“Matrix-free mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) of biological tissues, e.g., by laser desorption ionization (LDI) from silicon nanopost arrays (NAPA) offers minimized spectral interferences, high substrate uniformity, and the potential for quantitation. Recent results indicate that NAPA-MS offers features that complement the utility of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) for the untargeted analysis of metabolites and lipids in complex biological samples. The MALDI imaging of neutral lipids, including triacylglycerol (TAG) and cholesterol is challenging due to their low ionization efficiency and ion fragmentation.  Here we compare LDI from NAPA and MALDI for MSI. The MALDI and NAPA platforms were assessed for the molecular imaging of a variety of biological tissue sections, including mouse brain and heart, and human skin.”

 Benji Englander: Rooting for the Home Team: Sports, Politics, and the Rhetoric of Identification.          

“This study examines the the efficacy of sports rhetoric in political communications by exploring the influence references to local sports teams can have on voters’ perceptions of politicians’ relatability. By conducting an A/B test that compares two versions of a candidate’s speech – one with local sports team references and one without – in three states known for the loyalty of their sports fans, this research will ascertain the political usefulness of sports rhetoric while offering larger insights into voter behavior.”