LC-MS Enables PVC Degradation Monitoring in Museums
A non-destructive technique has been developed to probe the chemistry of historical poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) artifacts, offering museums and conservators a safer way to monitor degradation without damaging rare objects.
In the study, researchers applied simple swab sampling to collect surface residues from PVC items, followed by analysis with liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). This approach enabled the detection of plasticizers, stabilizers, and other additives in situ, generating detailed chemical profiles without the need for destructive cutting or solvent extraction. Tested on a variety of heritage PVC objects, the method revealed differences in additive composition that could help explain material instability and pathways of chemical decay.
The team reports that the swab–LC-MS workflow provides a fast and reproducible way to monitor the condition of plastic artifacts, while preserving their structural integrity. Looking ahead, the researchers plan to adapt the approach for other classes of plastics commonly found in museums, building a broader toolkit for cultural heritage science.
Fat-Soluble PFAS Found in Whale Blubber
A new class of “forever chemicals” has been uncovered in killer whale blubber, reshaping our understanding of how PFAS accumulate in wildlife. Researchers from Stockholm University and the Swedish Museum of Natural History, together with partners in Greenland and Canada, used advanced high-resolution mass spectrometry to detect five fluorotelomer sulfones – highly fluorinated compounds never before reported in nature.
Unlike most PFAS, which bind to proteins and accumulate in blood or liver, these newly identified chemicals showed a striking preference for fatty tissues, making up as much as 75 percent of all fluorine-containing substances in blubber while remaining undetectable in liver samples.
“This is the first time that highly fluorinated PFAS have been shown to preferentially accumulate in fat,” said lead author Mélanie Lauria, now at the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology. The team’s spectrometric fingerprints confirmed the fat-loving character of these substances in whales sampled from Greenland and Sweden.
The findings suggest that current monitoring may vastly underestimate PFAS exposure in marine mammals, as blubber can constitute half their body mass. The discovery also raises new concerns for Arctic communities that depend on whales for food, highlighting the need to include fat-soluble PFAS in future environmental assessments.
Characterizing Cocoa: MS Validates Fine Chocolate Origins
A high-resolution chemical fingerprinting study has shown that dark chocolate made from esteemed Criollo and Nacional cacao varieties can be reliably distinguished from bulk Forastero and Trinitario types.
A team at the University of Barcelona used liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) to capture detailed chemical profiles from 42 commercial chocolates with cocoa contents ranging from 60 to 100 percent. By applying chemometric models to these mass spectrometry fingerprints, they were able to sort fine-flavor chocolates from bulk varieties with more than 90 percent accuracy.
The team reports that the technique offers a fast, reproducible way to confirm “fine” or origin claims on chocolate labels, helping to protect consumers and producers alike from fraud. Criollo products in particular – known for their delicate flavor and limited supply – were identified with high specificity, while the models also successfully authenticated Ecuador’s rare Nacional variety.
Looking ahead, the researchers aim to expand the dataset to include more chocolate origins and processing styles, refining their models for even greater accuracy and robustness in real-world applications.
Rare Flavoalkaloids Found in Cannabis Leaves
Using two-dimensional LC-MS, researchers detect rare phenolic–alkaloid hybrids in cannabis leaves for the first time. Read more.
AI-Powered Blood Test Detects COPD with 90% Accuracy
In a study of 182 participants, a machine learning–selected metabolite panel enables accurate COPD detection using routine blood samples. Read more.
Did Neanderthals Feast on Rotting Maggoty Meat?
By studying fly larvae raised on human tissue, scientists challenge long-standing assumptions about Neanderthal hypercarnivory. Read more.
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