Analytical science

Introducing Thiago R L C Paixão

Co-editor of Forensic Analytical Methods

Tell us about your book

Forensics is a hot topic in analytical chemistry at the moment and the body of forensic analysis literature has expanded rapidly in the past few years. However, forensic science books still tend to be organised in distinct areas: forensic DNA analysis, trace evidence, and drugs and poisons. These are not very common topics for undergraduate and graduate chemistry courses, so our aim was to cover these distinct areas, but concentrate on the analytical chemistry technique used. We have tried to show that the specific technique used is vital to understanding or explaining the case. Our approach describes current practice and the development of portable detectors which are needed for forensic science analysis.

What do you think will be the next big breakthrough in your subject area?

At this moment there is an urgent need for portable devices that can be used in the field, at crime scenes, to solve real cases. However, most research is focused on complicated laboratory procedures rather than field/portable tests. The development of in-field tests and intelligent devices that can be used in different areas of forensic chemistry would be a significant breakthrough since they are powerful tools that can provide reliable, fast and cheap results when compared to more traditional analytical procedures.

Looking back what is the biggest development in your area of research?

One of the biggest developments in this field has been to simplify forensic analysis so that it can be performed by non-experts, to solve crimes in the field. A recently reported example is for a novel approach using an inexpensive and disposable colorimetric paper sensor array for the detection and discrimination of five explosives. The colorimetric sensor comprised a disposable paper array that produced a unique color pattern for each explosive based on chemical interactions between the explosive species and the chemical reagents. The analytes were discriminated from one another as per the color change profiles. The colorimetric pattern values were extracted using a smartphone, custom-made software and a closed chamber to circumvent the illumination problems commonly found in other paper approach devices.

Introducing N Jon Shah

Editor of Hybrid MR-PET Imaging of the Brain

Tell us about your book

This book addresses questions relating to hybrid imaging that experienced MRI and PET professionals may have and also gives students a starting point from which to learn about both techniques. At the moment, it is necessary to consult two separate literature sources to learn about MRI and PET; there is really very little in the way of textbooks for explaining hybrid imaging. In contrast, this book is a ‘one stop shop’ with an introduction to MRI and an introduction to PET. In particular, it discusses the problems encountered in bringing these two technologies together. It is for experienced practitioners of one or the other field and for students joining the field.

What do you think will be the next big breakthrough in your subject area?

When examining brain function, people tend to look at different phenomena separated by time. But we know that the brain does not necessarily do the same thing twice, so taking two disparate measures of the same thing and putting them together is very difficult. When you take measurements using separate MRI and PET machines on separate days, you can never be sure that the physiological conditions are the same. With a hybrid instrument, because it is capable of simultaneous measurement, you can be sure that the conditions will remain the same. I think that this particular aspect will lead to breakthroughs in understanding the processes in the brain which might not have necessarily have appeared to be the same when measured in separate machines.

Looking back, what is the biggest development in your area of research?

The biggest development that has really enabled the area of hybrid imaging has been the advancement of MRI compatible PET detectors – specifically, integrating the two systems while shielding against the deleterious effects of one on the other and transferring it to higher magnetic fields such as 3T and even 7T. Building on the existing technology and making it hybrid-imaging feasible at higher field strengths will lead to breakthroughs in understanding the brain. Further development of new instrumentation and hardware is required to do that, alongside developments in new techniques for examining the brain.

In terms of clinical breakthroughs, I think hybrid MR-PET will enhance the search for imaging biomarkers leading to early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases.

What was the biggest challenge you faced when editing the book?

I think the biggest challenge was pitching the book at the right level for two distinct audiences. We didn’t want the book to be too elementary for knowledgeable, seasoned scientists, but we had to recognise that students entering the field with a degree in physics or a technical subject would require more background information and guidance. We tried to reach a balance by including clear take-home messages so that if a student finds a particular section to be challenging, they can at least have a simple and straightforward overview which they can then build on with further reading.