Using a combination of modern physics tools--including three-dimensional, high-resolution X-ray, radiocarbon dating with accelerator mass spectrometry, and infrared spectroscopy--the researchers analysed the tooth to determine the age and composition of a resinous filling detected inside.

UNESCO: Basic Sciences

The most likely alternatives, butter and pig fat, were ruled out using a technique called isotope-ratio mass spectrometry, which measures the molecular weights of the chemicals in a sample.

ECONOMIST: The Romans, too, had sophisticated cosmetics

The compounds in their breath were analysed using a technique called secondary electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (SESI-MS), which is capable of detecting extremely small elements of the chemicals present in their breath.

BBC: Lung infection identified using 'breath-print'

The centre will integrate expertise in cell biology, mass spectrometry, proteomics, "big-data" analytics, drug discovery and computer science to exploit the potential of the human genome project for healthcare and the development of safer drugs.

BBC: Dundee University awarded ?700,000 for DNA data project

Sequenom is developing a high-speed "bacterial fingerprinting" technique based on mass spectrometry that can be used to rapidly identify the DNA of subtly different strains of bacteria or viruses.

FORBES: Biotechs See Dollar Signs In War