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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 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.

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.

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.