Spex Speaks Science
43 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 7 ratingsSpex 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.
Presented by Spex + NSI + HPS + Chiron.
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Episodes
Challenges for Inorganic Testing of Cannabis with Robert Thomas
May 04, 2022 19:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MBIn 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 Chemi...
Foodborne Illness
March 31, 2022 17:00 - 18 minutes - 12.6 MBMillions 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, Spe...
Discussing Dilutions
March 31, 2022 16:00 - 13 minutes - 9.64 MBCreating 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 Stay connected wit...
Introducing the Genomax and DNAmax Kits
October 11, 2021 20:00 - 20 minutes - 13.8 MBIn 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. Ty...
Mycotoxins in the Laboratory
September 22, 2021 15:00 - 12 minutes - 8.93 MBMold 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 y...
Wet Chemistry
July 19, 2021 17:00 - 26 minutes - 17.9 MBAnalytical 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 pla...
Wet Chemistry
July 19, 2021 17:00 - 26 minutes - 17.9 MBAnalytical 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 pla...
Chromatography
June 29, 2021 17:00 - 25 minutes - 17.2 MBChromatography 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 A...
Discussing Water Quality
June 24, 2021 20:00 - 22 minutes - 15.3 MBWater 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...
Lose the Solvent Headache with VapLock Closed Systems
April 27, 2021 17:00 - 26 minutes - 18.1 MBVapLock 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 d...
Is That My Sample? Understanding the Effects of Growing Conditions on Targeted Cannabis Compounds and Representative Sampling
January 27, 2021 15:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MBAccuracy 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 s...
Soil and Contamination
November 16, 2020 18:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MBThe 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 Stay connected with Spex using the links below! Certified Reference Materia...
Speciation
October 13, 2020 20:00 - 14 minutes - 9.77 MBChemical 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 Stay connected with Spex using the links below! Cer...
Terpenes and Flavonoids
August 04, 2020 18:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MBTerpenes 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 Stay connected with Spe...
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
July 22, 2020 19:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MBA 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 operatio...
An Introduction to Cryogenic Grinding
June 24, 2020 17:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBWhen Laboratories receive material for testing, it is often not in a state where it can be directly tested. It requires sample preparation techniques to expose or make possible the extraction of the desired analytes. For many samples, this can be a difficult process as their composition and physical properties make it hard to grind/mill/crush or otherwise reduce particle size and expose surface area. In this podcast, Patti and Tristan introduce the equipment and techniques for cryogenic grin...
From Root to Fruit: A Discussion of the Science of Gardening
June 17, 2020 21:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MBThere are many possible soil contaminants that could end up in the foods you grow. In this podcast, Rebekah and Tristan discuss the different challenges of gardening and the science of soil and food testing. The modern gardener is faced with many decisions and choices to produce a safe and healthy crop. This podcast will shed light on the types of contaminants, types of soil, and the available testing that one can look for. Also, the different types of soil remediation and rejuvenation. Hos...
Back to the Bench
June 11, 2020 16:00 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MBAs 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 gove...
Challenges in Sample Preparation
May 04, 2020 16:00 - 7 minutes - 5.07 MBIn this podcast episode, we cover sample preparation challenges in today's labs, cannabis testing and sample preparation, the emerging hemp market, and we highlight SPEX SamplePrep products and how they can benefit you. Hosted by Tim Osborn-Jones and Sandy Mangan of SPEX SamplePrep. Stay connected with SPEX SamplePrep! Website: https://www.spexsampleprep.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SPEXSamplePrep/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/spexsampleprep YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/us...
Borate Fusion: Explained
April 24, 2020 15:00 - 11 minutes - 7.67 MBIn this podcast episode, we cover how borate fusion is used for XRF and ICP sample preparation using SPEX SamplePrep and Katanax products. Hosted by Dan Kline of SPEX SamplePrep. Stay connected with SPEX SamplePrep! Website: https://www.spexsampleprep.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SPEXSamplePrep/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/spexsampleprep YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/sampleprep Blog: https://spexcertiprepblog.wordpress.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spexsamp...
Limiting Laboratory Exposure: A Chemist's Guide to the COVID-19 Outbreak
March 30, 2020 17:00 - 1 hour - 48.1 MBMany 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...
Past and Present: The Evolution of Cannabis
March 16, 2020 21:00 - 22 minutes - 15.3 MBIn this episode, SPEX Speaks Science discusses the growth of cannabis. From it's early uses in ancient rituals to modern medicine, it is safe to say cannabis has been perceived many different ways throughout history. We touch on new emerging markets where cannabis is breaking through and where the market currently stands today. Also included, testing information regarding cannabis and how SPEX can help with your lab's analysis. Hosted by Tristan DeBona of SPEX SamplePrep and Jeff Akers of S...
Chemistry of Vaping
December 23, 2019 17:00 - 14 minutes - 10.3 MBSPEX Speak Science dives into the world of vaping. In this episode we touch on the history and basics of vaping, the alarming news headlines, and most importantly the chemistry of vaping. Is vaping a safer alternative to smoking? Are the e-juices safe? Does the device itself effect the safety? Time will tell for this growing and changing industry. Hosted by John Marotta, International Accounts Manager and Rebekah Biermann, Territory Manager Sources: https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/full/10.1...
Trace Metals Analysis in Commercial Pet Foods
November 25, 2019 19:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBTen 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.spexcertipre...
A Primer on the Emerging Hemp Testing Market
October 14, 2019 18:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MBThis podcast provides insight and addresses the challenges in the testing and regulations surrounding hemp. With the recent passage of the Farm Bill, and subsequent federal acceptance of hemp as a legal crop, a new wave of agriculture, consumer and commercial products has sprouted virtually overnight. This new market has yet to see regulation at the federal level and this podcast will address some of the questions regarding testing, sample preparation and regulatory issues that we have obser...
Chemistry of Color
July 19, 2019 18:00 - 14 minutes - 9.83 MBThe 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 Stay connected with ...
Chemistry of Color
July 19, 2019 18:00 - 14 minutes - 9.83 MBThe 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 Stay connected with ...
Heavy Metals in Spices, Hemp and Nutraceuticals
June 18, 2019 16:00 - 15 minutes - 10.9 MBHeavy 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 d...
Heavy Metals in Food and Beverages
June 12, 2019 20:00 - 22 minutes - 15.6 MBOn 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 ...
Heavy Metals in Food and Beverages
June 12, 2019 20:00 - 22 minutes - 15.6 MBOn 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 ...
Chemistry of Hot Sauce
May 24, 2019 18:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MBThe 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 Stay connected with Spex using the links below! Certified Reference Materials Sample Preparation Equipmen...
Chemistry of Fragrance and Flavor
May 13, 2019 17:00 - 13 minutes - 9.5 MBHuman 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 Stay connected with Spex using the links below! Certified Reference Materials Sample Preparation Equip...
Heavy Metal Exposure in the Environment Part 2
April 25, 2019 15:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MBOn 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 pub...
Heavy Metal Exposure in the Environment Part 1
April 22, 2019 15:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MBOn 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 pub...
Heavy Metal Exposure in the Environment Part 1
April 22, 2019 15:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MBOn 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 pub...
History of Women in Science
March 07, 2019 05:00 - 19 minutes - 13.2 MBIt 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...
History of Women in Science
March 07, 2019 05:00 - 19 minutes - 13.2 MBIt 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...
Chemistry of Wine
March 03, 2019 05:00 - 30 minutes - 13.9 MBWine 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 Stay connected with Spex using the links below! Certified Reference Materia...
Chemistry of Wine
March 03, 2019 05:00 - 30 minutes - 13.9 MBWine 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 Stay connected with Spex using the links below! Certified Reference Materia...
Chemistry of Chocolate
February 14, 2019 05:00 - 13 minutes - 6.34 MBThe 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 chemist...
Chemistry of Chocolate
February 14, 2019 05:00 - 13 minutes - 6.34 MBThe 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 chemist...
Mechanisms of Pesticides and Pest Control
January 28, 2019 05:00 - 20 minutes - 9.49 MBPesticides 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 pestic...
History of Pesticides
January 25, 2019 05:00 - 22 minutes - 10.2 MBPesticides 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 ...