September/October 2024

Spectrum of scattering for different wavelength of incident light. Generated by AI. | Image Credit: © BrilliantPixels - stock.adobe.com

In the second installment of “The Big Review,” we discuss the physical mechanism behind how molecules absorb infrared (IR) radiation. Because light can be thought of as a wave or a particle, we have two equivalent pictures of IR absorbance. We also discuss the quantum mechanics behind IR absorbance, and how this leads to the different peak types observed in IR spectrum.

Wave 3d. Wave of particles. Abstract Blue Geometric Background. Big data visualization. Data technology abstract futuristic illustration. 3d rendering. | Image Credit: © Vadym - stock.adobe.com

Data process mapping is an effective way to identify data integrity vulnerabilities and remediate them. A modified example published by the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Committee (APIC) is reviewed critically. Can it be simplified?

Big data concept. | Image Credit: © your123 - stock.adobe.com.

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.

Man holding up a gold trophy cup | Image Credit: © Jag_cz - stock.adobe.com.

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.