workspace.
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Agilent Technologies: Non-Destructive Analysis of Substrates and Contaminants by Handheld FTIR

Non-Destructive Analysis of Substrates and Contaminants by Handheld FTIR

Cutting-edge technology of the Agilent 4300 handheld FTIR spectrometer, specially equipped with the specular reflectance interface.

Non-Destructive Analysis of Substrates and Contaminant

Hydrogen is one of the most promising energy carriers that can enable a low-carbon economy.
In this webinar, Maria Lyubimova, Hydrogen business development manager, HORIBA France, will discuss solutions for the full development and manufacturing lifecycle that are enabling a global adoption of hydrogen technologies.
Gain insight into how HORIBA is providing innovative development tools to help accelerate the adoption of hydrogen technologies. These tools allow engineers, researchers, and scientists to address tomorrow’s challenges and to improve performance, quality, and cost. Furthermore, explore HORIBA’s large panel of techniques such as Raman, fluorescence, glow discharge, particle size, ICP, AFM, ellipsometry, C/S and O/N/H analyzers, and impedance spectroscopy.
Key learning objectives
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<li>Learn more about the qualification of raw materials
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<li>Understand cell and stack components research and development
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<li>Learn more about the validation of processed materials
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Who should attend?
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<li>Scientists and engineers conducting R&amp;D on cells and components like bi-polar plates, gas diffusion layers, and membrane electrode assemblies for electrolysis.</li>
</ul>
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Presenter: Maria Lyubimova (Hydrogen business development manager, HORIBA France)
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SelectScience: Testing and measurement solutions for hydrogen technologies

Testing and measurement solutions for hydrogen technologies

Solutions for the full development and manufacturing lifecycle that are enabling a global adoption of hydrogen technologies.

Wiley’s KnowItAll spectral software offers solutions to identify, analyze, and manage analytical data (IR, MS, NMR, Raman, and UV-Vis). Combined with Wiley’s comprehensive, high-quality spectral reference libraries, it provides an unparalleled solution for fast, reliable spectral analysis.
With the KnowItAll 2024 software release, Wiley continues to expand KnowItAll’s capabilities, including an integrated tool for multi-technique quantitative analysis that can greatly streamline your workflow; plus, many enhancements and upgrades to data management, processing, and reporting. In this release, we have also made advances to our NMR workflow and LC-MS databasing.
In this webinar, we will review the latest features and how they can impact your research and analyses.
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Presenter: Dr. Michelle D’Souza, Ph.D. (Product Manager, Software Products, Wiley Science Solutions)
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Dr. D’Souza brings years of insight and knowledge in the area of spectral informatics with leadership roles at Wiley and Bio-Rad Laboratories. In addition to multiple years as a scientific researcher at Abbott (now AbbVie) and DuPont. She has a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Northern Illinois University and a Masters in Analytical Chemistry form the Chinese Academy of Preventative Medicine. She earned a BS degree from the Chemistry Department of Beijing University.
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What's New in KnowItAll 2024

The latest features and how they can impact your research and analyses.

The Agilent MicroLab FTIR software suite is designed to run Agilent 4100 ExoScan, 4200 FlexScan, 4300 Handheld FTIR, 4500 Series, 5500 Series and Cary 630 FTIR spectrometers. The software is designed to be easy to use for both advanced and novice users, with menu-driven screens and instructions to walk.&nbsp;MicroLab Expert is an advanced software package that provides a new level of flexibility and spectral visualization for Agilent’s FTIR spectrometers. Powerful, reliable, simple to use and still focused on what you need – answers.<blockquote>Presenter:&nbsp; Yanqia Wang, PhD (Application Engineer, Molecular Spectroscopy, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)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.</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Agilent Webinars On Demand

FTIR Software Bootcamp

MicroLab Expert is an advanced software package that provides a new level of flexibility and spectral visualization for Agilent’s FTIR spectrometers.

Learn how the Agilent 4300 can deliver an actionable result for the level of surface contamination in less than 30 seconds.Efficient adhesive bonding of surfaces requires a high level of cleanliness of the surfaces. The 4300 handheld FTIR fitted with a grazing angle, 45 reflectance or diffuse sample interface enables identification and quantification of surface cleanliness in the field. After the surface has been cleaned, the analyzer can be used to detect the presence of contaminants.Even very low levels of contamination can severely decrease the ultimate bond strength, learn how the 4300 can be used to generate an actionable result for surface contamination in less than 30 seconds.Who should attend:<ul><li>Material scientists, coating manufacturers, manufacturers who use coatings within their manufacturing process. Any manufacturing company may be interested in surface contamination.</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Donald Inglis (Product Specialist EMEAI for FTIR, Agilent Technologies)Donald has worked in analytical instrumentation for over 30 years starting his career as a field service engineer in chromatography and mass spectroscopy before moving into commercial sales. Becoming a product specialist in portable, handheld FTIR and Raman systems over a decade ago at Agilent Technologies.</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Agilent 4300 Handheld Webinar Series

Surface Contamination Measurement by Handheld FTIR

Learn how the Agilent 4300 can deliver an actionable result for the level of surface contamination in less than 30 seconds.

Agilent 4300 Handheld FTIR-Surface Contamination Measurement

Did you know that there are over 3,500 different grades of steel? In fact, steel is one of the world’s most innovative and essential materials.&nbsp;Carbon is a key element in steel and is added at small levels from 0.005% to 2%. The addition of carbon into stainless steels helps increase properties such as corrosion resistance, weldability, ductility, hardness and much more.&nbsp;The slightest adjustment of carbon can have consequences as simple as economic loss, or as crucial as loss of life – putting the reputation of your business on the line. Watch this educational webinar to see how carbon analysis is changing.Learning Objectives<ul><li>Confidently identify differences in grades of stainless steel</li><li>Understand how adjustments in carbon can impact the properties of steel</li><li>Gain knowledge of new technologies available to measure carbon content</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Jim Pasmore (President and Founder of Analytical Sales Training, Inc.)Jim Pasmore is an elemental analysis expert passionate about the advancement of scientific instrumentation. Jim has over 50 years of experience traveling worldwide to develop new and innovative products. Jim specializes in application support for handheld x-ray fluorescence (XRF), laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), optical emission spectroscopy (OES), and raman spectroscopy.</blockquote>

Thermo Fisher Scientific: Why is Analyzing Carbon Important?

Why is Analyzing Carbon Important?

Watch this educational webinar to see how carbon analysis is changing.

FT-IR is a commonly employed technique in the lab due to the vast array of analytical opportunities it offers. However, carrying out FT-IR spectroscopy is not the most intuitive process using current technology.With the release of LUMOS II, Bruker extends the scope of FT-IR microscopy and imaging for applications and increases its accessibility for all users. It is a faster, smarter imaging solution designed for daily use in routine and research laboratories, regardless of user skill level.Bruker’s specialist for FT-IR and Raman microscopy, Dr. Thomas Tague, will present its key hardware and software features and discuss the benefits of automation and focal-plane array imaging. The application of these novel capabilities to the polymer, pharmaceutical, and material science industries will also be shown.What This Webinar Covers:<ul><li>LUMOS II and its software OPUS</li><li>Technical features and workflow</li><li>FT-IR microscopy and imaging</li><li>Focal-plane array detectors</li><li>Applications of µ-FT-IR</li></ul>It Is Intended for Analytical Professionals in:<ul><li>QA/QC</li><li>Production</li><li>Manufacturing</li><li>Operations</li><li>Research &amp; Development</li></ul>With the Job Roles of:<ul><li>Lab Manager</li><li>QC Manager</li><li>Analytical Scientist</li><li>Researcher</li></ul>

FT-IR Imaging Webinar | LUMOS II

In this webinar, Bruker introduce LUMOS II which extends the scope of FT-IR microscopy and imaging 

FT-IR Imaging Webinar - LUMOS II

<div><div container-id="cq-colctrl-lt0" comp-id="A1"><div>Therapeutic protein manufacturing faces challenges in maintaining efficiency, reducing costs and ensuring consistent quality while minimizing offline testing.Join our speaker as she discusses &nbsp;how precise, non-destructive, real-time insights into protein production empowers teams to make faster, data-driven decisions.This webinar will highlight how in-line monitoring strengthens process understanding, supports continuous control strategies and accelerate automation – advancing modern therapeutic protein manufacturing.<h5>Attend this webinar to:</h5><ul><li>Understand how Process Raman supports automation in biomanufacturing</li><li>Explore practical applications such as protein quantification during clarified harvest and excipient monitoring during ultrafiltration/diafiltration, integrating process control</li><li>Learn how to leverage data-rich insights to optimize workflows, enhance process understanding and address modern biomanufacturing challenges</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Michelle Nolasco (Systems Design Engineer at Thermo Fisher Scientific)Michelle Nolasco leads innovation initiatives and collaborations for bioproduction at Thermo Fisher Scientific. Michelle specializes in downstream processes and has experience in automation and advanced analytics. Prior to her current role, Michelle was part of the downstream process development team at Patheon Biologics, supporting development and clinical manufacturing for monoclonal antibodies and recombinant enzymes. Michelle holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of South Florida.</blockquote></div></div></div>

Technology Networks: Advancing Therapeutic Protein Production With Real-Time Analysis

Advancing Therapeutic Protein Production With Real-Time Analysis

Join our speaker as she discusses how precise, non-destructive, real-time insights into protein production empowers teams to make faster, data-driven decisions.