Interesting Uses for Mass Spectrometry
Mass spectrometry is one of those scientific methods that affects most of our everyday lives, yet we don’t even know it affects us, let alone what it is. For instance, labs use mass spectrometry to identify the taste of food—yes, actually defining the taste. On a more serious note, mass spectrometry helps NASA with analyzing the universe and atmosphere. That said, we don’t expect you to be scientists by the end of this article, but we know you’ll have a better understanding of all the interesting uses for mass spectrometry.
Space Analysis
NASA is known for its incredible findings both within the Earth’s atmosphere and beyond. One of the many tools that NASA uses is mass spectrometry because of the tool’s sophistication and complexity. For example, NASA will use mass spectrometry to analyze the air quality on spaceships with astronauts aboard. In addition, mass spectrometry allows NASA to better understand other planets’ atmospheres.
Homeland Security and Forensics
On another serious note, the Centers for Disease Control use mass spectrometry to analyze the molecules within chemicals. The components of mass spectrometers allow lab technicians to both identify molecules and also bust the bad guys. For instance, mass spectrometry is one of the most common methods to analyze anyone walking through TSA at the airports. You know all those sensors you walk through? Those are all compact versions of mass spectrometers.
Testing Athletes for Steroids
If a player from one of your rival teams just got caught using steroids, there’s a good chance that the steroid use was proven with mass spectrometry. In general, a lab technician can inject a sample from the player’s blood or urine sample. Additionally, the complexity of mass spectrometers makes it virtually impossible for players to mask their steroid use with another substance.
Food Science
Mass spectrometry is extremely useful in analyzing both food and beverages, including water. For instance, the spectrometer helps food scientists identify the purity of a particular food or beverage by highlighting harmful toxins, pesticides, and other additives that could cause bodily harm if consumed. Because most of North America’s fresh fruits and vegetables are imported, mass spectrometry plays a vital role by ensuring imported batches are safe for consumption.
While we covered four interesting uses for mass spectrometry, there are many more applications out there, from newborn screening to cancer research. So, once you begin researching all the uses, you’ll realize that mass spectrometry is vital to our daily lives—even if we don’t fully understand it.
