August 20th 2024
This article explores the current landscape of global critical raw materials (CRM) trends in research and the applications of atomic spectroscopy (AS), including inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and X-ray analytical techniques in their identification of diverse industrial and environmental media.
Analyzing Mummies' Hair Using LA-ICP-MS: An Interview with Dula Amarasiriwardena
March 7th 2024Dulasiri Amarasiriwardena, emeritus professor of chemistry at Hampshire College, Amherst, Massachusetts, and his team have been conducting research using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) to investigate trace metal nutrition and exposure to toxic metal(loid) pollutants by studying Andean mummy remains. We sat down with Prof. Amarasiriwardena to discuss his research.
Inside the Laboratory – The Petrochronology Group at University of California, Santa Barbara
January 29th 2024In this edition of “Inside the Laboratory,” John Cottle, PhD, a professor of geology at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a member of Spectroscopy’s Editorial Advisory Board, discusses his group’s most recent work using “laser ablation split steam” analysis to measure elemental concentrations and isotopic ratios in rocks and minerals.
Using ICP-MS to Advance the Work of the CDC
January 17th 2024At the Winter Conference on Plasma Spectrochemistry, Robert L. Jones, who recently retired from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), discussed his career at the CDC, and how his work with inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) assisted in addressing pivotal public health crises.
John Burgener Details His Career and Shares Advice for Young Spectroscopists
January 17th 2024At the Winter Conference on Plasma Spectrochemistry, John Burgener of Burgener Research discussed his work with nebulizers and how it led to advancements in inductively coupled plasma (ICP) and ICP–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
Spectroscopy’s Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy: A Look at ICP-MS Analysis of Nanostructures
January 15th 2024On Monday January 15th at 8 am local time, Eduardo Bolea-Fernández of the University of Zaragoza, in Zaragoza, Spain, was recognized as Spectroscopy’s Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy for 2024. Here’s a recap of this award session.
Gary Hieftje: Pioneering Analytical Chemistry and Nurturing Future Scientists
January 1st 2024Spectroscopy is publishing a series of feature articles highlighting the lives and careers of the most influential spectroscopists over the past 100 years. These individuals were selected by our Editorial Advisory Board and the editors to represent the leading figures in spectroscopy over the century. Our first featured Icons of Spectroscopy Laureate is Professor Gary Hieftje.
TARIM Calcite: A New Benchmark for Laser ICP-MS In Situ Calcite U–Pb Dating
November 13th 2023A type of calcite whose name comes from a resource-rich basin in northwest China was earmarked as a promising reference material for laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) in situ U–Pb dating.
New Insights into Ancient Greek Coinage: Exploring Gold Purification Techniques
October 25th 2023In a recent study, researchers used ICP-MS to learn new insights into ancient coinage and gold purification techniques are revealed through the analysis of platinum-group elements and gold in silver coins from various ancient civilizations.
The Mysteries of Noisy Single-Particle ICP-TOF-MS Data: Insights from SciX 2023
October 10th 2023At SciX 2023 in Sparks, Nevada, Alexander Gundlach-Graham from Iowa State University delivered a groundbreaking talk on the origins of noise in single-particle ICP-TOF-MS data and its impact on particle analysis accuracy. His presentation unveiled a promising Monte Carlo simulation approach to better understand and mitigate signal variability in this cutting-edge analytical technique.
An Interview with 2023 Strock Award Recipient Maria Montes-Bayón
September 20th 2023Earlier this year, Spectroscopy spoke to Maria Montes-Bayón of the Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Oviedo (Asturias, Spain) regarding her work with single cell inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to study the uptake and apoptotic status of nanoplatinum (IV) treated cells, specifically selenized yeast.
GC-ICP-MS for Process and Quality Control in Semiconductor Manufacturing
September 1st 2023Manufacturing advanced electronic devices requires the production of high-quality semiconductors and integrated circuit chips. In this article, the authors explain how GC, when coupled with ICP-MS, enables the detection of elements that are essential in semiconductor production.
Study of Heavy Metals and Methyl-Mercury in Fungi in Markets of Madrid
September 1st 2023The bioaccumulation of heavy metals can lead to disastrous effects on the environment and human health. Here, ICP-MS was applied to study 48 different mushrooms collected at local markets in Madrid, Spain, showcasing its effectiveness at detecting heavy metals in edible fungi.