A Video Interview with John Richmond and Tom Dearing
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.
Best of the Week: Hawaii’s Hidden Geology, Waters Announces Software Update
Top articles published this week include an announcement from Waters Corporation, a news story about the hidden geology of the Big Island of Hawaii, the latest “IR Spectral Interpretation” column, which focuses on analyzing carbonyl compounds, and wearable spectroscopy sensors.
Using Spectroscopy to Understand Hawaii’s Hidden Geology
Researchers from the University of Nevada, Reno, have conducted the most comprehensive subsurface analysis of Hawaiian shield basalts to date, using advanced spectroscopic and geochemical techniques to reveal short-lived hydrothermal alteration processes and establish a new foundation for future volcanic and geothermal studies.