Looking Forward with Optimism
It has certainly been a long 12 months. With the economic recession, the housing crisis, and high unemployment dominating the news and impacting the spectroscopy marketplace in 2009, it is easy to see why many readers will not be sorry to see the end of 2009, and why they will be all too happy to welcome in 2010.
It has certainly been a long 12 months. With the economic recession, the housing crisis, and high unemployment dominating the news and impacting the spectroscopy marketplace in 2009, it is easy to see why many readers will not be sorry to see the end of 2009, and why they will be all too happy to welcome in 2010.
David Walsh
However, if the holidays are a time for looking forward with optimism, then it must also be said that even in these difficult economic times, there is ample reason to feel hopeful. A recent market analysis from Strategic Directions International points to high single-digit growth in all market segments in 2010, with atomic spectroscopy, molecular spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry all predicted to grow in the coming year (see pp. 10–16 of Spectroscopy's "Buyers' Guide and Industry Trends," August 2009). And with a modest yet steady rally brewing on Wall Street over the past few months and an improving housing market, there are indeed reasons to look forward to 2010.
Here at Spectroscopy, one thing we are looking forward to is bringing readers another year of practical technical advice and information to help them in their labs every day. For make no mistake, it is the everyday work being done on the frontlines of materials analysis and analytical chemistry in general that will help bring about the economic recovery we are all putting on our wish lists this holiday season.
Finally, on behalf of all of us at Spectroscopy, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our readers and their families Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year. I think we can agree that all of life's problems and challenges pale in comparison to the joy of celebrating the holidays with family and friends.
David Walsh
Editor-in-Chief
LIBS Illuminates the Hidden Health Risks of Indoor Welding and Soldering
April 23rd 2025A new dual-spectroscopy approach reveals real-time pollution threats in indoor workspaces. Chinese researchers have pioneered the use of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and aerosol mass spectrometry to uncover and monitor harmful heavy metal and dust emissions from soldering and welding in real-time. These complementary tools offer a fast, accurate means to evaluate air quality threats in industrial and indoor environments—where people spend most of their time.
NIR Spectroscopy Explored as Sustainable Approach to Detecting Bovine Mastitis
April 23rd 2025A 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.
