This week, Spectroscopy magazine published stories about how mid-infrared spectroscopy is being used to study gas giants in our solar system and malaria vectors, among others.
This week, Spectroscopy published a variety of articles on the hottest topics in analytical spectroscopy and beyond, including a peer-reviewed article. These articles cover various industries and a wide range of spectroscopic techniques. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the most popular articles, according to our readers and subscribers. Happy reading!
Unveiling the Giants: Mid-Infrared Observations of the Solar System's Largest Planets
This article reviews the significant progress in studying the giant planets—Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—through mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectroscopy, highlighting over a century of advancements. Authored by Michael T. Roman, it emphasizes the role of mid-IR observations in revealing atmospheric details, such as temperature and chemical composition (1). The review discusses technological advancements in telescopes and detectors, particularly ground-based observatories and the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) (1). The JWST’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) is expected to provide unprecedented insights, particularly into Uranus and Neptune, revolutionizing our understanding of these distant planetary atmospheres (1).
Using Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy and Machine Learning to Assess Malaria Vectors
This article discusses a recent study published in Malaria Journal that examines the use of mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectroscopy combined with machine learning to quickly assess the blood-feeding histories of Anopheles mosquitoes, the primary vectors of malaria. Conducted by researchers from the Ifakara Health Institute and the University of Glasgow, the study demonstrated the effectiveness of this method, achieving 88–90% accuracy in identifying blood meal sources (2). This new technique offers a faster, more cost-effective alternative to traditional methods, enhancing malaria vector surveillance and potentially improving malaria control efforts in affected regions (2).
Combating Spice Fraud Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
The global spice industry is a profitable industry. Spices are produced and traded worldwide, from small plots to large farms (3). Because these spices pass through multiple stages in the supply chain, there is an increased risk of fraud and contamination (3). A recent study out of Alexandria University explores how near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy can combat the illegal spice trade by verifying spice authenticity.
Barbie Dolls Under the Microscope and FT-IR ATR: Unveiling the Secrets of Iconic Toy Degradation
This article discusses a study on the material composition and degradation processes of Barbie dolls made between 1959 and 1976. Conducted by Italian researchers and published in Polymers, the study used a multi-analytical approach, including FT-IR ATR spectroscopy, to analyze 15 dolls. Initially made from plasticized PVC, early Barbies suffered from additive migration leading to surface tackiness. By the 1970s, more stable polymers like EVA and ABS were used (4). The findings reveal significant degradation issues, highlighting the need for innovative preservation strategies to maintain these cultural icons for future generations (4).
New TDLAS-Based System Made for Characterizing Gaseous Species
This article discusses a study by scientists from the Technical University of Darmstadt and the University of Waterloo on a new system for characterizing gaseous species distribution during combustion. Published in Scientific Reports, the study combines time-of-flight LiDAR with tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) to scan gas molecular transition lines, offering high spatial resolution with minimal optical access (5). The approach, suitable for environments like solid fuel combustion, uses inexpensive tunable diode lasers and promises advancements in measuring gas properties in particle-laden flows (5). Future research will focus on optimizing the system for practical applications and conducting experimental proof-of-concept studies (5).
(1) Workman, Jr., J. Unveiling the Giants: Mid-Infrared Observations of the Solar System's Largest Planets. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/unveiling-the-giants-mid-infrared-observations-of-the-solar-system-s-largest-planets (accessed 2024-06-05).
(2) Wetzel, W. Using Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy and Machine Learning to Assess Malaria Vectors. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/using-mid-infrared-spectroscopy-and-machine-learning-to-assess-malaria-vectors (accessed 2024-06-05).
(3) Wetzel, W. Combating Spice Fraud Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/combating-spice-fraud-using-near-infrared-spectroscopy (accessed 2024-06-05).
(4) Workman Jr., J. Barbie Dolls Under the Microscope and FT-IR ATR: Unveiling the Secrets of Iconic Toy Degradation. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/barbie-dolls-under-the-microscope-and-ft-ir-atr-unveiling-the-secrets-of-iconic-toy-degradation (accessed 2024-06-05).
(5) Acevedo, A. New TDLAS-Based System Made for Characterizing Gaseous Species. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/new-tdlas-based-system-made-for-characterizing-gaseous-species (accessed 2024-06-05).
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Integrating Spectroscopy with Machine Learning to Differentiate Seed Varieties
July 15th 2025Researchers at the University of Belgrade have demonstrated that combining Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy with machine learning algorithms offers a highly accurate, non-destructive method for identifying seed varieties in lettuce, paprika, and tomato.
How Analytical Chemists Are Navigating DOGE-Driven Funding Cuts
July 14th 2025DOGE-related federal funding cuts have sharply reduced salaries, lab budgets, and graduate support in academia. Researchers view the politically driven shifts in priorities as part of recurring systemic issues in U.S. science funding during administrative transitions. The impact on Federal laboratories has varied, with some seeing immediate effects and others experiencing more gradual effects. In general, there is rising uncertainty over future appropriations. Sustainable recovery may require structural reforms, leaner administration, and stronger industry-academia collaboration. New commentary underscores similar challenges, noting scaled-back graduate admissions, spending freezes, and a pervasive sense of overwhelming stress among faculty, students, and staff. This article addresses these issues for the analytical chemistry community.