Highlights from “What’s Nu” July 2026

Our July edition of the “What’s Nu” newsletter highlights the enduring legacy of Gerhard Herzberg, whose foundational work in molecular spectroscopy earned him a Nobel Prize. We also highlight a proposed federal rule that could prioritize political objectives over the traditional scientific peer-review process, potentially threatening research funding and international collaboration. Beyond policy, the articles featured in this newsletter bridge the gap between historical scientific achievements and the modern technical and administrative challenges facing the spectroscopy community.

In this Q&A article, we look back at the historical foundation of molecular identification and forward toward the complex policy and technical challenges facing researchers today.

Who was Gerhard Herzberg, and why is he considered a foundational figure in modern spectroscopy?

Gerhard Herzberg (1904–1999) was a German-born Canadian physicist and physical chemist who essentially created the modern “library” of molecular spectra.^1–3 Throughout his career, Herzberg focused on the details of molecular electronic, vibrational, and rotational spectra. By combining meticulous experimental measurements with quantum mechanical analysis, he established the specific relationships between spectral lines and molecular structure.^1–3

What was his most significant contribution to the scientific literature?

Herzberg’s most important contribution to scientific literature was his three-volume series, titled Molecular Spectra and Molecular Structure, which became the definitive reference for generations of scientists.² These volumes provided comprehensive compilations of spectroscopic constants and energy levels that remain indispensable today for researchers in fields as diverse as atmospheric chemistry, astrophysics, and combustion.^2,3

How did the Nobel Committee recognize his work?

Herzberg received the 1971 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his contributions to understanding the electronic structure and geometry of molecules, specifically free radicals.³ His research transformed spectral lines into “molecular fingerprints,” a concept that continues to guide how we identify substances across chemistry and materials science.^1–3

There is a significant discussion regarding a new proposed government rule. What is it, and how might it affect research?

Recently, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has proposed a rule titled “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” that would overhaul federal grantmaking under 2 CFR.⁴ The most controversial aspect is that political appointees would gain “pre-issuance authority” over discretionary grants.⁴ This effectively means that peer-review rankings could be subordinated to ensure alignment with presidential priorities. The result is that research priorities can drastically shift between different presidential administrations.

What are the specific risks for laboratories and universities?

There are several major concerns outlined in the sources. First, the OMB rule introduces “termination for convenience” authority, allowing the government to cancel active grants unilaterally without an appeal process.⁴ This could destabilize multi-year research projects, instrumentation funding, and the support of students and postdocs. Additionally, the rule might make journal publication and open-access fees “presumptively unallowable,” shifting those significant costs onto the institutions themselves.⁴

Does the rule impact international collaboration?

Yes. The proposal includes restrictions on spending tied to specific “covered foreign countries,” such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.⁴ These restrictions could constrain data sharing, travel, and co-authorship, which are currently central to the global spectroscopy ecosystem.⁴

Moving to technical advances, why is the characterization of carbon nanotubes and graphene becoming more complex?

Recent research argues that no single technique is sufficient to fully certify the quality of these materials.⁵ Although Raman spectroscopy is the most popular nondestructive tool for revealing layer number and strain, it is prone to bias based on excitation energy and substrate effects.⁵ To get a complete picture, researchers must use multimodal workflows that combine Raman with X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electron microscopy.⁵

What is needed to move these nanomaterials from the lab to reliable industrial applications?

The transition hinges on establishing standardized reference materials and automated, statistically robust sampling to overcome “representative image” selection bias.⁵ In his review article, Babu also highlighted the need for machine learning (ML)-assisted analysis to improve reproducibility across different laboratories.⁵

Finally, could you explain the new “green” method for forensic sex determination?

Recently, Chloe Wheeler and Diane Beauchemin of Queen’s University have developed a proof-of-concept study using electrothermal vaporization (ETV) coupled with inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) to determine sex from hair samples. What makes this “green” is the use of PTFE powder as an eco-friendly carrier, replacing traditional greenhouse-gas modifiers.⁶

Does hair dye interfere with this elemental analysis?

Yes, because dye can alter elemental profiles and disrupt common predictors. However, Wheeler and Beauchemin’s study identified specific markers, such as calcium, iron, lithium, and antimony, that remain sex-discriminant even after dye treatment.⁶ Although the model achieved 100% accuracy in initial tests, researchers note that the small data set means the method is currently better suited for investigative intelligence than for court-admissible evidence.⁶

References

1. Stoicheff, B. P. Gerhard Herzberg, P.C., C.C. 25 December 1904–3 March 1999. Biogr. Mems. Fellows R. Soc. 2003, 49, 179–186. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbm.2003.0011.
2. Herzberg, G. Molecular Spectra and Molecular Structure. I. Spectra of Diatomic Molecules, 2nd ed.; D. Van Nostrand: New York, 1950. Review: J. Phys. Chem. 1951, 55 (3), 500–501. https://doi.org/10.1021/j150401a019.
3. Nobel Prize Outreach AB. The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 1971: Gerhard Herzberg – Facts. Available at: https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/1971/herzberg/facts/ (accessed July 20, 2026).
4. Workman, J., Jr. When Political Appointees Outrank Peer Review: How a New Office of Management and Budget Rule Could Reshape Spectroscopy and Scientific Research Funding. Spectroscopy Online, 2026. https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/when-political-appointees-outrank-peer-review-how-a-new-office-of-management-and-budget-rule-could-reshape-spectroscopy-and-scientific-research-funding (accessed July 24, 2026).
5. Babu, T. From Single-Technique Analysis to Multimodal Characterization: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives for Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene. Spectroscopy Online, 2026. https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/from-single-technique-analysis-to-multimodal-characterization-recent-advances-and-future-perspectives-for-carbon-nanotubes-and-graphene (accessed July 24, 2026).
6. Wheeler, C.; Beauchemin, D. Expansion of a Greener Method of Sex Determination from Hair Using Electrothermal Vaporization Coupled to Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectrometry. Spectroscopy Online, 2026. https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/expansion-of-a-greener-method-of-sex-determination-from-hair-using-electrothermal-vaporization-coupled-to-inductively-coupled-plasma-optical-emission-spectrometry (accessed July 24, 2026).