The Analytical Zen Podcast

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of the Analytical Zen Podcast, we explore a critical and increasingly urgent issue of spiking. While far from new, incidents are rising and the response must evolve just as quickly. We’re joined by Dawn Dines, Founder and CEO of Stamp Out Spiking, a leading voice in the fight against this growing threat. With over two decades of frontline advocacy, Dawn brings a po...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Analytical Zen Podcast , Dr. Simona Pichini guides us through the complex and fast-evolving world of synthetic cathinones. Dr. Pichini is an Italian pharmacotoxicologist and Acting Director of the National Centre on Addiction and Doping at the Italian National Institute of Health. She is a leading expert in the pharmacokinetics and toxicology of drugs of abu...

Send us Fan Mail In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Luis Manuel Menéndez Quintanal joins us to explore the complex intersections between sexual health, substance use and forensic toxicology. From the science of new psychoactive substances (NPS) to the social and health implications of chemsex, this conversation sheds light on an urgent and often misunderstood topic - blending scientific insigh...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tania Delabarde, leading forensic anthropologist at the Institute of Legal Medicine in Paris, where she has been instrumental since 2013 in the identification of unidentified bodies and coordination of Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) protocols. Dr. Delabarde’s career spans some of the world’s most complex humanitarian and post-conflict co...

Send us Fan Mail In this compelling episode, Dr. Kayla Ellefsen—Deputy Chief Toxicologist at the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office in Austin, Texas, United States-offers a rare look into the science of forensic toxicology and its critical role in death investigations. She dismantles Hollywood myths about quick test results and flashy labs, revealing the meticulous process toxicologists follo...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore the connection between zinc and diabetes, focusing on functions of zinc in the pancreas and for blood glucose control. Using animal models of obesity and prediabetes, researchers investigated how mild zinc deficiency—similar to levels potentially seen in humans—affects the pancreas and regulation of blood glucose. The study found that a 30% reduction in...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, forensic toxicologist Dr. Karolina Nowak takes  us into the world of forensic toxicology, from the energy drinks we consume daily to the dangerous synthetic drugs on the streets.  Dr. Nowak discusses the growing issues surrounding stimulant use, including the rise of synthetic drugs and the overlooked dangers of legal substances like caffeine. With a unique perspe...

Send us Fan Mail Join us on the Analytical Zen Podcast  for an interview with Professor Christopher Milroy, a forensic pathologist and professor based in Ottawa, Canada. Professor Milroy earned his medical degree from the University of Liverpool and trained in pathology in Liverpool, Bristol and London before specializing in forensic pathology in Sheffield. From 1990 to 2008, he worked as a forens...

Send us Fan Mail What if you could transform the way we gather and interpret critical data in resource-limited settings? Join us on the Analytical Zen podcast as we chat with Professor Stefano Cinti, a trailblazer in the realm of sensors and biosensors. Stefano's journey from hesitant beginnings to becoming a passionate advocate for analytical chemistry is nothing short of inspiring. In this...

Send us Fan Mail Can smartphones contribute to food safety risks in home kitchens? Join Dr. Mairead McCann from SafeFood as she examines the role of smart devices in household food safety. Drawing on research conducted by Queen's University Belfast and commissioned by SafeFood, Dr. McCann provides evidence-based insights into how technology, integral to modern cooking routines, may introduce...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets of forensic toxicology and workplace drug testing. From naval mishaps to train collisions, discover the pivotal incidents that have shaped workplace drug testing policies and why they matter.   Join us as we chat with Steve Korkoneas as he sheds light on the widespread practice of workplace drug testing. Whether you're in a safety-critical role or curious a...

Send us Fan Mail What if a simple work placement could transform your entire career? Join us on the Analytical Zen Podcast as we sit down with Dr. Simon Elliott, a forensic toxicologist with over 30 years of experience. Simon shares memorable cases and pivotal experiences, including his work with the designer drug 4-Methylthioamphetamine (4-MTA) in his career, which sparked international collabora...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we discuss the critical importance of detecting Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Delta-9 THC and Delta-10 THC along with the challenges associated with analysing heart blood in forensic toxicology. We delve into Professor Ashraf Mozayani’s remarkable journey through the dynamic field of forensic toxicology, focusing on the impact of cannabis legalization and th...

Send us Fan Mail Imagine a young driver under the influence of multiple substances—what societal factors contribute to such dangerous behavior? In this episode, we explore the case of a young driver found with cocaine, diazepam, and fluoxetine in their system. We delve into trends among young drivers in Switzerland, draw parallels with other regions like Ireland, and examine broader societal issue...

Send us Fan Mail What if an athlete could test positive for a banned substance through no fault of their own? As Wimbledon and the UEFA European Championships grace our TV screens currently, and with the 2024 Olympic Games set to begin in Paris, France at the end of July, The Analytical Zen Podcast turns its focus to the role of forensic toxicology in sports doping. Join us as we delve into the fa...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 1 features a career spotlight on esteemed toxicologist Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. (UGent) Hans H. Maurer. He is an Emeritus Professor and the former Head of the Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology at the Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany. This renowned toxicology group in Saarland developed some...