New Telescope Technique Expands Exoplanet Atmosphere Spectroscopic Studies
March 24th 2025Astronomers have made a significant leap in the study of exoplanet atmospheres with a new ground-based spectroscopic technique that rivals space-based observations in precision. Using the Exoplanet Transmission Spectroscopy Imager (ETSI) at McDonald Observatory in Texas, researchers have analyzed 21 exoplanet atmospheres, demonstrating that ground-based telescopes can now provide cost-effective reconnaissance for future high-precision studies with facilities like the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) (1-3).
Claire Glynn Talks About Forensic Genealogy
In this video interview segment, Glynn of the University of New Haven discusses the significant advancements in forensic technology, particularly the use of forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG) for identifying human remains.
The Big Review V: The C-O Bond
March 20th 2025In the fifth installment of “The Big Review” of infrared (IR) spectral interpretation, we review the spectroscopy of functional groups containing C-O bonds, discuss alcohols and phenols, and see how to use IR spectroscopy to distinguish these alcohols from each other. We then discuss ethers and see how to use IR spectroscopy to distinguish the three different types from each other.
Tomas Hirschfeld: Prolific Research Chemist, Mentor, Inventor, and Futurist
March 19th 2025In this "Icons of Spectroscopy" column, executive editor Jerome Workman Jr. details how Tomas B. Hirschfeld has made many significant contributions to vibrational spectroscopy and has inspired and mentored many leading scientists of the past several decades.