How does a cell “decide” what type of cell to become? The question of cell fate has been explored for decades now, especially in the context of stem cell biology, but there are still gaps in our understanding. Scientists at EPFL now found that lipids play a major role in this process.

A novel plant-breeding strategy is targeting crop yield, nutritional value and stress tolerance, all through the expression of one gene. Manipulating the content of carotenoids, such as ß-carotene, has been found to improve plant growth and increase yield and tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought and salinity.

Bruker has acquired Optimal Industrial Automation and Technologies which specializes in pharma and biopharma process analytical technology, pharma manufacturing automation and quality assurance software and systems integration. With this move, the company aims to become a vital software and solutions provider for small molecule, biologics and new drug modalities pharma companies.

Waters has taken over Megadalton Solutions, a developer of Charge Detection Mass Spectrometry (CDMS) technology and services. With this move, the company plans to expand its application in cell and gene therapy as CDMS has the potential to overcome the challenges of conventional mass spectrometry in characterizing complex large molecules in cell and gene therapies.

With the enhanced mass spectrometry portfolio offered by Thermo Fisher Scientific, lab managers, technology leaders and principal scientists in pharmaceutical, food and environmental laboratories can now benefit from accelerated throughput and improved sensitivity. The new solutions help them meet rapidly changing regulatory requirements and provide the fast responses needed for tackling emerging human and environmental health risks.

The Thermo Scientific Delta Q Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer (IRMS) is a next generation gas IRMS designed to enable detailed analysis with greater precision and accuracy.

In a collaboration with Chromsword, Thermo Fisher Scientific have launched an automated high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) method development system that enables chromatographers to deliver robust and validated methods in less time and with higher confidence.

Most of the chemical elements in a sample can be determined using two analytical techniques: ICP-MS and ICP-OES — as long as they are in solution. Most samples, however, are solid and must be dissolved before they can be analyzed. Here, gravimetry can provide valuable services.

Thermo Fisher Scientific and software company Chromsword have collaborated to launch an automated high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) method development system that enables chromatographers to deliver robust and validated methods in less time and with higher confidence.

Researchers found that, like adults, children infected with Sars-CoV-2 exhale different metabolites in their breath than uninfected people. However, they’re largely different from the ones in adults. This information could be used to quickly and easily screen children for infection, the researchers say.