The Pittcon Podcast

In This Episode, Eric Monroe from the Library of Congress discusses the integration of analytical chemistry in cultural heritage preservation. He highlights the use of advanced technologies like multispectral imaging and GC-MS to analyze and conserve historical documents and artifacts, emphasizing the importance of non-destructive methods.You can read the written interview at:https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=24378Find out more about Pittcon 2026!https://www.pittcon.orgChapters0:00 Introduction to Cultural Heritage Preservation13:38 Non-Destructive Techniques and Technologies21:33 Multispectral Imaging and Its Applications30:18 GC-MS in Artifact Analysis38:23 Pittcon, Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Efforts44:30 Future Directions in Preservation#libraryofcongress #culturalheritage #science #analyticalchemistry #ericmonroe#pittcon #massspectrometry

In this episode, James J. Collins, a pioneer in synthetic biology, discusses the evolution of the field from its inception to its current state. He highlights key innovations such as genetic toggle switches, paper-based diagnostics, and living therapeutics, emphasizing their potential to revolutionize healthcare and address global challenges.You can read the written interview at:https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250707/Synthetic-Biology-and-the-Pursuit-of-Living-Diagnostics.aspxFind out more about Pittcon 2026!https://www.pittcon.orgChapters0:00 Introduction to Synthetic Biology9:20 Genetic Toggle Switches and Early Innovations12:45 Paper-Based Diagnostics and Global Health20:15 Living Therapeutics and Future Directions24:05 AI and Machine Learning in Synthetic Biology25:25 Global Impact and Future Prospects#syntheticbiology #genetics #diagnostics #livingtherapeutics #genetictoggleswitches #genomics #science #pittcon

Dominic Gostick, CTO of PerkinElmer, discusses the company's recent transformations and innovations in scientific instrumentation. He highlights the launch of new products like the QSight® 500 and the Spotlight™ Aurora FTIR Microscope, emphasizing their applications in environmental and food safety testing.You can read the written interview at:https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=24384Find out more about Pittcon 2026!https://www.pittcon.orgChapters0:00 Introduction to Perkin Elmer's Transformation4:25 New Product Launches: QSight® 5008:40 Spotlight™ Aurora Microscope and Applications13:45 Focus on Usability and AI17:25 Sustainability and Performance18:36 Pittcon, Networking and Industry Trends#perkinelmer #massspectrometry #science #microscopy #lcms #laboratory #chemistry #analyticalscience #pittcon

Kickstarting the new series of the Pittcon Podcast, Sir Professor Cato T. Laurencin discusses his pioneering work in regenerative engineering, a field he founded that combines principles from various disciplines to create new ways to regenerate tissues and organs. He shares insights into his career journey, the development of the Laurencin-Cooper ligament, and the ambitious HEAL Project aimed at regenerating a human limb by 2030.You can read the written interview at:https://www.news-medical.net/news/202...Find out more about Pittcon 2026!https://www.pittcon.org

In this insightful episode, we welcome Dr. Vicki Grassian, a distinguished professor and expert in environmental chemistry, to discuss the critical role of environmental interfaces in shaping our world. From their effects on health and climate to their impact on ecosystems, Dr. Grassian sheds light on the unseen but powerful interactions happening at the microscopic level.Understanding Environmental Interfaces:Dr. Grassian explains how surfaces and interfaces in the environment—such as atmospheric aerosols, soil particles, and water contaminants—play a crucial role in chemical reactions that affect air quality, climate change, and human health.A Journey in Environmental Chemistry:She shares her path into environmental science, the challenges she has faced in her research, and how curiosity and persistence have driven her to push the boundaries of scientific understanding.The Power of Spectroscopy:We dive into the significance of spectroscopy as a tool for analyzing complex environmental systems, providing key insights into chemical processes that influence the world around us.Recognition & Scientific Contributions:Dr. Grassian reflects on being honored with the prestigious Pittsburgh Spectroscopy Award and how such recognition fuels further innovation and collaboration in the field.The Role of Conferences in Advancing Science:A discussion on how major scientific gatherings, like Pittcon, contribute to the exchange of ideas, foster collaborations, and inspire the next generation of environmental chemists.Join us for this engaging conversation as Dr. Grassian unpacks the hidden chemistry shaping our environment and the scientific tools that help us understand it.Register for Pittcon 2025 in Boston!⁠https://www.pittcon.org/registerChapters00:00 Understanding Environmental Interfaces02:54 Challenges in Environmental Chemistry Research05:56 Significant Findings in Atmospheric Aerosols08:56 Advancements in Spectroscopic Techniques11:56 The Role of Spectroscopy in Environmental Chemistry15:04 Recognition and Impact of the Pittsburgh Spectroscopy Award18:01 The Importance of Conferences in Scientific Advancement#chemistry #environmental #environmentalscience #aerosols #healthimpacts #spectroscopy #pittcon

In this enlightening episode, we are joined by Dr. Rabi Ann Musah, a Professor of Chemistry at the University at Albany, State University of New York. Dr. Musah shares her groundbreaking research on distinguishing between hemp and marijuana, two varieties of Cannabis sativa that are chemically similar yet legally distinct.Dr. Musah explains the primary difference between hemp and marijuana lies in their tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. While both belong to the Cannabis sativa species, hemp contains 0.3% or less THC, making it non-psychoactive and legal under federal law, whereas marijuana has higher THC levels and remains a controlled substance. The conversation delves into the difficulties faced by law enforcement and forensic laboratories in distinguishing between hemp and marijuana, given their similar appearances and chemical compositions. Current methods require quantifying THC levels, a process that is both time-consuming and resource-intensive. Dr. Musah discusses her development of a rapid field test that targets metabolomic differences between the two plants. This novel approach utilizes ambient ionization mass spectrometry combined with chemometric analysis to provide real-time, accurate differentiation without extensive sample preparation. Dr. Musah shares also insights into ongoing research and the potential for developing similar testing methods for other controlled substances, as well as the importance of collaboration between academic researchers and law enforcement to address emerging challenges in forensic science.Register for Pittcon 2025 in Boston!⁠https://www.pittcon.org/registerChapters00:00 Understanding Cannabis Analysis in Forensics08:05 Challenges in Differentiating Hemp and Marijuana11:04 Revolutionizing Cannabis Analysis with DART-HRMS13:52 The Role of Statistical Analysis in Cannabis Research18:05 Mentorship and Community in Scientific Research#cannabisscience #chemistry #hempanalysis #cannabisanalysis#forensicscience #statisticalanalysis #dartms #pittcon