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Core D – Laboratory and Analytical Core

The Laboratory Core aims to objectively determine tobacco use related compounds in biological samples, as well as to characterize and quantify additives to various tobacco products, i.e., non-biological samples. In addition, the Laboratory core leverages knowledge on tobacco product ingredients to support the creation of custom e-liquids for specific study applications.

Biological samples: For example, the addition of menthol and other additives in tobacco/nicotine products could heighten the risk of nicotine addiction, particularly among certain ethnic groups or adolescents. Accurate interpretation of studies on the impact of these additives on nicotine responses hinges on knowing nicotine and additive concentrations in biological samples such as bodily fluids.

Non-biological samples: To characterize tobacco product composition, the Core has the capabilities to identify, characterize, and quantify individual components of a variety of tobacco products, including solid samples such as cigarettes and cigarillos, liquid samples such as e-liquids, as well as smoke/aerosol generated from these products using a smoking/vaping machine. Aligned with Projects 1-4, a specific focus lies on additives that enhance flavor and other sensory perceptions to users, such as cooling agents, sweet flavorants, sweeteners, or reaction products of tobacco product ingredients.

Laboratory and Analytical Core

  • Professor of Laboratory Medicine, of Neurosurgery, and of Cellular and Molecular Physiology; Vice Chair for Education, Department of Laboratory Medicine; Director of Medical Education, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology; Thread Leader, Physiology, Office of Education; Associate Director, Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, Yale-New Haven Hospital

    Tore Eid, MD, PhD is a Professor of Laboratory Medicine, of Neurosurgery, and of Cellular & Molecular Physiology at Yale School of Medicine. As both a practicing clinical pathologist and NIH-funded investigator, Dr. Eid focuses on three main areas: Clinical Laboratory Testing & Pathology Consults – Diagnose and monitor conditions like multiple myeloma, substance abuse, neurological disorders, and metabolic and endocrine disorders through analysis of blood, urine, CSF, and expert pathology consultations. Chemical Mechanisms of Brain Disorders – Exploring the chemical and metabolic processes that drive brain disorders, with a focus on epilepsy, to advance the development of more precise and effective treatments. One of Dr. Eid’s key discoveries is that deficiency of the enzyme glutamine synthetase in the brain is likely a critical contributor to certain forms of human epilepsy—a finding that has advanced our understanding of the disease’s underlying causes. Minimally Invasive Health Monitoring – Discovering chemical biomarkers in easily accessible biofluids—such as saliva, sweat, subcutaneous fluid, and breath—to monitor health in real time across a range of conditions, including epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, mood disorders, substance abuse, diabetes, and cancer.
  • Vice Provost of Planetary Solutions, Professor of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, and of School of the Environment, and of Epidemiology (Environmental Health Sciences)