A Video Interview with John Richmond and Tom Dearing
Analyzing the Protein Secondary Structure in Tissue Specimens
In the first part of this three-part interview, Ayanjeet Ghosh of the University of Alabama and Rohit Bhargava of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign discuss their interest in using discrete frequency infrared (IR) imaging to analyze protein secondary structures.
Best of the Week: Recognizing Albert A. Michelson, Studying Star Clusters, Elemental Analysis
Top articles published this week include a new Icons of Spectroscopy column, a news story about the use of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy in gemology, and a Q&A interview about elemental analysis in pharmaceutical analysis.
How Do We Improve Elemental Impurity Analysis in Pharmaceutical Quality Control?
In this final part of our conversation with Harrington and Seibert, they discuss the main challenges that they encountered in their study and how we can improve elemental impurity analysis in pharmaceutical quality control.
Accurate Plastic Blend Analysis Using Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy
Researchers at the Sinopec Research Institute have developed a novel method using virtually generated mid-infrared spectra to accurately quantify plastic blends, offering a faster, scalable solution for recycling and environmental monitoring.
In Part II of our conversation with James Harrington of RTI International in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, who was the lead author of this study, as well as coauthor Donna Seibert of Kalamazoo, Michigan, they talk about the reproducibility for Hg and V, as well as the ICP-MS and XRF results compare to one another.
FT-IR Spectral Fingerprints Reveal Secrets of Rubies and Sapphires
May 14th 2025Scientists at the University of Barcelona have developed a fast and reliable way to identify natural, treated, and synthetic rubies and sapphires using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Their study reveals unique spectral fingerprints for different gemstone types, offering a powerful tool in the fight against gem fraud.
How do Pharmaceutical Laboratories Approach Elemental Impurity Analysis?
Spectroscopy sat down with James Harrington of Research Triangle Institute (RTI International) in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, who was the lead author of this study, as well as coauthor Donna Seibert of Kalamazoo, Michigan. In Part I of our conversation with Harrington and Seibert, they discuss the impact of ICH Q3D and United States Pharmacopeia (USP) <232>/<233> guidelines on elemental impurity analysis and how they designed their study.
Exploring Data Transforms in Chemometrics
Our “Chemometrics in Spectroscopy” column highlights the methodology that is used in order to apply chemometric methods to data. Integrating chemometrics with spectroscopy allows scientists to understand solutions to their problems when they encounter surprising results. Recently, columnists Howard Mark and Jerome Workman, Jr., wrote a series of articles about data transforms in chemometric calibrations. In this listicle, we profile all pieces in this series and invite you to learn more about applying chemometric models to continuous spectral data.
How Spectroscopy and Science are Reshaping Gemology
May 13th 2025A historical and technical overview from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) explores how advanced scientific instruments—particularly spectroscopic methods—have transformed gem identification. From refractometers to modern spectrophotometers, this deep dive highlights the evolving challenges and solutions in gem testing.
New SERS Platform Enhances Real-Time Detection of Cardiovascular Drugs in Blood
Researchers at Harbin Medical University recently developed a SERS-based diagnostic platform that uses DNA-driven “molecular hooks” and AI analysis to enable real-time detection of cardiovascular drugs in blood while eliminating interference from larger biomolecules.
How Infrared Light Reveals the Truth About Gemstones
May 12th 2025New research from the Gemological Institute of America highlights the essential role of infrared spectroscopy in identifying gemstones, detecting treatments, and distinguishing natural from synthetic gems. The technique’s precision and non-destructive nature have made it an indispensable tool in modern gemology.