Best of the Week: Near-Infrared Wearable Technologies, Icons of Spectroscopy, Environmental Analysis

This week, Spectroscopy published a variety of articles on the hottest topics in analytical spectroscopy. These news articles cover various industries and a wide range of spectroscopic techniques. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the most popular articles, according to our readers and subscribers. Happy reading!

Cutting-Edge Near-infrared Wearable Neuroimaging Technologies Promise New Insights

This article highlights recent advancements in optoelectronics that have enabled the development of wearable and high-density functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and diffuse optical tomography (DOT) technologies. These innovations offer functional neuroimaging of the human cortex with resolution comparable to fMRI, applicable in various environments (1). The article provides a comprehensive overview of the history, current status, and future potential of these technologies. Wearable fNIRS and HD-DOT can noninvasively monitor cerebral hemodynamics, aiding in the study of brain function during dynamic activities (1). Despite progress, challenges such as robust optical coupling and minimizing motion artifacts remain. Future directions focus on improving optoelectronics, data streaming, and optical coupling solutions, paving the way for enhanced neuroimaging studies in naturalistic environments and clinical settings, potentially revolutionizing neuroscience research (1).

Icons of Spectroscopy: An Interview with Jeanette Grasselli Brown, Part 2

This video interview features Jeanette Grasselli Brown, a pioneering figure in spectroscopy. Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, she developed a passion for chemistry early on. After earning her chemistry degree from Ohio University in 1950, she joined BP as a research chemist, eventually becoming director of Corporate Research and Analytical Science. Grasselli Brown's expertise spans vibrational spectroscopy, process analysis, and environmental spectroscopy (2). She holds 13 honorary degrees, one patent, and has published 80 papers and nine books (2). In this interview, she reflects on the achievements that have defined her career in spectroscopy.

A Brief Review of the Latest Spectroscopic Research in Environmental Analysis

Spectroscopic analytical techniques are crucial for the analysis of environmental samples. 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 contaminants and other environmental applications are thoroughly discussed (3).

Lockheed Martin Secures $2.27 Billion Contract with NASA to Build New Satellite

This article discusses NASA's selection of Lockheed Martin to develop spacecraft for NOAA's Geostationary Extended Observations (GeoXO) satellite program. The $2.27 billion contract includes building three spacecraft with options for four more. GeoXO will succeed the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites-R Series (GOES-R) system in the early 2030s, enhancing capabilities in visible and infrared imagery, lightning mapping, hyperspectral sounding, atmospheric composition, and ocean color observations (4). Lockheed Martin will design, test, and support the launch of GeoXO satellites. Data from GeoXO will aid in weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and detecting environmental hazards (4). Lockheed Martin’s design leverages experience from the GOES-R program and integrates new digital technologies (4).

A Look at vis-NIR and NIR Spectroscopy in Characterizing Soil Fertility

This article discusses a study published in Soil Use and Management that highlights the use of visible near-infrared (vis-NIR) spectroscopy for in situ soil fertility assessments. Traditional soil fertility testing is often expensive and time-consuming, but vis-NIR spectroscopy offers a high-resolution alternative (5). Luca Bragazza and his team at Agroscope in Switzerland tested the feasibility of this technique by analyzing soil samples from 134 points, focusing on parameters like texture, pH, organic carbon, and major nutrients. Using portable spectrometers, they developed calibration models to evaluate soil parameters. Although some soil parameters were accurately predicted, the spectrometers struggled with others, such as total and exchangeable calcium, potassium, and phosphorus (5). The study found that the cutaway side of soil cores provided the best scanning results (5). This technology could revolutionize agricultural management by enabling rapid, on-site soil health assessments, aiding in sustainable practices, and reducing environmental impact (5).

References

(1) Workman, Jr., J. Cutting-Edge Near-infrared Wearable Neuroimaging Technologies Promise New Insights. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/cutting-edge-near-infrared-wearable-neuroimaging-technologies-promise-new-insights (accessed 2024-06-20).

(2) Hroncich, C. Icons of Spectroscopy: An Interview with Jeanette Grasselli Brown, Part 2. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/icons-of-spectroscopy-an-interview-with-jeanette-grasselli-brown-part-2 (accessed 2024-06-20).

(3) Workman, Jr., J. A Brief Review of the Latest Spectroscopic Research in Environmental Analysis. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/a-brief-review-of-the-latest-spectroscopic-research-in-environmental-analysis (accessed 2024-06-20).

(4) Hroncich, C. Lockheed Martin Secures $2.27 Billion Contract with NASA to Build New Satellite. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/lockheed-martin-secures-contract-with-nasa-to-build-new-satellite (accessed 2024-06-20).

(5) Wetzel, W. A Look at vis-NIR and NIR Spectroscopy in Characterizing Soil Fertility. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/a-look-at-vis-nir-and-nir-spectroscopy-in-characterizing-soil-fertility (accessed 2024-06-20).