Jerome Workman, Jr.

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.

A recent study explores the strengths and limitations of spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) and micro-SORS, offering new insights into their applications for non-invasive subsurface material analysis. The findings provide valuable guidelines for choosing between these techniques based on sample characteristics and analytical needs.

An innovative study has demonstrated that two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) can effectively differentiate between toxic and biocompatible carbon nanofibers (CNFs), offering a novel method for evaluating the safety of nanomaterials intended for medical use.

Spectroscopic analytical techniques are crucial for the analysis of processed foods and beverages. This review article 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 quality, contaminants, and adulteration applications are thoroughly discussed.

Recent advancements in highly-multiplexed Raman imaging are set to revolutionize 3D spatial biology, offering unprecedented insights into complex biological systems. This new technology, highlighted in the Royal Society of Chemistry journal Chemical Communications, was reported by researchers from Shanghai Medical College, shows promise for enhancing our understanding of physiological functions and disease progression.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is emerging as a powerful tool in brain research, offering enhanced sensitivity and stability over traditional methods. This technique promises to revolutionize the diagnosis and understanding of brain disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, by providing rapid, reliable, and non-invasive diagnostic capabilities.

Researchers have used Raman spectroscopy and chemometric methods to reveal how glucose affects normal and cancerous brain cell metabolism. Their findings highlight specific biomarkers that can distinguish metabolic changes, potentially aiding in cancer research and treatment.

Recent research highlights the potential of liquid biopsy combined with Raman spectroscopy (RS) in diagnosing brain disorders. These innovative techniques offer non-invasive, precise, and continuous monitoring capabilities, presenting a promising future for early detection and intervention in conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Researchers have developed rapid quantification models to detect melamine adulteration in sports nutrition supplements using benchtop and portable near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy instruments. This study highlights the efficiency of these methods in ensuring the safety and quality of sports supplements.

A recent review highlights the application of cutting-edge infrared (IR) spectroscopic techniques in analyzing micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), providing valuable guidance for researchers to select suitable instrumentation for analysis. The study emphasizes the need for reliable tools to understand the environmental and health risks associated with these pollutants.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping analytical chemistry by enhancing data analysis and optimizing experimental methods. This study explores AI's advancements, challenges, and future directions in the field, emphasizing its transformative potential and the need for ethical considerations.

A recent special issue in the Journal of Raman Spectroscopy explores advancements in Raman spectroscopy techniques, emphasizing mobile setups, data treatment, and novel applications in cultural heritage and forensic contexts. This collection of papers highlights the state-of-the-art approaches and the promising new perspectives they offer.

Researchers using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have observed a water vapor coma around main-belt comet 238P/Read. The study, led by Michael S. P. Kelley and Henry H. Hsieh, provides insights into the comet's activity driven by water-ice sublimation and distinguishes it from other comets due to the absence of significant carbon dioxide gas.

A comprehensive study of small near-Earth objects (NEOs) using spectroscopy reveals composition, source regions, and rotational properties. The research identifies S-complex asteroids as the most abundant and introduces a new subclass within this complex, yielding detailed information on the characteristics and origins of these celestial bodies.