Podcast

Spex Speaks Science is hosted by scientists and industry experts. From highlighting the hidden chemistry in our everyday lives to discussing relevant industry topics, Spex Speaks Science looks to deliver informative content to the scientific community.

Challenges for Inorganic Testing of Cannabis with Robert Thomas
In this podcast, Spex is joined by Robert Thomas to discuss the cannabis testing industry and the challenges for inorganic testing of cannabis.

Robert (Rob) Thomas is the principal of Scientific Solutions, an educational consulting company that serves the needs of the trace element user community. He has worked in the field of atomic and mass spectroscopy for almost 50 years, including 24 years for a manufacturer of atomic spectroscopic instrumentation. He has served on the American Chemical Society (ACS) Committee on Analytical Reagents (CAR) for the past 20 years as leader of the plasma spectrochemistry, heavy metals task force, where he has worked very closely with the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) to align ACS heavy metal testing procedures with pharmaceutical guidelines. Rob has written over 100 technical publications, including a 15-part tutorial series on ICP-MS. He is also the editor and frequent contributor of the Atomic Perspectives column in Spectroscopy magazine, as well as serving on the editorial advisory board of Analytical Cannabis. In addition, Rob has authored 5 textbooks on the fundamental principles and applications of ICP-MS. His most recent book is a new paperback version of Measuring Heavy Metal Contaminants in Cannabis and Hemp published in December, 2021. Rob has an advanced degree in analytical chemistry from the University of Wales, UK, and is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) and a Chartered Chemist (CChem).

Hosted by Patricia Atkins, Spex's Senior Applications Scientist
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Foodborne Illness
Millions of people around the world are stricken with food or waterborne illnesses each year. Thousands of people will succumb to their illnesses. Food safety and testing are a critical part of analytical research to ensure that chemicals, bacteria, viruses and molds do not endanger the food we consume or the water we drink.

In this podcast, we will look at the sources of foodborne illness and some of the most common or dangerous causes for foodborne illness.

Hosted by Patricia Atkins, Spex's Senior Applications Scientist
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Discussing Dilutions
Creating calibration curves or calculating dilutions are a common everyday occurrence in an analytical laboratory. However, these simple procedures can be full of potential error and contamination which can ultimately effect the data and skew results.

In this podcast, we will look at the best practices for dilutions, calibration curves and unit conversions to help you reduce error and improve your results.

Hosted by Patricia Atkins, Spex's Senior Applications Scientist
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Introducing the Genomax and DNAmax Kits
In this podcast, we introduce and share insight on our newest set of products, the Genomax and DNAmax kits.

The Genomax is an automated high-throughput plant and animal tissue homogenizer and cell lyser designed for rapid cell disruption, cell lysis and tissue homogenization through bead beating. This enables fast and efficient extraction of nucleic acids, proteins and other molecules.

Typical applications include molecular biology, pharmaceutical, clinical research, and extraction.
Typical samples include plant tissue, animal tissue, cell cultures, and microorganisms.
DNA isolation kits are available for extraction and purification of DNA from animal and plant tissues. In addition, a full range of Kryo-Tech® accessories are available to preserve temperature sensitive samples
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Mycotoxins in the Laboratory
Mold and Fungi ubiquitous in the world and a persistent and dangerous contaminant for many agricultural products. Their size and spore mobility causes fungi to spread through agricultural products quickly when the environmental conditions are favorable.

In this podcast, learn how significant crop losses and foodborne illness can be attributed mold and fungi when secondary metabolites called mycotoxins develop. Spex now offers the five most common mycotoxins in one easy to use standard for your analytical testing needs.

Hosted by Patricia Atkins, Spex's Senior Applications Scientist
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Wet Chemistry
Analytical chemistry consists of classical methods (i.e. wet chemical methods) and instrumental methods (i.e. spectrometry, chromatography etc.). Wet chemistry or classical analysis are forms of analytical chemistry that use proven historical (classical) methods to determine the identity, amount or form of an analyte or element using wet techniques. Wet chemistry is sometimes called bench chemistry since many methods or assays occur at the laboratory bench and use laboratory glassware or plastic-ware.
In this podcast, Patricia Atkins is joined with Spex Chemist, Brij Tonk. Patricia and Brij touch on how Spex has grown over the years and the basics behind wet chemistry.

Hosted by Patricia Atkins, Spex's Senior Applications Scientist
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Chromatography
Chromatography is a critical tool that analytical scientists use every day, often without much consideration for how all the parts work together. In this podcast, we will take a deeper look into the history, operation and functionality of liquid chromatography to show analyst how the different components fit together to perform their function.

In this podcast, we will break down the processes needed to make liquid chromatography work for the lab.

Hosted by Patricia Atkins, Spex's Senior Applications Scientist
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Discussing Water Quality
Water is one of the most important chemicals and commodities in the world. Billions of people worldwide do not have access to clean drinking water traveling long distances to use substandard polluted water sources. Even in the United States, the majority of states have issues meeting water quality standards. In the rise of concerns of municipal water, bottle water has taken on an important role in hydration and the economy.

In this podcast, we look at drinking water, bottled water and water sources in celebration of National Hydration Day!

Our Spex drinking water standards are a part of safe water quality analysis worldwide. You can shop our drink water standards here.

Hosted by Patricia Atkins, Spex's Senior Applications Scientist
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Lose the Solvent Headache with VapLock Closed Systems

VapLock is a safety solution for scientists, chemical hygienists, and researchers worldwide, designed to ensure proper delivery and waste containment of industrial chemicals and solvents. Vaplock's mission is to create a safer, healthier and cleaner workplace by providing unique, effective and price sensitive solutions to fluid handling problems in the laboratory.

In this podcast, Patricia Atkins, is joined with Justus Keller, VapLock consultant for Antylia Scientific. Patricia and Justus discuss solvents, indoor air quality in laboratories and how VapLock can be a solution for a safer, healthier laboratory.
Learn more about VapLock: https://www.coleparmer.com/vaplock-solvent-safety-products

Hosted by Patricia Atkins, Spex's Senior Applications Scientist
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Is That My Sample? Understanding the Effects of Growing Conditions on Targeted Cannabis Compounds and Representative Sampling
Accuracy in analytical testing starts at the very beginning with sampling and sample preparation prior to testing. If sample collection processes are flawed, then the final answers will be biased. The basis of accuracy of sampling and testing often rests on two inter-related and fundamental concepts: representative samples and homogeneity. Representative samples are selected to accurately reflect the larger group and should represent the characteristics of the group. Ideally representative samples are homogeneous or similar in nature but when that is not possible the best attempts must be made to achieve samples which represent most of the characteristics of the larger grouping.

In this podcast, we will look at the traditional methods of agricultural sampling and how different target compounds found in cannabis products can be influence by growing practices, environmental factors and choice & timing of sampling.
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Soil and Contamination
The science and art of gardening and agriculture is part passion, part luck and a lot of chemistry.

In this podcast, will take a look at the science of soil and how chemistry can affect the growth and health of plants. We will also take a look at sources of potential contamination in gardens and how those contaminants can be tested and remediated.

Hosted by Patricia Atkins, Spex's Senior Applications Scientist
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Speciation
Chemical and elemental species are important in many fields of science and health. Human health and nutrition can be influenced by the presence or absence of certain chemical species such as iron, selenium, arsenic, and mercury. Some chemical species are potentially toxic and are targets of concern.

In this podcast, learn about the importance and role of chemical species.

Hosted by Patricia Atkins, Spex's Senior Applications Scientist
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Terpenes and Flavonoids
Terpenes are the common term for a large group of compounds that contribute to flavor and smell of botanical products. Flavonoids are botanical compounds, similar to terpenes, responsible for different processes for defense and metabolic processes in plants. These compounds are responsible for many colors observed in botanical materials and plants.

In this podcast, we discuss Terpenes and Flavonoids.

Hosted by Patricia Atkins, Spex's Senior Applications Scientist
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Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
A normal part of laboratory operations is the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Most laboratory personnel are familiar with common PPE such as gloves, safety glasses and lab coats. Now in the time of the pandemic laboratories are reassessing and adding to their PPE protocols with the addition of face masks, face shields and further protections.

In this podcast, we discuss the wide spectrum of disinfectants, sanitizers and additional PPE we are all adding to our laboratory operations.

Hosted by Patricia Atkins, Spex's Senior Applications Scientist
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Back to the Bench
As businesses begin to return to operation, laboratories which may have been forced to shut down during the pandemic, are now being asked to reopen with a new level of concern for not only chemical contamination but viral contamination. During this time of heightened anxiety, it is good to know most common laboratory procedures used to keep scientists safe from chemical exposures also work well for limiting biological exposures. It is important to keep in mind all of the advice given by governmental agencies for our protection, but also develop a plan and set of resources to return to business in the office and in the laboratory.

View Back to the Bench: A Chemist's Guide to Returning to the Laboratory

Hosted by Patricia Atkins and Rebekah Biermann of Spex
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Limiting Laboratory Exposure: A Chemist's Guide to the COVID-19 Outbreak

Many chemists and scientists are considered essential personnel during the COVID-19 outbreak. While many chemists understand the nature of clean lab techniques, they might not be aware of how these techniques will protect them from a biological contamination risk. This podcast will talk about the fundamentals of a biological viral outbreak and discuss common and uncommon laboratory techniques that will limit spread and combat contamination. We will discuss additional points of protection and laboratory practices that can be enacted to ensure a higher degree of cleanliness. We will also talk about the inevitable result of potential chemical contamination, which can result, with the increased application of chemicals for biological protection.

Key Learning Objectives

Review of common laboratory cleanliness practices and how they can be increased or changed to also combat biological agents.
Discussion of the biology and virology involved of the current outbreak to the chemical community which has some knowledge of the process but does not see biology as part of their expertise.
Highlight where biological controls may contribute unfortunate chemical contamination to their analysis so that the community can be aware and minimize disruption to their work.

Hosted by Patricia Atkins and Rebekah Biermann of SPEX CertiPrep.
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Trace Metals in Analysis in Commercial Pet Foods
Ten years ago, SPEX CertiPrep published a well-received study about the toxic elements in Pet Food. We found that some dog and cat foods were full of heavy metals. Since that study was done, the US government enacted the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) which includes pet foods. Now, ten years later, we are getting ready to repeat our study to see what may have changed in pet foods over the last decade.

Original Trace Metals Analysis in Commercial Foods Webinar: https://www.spexcertiprep.com/webinar/trace-metals-analysis-of-commercial-pet-food

Hosted by Patricia Atkins, Spex's Senior Applications Scientist
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Chemistry of Color
The chemistry of color is actually a representation of the physical properties of chemicals that come through absorption of energy. The colors we see are a function of the light and energy absorbed and reflected by the materials and substances we observe. The chemistry of color is part organic chemistry, part physics known as spectroscopy.

In this podcast, we look at the basics of the chemistry of color.

Hosted by Patricia Atkins, Spex's Senior Applications Scientist
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Heavy Metals in Spices, Hemp and Nutraceuticals
Heavy metal exposure in the environment has led to toxic elements transitioning into our food and water supplies increasing human exposure. Agricultural products can be highly prone to heavy metal deposition and accumulation through repeated exposure to natural and contaminated environmental sources. In some cases, heavy metals are intentionally introduced to products as adulterants or to counterfeit high value commodities. The value of these commodities make them prone to adulteration and duplication. The consumption of botanical products has increased over the past two decades as consumers trend to what are perceived to be natural and high quality botanical products. The primary regions of spice and tea production around the world have often been cited as having less stringent safety and quality standards in regards to consumer products. Products from these regions have been noted to contain a variety of adulterants and contaminants including wear metals and toxic elements.

In this podcast we will explain several types of products which may accumulate heavy metals including spices, hemp and other nutraceuticals.

Hosted by Patricia Atkins, Spex's Senior Applications Scientist
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Heavy Metals in Food and Beverages
On a daily basis, the average person around the world is subjected to doses of heavy metals from a variety of sources. One of the most insidious sources of routes of exposure is through the food supply. The World Health Organization contends that food may be the source of the largest contribution to the intake of heavy metals (especially lead). Many foods may naturally contain heavy metal compounds, from either natural biochemical processes or from bio accumulation from the environment.

In this podcast, we will look at diﬀerent sources of potential heavy metal exposure and their concentrations in a variety of food products including ﬁsh, and beverages. In addition to the original research presented, we will compare other historical studies and public health ﬁndings to showcase the sources and concentrations of various heavy metals found in the food and water supply in order to build a more complete picture of heavy metal exposure through food and beverages.

Hosted by Patricia Atkins, Spex's Senior Applications Scientist
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Chemistry of Hot Sauce
The rise of popularity of spicy products and hot sauce has skyrocketed over the last decade. Hot sauces have gone from a few well known brands to a cottage boutique market and an international obsession.

In this podcast, we will look at the chemistry of hot peppers and hot sauces and how these products affect the body.

Hosted by Patricia Atkins, Spex's Senior Applications Scientist
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Chemistry of Fragrance and Flavor
Human beings perceive the world through their five senses. Two of the most important senses are taste and smell, both of which are based on chemical processes and reactions.

In this podcast, we will take a look at the chemistry of flavor and fragrance and how those chemical reactions equate to familiar tastes and scents.

Hosted by Patricia Atkins, Spex's Senior Applications Scientist
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Heavy Metal Exposure in the Environment - Part 1
On a daily basis, the average person around the world is subjected to doses of heavy metals from a variety of sources. One of the most insidious sources of routes of exposure is through the food and water supply. The World Health Organization contends that food may be the source of the largest contribution to the intake of heavy metals (especially lead).

In this podcast, we will look at different sources of potential heavy metal exposure. We will look at historical exposure studies and public health findings to showcase the sources and concentrations of various heavy metals found in the food and water supply in order to build a more complete picture of heavy metal exposure to humans.

Hosted by Patricia Atkins, Spex's Senior Applications Scientist
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Heavy Metal Exposure in the Environment - Part 2
On a daily basis, the average person around the world is subjected to doses of heavy metals from a variety of sources. One of the most insidious sources of routes of exposure is through the food and water supply. The World Health Organization contends that food may be the source of the largest contribution to the intake of heavy metals (especially lead).

In this podcast, we will look at different sources of potential heavy metal exposure. We will look at historical exposure studies and public health findings to showcase the sources and concentrations of various heavy metals found in the food and water supply in order to build a more complete picture of heavy metal exposure to humans.

Hosted by Patricia Atkins, Spex's Senior Applications Scientist
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History of Women in Science
It has only been in the last century that the contributions of women in science, engineering, technology and mathematics have been recognized. The first Nobel prize awarded to woman occurred in 1903. For hundreds of years women have contributed to science without the same accolades and laurels given their male counterparts.

In this podcast, we will take a look at some of the historical women in science and take a closer look at their lives and discoveries.

Hosted by Patricia Atkins, Spex's Senior Applications Scientist
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Chemistry of Wine
Wine making is a process that is thousands of years old starting in the Neolithic period! Over the centuries the process of making wine has become a marriage of art and chemistry. Science governs all the steps in wine production from where grapes are grown to how wine is bottled and stored.

In this podcast, we look into the art and science of wine.

Hosted by Patricia Atkins, Spex's Senior Applications Scientist
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Chemistry of Chocolate
The highest amounts of chocolate sales in the US are for Valentine’s Day (and the second highest sales are for the bargain hunters on February 15th!). Worldwide there are over $400 million dollars of chocolate sales for Valentine’s Day. The chocolate we consume is part of a long process heavily dependent on chemistry. From the harvest to the consumption, chemistry plays a role in how chocolate is formed, feels, smells, tastes and is perceived.

In this podcast, we look at the art and chemistry of chocolate.

Hosted by Patricia Atkins, Spex's Senior Applications Scientist
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Mechanisms of Pesticides and Pest Control
Pesticides are now a daily part of our world, from the anti-bacterial soaps we use to the commercial pesticides that are applied to our food. Despite the fact that the chemical age of pesticides has just skyrocketed in the last decade, the use of pesticides has been thousands of years in development.

In this podcast, we look at the development of modern pesticides and how those pesticides are function as pest management. We will examine the function, targets and operation of chemical pesticides and their uses in modern pest control.

Hosted by Patricia Atkins, Spex's Senior Applications Scientist
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History of Pesticides
Pesticides are now a daily part of our world, from the anti-bacterial soaps we use to the commercial pesticides that are applied to our food. Despite the fact that the chemical age of pesticides has just skyrocketed in the last decade, the use of pesticides has been thousands of years in development. Join SPEX CertiPrep as we look at the history of pesticides, the development of modern pesticides and how those pesticides are applied and regulated. We will examine the genesis of the chemical pesticide movement and explore the regulation, approval and application of modern pesticides and take a look into the future of pesticide management.

Hosted by Patricia Atkins, Senior Applications Scientist
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