Jerome Workman, Jr.

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.

Ellis R. Lippincott is one of the most influential spectroscopists of the past 100 years. He has been a notable research figure in molecular spectra and structure studies using infrared and Raman spectroscopy; in the study of potential energy functions, including hydrogen bonding; and in the invention and study of high pressure spectroscopic studies using the high-pressure diamond anvil cell. He also has applied spectroscopic techniques and analysis to the study of planetary atmospheres, to biochemistry, and to chemical lasers.

Researchers have proposed an innovative approach to tackling fluorescence interference in Raman spectroscopy by using LEGO blocks as standard samples. This new method offers a low-cost, rugged, and reproducible alternative to the complex liquid mixtures traditionally used in such studies, marking a significant advancement in the field of spectroscopic analysis.

Arthur William Springsteen, a luminary in the field of spectroscopy, died on May 28, 2024. Here, we recap his life and career.

Harun Hano, Charles H. Lawrie, and Beatriz Suarez, et al. from the Department of Physics at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), in Spain; and the IKERBASQUE─Basque Foundation for Science in Spain have published a research paper in the journal ACS Omega describing the use of Raman spectroscopy with specialized data treatment for the diagnosis of lung cancer.

Forensic scientists have made significant strides in bloodstain identification, leveraging advanced hyperspectral imaging and machine learning to distinguish between human and animal bloodstains with remarkable accuracy.

Researchers from Vanderbilt University and Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a low-cost, wearable functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) headband. This device, described as the first open-source, wireless fNIRS headband system, enables neuroimaging in naturalistic settings, making brain monitoring more accessible and versatile.

Spectroscopic analytical techniques are crucial for the analysis of environmental samples. 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 contaminants and other environmental applications are thoroughly discussed.

Advances in wearable, high-density functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and diffuse optical tomography (DOT) technologies are paving the way for real-world neuroscience applications, enabling high-resolution imaging of the human cortex in various environments. This new technology promises significant improvements in understanding brain function during naturalistic activities.

A team of researchers from RIKEN and The University of Tokyo have developed flexible near-infrared organic photodetectors (OPDs) with significant implications for wearable technology. These devices promise enhanced non-invasive biosensing and bio-imaging capabilities, paving the way for more responsive and intelligent wearable applications.

Researchers from the University of Saarland in Germany investigated the reliability and side differences in muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) measurements using a wearable near-infrared monitor on trained cyclists. The study found that the device shows good reliability but highlighted significant side differences, which must be considered in practical applications.

A century of mid-infrared observations has significantly advanced our understanding of the atmospheres of the giant planets in our solar system. A researcher from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom and Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez in Chile has reviewed the developments in this field and the potential of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to further enhance our knowledge of these planets.

Researchers have delved into the material composition and degradation phenomena of Barbie dolls produced between 1959 and 1976, uncovering insights into their chemical degradation and preservation challenges.

Researchers have developed a new substrate for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) using two-dimensional amorphous titanium dioxide/silver (a-TiO2/Ag) nanosheets. This innovation promises significantly higher sensitivity and better uniformity in detecting various substances, potentially transforming applications in analytical spectroscopy and materials science.

Scientists at Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University introduced a new method for leveraging Fourier Transform Infrared Reflection Anisotropy Spectroscopy for the analysis of semiconductors.

Researchers at the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology have developed a rapid method to correct infrared attenuated total reflection (ATR) infrared spectra, essential for accurate analysis in various scientific fields. By bypassing iterative processes, this approach enhances efficiency and precision.

Spectroscopy spoke with a senior scientist at Google to understand how the company is using light wearable technology like the Fitbit.

Two distinct baseline correction methods: frequency-domain polynomial fitting, and time-domain molecular free induction decay (m-FID) are compared to determine which approach is more effective in reducing baseline errors in infrared absorption spectra.

Researchers in China have developed a cutting-edge machine learning approach that can detect chylous blood in blood intended for transfusion with more than 90% accuracy. This development promises to significantly reduce the risks associated with blood transfusions and improve the efficiency of blood donation centers.

Researchers from Kyoto University and Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology have developed innovative probes to monitor the chemical composition of biodegradable polymer blends during injection molding. This breakthrough could lead to improved production efficiency and reduced waste in the polymer industry.

Researchers from Peking University and Kwansei Gakuin University are developing a new approach to analyze intermolecular interactions using two-dimension correlation spectroscopy.

Scientists from Florida International University and Escola Universitària Salesiana de Sarrià Passeig are working on a novel approach to differentiate the structure of fentanyl analogues.