Jerome Workman, Jr. is the Senior Technical Editor for Spectroscopy. Direct correspondence about this article to jworkman@mjhlifesciences.com
AI, Deep Learning, and Machine Learning in the Dynamic World of Spectroscopy
December 2nd 2024Over the past two years Spectroscopy Magazine has increased our coverage of artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning (DL), and machine learning (ML) and the mathematical approaches relevant to the AI topic. In this article we summarize AI coverage and provide the reference links for a series of selected articles specifically examining these subjects. The resources highlighted in this overview article include those from the Analytically Speaking podcasts, the Chemometrics in Spectroscopy column, and various feature articles and news stories published in Spectroscopy. Here, we provide active links to each of the full articles or podcasts resident on the Spectroscopy website.
Modernizing Fishmeal Processing: Cutting-Edge NIR Technology Enhances Quality Control
November 26th 2024Researchers from the University of Iceland and Matis Food and Biotech R&D in Reykjavík have unveiled an innovative study leveraging near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for real-time monitoring of fishmeal and oil processing. This advanced method promises to optimize product quality and streamline production, particularly in lipid composition and protein concentration—key markers for high-value fishmeal products.
Regulatory Barriers: Unlocking Near-Infrared Spectroscopy’s Potential in Food Analysis
November 25th 2024Despite its widespread adoption in food quality analysis, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy lags behind in regulatory recognition. A study led by researchers from Italy and Spain highlights the disparity between its scientific applications and official methods, urging standardized regulations to fully leverage NIR's sustainability benefits.
New Fluorescent Raman Technique Enhances Detection of Microplastics in Seawater
November 19th 2024A novel method using fluorescence labeling and differential Raman spectroscopy claims to offer a more efficient, accurate approach to detect microplastics in seawater. Developed by researchers at the Ocean University of China, this method improves both the speed and precision of microplastic identification, addressing a key environmental issue affecting marine ecosystems.
Scientists Break Century-Old Barrier to Synthesizing Anti-Bredt Olefins
November 18th 2024Researchers from UCLA have developed a novel method to synthesize and stabilize anti-Bredt olefins (ABOs), defying long-held beliefs about their instability. This breakthrough, published in Science, paves the way for new applications in synthetic chemistry by leveraging the unique reactivity of these geometrically distorted molecules.
New Spectroscopy Method Shows Promise for Detecting Olive Oil Fraud
November 12th 2024Researchers from the University of Cordoba have validated a novel spectroscopy technique to help distinguish between extra virgin and virgin olive oils. This approach could support existing panel-based tests, which are often slow, costly, and subjective, by providing a faster, non-destructive screening option.
NIR, IR, UV-vis, and NMR Spectroscopy Drive New Insights in Olive Oil Quality and Fraud Prevention
November 11th 2024A new review highlights the promising role of non-destructive spectroscopy techniques in enhancing olive and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) quality assessments. By combining spectroscopy with imaging, researchers uncover innovative ways to determine product authenticity and improve quality control in olive oil production.
How Raman Spectroscopy Could Transform Hematology Diagnostics
November 5th 2024A leading-edge review highlights the potential of Raman spectroscopy for fast, non-invasive diagnostics in hematology and oncology. By mapping biochemical fingerprints, this technology could one day help detect cancers, monitor treatments, and even predict immune responses.
IR Spectroscopy as a Promising Diagnostic Tool for Cancer Screening
November 4th 2024Recent research highlights the potential of infrared (IR) spectroscopy as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for cancer detection through blood derivatives. However, significant confounding factors pose challenges to its clinical adoption, necessitating rigorous standard operating procedures.
Breaking Spectral Boundaries: New Ultrafast Spectrometer Expands Detection Range for NIR Studies
October 29th 2024A team from Auburn University has developed an innovative ultrabroadband near-infrared (NIR) transient absorption (TA) spectrometer capable of detecting across a wide spectral range of 900–2350 nm in a single experiment. This advancement improves the study of ultrafast processes in low-bandgap materials and opens doors to new insights in photochemistry and charge dynamics.
FT-NIR and Raman Spectroscopic Methods Enhance Food Quality Control
October 28th 2024A recent study showcases the potential of Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy and spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) in detecting raw material defects in hazelnuts caused by improper storage conditions. FT-NIR spectroscopy proved especially effective, while SORS offered complementary insights in certain scenarios. These spectroscopic methods could modernize the speed and accuracy of hazelnut inspections in the food industry.
Advancing Forensic Science with Chemometrics: New Tools for Objective Evidence Analysis
October 22nd 2024A review by researchers from Curtin University comprehensively explores how chemometrics can revolutionize forensic science by offering objective and statistically validated methods to interpret evidence. The chemometrics approach seeks to enhance the accuracy and reliability of forensic analyses, mitigating human bias and improving courtroom confidence in forensic conclusions.
Unlocking Catalytic Insights with UV–vis–NIR Absorption Spectroscopy
October 21st 2024A new review highlights the use of ultraviolet–visible–near infrared (UV–vis–NIR) absorption spectroscopy in studying catalytic processes. The research discusses how this technique uncovers reaction mechanisms, structural properties, and reaction kinetics, particularly in heterogeneous and photocatalysis, and explores its potential for broader applications.
Unlocking the Power of Hyperspectral Imaging: A Game-Changer for Agriculture, Medicine, and More
October 15th 2024Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is revolutionizing fields such as agriculture, food safety, and medical analysis by providing high-resolution spectral data. This emerging technology is proving invaluable in diverse applications, including plant stress detection, weed discrimination, and flood management. A new review explores HSI’s fundamental principles, applications, and future research directions.
New Hyperspectral Imaging Database Enhances Human Skin Research
October 14th 2024Researchers from the University of Minho (Portugal) have developed a hyperspectral imaging database of human facial skin, aimed at improving various scientific applications such as psychophysics-based research and material modeling. The database includes 29 participants with diverse skin tones, providing detailed spectral reflectance data under controlled conditions.
Breakthrough in Amino Acid Differentiation with Enhanced Raman Technology
October 8th 2024Researchers from the Shanghai Institute of Technology have developed a leading-edge method using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to accurately differentiate between amino acid enantiomers. This breakthrough could revolutionize applications in pharmaceutical synthesis, disease diagnosis, and quality control of chiral compounds.
The 2024 Emerging Leader in Molecular Spectroscopy Award
October 7th 2024This year’s Emerging Leader in Molecular Spectroscopy Award recipient is Joseph P. Smith of Merck, whose research is significantly influencing pharmaceutical process development through his work in various spectroscopic techniques, biocatalysis, protein engineering, vaccine production, and advanced data analysis methods.
Joseph P. Smith Named 2024 Emerging Leader in Molecular Spectroscopy by Spectroscopy Magazine
September 25th 2024Joseph P. Smith, Director of Process R&D Enabling Technologies at Merck has been awarded the 2024 Emerging Leader in Molecular Spectroscopy Award, recognizing his significant contributions to the advancement of molecular spectroscopy in the pharmaceutical industry.
Machine Learning Used for Meteorite Classification to Unlock Asteroid Composition Mysteries
September 24th 2024A team of researchers has developed a new machine learning (ML) method to classify asteroid spectra by analyzing meteorite spectroscopic data. Using logistic regression, the model accurately grouped meteorites into eight categories, helping to better understand the distribution of asteroid compositions in the asteroid belt. The study, published in Icarus, opens new avenues for predicting asteroid composition using spectroscopy.
OSIRIS-APEX: Unveiling the Secrets of Asteroid Apophis Flyby Post-Earth Encounter
September 23rd 2024NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft embarks on a new mission—OSIRIS-APEX—to study asteroid Apophis after its anticipated close flyby of Earth on Friday, April 13, 2029. Utilizing advanced spectroscopy and other instruments, the mission will provide unprecedented insights into how planetary encounters reshape small bodies in our solar system.
Next-Gen Mineral Identification: Fusing LIBS and Raman Spectroscopy with Machine Learning
September 17th 2024A pioneering study integrates laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) with Raman spectroscopy (RS) and applies machine learning (ML) to achieve exceptional accuracy in mineral identification. The combined approach not only leverages the strengths of both techniques but also enhances classification precision, achieving up to 98.4% accuracy.
Cutting-Edge Raman Spectroscopy Applied for Forensic and Heritage Studies
September 16th 2024A new compilation in the Journal of Raman Spectroscopy highlights advanced Raman spectroscopy techniques, showcasing their transformative applications in forensic and cultural heritage fields. These approaches include mobile setups, enhanced optics, and sophisticated data treatment methods.
Handheld X-Ray Technology Unveils New Forensic Tool
September 16th 2024A recent study by researchers at the University of Porto demonstrates the potential of handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometers to analyze cigarette ash, providing a new method for forensic investigation. This non-destructive technique can differentiate between various tobacco brands based on the elemental composition of their ash.
Compact LIBS Sensor Modernizes Crime Scene Forensics
September 16th 2024Researchers have developed a cutting-edge, portable LIBS sensor designed for crime scene investigations, offering both handheld and tabletop modes. This device enables on-the-spot analysis of forensic samples with unprecedented sensitivity and depth, potentially transforming forensic science.
Applying Raman and Infrared Spectroscopy in Forensic Paint Analysis
September 16th 2024For "The Future of Forensic Analysis” series, we interviewed Barry Lavine, regents professor from The Department of Chemistry at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, to describe his most recent work in applying Raman and infrared (IR) spectroscopy in forensic paint analysis.