Chemists break barriers and open up super-resolution molecule mass analysis

Research team measures individual giant molecules with record-breaking precision. Researcher Victor Yin in front of the modified mass spectrometer used to break the mass resolution record. By modifying and boosting lab equipment, a team of chemists are able to measure individual molecules with unprecedented precision. This precision relates to being able to tell that one single sugar grain is missing from a full 1 kilogram bag of sugar. Their massive resolution upgrading will benefit the fabrication of vaccines and molecular vectors used in gene therapy. The team publish their results today in the journal Nature Methods . A team of chemists led by Prof. Albert Heck puts a new spin on analysing and understanding molecules.