March 26th 2025
Recent advancements in exoplanet detection, including high-resolution spectroscopy, adaptive optics, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven data analysis, are significantly improving our ability to identify and study distant planets. These developments mark a turning point in the search for habitable worlds beyond our solar system.
Best of the Week: AI, Rapid Food Analysis, Agriculture Analysis, and Soil Property Prediction
September 6th 2024Top articles published this week include a review article on the latest research in agriculture analysis, a peer-reviewed article on near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, and an interview about using fluorescence spectroscopy in cheese ripening.
A Review of the Latest Spectroscopic Research in Agriculture Analysis
September 4th 2024Spectroscopic analytical techniques are crucial for the analysis of agricultural products. This review emphasizes the latest advancements in several key spectroscopic methods, including atomic, vibrational, molecular, electronic, and X-ray techniques. The applications of these analytical methods in detecting important quality parameters, adulteration, insects and rodent infestation, ripening, and other essential applications are discussed.
AI-Powered Spectroscopy Faces Hurdles in Rapid Food Analysis
September 4th 2024A recent study reveals on the challenges and limitations of AI-driven spectroscopy methods for rapid food analysis. Despite the promise of these technologies, issues like small sample sizes, misuse of advanced modeling techniques, and validation problems hinder their effectiveness. The authors suggest guidelines for improving accuracy and reliability in both research and industrial settings.
Non-Linear Memory-Based Learning Advances Soil Property Prediction Using vis-NIR Spectral Data
September 3rd 2024Researchers from Zhejiang University have developed a new non-linear memory-based learning (N-MBL) model that enhances the prediction accuracy of soil properties using visible near-infrared (vis-NIR) spectroscopy. By comparing N-MBL with traditional machine learning and local modeling methods, the study reveals its superior performance, particularly in predicting soil organic matter and total nitrogen.
Measuring Muscle Oxidation in Athletes with Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
September 2nd 2024A recent article authored by scientists from the Institute of Sport and Preventive Medicine, part of the University of Saarland (Saarbrücken, Germany), discusses their investigation of the absolute and relative test-retest reliability of the Moxy Monitor, as well as their investigations into side differences of oxygen saturation at the vastus lateralis muscle of both legs in male cyclists.
Deep Learning Paves the Way for More Accurate Fruit Quality Evaluation
August 29th 2024Researchers from the University of Minnesota and Nanjing Agricultural University have highlighted the potential of deep learning to significantly improve the accuracy and robustness of fruit quality assessments using visible-near-infrared spectroscopy.
Protein Prediction in Native Chickens Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy, Part 2
August 28th 2024In the second part of this article, we dive into the methodology conducted by researchers from Yunnan Agricultural University in China that successfully used near-infrared (NIR) to analyze the protein content in chickens.
Handheld NIR Spectrophotometers: Transforming Forensic Analysis with Portable Technology
August 27th 2024A review highlights the transformative role of miniaturized near-infrared (NIR) spectrophotometers in forensic science, offering portable, cost-effective solutions for on-site analysis. These devices, while not without limitations, pave the way for more accessible and efficient forensic practices.
Real-Time Monitoring of Spike Protein Purification Using Raman and NIR Spectroscopy
August 26th 2024Researchers at Budapest University of Technology and Economics have developed a novel method for real-time monitoring of the protein purification process using Raman and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Their study compares the effectiveness of these two spectroscopic techniques in tracking the removal of imidazole, a process-related impurity, during the purification of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein's receptor-binding domain (RBD).
ATR FT-IR and NIR Spectroscopy Reveal the Sources of Microplastics in Biosolids
August 20th 2024A recent study compared ATR FT-IR and NIR spectroscopy to identify microplastics in biosolids, finding significant correlations with consumer plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene. These results highlight the role of biosolids in introducing microplastics to agricultural soils and accentuate the importance of accurate identification methods.
Portable Near-Infrared Detection of Melamine in Sports Supplements: A Breakthrough in Rapid Testing
July 17th 2024Researchers have developed rapid quantification models to detect melamine adulteration in sports nutrition supplements using benchtop and portable near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy instruments. This study highlights the efficiency of these methods in ensuring the safety and quality of sports supplements.
Advanced IR Spectroscopy Techniques Revolutionize Micro- and Nanoplastics Research
July 16th 2024A recent review highlights the application of cutting-edge infrared (IR) spectroscopic techniques in analyzing micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), providing valuable guidance for researchers to select suitable instrumentation for analysis. The study emphasizes the need for reliable tools to understand the environmental and health risks associated with these pollutants.
Asteroids as Near-Earth Objects: A Detailed Near-Infrared Look into Composition and Origins
July 2nd 2024A comprehensive study of small near-Earth objects (NEOs) using spectroscopy reveals composition, source regions, and rotational properties. The research identifies S-complex asteroids as the most abundant and introduces a new subclass within this complex, yielding detailed information on the characteristics and origins of these celestial bodies.
Cutting-Edge vis-NIR Hyperspectral Imaging Enhances Bloodstain Identification in Forensic Science
June 25th 2024Forensic scientists have made significant strides in bloodstain identification, leveraging advanced hyperspectral imaging and machine learning to distinguish between human and animal bloodstains with remarkable accuracy.
Affordable Near-Infrared Open-Source Wearable Brain-Monitoring Device Revolutionizes Neuroscience
Published: June 20th 2024 | Updated: June 21st 2024Researchers from Vanderbilt University and Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a low-cost, wearable functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) headband. This device, described as the first open-source, wireless fNIRS headband system, enables neuroimaging in naturalistic settings, making brain monitoring more accessible and versatile.