Jerome Workman, Jr.

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are emerging contaminants requiring robust analytical techniques for identification and quantification in diverse environmental and biological matrices. This review highlights various spectroscopy methods, such as Raman, FT-IR, NIR, ICP-MS, Fluorescence, X-ray, and NMR detailing their methodologies, sample handling, and applications for characterizing MPs and NPs.

A novel method using fluorescence labeling and differential Raman spectroscopy claims to offer a more efficient, accurate approach to detect microplastics in seawater. Developed by researchers at the Ocean University of China, this method improves both the speed and precision of microplastic identification, addressing a key environmental issue affecting marine ecosystems.

Researchers from UCLA have developed a novel method to synthesize and stabilize anti-Bredt olefins (ABOs), defying long-held beliefs about their instability. This breakthrough, published in Science, paves the way for new applications in synthetic chemistry by leveraging the unique reactivity of these geometrically distorted molecules.

Researchers from the University of Cordoba have validated a novel spectroscopy technique to help distinguish between extra virgin and virgin olive oils. This approach could support existing panel-based tests, which are often slow, costly, and subjective, by providing a faster, non-destructive screening option.

A new review highlights the promising role of non-destructive spectroscopy techniques in enhancing olive and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) quality assessments. By combining spectroscopy with imaging, researchers uncover innovative ways to determine product authenticity and improve quality control in olive oil production.

A leading-edge review highlights the potential of Raman spectroscopy for fast, non-invasive diagnostics in hematology and oncology. By mapping biochemical fingerprints, this technology could one day help detect cancers, monitor treatments, and even predict immune responses.

Recent research highlights the potential of infrared (IR) spectroscopy as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for cancer detection through blood derivatives. However, significant confounding factors pose challenges to its clinical adoption, necessitating rigorous standard operating procedures.

A team from Auburn University has developed an innovative ultrabroadband near-infrared (NIR) transient absorption (TA) spectrometer capable of detecting across a wide spectral range of 900–2350 nm in a single experiment. This advancement improves the study of ultrafast processes in low-bandgap materials and opens doors to new insights in photochemistry and charge dynamics.

A recent study showcases the potential of Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy and spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) in detecting raw material defects in hazelnuts caused by improper storage conditions. FT-NIR spectroscopy proved especially effective, while SORS offered complementary insights in certain scenarios. These spectroscopic methods could modernize the speed and accuracy of hazelnut inspections in the food industry.

A review by researchers from Curtin University comprehensively explores how chemometrics can revolutionize forensic science by offering objective and statistically validated methods to interpret evidence. The chemometrics approach seeks to enhance the accuracy and reliability of forensic analyses, mitigating human bias and improving courtroom confidence in forensic conclusions.

A new review highlights the use of ultraviolet–visible–near infrared (UV–vis–NIR) absorption spectroscopy in studying catalytic processes. The research discusses how this technique uncovers reaction mechanisms, structural properties, and reaction kinetics, particularly in heterogeneous and photocatalysis, and explores its potential for broader applications.

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is revolutionizing fields such as agriculture, food safety, and medical analysis by providing high-resolution spectral data. This emerging technology is proving invaluable in diverse applications, including plant stress detection, weed discrimination, and flood management. A new review explores HSI’s fundamental principles, applications, and future research directions.

Researchers from the University of Minho (Portugal) have developed a hyperspectral imaging database of human facial skin, aimed at improving various scientific applications such as psychophysics-based research and material modeling. The database includes 29 participants with diverse skin tones, providing detailed spectral reflectance data under controlled conditions.

This column is the continuation of our previous column that describes and explains some algorithms and data transforms beyond those most commonly used. We present and discuss algorithms that are rarely, if ever, seen or used in practice, despite that they have been proposed and described in the literature.

Researchers from the Shanghai Institute of Technology have developed a leading-edge method using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to accurately differentiate between amino acid enantiomers. This breakthrough could revolutionize applications in pharmaceutical synthesis, disease diagnosis, and quality control of chiral compounds.

This year’s Emerging Leader in Molecular Spectroscopy Award recipient is Joseph P. Smith of Merck, whose research is significantly influencing pharmaceutical process development through his work in various spectroscopic techniques, biocatalysis, protein engineering, vaccine production, and advanced data analysis methods.

Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research and the University of Cambridge have revealed new insights into the behavior of water molecules at the surface of saltwater using advanced vibrational sum-frequency generation spectroscopy (VSFG). Their findings challenge long-standing assumptions about ion distribution at these interfaces, which are critical in environmental and chemical processes.

Recent James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) observations have revealed intricate details about the surface compositions of dwarf planets Sedna, Gonggong, and Quaoar. Using spectroscopy, researchers have detected a rich variety of ices and organic compounds, shedding light on the effects of size and orbit on these distant solar system bodies.

Joseph P. Smith, Director of Process R&D Enabling Technologies at Merck has been awarded the 2024 Emerging Leader in Molecular Spectroscopy Award, recognizing his significant contributions to the advancement of molecular spectroscopy in the pharmaceutical industry.

A team of researchers has developed a new machine learning (ML) method to classify asteroid spectra by analyzing meteorite spectroscopic data. Using logistic regression, the model accurately grouped meteorites into eight categories, helping to better understand the distribution of asteroid compositions in the asteroid belt. The study, published in Icarus, opens new avenues for predicting asteroid composition using spectroscopy.

NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft embarks on a new mission—OSIRIS-APEX—to study asteroid Apophis after its anticipated close flyby of Earth on Friday, April 13, 2029. Utilizing advanced spectroscopy and other instruments, the mission will provide unprecedented insights into how planetary encounters reshape small bodies in our solar system.

A pioneering study integrates laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) with Raman spectroscopy (RS) and applies machine learning (ML) to achieve exceptional accuracy in mineral identification. The combined approach not only leverages the strengths of both techniques but also enhances classification precision, achieving up to 98.4% accuracy.

Researchers at King Saud University have successfully improved the efficiency of methylammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI3) perovskite solar cells by doping them with Germanium Sulfide (GeS). By enhancing the crystalline quality and surface morphology of the perovskite layer, the team achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.46%, making this doping technique a promising method for improving solar cell performance.

A new compilation in the Journal of Raman Spectroscopy highlights advanced Raman spectroscopy techniques, showcasing their transformative applications in forensic and cultural heritage fields. These approaches include mobile setups, enhanced optics, and sophisticated data treatment methods.

A recent study by researchers at the University of Porto demonstrates the potential of handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometers to analyze cigarette ash, providing a new method for forensic investigation. This non-destructive technique can differentiate between various tobacco brands based on the elemental composition of their ash.

Researchers have developed a cutting-edge, portable LIBS sensor designed for crime scene investigations, offering both handheld and tabletop modes. This device enables on-the-spot analysis of forensic samples with unprecedented sensitivity and depth, potentially transforming forensic science.

For "The Future of Forensic Analysis” series, we interviewed Barry Lavine, regents professor from The Department of Chemistry at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, to describe his most recent work in applying Raman and infrared (IR) spectroscopy in forensic paint analysis.

As part of "The Future of Forensic Analysis," executive editor Jerome Workman, Jr. sat down with Igor Lednev to discuss several of his recent papers related to his spectroscopic research in forensic analysis.

A recent study explores the effectiveness of near-infrared (NIR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy in determining the time since deposition (TSD) of bloodstains, a critical aspect of forensic investigations. By comparing these two methods, researchers aim to improve the accuracy and reliability of bloodstain dating, with potential implications for real-world forensic applications.

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has emerged as a vital tool in brain imaging over the past decade, offering noninvasive, real-time insights into brain function. A recent review study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis, revealing the global trends, research hotspots, and future potential of fNIRS in clinical applications, particularly in neurology, psychiatry, pediatric medicine, and sports science.