Jerome Workman, Jr.

Hyperspectral 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.

Researchers 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.

This column is the continuation of our previous column that describes and explains some algorithms and data transforms beyond those most commonly used. We present and discuss algorithms that are rarely, if ever, seen or used in practice, despite that they have been proposed and described in the literature.

Researchers 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.

This 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.

Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research and the University of Cambridge have revealed new insights into the behavior of water molecules at the surface of saltwater using advanced vibrational sum-frequency generation spectroscopy (VSFG). Their findings challenge long-standing assumptions about ion distribution at these interfaces, which are critical in environmental and chemical processes.

Recent James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) observations have revealed intricate details about the surface compositions of dwarf planets Sedna, Gonggong, and Quaoar. Using spectroscopy, researchers have detected a rich variety of ices and organic compounds, shedding light on the effects of size and orbit on these distant solar system bodies.

Joseph 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.

A 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.

NASA’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.

A 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.

Researchers at King Saud University have successfully improved the efficiency of methylammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI3) perovskite solar cells by doping them with Germanium Sulfide (GeS). By enhancing the crystalline quality and surface morphology of the perovskite layer, the team achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.46%, making this doping technique a promising method for improving solar cell performance.

A 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.

A 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.

Researchers 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.

For "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.

As part of "The Future of Forensic Analysis," executive editor Jerome Workman, Jr. sat down with Igor Lednev to discuss several of his recent papers related to his spectroscopic research in forensic analysis.

A recent study explores the effectiveness of near-infrared (NIR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy in determining the time since deposition (TSD) of bloodstains, a critical aspect of forensic investigations. By comparing these two methods, researchers aim to improve the accuracy and reliability of bloodstain dating, with potential implications for real-world forensic applications.

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has emerged as a vital tool in brain imaging over the past decade, offering noninvasive, real-time insights into brain function. A recent review study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis, revealing the global trends, research hotspots, and future potential of fNIRS in clinical applications, particularly in neurology, psychiatry, pediatric medicine, and sports science.

A recent study explores the effectiveness of Near-infrared (NIR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy in determining the time since deposition (TSD) of bloodstains, a critical aspect of forensic investigations. By comparing these two methods, researchers aim to improve the accuracy and reliability of bloodstain dating, with potential implications for real-world forensic applications.

Spectroscopic analytical techniques are crucial for the analysis of agricultural products. This review emphasizes the latest advancements in several key spectroscopic methods, including atomic, vibrational, molecular, electronic, and X-ray techniques. The applications of these analytical methods in detecting important quality parameters, adulteration, insects and rodent infestation, ripening, and other essential applications are discussed.

A recent study reveals on the challenges and limitations of AI-driven spectroscopy methods for rapid food analysis. Despite the promise of these technologies, issues like small sample sizes, misuse of advanced modeling techniques, and validation problems hinder their effectiveness. The authors suggest guidelines for improving accuracy and reliability in both research and industrial settings.

Researchers from Zhejiang University have developed a new non-linear memory-based learning (N-MBL) model that enhances the prediction accuracy of soil properties using visible near-infrared (vis-NIR) spectroscopy. By comparing N-MBL with traditional machine learning and local modeling methods, the study reveals its superior performance, particularly in predicting soil organic matter and total nitrogen.

This review article explores recent advancements in Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, highlighting its advancing capabilities and applications across diverse scientific disciplines.

A review highlights the transformative role of miniaturized near-infrared (NIR) spectrophotometers in forensic science, offering portable, cost-effective solutions for on-site analysis. These devices, while not without limitations, pave the way for more accessible and efficient forensic practices.

Researchers at Budapest University of Technology and Economics have developed a novel method for real-time monitoring of the protein purification process using Raman and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Their study compares the effectiveness of these two spectroscopic techniques in tracking the removal of imidazole, a process-related impurity, during the purification of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein's receptor-binding domain (RBD).

Researchers from Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) have developed a cutting-edge fiber-dispersive Raman spectrometer (FDRS) capable of detecting low-density biological matter in space. By combining a single-photon detector with a dispersive optical fiber element, the team achieved a breakthrough in in-situ Raman spectroscopy, promising unprecedented sensitivity and reliability in the search for extraterrestrial rudimentary life.

By providing automated tools and guidance, an ECS would aim to streamline the calibration process, improve calibration transfer, enhance operator efficiency, and improve the overall consistency and reliability of analytical results produced using advanced chemometrics and machine earning techniques.

This review highlights very recent advancements in several key spectroscopic methods, including atomic, vibrational, molecular, electronic, and diffraction techniques.

A recent study compared ATR FT-IR and NIR spectroscopy to identify microplastics in biosolids, finding significant correlations with consumer plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene. These results highlight the role of biosolids in introducing microplastics to agricultural soils and accentuate the importance of accurate identification methods.