Lisa Flanagan and fellow researchers at the University of California, Irvine (Irvine, California) conducted a study exploring a method to isolate astrocyte-biased human neural stem and progenitor cells (hNSPCs), which are valuable for treating neurological diseases. Flanagan will receive the 2025 Mid-Career Award from the AES Electrophoresis Society, awarded for exceptional contributions to the field of electrophoresis, microfluidics, and related areas by an individual who is currently in the middle of their career.
Machine Learning and NMR Unite to Authenticate Wine with Near-Perfect Accuracy
In a recent study published in the journal Beverages, a team of researchers from the National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies and Babeș-Bolyai University explored a new way to improve wine authentication
MIR Spectroscopy Validates Origin of Premium Brazilian Cachaças
A recent study published in the journal Food Chemistry explored Brazil’s cachaça industry, focusing on a new analytical method that can confirm the geographic origin of cachaças from the Brejo Paraibano region in Brazil.
New NIR/Raman Remote Imaging Reveals Hidden Salt Damage in Historic Fort
June 10th 2025Researchers have developed an analytical method combining remote near-infrared and Raman spectroscopy with machine learning to noninvasively map moisture and salt damage in historic buildings, offering critical insight into ongoing structural deterioration.
New Machine Learning Model Distinguishes Recycled PET with 10% Accuracy Threshold
Researchers from Jinan University and Guangzhou Customs Technology Center have developed a cost-effective UV-vis spectroscopy and machine learning method to accurately identify recycled PET content as low as 10%, advancing sustainable packaging and circular economy efforts.
Night Vision Boosts Affordable Raman System for Long-Range Chemical Detection
June 9th 2025Researchers in Thailand have developed a cost-effective standoff Raman spectroscopy system using a night-vision intensified spectrometer and digital correction algorithms. The system reliably detects chemical compounds at distances up to 60 meters with high spectral resolution.
Spectroscopy spoke to Steven Bell, corresponding author of a paper revealing that aromatic molecules adsorb strongly onto Ag and Au nanoparticles via π-metal interactions under ambient conditions, using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). This overturns the prior belief that such interactions are weak for IB metals like Ag and Au. Bell will receive the 2025 Charles Mann Award, awarded for outstanding contributions to the chemical sciences in the area of analytical chemistry.
Tip-enhanced Raman Scattering using a Chemically-modified Tip
June 9th 2025In this tutorial article, Yukihiro Ozaki explores the recent advancements and broadening applications of tip-enhanced Raman scattering (TERS), a cutting-edge technique that integrates scanning probe microscopy (SPM) with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). TERS enables highly localized chemical analysis at the nano- to subnano-scale, achieving spatial resolution well beyond the diffraction limit of light. Ozaki highlights the versatility of TERS in various experimental environments—ranging from ambient air to ultrahigh vacuum and electrochemical systems—and its powerful utility in fields such as single-molecule detection, biomolecular mechanism studies, nanomaterial characterization, and high-resolution imaging.
Best of the Week: CO2 Photoreduction, Recognizing the Contributions of Bruce R. Kowalski
Top articles published this week include an interview with 2025 Clara Craver Award recipient Prashant Jain, an Icons of Spectroscopy column on Bruce R. Kowalski, and an interview with Pooja Sheevam about quantifying mineral basalts in the Hawaiian PTA-2 drill core.
Harnessing Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Machine Learning to Detect Microplastics in Chicken Feed
Researchers from Tianjin Agricultural University, Nankai University, and Zhejiang A&F University have developed a highly accurate method using near-infrared spectroscopy and machine learning to rapidly detect and classify microplastics in chicken feed.