<p><strong>As agriculture practices shift to be more sustainable and regenerative, the focus on soil health is growing—soil is no longer seen as just a growing medium, but as a living, teeming ecosystem. At the heart of this transformation is Total Organic Carbon (TOC), a key indicator of soil vitality, fertility, and its ability to sequester carbon from the atmosphere. Measuring soil organic carbon helps growers understand the biological health of their fields and track the effectiveness of regenerative agriculture practices.</strong></p><h3><strong>Why Total Organic Carbon in Soil Matters for Regenerative Agriculture</strong></h3><p>TOC represents the carbon stored in soil organic matter, which plays a vital role in supporting microbial life, improving nutrient availability, and enhancing soil structure. These benefits translate directly into better water retention, reduced erosion, and more resilient crops—all essential outcomes for regenerative systems aiming to restore ecosystems while maintaining productivity.</p><p>TOC is also central to carbon sequestration within soils, a cornerstone of climate-smart agriculture. By increasing organic carbon in soils, farmers can help to store carbon from the atmosphere while also improving long-term soil fertility. Practices like intensive tillage or overharvesting can deplete organic carbon in soil. That’s why routine, precise analysis is essential for maintaining and improving soil health over time.</p><h3><strong>TOC Analysis: A Critical Step Toward Smarter Soil Management</strong></h3><p>To harness the benefits of organic carbon, growers must first understand how much is present in their soil. Regular TOC analysis allows farmers to:</p><ul><li>Track the impact of regenerative practices like cover cropping, reduced tillage, and compost application.</li><li>Optimize soil amendments to build organic matter without over-applying inputs.</li><li>Monitor carbon sequestration progress as part of sustainability or carbon programs.</li></ul><h3><strong>Fast, Accurate TOC Analysis with LECO Solutions</strong></h3><p>The most common method for determining total organic carbon in soil is&nbsp;acid digestion combustion, where inorganic carbon is removed via acid treatment, leaving only the organic fraction for analysis. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1883"><strong>LECO’s&nbsp;832 Series</strong>&nbsp;</a>streamlines this process with a high-efficiency combustion furnace and advanced IR detection, delivering&nbsp;fast, accurate, and reproducible results. To further enhance efficiency, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.leco.com/documents/209-141-005/"><strong>LECO’s&nbsp;Non-Porous Ceramic Boats&nbsp;</strong></a>allow acid treatment to occur directly in the combustion vessel, eliminating the need for multiple transfers and reducing the risk of contamination or loss.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_rada_832_Analyza_spalovanim_pro_stanoveni_siry_a_uhliku_3_0ad3a64b2b.jpg" alt="LECO: The Importance of Analyzing Total Organic Carbon in Soil in Regenerative Agriculture: LECO 832 Series Combustion analysis for Sulfur and Carbon determination" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_rada_832_Analyza_spalovanim_pro_stanoveni_siry_a_uhliku_3_0ad3a64b2b.jpg 139w," sizes="100vw" width="679" height="760"></p><h3><strong>Supporting the Future of Sustainable, Regenerative Agriculture</strong></h3><p>As regenerative agriculture continues to expand, so does the need for&nbsp;high-throughput, reliable TOC analysis. Whether you’re managing a research lab, supporting carbon farming initiatives, or simply working to improve your&nbsp;soil, LECO’s solutions are designed to meet the demands of modern, sustainability-focused agriculture.</p><p>If you’re interested in learning more about determining total organic carbon, you can read our application note <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/C832_TOTAL_ORGANIC_CARBON_SOIL_ROCK_SHALE_203_821_679_b48939f659.pdf"><strong>“Determination of Total Carbon (TC) and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) in Soil by Acid Digestion and Combustion”</strong></a>, which discusses analysis methods and the advantages of using a<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1883"><strong> C832 Carbon Analyzer</strong></a>.</p>

The Importance of Analyzing Total Organic Carbon in Soil in Regenerative Agriculture

<p><strong>An international team led by researchers from CEITEC Masaryk University has developed a computational method for designing entirely new antimicrobial peptides – short proteins capable of killing bacteria. Instead of relying on the lengthy process of searching for suitable molecules in nature, the researchers can now use molecular simulations to predict their properties and design new molecules with specific functions. The resulting peptides successfully eliminated bacteria resistant to conventional antibiotics and proved effective in preclinical mouse models. The findings introduce a new approach to developing future antibiotics as well as other biologically active peptides.</strong></p><p>According to the World Health Organization, antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest global health threats of our time. Every year, the number of bacteria resistant to available antibiotics continues to grow. At the same time, developing new drugs is a lengthy and costly process in which most candidate molecules ultimately fail.</p><p>Researchers at <strong>CEITEC Masaryk University </strong>have therefore taken a different approach. Rather than searching randomly for antimicrobial compounds, they developed a method for designing them based on molecular design principles. Using molecular simulations, they analysed around <strong>150 peptides</strong> in detail and identified the rules that govern the design of molecules capable of forming stable pores in bacterial membranes. These tiny openings disrupt the membrane barrier, causing bacteria to lose control of their internal environment and ultimately die. <i>"We discovered how to arrange specific amino acids so that the resulting peptides form pores in bacterial membranes. This now allows us to generate an enormous number of peptide candidates and select those with the properties we are looking for,"</i> says <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ceitec.eu/prof-robert-vacha-ph-d/u27252"><strong>Robert Vácha</strong></a> from<strong> CEITEC Masaryk University</strong>, who led the research.</p><p>The researchers validated the most promising peptide designs experimentally. They confirmed their activity against a group of the most dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The best results were achieved against <strong>Acinetobacter baumannii</strong>, which the World Health Organization classifies as a priority drug-resistant pathogen. The team also demonstrated that their most successful peptide does not damage human red blood cells and shows no significant toxicity towards human cells. Its efficacy was further confirmed in two preclinical mouse models of bacterial infection.</p><p>The significance of the study lies not only in identifying a new antibiotic candidate but, more importantly, in establishing a new design strategy. Based on their findings, the researchers developed a set of design principles and 52 sequence templates that can be used to design approximately<strong> 10 trillion molecules</strong>, providing other research teams with a framework for developing new membrane-disrupting peptides. The same principle that proved successful against bacteria could also be applied in the future to develop anticancer therapeutics, biosensors, or targeted drug delivery systems.</p><p><i>"Until now, researchers have mostly searched for biologically active molecules created by nature and only then investigated how they work. We reversed this process. First, we studied which molecular properties are required for a particular mechanism of action – in our case, the ability to stabilize membrane pores – and then used this knowledge to design entirely new peptides that make such pores. This approach could significantly accelerate the development of new medicines and help us keep pace with the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance,"</i> adds Robert Vácha, who has received <strong>ERC grants</strong> for his research.</p><p>The study was carried out in collaboration with researchers from the <strong>University of Pennsylvania, the University of Groningen, Palacký University Olomouc, and the Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences</strong>. The results were published in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41589-026-02269-z.epdf"><strong>Nature Chemical Biology</strong></a>.</p><blockquote><h4><strong>The original article</strong></h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41589-026-02269-z#citeas"><strong>Computational design of antimicrobial peptide nanopores</strong></a></h4><p>Rahul Deb, Marcelo D. T. Torres, Ivo Kabelka, Jan Přibyl, Kateřina Dvořáková Bendová, Edo Vreeker, Markéta Koběrská, Gabriela Balíková Novotná, Miloš Petřík, Giovanni Maglia, Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez &amp; Robert Vácha</p><p><i><strong>Nat. Chem. Biol.</strong></i>, 2026, <strong>22</strong>, 1–12</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-026-02269-z"><span>https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-026-02269-z</span></a><span>&nbsp;</span></p><h6>Licenced under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"><strong>CC-BY 4.0</strong></a></h6></blockquote><h4><strong>Abstract</strong></h4><p>Antibiotic resistance is a global health threat, driving the need for new molecules that kill bacteria via nontraditional mechanisms. Here, we present a computational de novo design strategy for α-helical peptides that self-assemble into large, stable and membrane-spanning nanopores with antimicrobial activity, including in vivo efficacy against drug-resistant pathogens. Molecular dynamics simulations guided the selection of sequences for transmembrane barrel-stave pore formation, which were validated by microscopy, electrophysiology and fluorescence assays. Using computational and experimental analyses, including negative design controls, we developed general design guidelines and 52 modular sequence templates with tunable antimicrobial, pore-forming properties. Mechanistic studies confirmed bacterial cytoplasmic membrane disruption via designed nanopore formation. A tuned lead peptide selectively killed drug-resistant ESKAPEE bacteria, including <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i>, without harming human cells, and showed anti-infective efficacy in preclinical mouse infection models. The framework presented here enables the design of synthetic peptide nanopores for precision antimicrobials, anticancer agents, molecular sensors and delivery systems.</p>

New Antibiotics Designed on a Computer: Scientists Develop a Blueprint for Building Molecules Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria 

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 35, 2026

Article

Product

Application

Science and research

Since its establishment in 2011, CEITEC has quickly developed into a cutting-edge infrastructure for research which performs highly alongside the best institutes in Europe. Among the main priorities of CEITEC are the promotion of a motivating and dynamic international scientific environment, the provision of state-of-the-art research infrastructure, and the policy of open communication and equal opportunities.

CEITEC

Everything from the world of analytical chemistry in one place. We connect people in solving their problems. At Labrulez you will find all the necessary information easily, quickly and clearly. Stop searching and start finding.

LabRulez

In 1936, the Laboratory Equipment Company introduced the first rapid carbon determinator for the American iron and steel industry.  Today, almost 80 years later, LECO is recognized globally as a leader in the development of high-quality analytical instrumentation, mass spectrometers, comprehensive two-dimensional chromatography, metallography & optical equipment as well as consumables.

LECO

Thermo Fisher Scientific

<p><strong>Learn about how the Thermo Scientific™ Element GD Plus™ GD-MS redefines the analysis of advanced high purity materials in solid state. We will demonstrate why the high through-put, extra low ppb level detection limits and the newly released CNO option of the Element GD Plus GD-MS makes it the most convenient and powerful tool for bulk metal analysis and depth profiling in routine and research applications.</strong></p>
<p>Learning points:</p>
<ul>
<li>Benefits of the Element GD Plus GD-MS for bulk metal analysis</li>
<li>CNO option for low detection limits of carbon, nitrogen and oxygen</li>
<li>Example applications, including:<ul>
<li>ultratrace impurity analysis in high purity copper for electronics manufacturing</li>
<li>elemental depth profiling of silicon wafers and battery components</li>
<li>elemental analysis of nickel super alloys for aerospace engineering</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Who should attend:</p>
<ul>
<li>Scientists interested in trace elemental analysis</li>
<li>Clean laboratories analyzing high purity samples</li>
<li>Customers interested in elemental depth profiling in solid samples</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Dr. Hauke Vollstaedt (Product Manager (Element GD Plus GD-MS), Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Hauke joined Thermo Fisher Scientific in 2017. He is a geologist by training, completed his Ph.D. at the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel researching on marine isotope geochemistry and went to the University of Bern to work in the field of cosmochemistry as a post-doc. Within Thermo Fisher Scientific Hauke works as a Product Manager within the Inorganic Mass Spectrometry group.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Dr. Torsten Lindemann, Product Specialist (Element GD Plus GD-MS), Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Torsten in an analytical chemist and joined Thermo Fisher Scientific in 2002. He received his Ph.D. at GKSS Research Centre in Geesthacht in cooperation with the University of Hamburg, researching in the field of speciation analysis. He was a post-doc at Trent University, Canada, funded by the German Research Foundation, to identify new selenium species. Within Thermo Fisher Scientific he started as an Application Specialist for the Element 2 ICP-MS, and is now a Product Specialist for the Element GD Plus.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Dr. Jenny Roberts (Senior Product Marketing Specialist, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Jenny is an earth scientist by training with a background in isotope geochemistry. She completed her Ph.D. at the University of Cambridge and went on to do a post-doc at the Alfred-Wegener Institute. She joined Thermo Fisher Scientific in 2018 where she has performed a number of different roles, most recently as Product Marketing for the Inorganic Mass Spectrometry group.</p>
</blockquote>


Thermo Scientific: Rapid trace elemental analysis of high purity solid samples

Rapid trace elemental analysis of high purity solid samples

Learn about how the Thermo Scientific Element GD Plus GD-MS redefines the analysis of advanced high purity materials in solid state.

<p><strong>The&nbsp;unique&nbsp;technology of the&nbsp;Thermo Scientific Neoma MS/MS MC-ICP-MS&nbsp;allows you to separate out isobaric interferences through reaction with gases within a dedicated collision/reaction cell and provides extraordinary versatility allowing the largest number of isotopic systems to be analyzed thanks to the unique pre-cell mass filter technology.&nbsp;</strong></p><h5><strong>In this demonstration, we will show:</strong></h5><ul><li>The development of the new MC-ICP-MS platform&nbsp;</li><li>Unique features and user benefits</li><li>A demonstration of the ion path&nbsp;flythrough</li><li>Applications,&nbsp;including a real-time Rb-Sr analysis</li></ul><p>There will be plenty of time for live interaction with our product specialists. Want to know something specific?<br>Add your question to the comment box in the registration form.</p><h5><strong>Related content</strong></h5><p>Take advantage of our growing library of convenient and educational recorded webinars and resources. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/uk/en/home/about-us/events/industrial/analytical-innovations-webinars.html">Visit our webinars page&gt;</a>&nbsp;</p><h5><strong>Useful Information</strong></h5><ul><li>Read informative and engaging chromatography and mass spectrometry articles written by Thermo Fisher Scientific experts at our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://analyteguru.com/">Analyte Guru blog</a>.</li><li>Stay up to date with the latest news, applications, events, and more by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://info1.thermoscientific.com/content/CMD_KL_Preferences">signing up for one of our communities</a>.</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Dr Claudia Bouman (Product Manager IOMS, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p><div><div><p align="LEFT">Claudia Bouman is Product Manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific in Bremen, Germany, being responsible for the Multicollector ICP-MS product line. Claudia graduated at the University of Utrecht and completed her PhD in Isotope Geochemistry at the VU in Amsterdam, Netherlands. With a passion for isotopes, Claudia joined the Bremen factory in 2002 to work as Application Specialist. Since then she had various roles in Product Management, Sales Support and Marketing.</p><div><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Dr Grant Craig (Applications Manager MC-ICP-MS, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</div></div><div><p align="LEFT">Dr. Grant Craig has spent over 5 years with Thermo Fisher Scientific, creating and supporting the implementation of the latest MC-ICP-MS applications all over the world. Prior to joining Thermo Fisher Scientific he earned a PhD on MC-ICP-MS in the UK. Currently Dr. Craig is aiding with the development of the next generation of Thermo Scientific MC-ICP-MS.</p></div></div></blockquote>

Thermo Fisher Scientific: Eliminate interferences and expand your isotopic research

Eliminate interferences and expand your isotopic research

The Thermo Scientific Neoma MS/MS MC-ICP-MS removes isobaric interferences and enables isotopic analysis using its unique pre-cell mass filter technology.

<div><div container-id="cq-colctrl-lt0" comp-id="A1"><div><p><strong>The Jet Interface, consisting of specially designed cones and a high-capacity interface pump, sets the highest standard for sensitivity in elemental and isotope ratio analysis and is now &nbsp;integrated into the Thermo Scientific™ Element™ Series HR-ICP-MS.</strong></p><p>Join us virtually for an insightful webinar where our specialists will present the benefits of the enhanced sensitivity with the Jet interface, with typical sensitivity of &gt;3 x 106 cps/ppb 115In in wet plasma and &gt;3–5 × 107 cps/ppb 115In in dry plasma.</p><p>The Element Series HR-ICP-MS keeps offering multi-element quantification at the sub-ppt level in the widest range of sample matrices, easy operation with simple method development without the need for collision-reaction gases, excellent mass and signal stability, maximum versatility for use in academic research and routine industry laboratories worldwide.</p><h4><strong>What You Will Learn</strong></h4><ul><li>Introduction to Jet interface features and benefits</li><li>HR-ICP-MS with Jet interface: analytical performance in wet and dry plasma</li><li><strong>Case study</strong>: isotope ratio measurements of natural uranium (IRMM-184) using &nbsp;a standard and Jet Interface set-up in wet plasma mode</li></ul><h4><strong>Who Should Attend</strong></h4><ul><li>Research scientists and students interested in HR-ICP-MS analysis</li><li>Laboratory managers and analysts using any ICP-MS technique</li></ul><p>We look forward to your participation in this informative session.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Dr. Laura Bracciali (Product Specialist, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p><p>After receiving her Ph.D. in Earth Sciences from the University of Pisa, Laura took post-doctoral research positions at the Italian Antarctic Research Program, the British Geological Survey, and Lancaster University. Before joining Thermo Fisher Scientific in 2020 as Product Specialist, Laura was manager of the LA U-(Th)-Pb Geochronology Division at Stellenbosch University.</p><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Dr. Hauke Vollstaedt (Product Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p><p>Hauke joined Thermo Fisher Scientific in 2017. He is a geologist by training, completed his Ph.D. at the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel researching on marine isotope geochemistry and went to the University of Bern to work in the field of cosmochemistry as a post-doc. Within Thermo Fisher Scientific Hauke works as a Product Manager for HR-ICP-MS, TIMS and GD-MS instruments.</p></blockquote></div></div></div>

Thermo Fisher Scientific: How to improve sensitivity in elemental and isotope ratio analysis with HR-ICP-MS

How to improve sensitivity in elemental and isotope ratio analysis with HR-ICP-MS

Insightful webinar where our specialists will present the benefits of the enhanced sensitivity with the Jet interface.

ICPMS webinars focusing on HR-ICP-MS - page 1