April 19th 2024
Chinese scientists recently created a dual-response fluorescent probe to better understand the pathological mechanisms of depression disorder.
Key Steps to Follow in a FRET Experiment
August 1st 2022Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a versatile part of the toolbox of fluorescence methods. This through-space, photon-less energy transfer process between a donor fluorophore and an acceptor chromophore is perhaps most famous for its utility as a “molecular ruler” that can resolve nanometer-scale distances. FRET is also a popular and advantageous basis for biomolecular assays and sensors.
Challenges of Spectrofluorometry, Part 1: Collect Data Right the First Time
October 1st 2021Analysts using fluorescence emission and fluorescence excitation spectroscopy may encounter several common problems in their measurements. This tutorial, the first of a three-part series, provides a procedure to help avoid them.
Narrowband Visible Light: The OPO Reigns
January 1st 2021Tunable narrowband light sources are essential for measuring fluorescence, reaction energetics, and other challenging measurements in chemical, biological, and physical systems. In particular, the optical parametric oscillator (OPO) is an indispensable tool.
Combining Spectroscopy with Microscopy for Advancing the Analysis of Forensically Relevant Traces
July 1st 2020Forensic traces are physical remnants of past events that provide critical information for criminal and civil investigations and adjudications. The scientific examination of traces is an incredibly valuable tool for forensic investigations, because the skilled interpretation of traces yields factual answers to a range of pertinent questions.
Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry for Metals and Nanoparticle Analysis
June 8th 2016Total reflection x-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry is an energy-dispersive x-ray technique that is used for elemental and chemical analysis, and is especially suitable for small-sample analyses. Ursula Fittschen, an assistant professor at Washington State University, is working on elemental microscopy and micro analysis. She has been using TXRF to analyze stainless steel metal release, and also airborne silver nanoparticles (NPs) from fabrics. Here, she describes the advantages and challenges of this technique.
Harmful Algal Bloom Species and Identification Strategies
November 12th 2015Application of simultaneous absorbance and fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) analysis to identify and classify freshwater planktonic algal species. Main foci were two major potentially toxic cyanobacterial species associated with algal bloom events in the Great Lakes.
High Throughput Chemical Screening with the LabSpec 6 MultiWell Module
May 14th 2015LabSpec 6 MultiWell module and HORIBA Raman systems enable non-destructive analysis with high throughput screening using arrayed sampling devices, automated sample movement, autofocus devices, and automated data acquisition to acquire spectra from hundreds of samples sequentially.
Dye-Protein Binding Monitored in a Microliter Volume Using Time-Resolved Fluorescence
May 14th 2015Time‐resolved Fluorescence can analyze potential health benefits from antioxidant activity of curcumin, found in turmeric. Curcuminoids, weakly fluorescent in aqueous solution, show quantum yield increases upon interaction with a protein, such as human serum albumin.