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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 collaborations and made significant contributions to global public health and safety. 4-MTA is a synthetic designer drug that is chemically related to amphetamines. It is part of the phenethylamine and amphetamine classes known for their stimulant and psychoactive effects.

We also explore the incredible advancements in toxicology analysis techniques over the past three decades, emphasizing the interdisciplinary nature of the field and the importance of passion and perseverance.

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The opinions expressed by the guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Analytical Zen Podcast.

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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 the challenges of postmortem forensic toxicology.

Starting as a community pharmacist in Tehran, Professor Mozayani has evolved into a distinguished forensic toxicologist in the United States and Canada, with a career that spans diverse regions and roles. She shares her invaluable experiences regarding drug diversity, court challenges and the nuances of legal processes in different countries.

Professor Mozayani highlights the complexities of detecting cannabis compounds and emphasizes the urgent need for standardized testing protocols. She also addresses the unique challenges faced in postmortem forensic toxicology including postmortem redistribution, matrix complexity and contamination issues. Throughout her career, she has balanced these professional demands with family life while demonstrating her unwavering dedication to justice reform and education.

Join us as as Professor Mozayani recounts her inspiring journey, offering a compelling perspective on overcoming cultural and professional hurdles while advancing her career across borders.

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The opinions expressed by the guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Analytical Zen Podcast.

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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 issues, such as a lack of faith and purpose, that contribute to rising drug use.

Our discussion expands to the complex interplay between drugs, faith, and brain chemistry, highlighting how each can profoundly affect mood and behavior. This enlightening conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding our biological systems and the impact of community, purpose, and faith on overall well-being. We also offer a philosophical approach to toxicology, seeking to understand the underlying reasons behind drug use.

Join us as we explore this and more with our guest, Dr. Nicolas Donzé, a clinical chemist and forensic toxicologist at Hôpital Valais in Switzerland.

Join the conversation at The Analytical Zen Podcast! Reach out to us via email at theanalyticalzenpodcast@gmail.com.

The opinions expressed by the guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Analytical Zen Podcast.

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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 fascinating and complex world of hair testing, discussing "the kissing defense," the "sex defense," and the challenges of cross-contamination for athletes. In recent years, several cases of drug transfer during intimate moments have been reported. This week's episode features Professor Pascal Kintz, widely recognized as the leading global authority on drugs in hair testing. He elaborates on the stringent criteria required to establish a defense, shedding light on the substances commonly involved and the inherent challenges of proving innocence.

Professor Kintz first graduated as a pharmacist from the University of Strasbourg in 1985. After a period of research in molecular pharmacology, he pursued his PhD on analytical methods for drugs of abuse at the Louis Pasteur University, Strasbourg.

Professor Kintz has held positions as Associate Professor of Legal Medicine (1990-2004) and Associate Director of the Institute of Legal Medicine of Strasbourg (1990-2004). He is a Past President of The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists (TIAFT) and the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT). Currently, he serves as a senior consultant in Forensic Toxicology, specifically in Drugs in Hair Testing, at the University of Strasbourg, and as CEO of X-Pertise Consulting (Mittelhausbergen, France). He has authored over 500 peer-reviewed papers, edited nine books in two languages on forensic toxicology, and is a regular guest speaker at scientific meetings and conferences worldwide.

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The opinions expressed by the guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Analytical Zen Podcast.

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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 of the most esteemed spectral databases for identification, which are globally recognized and relied upon by toxicologists, forensic scientists, coroners, and environmental chemists for identifying drugs, poisons, toxins, and their metabolites.


Join the conversation at The Analytical Zen Podcast! Reach out to us via email at theanalyticalzenpodcast@gmail.com.

The opinions expressed by the guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Analytical Zen Podcast.