Cover of SepScience magazine issue 8.

April 2026 | Issue 8

Precision Without Limits: Map Molecules. Resolve Signals. Enable Action.

In this Issue

Illustration of Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars aligned in space, highlighting comparative planetary exploration and NASA’s use of mass spectrometry in studying planetary atmospheres.

NASA’s Mass Spectrometry Missions to Titan, Venus, and Mars

Melissa Trainer of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center discusses the analytical challenges and innovations behind mass spectrometry tools bound for three very different destinations.
Close-up view of a jet engine turbine fan, illustrating advanced aerospace engineering and its role in jet fuel testing efficiency.

Advancing GCxGC for Jet Fuel Testing: Behind the Development of ASTM D8396

Explore the transformation of GCxGC from a specialized R&D tool into a practical solution for real-world jet fuel testing.
Digital representation of SLIM technology using electronic circuits.

SLIM Technology Brings Next-Generation Separation to Proteomics and Beyond

Discover a next-generation ion mobility-based platform that delivers faster, deeper, and more reproducible analysis without sacrificing sensitivity.
Woman squeezing lime over a taco, illustrating the importance of flavor perception and sensory experience in the development and consumer acceptance of alternative protein products.

The Role of LC/QTOF MS in Alternative Proteins Research

Expert insights explore how LC/QTOF mass spectrometry supports flavor profiling, ingredient verification, and non-targeted screening in the development of alternative proteins.
Abstract blue wave pattern with curved flowing lines, resembling fluid motion used to illustrate concepts in quantitative flow cytometry and advanced data visualization.

Flow Cytometry: From Arbitrary Units to Quantitative Science

Discover how embracing quantitative flow cytometry transforms cellular analysis for enhanced reproducibility and data integrity.
Stylized illustration of a glowing, unfolded orange mRNA strand, illuminated by a spotlight against a dark background, representing the molecule being analyzed by mass photometry.

Mass Photometry Solves Analytical Bottlenecks in Native-State mRNA QC 

Matt Ranaghan details how mass photometry (MP) provides rapid, label-free, and native-state analysis to accurately assess the integrity and purity of fragile mRNA therapeutics, streamlining analytical workflows from R&D to manufacturing.
A laboratory scientist operates a compact GC–MS system on a stainless-steel bench, demonstrating modern, space-efficient analytical instrumentation designed for fast, reliable testing in industrial or research environments.

Driving Miniaturization in Analytical Chemistry: An Expert's View on Compact GC–MS

Compact GC–MS systems are revolutionizing the landscape of analytical testing. Mike Collins discusses how advancements in design and ease of operation are fueling this transformation.
Lush green tea fields, context for PFAS contamination studies

Expanding PFAS Detection: LC-MS/MS Breakthrough Targets Ultra-Short Chains

As regulations tighten around the world, a new method promises more complete PFAS analysis in a single run, covering even the elusive ultra-short chains.
A scientist monitors real-time bioprocess data on a screen, collected by a Raman probe inserted into a stainless steel bioreactor, illustrating the application of Raman spectroscopy for pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Raman Spectroscopy Gains Ground in PAT and Pharma 4.0

Smaller instruments, stronger data analytics, and rising regulatory acceptance position Raman spectroscopy as a critical tool for real-time insight in modern pharma and biopharma manufacturing.