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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We’ll explore polymer characterization, including quick polymer identification for recycling purposes, identifying product defects or failures for quality control, reverse engineering to facilitate product development. We’ll dive into polymer research – an active area of scientific endeavor where performance and a reduced environmental impact are key elements of interest. Learn why vibrational spectroscopy (infrared (IR) and Raman) instruments are useful for the analysis of polymers in an industrial setting, as IR and Raman are highly specific and sensitive tools that are non-destructive and easy to use.
During the session, we’ll offer clear examples that demonstrate the effectiveness of IR and Raman analysis in each of these categories.
<h5>Key webinar take-aways:</h5>
<ul>
<li>The importance of polymer research where performance and a reduced environmental impact are key elements of interest.</li>
<li>Utilizing vibrational spectroscopy (infrared (IR) and Raman) as a useful tool for the analysis of polymers in an industrial setting.</li>
<li>IR and Raman are highly specific and sensitive tools that are non-destructive and easy to use.</li>
<li>Examples will be presented demonstrating the effectiveness of IR and Raman analysis in each of these categories.</li>
</ul>
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Presenter: Dr. Tom Tague (Applications Manager, Bruker Corporation)
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<blockquote>
Dr. Tom Tague is the Applications Manager for Bruker Optics. He is also a member of the Visiting Advisory Committee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Strategic Advisory Board of Amplified Sciences. Dr. Tague received his Ph.D. from the University of Utah in Physical Chemistry and his B.S. also in Chemistry from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He also conducted his postdoctoral research at the University of Virginia working with Professor Lester Andrews. He is a member of the American Chemical Society, Society for Applied Spectroscopy, American Physical Society, and the Optical Society of America. Dr. Tague is active in developing new methods and instrumentation with the goal of improving the sensitivity and detection limits of spectroscopy related applications. Tom has more than 90 publications and 5 Patents.
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Pixabay/Adrian Malec: Polymer Science A to Z: Getting Answers from FTIR and Raman Analyses

Polymer Science A to Z: Getting Answers from FTIR and Raman Analyses

Let’s tackle the science of polymer analysis using the power of spectroscopy, including identification, quality control and reverse engineering. 

Polymer Science A to Z: FTIR and Raman Analyses

All generally-required parameters for microplastics analysis, e.g., size, shape, and identification, are done using the Agilent 8700 LDIR.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Louis Tisinger, PhD (Application Engineer, Molecular Spectroscopy, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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<blockquote>
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.
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Agilent Technologies: Turnkey Microplastics Analysis

Turnkey Microplastics Analysis

All generally-required parameters for microplastics analysis, e.g.,  size, shape, and identification, are done using the Agilent 8700 LDIR.

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are universally used in portable electronic devices and electric vehicles (EVs). Despite the rapid growth and use of LIBs, there is a need for batteries that can store more energy, are smaller and lighter, and can charge faster. A critical step in the advancement of LIB performance is the analysis of common electrolyte components used in the batteries.
This application note demonstrates the use of the Agilent Cary 630 FTIR spectrometer with attenuated total reflectance (ATR) sampling technology for the fast and reliable material identification of LIB electrolyte salts
<blockquote>
Presenter: Louis Tisinger, PhD (Application Engineer, Molecular Spectroscopy, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
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: Identification of Raw Materials in Lithium Ion Batteries Using the Cary 630 FTIR

Identification of Raw Materials in Lithium Ion Batteries Using the Cary 630 FTIR

Agilent Cary 630 FTIR with attenuated total reflectance (ATR) sampling technology for the fast and reliable material identification of LIB electrolyte salts.

FTIR Raw Materials Identification in Lithium Ion Batteries

The properties and structures of bioplastics and biodegradable plastics are very different from regular plastics.
Material identification is important for proper handling and separation. In this webinar, we go over some interesting examples of materials made of biodegradable and recycled plastics, along with technical details on their identification and differentiation.

Shimadzu: Analysis of Recycled Plastics and Biodegradable Plastics with FTIR

Analysis of Recycled Plastics and Biodegradable Plastics with FTIR

Examples of materials made of biodegradable and recycled plastics, along with technical details on their identification and differentiation.

Analysis of Recycled Plastics and Biodegradable Plastics

Join Us For This Innovative Oligo Virtual Event
Join some or all of the sessions over 13 &amp; 14 March.
In recent years a renewed interest in synthetic oligonucleotides has been piqued due to their potential in biochemical research and for therapeutic applications. This popularity has meant a growing need to develop robust approaches for analysis and purification of oligos, alongside an increased understanding of this class of compounds.
Across 2 days this educational virtual event will share key learnings around the analysis of synthetic oligonucleotides, providing expert insights from research discovery to production QA/QC. We invite you to join along with other scientists in this important field to revisit oligo fundamentals, discover tips and tricks, ask questions to experts, and discuss recent innovations in this fast-moving environment.
<h4>Agenda:</h4>
<h4>Day 2</h4>
<h5>10:00 - More details to follow</h5>
<h5>10:45 - Oligonucleotide and Biopharmaceuticals Raw Materials Identification by Raman SORS and UV-VIS Thermal Melt Identification</h5>
<ul>
<li>Paolo Scardina, Spectroscopy Product Specialist, Agilent Technologies</li>
</ul>
<h5>11:30 - Analysis of Elemental Impurities in Synthetic Oligonucleotides by ICP-MS</h5>
<ul>
<li>Sebastien Sannac, Atomic Spectroscopy Product Specialist, Agilent Technologies</li>
</ul>
<h5>11:55 - Exploring the Applications and Innovations of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) in Biopharmaceuticals</h5>
<ul>
<li>Soma Dasgupta, Applications Engineer, Agilent</li>
</ul>
<h5>12:20 - Oligonucleotide Purity Analysis - Oligo Pro II</h5>
<ul>
<li>Leslie Friedmann, Product Manager, Agilent Technologies</li>
</ul>
<h5>13:05 - End of presentations</h5>

Agilent: OligoConnect: Linking Science, Innovation, and Therapeutics

OligoConnect: Linking Science, Innovation, and Therapeutics (Day 2)

Across 2 days this educational virtual event will share key learnings around the analysis of synthetic oligonucleotides.

OligoConnect: Linking Science, Innovation, and Therapeutics

This webinar will review applications for the identification and potential quantification of raw materials and active ingredients used in the cosmetics industry.
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Presenter: Rogelio García Juárez (Ingeniero de Aplicaciones Espectroscopia Molecular, Agilent Technologies)
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<blockquote>
Rogelio García is an Applications Engineer for Molecular Spectroscopy in UV-Vis, FTIR, and Raman techniques at Agilent México and Latin America. Rogelio has a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and a Master´s Degree in Environmental Engineering. He has worked in several developments of methods and applications in water, soil, and air, as well as in method design for the Pharmaceutical and Food industry. In this last one, he has developed an outstanding application method for alcoholic beverages such as Tequila using FTIR technology.
</blockquote>

Agilent: FTIR applications in the cosmetics industry

FTIR applications in the cosmetics industry

This webinar will review applications for the identification and potential quantification of raw materials and active ingredients used in the cosmetics industry

Join Agilent and GERSTEL for a 3-day live virtual seminar discussing how you can assure safety, authenticity, and quality of alcoholic beverages. The focus will be on sharing the latest in technology developments and capabilities, new applications, and customer stories.<h4>Presentation 1: Use of FTIR Technology for the Analysis of Sugars and Sweeteners in the Production of Alcoholic Beverages</h4><ul><li>Rogelio García Juárez, Pre-Sales Application Engineer – Agilent Technologies</li></ul>Currently, fast, and accurate methods are required for the analysis of raw materials and various sources to produce alcoholic beverages, for the rapid identification and quantification of these materials, let's review FTIR technology for process controls, as the ideal alternative to other techniques such as HPLC.<h5>Key Learning Objectives/What attendees will learn:</h5>1. The use of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Technology in applications for the alcoholic beverage industry.2. Analysis for the identification and release of raw materials used in preparation of Spirits.3. Quick methods to determine the concentration of sugars and sweeteners for process control.<h5>Who Should Attend:</h5><ul><li>Producers of alcoholic beverages, distillates, prepared liqueurs, juices, and extracts.</li></ul><h4>Presentation 2: GC-MS Techniques for the Determination of 2-Methylisoborneol and Geosmin in Finished Whiskey</h4><ul><li>Nicole Kfoury, Applications Scientist, GERSTEL,Inc.</li></ul>2-Methylisoborneol (MIB) and geosmin are naturally occurring metabolites formed by bacteria and fungi, most often in surface water sources. They have musty/earthy odors and very low odor thresholds, meaning they can be smelled at concentrations of 1-10 ppt in water. As a result, products, such as whiskey, that use contaminated water in the process may have musty, earthy odors in the finished product. Due to the complexity of the whiskey matrix and the low odor threshold of MIB and geosmin, they can be challenging to quantify accurately. This work shows that a selectable, heartcutting 1D/2D-GC-MSD is required to accurately quantify MIB and geosmin in finished whiskey. &nbsp;<h5>Key Learning Objectives/What attendees will learn:</h5>1. Overview of solid phase microextraction (SPME) versus stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE).2. Overview of multidimensional, heartcutting GC-MS.3. How to accurately measure the concentration of 2-methylisoborneol and geosmin in complex samples such as whiskey.<h5>Who Should Attend:</h5><ul><li>Analytical chemists in the food, flavor, fragrance, and beverage industries.</li></ul><blockquote>Presnter: Rogelio García Juárez (Pre-Sales Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies)Rogelio García is an Applications Engineer for Molecular Spectroscopy in UV-Vis, FTIR, and Raman techniques at Agilent México and Latin America. Rogelio has a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and a Master´s Degree in Environmental Engineering. He has worked in several developments of methods and applications in water, soil, and air, as well as in method design for the Pharmaceutical and Food industry. In this last one, he has developed an outstanding application method for alcoholic beverages such as Tequila using FTIR technology.Presnter:&nbsp;Nicole Kfoury, Ph.D. (Applications Scientist, GERSTEL, Inc.)Dr. Nicole Kfoury is an Applications Scientist at GERSTEL, Inc. in Baltimore, MD. She joined GERSTEL after receiving her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry at Tufts University and working as a Research Scientist at the Tufts University Sensory and Science Center. She is responsible for developing methods for sample preparation and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and creating a Sensory Directed Analysis program at GERSTEL. She teaches customer training, supports pre- and post-sales opportunities, and provides analytical support to customers in a wide array of industries including food, flavor, fragrance, forensic, environmental, and chemical industries.</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Alcoholic Beverages Virtual Symposium: Spirits

Alcoholic Beverages Virtual Symposium: Spirits

How you can assure safety, authenticity, and quality of alcoholic beverages.

<div>This webinar introduces scattering scanning nearfield optical microscopy (s-SNOM), which provides&nbsp;information about the complex optical properties of the nanoscale region of a sample under a metallized tip that nanofocuses optical radiation. Recent developments in novel methods, advanced light sources, and refined instrumentation have made s-SNOM more valuable and accessible.Capabilities for s-SNOM are available on Bruker’s <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.bruker.com/en/products-and-solutions/infrared-and-raman/nanoscale-infrared-spectrometers/anasys-nanoir3-s.html">nanoIR3-s</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.bruker.com/en/products-and-solutions/infrared-and-raman/nanoscale-infrared-spectrometers/anasys-nanoir3-s-broadband.html">nanoIR3-s Broadband</a> platforms, and the technique itself was developed in collaboration with the webinar’s guest speaker, Professor Markus Raschke, Dept. of Physics/JILA, University of Colorado.After a thorough and illustrative introduction to the method, Prof. Raschke presents his research efforts towards using s-SNOM, this new dimension in optical nanoprobe imaging, to access the functional properties of materials and systems including electronic materials, energy materials, nano-biomaterials, quantum systems, and more.Following Prof. Raschke’s comprehensive presentation, he answers questions from the audience covering topics from the maximum sensitivity level of s-SNOM to the use of complementary AFM techniques with s-SNOM.&nbsp;</div>

Bruker: Recent Advancements in Infrared Nano-imaging with Nano-FTIR Spectroscopy

Recent Advancements in Infrared Nano-imaging with Nano-FTIR Spectroscopy

Learn how s-SNOM advances understanding of the functional properties of materials

Advances in Infrared Nano-imaging with Nano-FTIR

In this surfactant analysis seminar, we will review procedures for the identification and quantification of active principles and raw materials used in the production of cleaning products, a quick way to detect the quality of materials using FTIR technology<blockquote>Presenter: Rogelio García Juárez (Ingeniero de Aplicaciones Espectroscopia Molecular, Agilent Technologies)Rogelio García is an Applications Engineer for Molecular Spectroscopy in UV-Vis, FTIR, and Raman techniques at Agilent México and Latin America. Rogelio has a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and a Master´s Degree in Environmental Engineering. He has worked in several developments of methods and applications in water, soil, and air, as well as in method design for the Pharmaceutical and Food industry. In this last one, he has developed an outstanding application method for alcoholic beverages such as Tequila using FTIR technology.</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Surfactant analysis by FTIR in cleaning products

Surfactant analysis by FTIR in cleaning products

Learn to identify and quantify surfactants in cleaning products and assess material quality quickly using FTIR in this surfactant analysis seminar.

Find out how the Cary 630 FTIR with ATR enables the identification of Forensic samples quickly and accurately.<blockquote>Presenter:&nbsp; Luciana Terra (Application Scientist, Molecular Spectroscopy, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)Luciana Terra has a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Chemistry from the Federal University of Alfenas (Unifal-MG) as well as a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, on Chemometrics, from the State University of Campinas (Unicamp), where she developed work focused on petroleum quality and derivatives using high-resolution Mass Spectrometry, NIR, and chemometrics methodologies. As part of her Ph.D., she also worked at the University of Calgary in Canada. While completing her Master’s Degree at Unicamp, Luciana developed a new methodology for drug polymorphism detection using NIR imaging and chemometrics tools for quality assurance in the pharmaceutical industry. In 2019, she joined Agilent Technologies as an Application Scientist for Molecular Spectroscopy in UV-Vis, Fluorescence, IR, and Raman techniques, at Agilent Technologies, in Brazil.</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Forensic Identification using Infrared Spectroscopy

Forensic Identification using Infrared Spectroscopy

Find out how the Cary 630 FTIR with ATR enables the identification of Forensic samples quickly and accurately.

ICPMS webinars focusing on FTIR Spectroscopy - page 1