In celebration of the 2025 International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the editors of Spectroscopy highlight the work of women in analytical chemistry.

Scientists from China and Finland have developed an advanced method for detecting cardiovascular drugs in blood using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and artificial intelligence (AI). This innovative approach, which employs "molecular hooks" to selectively capture drug molecules, enables rapid and precise analysis, offering a potential advance for real-time clinical diagnostics.

In part 2 of our interview with Oskar Hagelskjaer of Microplastic Solution, he discusses the benefits of using automated Raman microspectroscopy to detect and analyze microplastics in drinking water.

Spectroscopy sat down with Oskar Hagelskjaer, Founder and CEO of Microplastic Solution, to discuss his latest study whose findings challenge EU Directive 2020/2184 regarding microplastic detection in potable water.

A recent study proposed a compact, cost-effective, handheld fiber-optic device using simplified DRS technology to track the accuracy of pedicle screw placement in spinal fusion procedures. Spectroscopy spoke to Merle Losch, corresponding author for the paper resulting from this study, about the device and the team’s efforts to produce it.

Top articles published this week include a video interview that explores using label-free spectroscopic techniques for tumor classification, an interview discussing how near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy can classify different types of horsetails, and a news article about detecting colorless microplastics (MPs) using NIR spectroscopy and machine learning (ML).

Spectroscopy sat down with Juergen Popp of the Leibniz Institute for Photonic Technology to talk about the Photonics West Conference, as well as his work using label-free spectroscopy techniques for precise tumor margin control.

A recent study from China explores how hyperspectral imaging (HSI) can be used to develop camouflage technology.

A new study published in Green Analytical Chemistry reveals significant microplastic pollution in Uzbekistan’s Zarafshan River, highlighting regional differences, industrial contributions, and the urgent need for improved monitoring and mitigation strategies.

This new study highlights the potential of visible-near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy for predicting phosphorus sorption parameters.

Researchers at the Institute of Photonics and Photon-Technology, Northwest University, China, have described a non-invasive method for monitoring blood glucose using Raman spectroscopy. Their study, published in Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, explores the technique’s effectiveness in both animal models and human subjects, showing promise for future clinical applications.

A recent study conducted by Shanghai researchers developed a high-accuracy model for identifying plastic pollution.

Researchers at the University of Lublin and the Medical University of Lublin have demonstrated the first application of FT-IR imaging in zebrafish larvae, revealing that frozen samples better preserve tissue structure than chemical fixation.

In a new study, a team of scientists used gel permeation chromatography, three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy, and UV-visible spectroscopy to assess road runoff from drinking water treatment plants to evaluate the method' capacity for removing dissolved organic matter (DOM).

Researchers have developed a small near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer dedicated to achieve painless, accurate glucose measurements.