In the second part of our interview, Alex Scheeline discuss the current trends in SIBS and LIBS, and some of his observations from reading the recent literature on the subject.

In this interview clip, Anika Retzmann of the University of Calgary dives more deeply into the utility of multi-collector microwave inductively coupled atmospheric-pressure plasma mass spectrometry (MC-MICAP-MS) for isotopic analysis.

Spectroscopy is excited to announce the launch of “Pathways in Spectroscopy,” a new video series dedicated to showcasing the experiences, insights, and career journeys of emerging leaders and young scientists across the spectroscopy community.

In the final part of our conversation with Spiros Pergantis, an analytical chemist and Professor of Analytical Chemistry at the University of Crete, he discusses some of the top trends that spectroscopists should be paying attention to in 2026.

In this video segment, Anika Retzmann explains how developing fully automated analyte purification procedures helps improve data quality and reproducibility compared to traditional approaches.

The 2026 James L. Waters Annual Symposium at Pittcon will focus on the integration of generative AI into analytical chemistry, examining how large language models and AI tools can support method development, data analysis, and chemical measurement while maintaining scientific rigor, validation, and interpretability. Continuing its decades-long tradition of connecting historical perspective with emerging technologies, the symposium will feature presentations from leading chemists and spectroscopists, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges of responsibly incorporating AI into chemical measurement science.

In this article, we illustrate how automated calibration systems and sophisticated algorithms are transforming chemical data into actionable knowledge.

In this edition of “Inside the Laboratory,” Martin Resano, a Coordinator of the Rapid Analysis Methods with Spectroscopic Techniques (MARTE) group and as part of the Aragon Institute for Engineering Research (I3A) at the University of Zaragoza, discusses how compressed sensing spectroscopic techniques are used in his laboratory.

At the Winter Conference on Plasma Spectrochemistry, Spiros Pergantis, an analytical chemist and Professor of Analytical Chemistry at the University of Crete, sat down with Spectroscopy to discuss his group’s current research endeavors.

In the first part of our interview with Ken Marcus of Clemson University, he discusses what he enjoys about the Winter Conference on Plasma Spectrochemistry. Marcus also dives into his research and how the instrumentation his group uses allows for better separation of isobars without the need for chemical intervention, enhancing the accuracy of mass spectrometry (MS) readings.

In this video segment, Spiros Pergantis of the University of Crete discusses the supportive and tightly-knit nature of the spectroscopy community, which was evident at the Winter Conference on Plasma Spectrochemistry.

Researchers explored near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) spectroscopy as a fast, noninvasive, and portable alternative for chemical warfare agent detection, addressing limitations of existing on-site analytical methods. Spectroscopy spoke to Jelle C. de Koning, corresponding author of the paper resulting from this work

Top articles published this week include our exclusive interviews with key opinion leaders at the Winter Conference on Plasma Spectrochemistry.

Hunter Andrews, an R&D Staff Scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, discusses how other analytical approaches, such as mass spectrometry (MS), chemometrics, and electrochemistry, can help contribute to building better monitoring systems.

Patrick Parsons of the New York State Department of Health reflects on the ongoing challenges and future opportunities where X-ray fluorescence (XRF) instruments can be used to test food matrices.

In this video segment, Anika Retzmann of the University of Calgary discusses how analyzing elemental and stable metal isotopic compositions of biological systems help answer fundamentally different research questions across fields such as biomedicine and environmental science.

In this video clip, discover insights from Alexander Scheeline's talk on transient discharges at the Winter Conference on Plasma Spectrochemistry.

Patrick Parsons of the New York State Department of Health discusses how X-ray fluorescence (XRF) instruments can be used in food safety monitoring applications.

Gerardo Gamez, a Professor and Graduate Advisor at Texas Tech University, explains how ambient ionization techniques can improve polymer characterization.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a dual AI framework that uses synthetic vegetation index data and an advanced Transformer-based segmentation model to significantly improve early detection of winter damage on golf course turf.

Pittcon 2026 will take place March 9–11, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas, building on the 2025 conference’s emphasis on eco-friendly practices and serving as the premier global event in analytical research, scientific instrumentation, and applied spectroscopy. An opening plenary session, “Spectroscopy and Sustainability: A Perfect Match,” will highlight how advances in spectroscopic technologies—from biomedical and pharmaceutical applications to UAV-based hyperspectral imaging, CBRNE detection, hazardous materials monitoring, and even extraterrestrial studies—are driving sustainable solutions across diverse fields.

Hunter Andrews, an R&D Staff Scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, discusses the key role that laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) plays in his research.

Gerardo Gamez, a Professor and Graduate Advisor at Texas Tech University, discusses the work that his laboratory at Texas Tech University performs using compressed sensing spectroscopy techniques.

Researchers at Jiangnan University have developed a rapid, one-pot magnetic enrichment and electrochemical sensing platform that enables highly sensitive, streamlined detection of polystyrene microplastics.

Responding to a growing need for real-time elemental analysis, Thermo Fisher Scientific announced the launch of its Niton XL5e Handheld XRF Analyzer.

Patrick Parsons of the New York State Department of Health discusses the results of his recent study comparing different X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers.

Gerardo Gamez, a Professor and Graduate Advisor at Texas Tech University, provides an overview about what glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES) is and why it’s a useful technique for elemental mapping.

Hunter Andrews, an R&D Staff Scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, discusses the work that he does in his laboratory.