In this video interview segment, we asked Claire Glynn about the latest technological developments, and what type of challenges forensic scientists are currently facing.

Researchers explore soft optical waveguides as a breakthrough technology for biocompatible sensing and robotics.

This research investigates the application of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and machine learning (ML) for detecting elemental composition of food, using rice as an example.

A recent review article highlights the growing use of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in battery research.

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.

In 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.

In 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.

This month’s column investigates the elemental composition of electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

A recent review published in Sensors explores the dynamic field of continuum robotics, with a particular focus on the advances in optical sensing technologies. The study, led by researchers from the Technical University of Košice and the University of Texas at Austin, highlights the dominance of optical fiber sensors in tracking robotic shape perception and environmental interactions, demonstrating spectroscopic applications and future potential.

In this video interview clip, Claire Glynn highlights the advancements in portable DNA analysis, emphasizing its current role rather than future potential in forensic science.

The editors of Spectroscopy are currently accepting nominations for the 2025 Emerging Leader in Molecular Spectroscopy Award and the 2026 Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award. Nominate someone you know today!

This interview segment shifts away from the technology that is impacting forensic sciences and instead focuses on a broader issue in the industry.

A study published in the International Journal of Dairy Technology by lead author Mark A. Fenelon and his team at Teagasc Food Research Centre and University College Dublin demonstrates that ATR-FT-IR spectroscopy can effectively monitor heat-induced structural changes in milk proteins and colloidal calcium phosphate, offering valuable insights for optimizing dairy product stability and quality.

In this video segment, Metz discusses advancements in field deployable units, such as miniaturized mass spectrometers and separation devices, which are notable for their size reduction.

In this video clip, Eldridge identifies three main challenges in the forensic science field: funding constraints, effective communication of results, and the implementation of new standards.