A Video Interview with John Richmond and Tom Dearing
NIR Spectroscopy Explored as Sustainable Approach to Detecting Bovine Mastitis
A new study published in Applied Food Research demonstrates that near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) can effectively detect subclinical bovine mastitis in milk, offering a fast, non-invasive method to guide targeted antibiotic treatment and support sustainable dairy practices.
Smarter Sensors, Cleaner Earth Using AI and IoT for Pollution Monitoring
April 22nd 2025A global research team has detailed how smart sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies are transforming the detection and management of environmental pollutants. Their comprehensive review highlights how spectroscopy and sensor networks are now key tools in real-time pollution tracking.
High-Speed Laser MS for Precise, Prep-Free Environmental Particle Tracking
April 21st 2025Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have demonstrated that a fast, laser-based mass spectrometry method—LA-ICP-TOF-MS—can accurately detect and identify airborne environmental particles, including toxic metal particles like ruthenium, without the need for complex sample preparation. The work offers a breakthrough in rapid, high-resolution analysis of environmental pollutants.
New AI Strategy for Mycotoxin Detection in Cereal Grains
Researchers from Jiangsu University and Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power have developed a transfer learning approach that significantly enhances the accuracy and adaptability of NIR spectroscopy models for detecting mycotoxins in cereals.
Karl Norris: A Pioneer in Optical Measurements and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy, Part II
April 21st 2025In this two-part "Icons of Spectroscopy" column, executive editor Jerome Workman Jr. details how Karl H. Norris has impacted the analysis of food, agricultural products, and pharmaceuticals over six decades. His pioneering work in optical analysis methods including his development and refinement of near-infrared spectroscopy, has transformed analysis technology. In this Part II article of a two-part series, we summarize Norris’ foundational publications in NIR, his patents, achievements, and legacy.
New Laser Spectroscopy Technique Promises Breakthrough in Fusion Fuel Monitoring
A recent study conducted by researchers from the Korea Institute of Fusion Energy and Jeonbuk National University presented a novel technique for analyzing lithium isotopes in liquid samples.
Top articles published this week include a tribute to John Albert Reffner, who was known for his work in infrared microspectroscopy, an application of Raman spectroscopy to improve recycling practices, and an Icons of Spectroscopy column on Karl Norris, known as the founder of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy.
Exploring Polymer Classification in Litter Found in Lake Tahoe
In this brief segment from my full-length conversation with Monica Arienzo, who was the lead author of this study, she discusses whether there was a correlation between the different types of litter and the polymer type.
Why ATR FT-IR Spectroscopy is Effective for Plastic Determination
In this brief segment from my full-length conversation with Monica Arienzo, she explains why ATR FT-IR spectroscopy was the ideal technique of choice for her study characterizing polymers from the litter found on the lakebed of Lake Tahoe.