Best of the Week: Olive Oil, Young Scientist Award, The Future of Forensic Analysis

This week, Spectroscopy published various articles that covered many topics in analytical spectroscopy. This week’s articles touch upon several important application areas such as food and beverage analysis, environmental analysis, and space exploration, and several key techniques are highlighted, including near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the most popular articles, according to our readers and subscribers. Happy reading!

New Spectroscopy Method Shows Promise for Detecting Olive Oil Fraud

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a commodity that is seeing a surge in pricing thanks to demand. As a result, it is susceptible to fraud. In a recent study, researchers at the University of Cordoba tested visible and near-infrared spectroscopy (vis-NIR) as fast, cost-effective tools that can distinguish between EVOO and virgin olive oil (VOO) (1). Traditional sensory panel tests are subjective and resource-intensive, driving the need for instrumental methods (1). The study analyzed 161 samples, achieving 82.35% classification accuracy for EVOO and 66.67% for VOO (1). Vis-NIR shows promise as a first-level screening method, reducing reliance on panel tests while supporting fraud prevention efforts (1).

NIR, IR, UV-vis, and NMR Spectroscopy Drive New Insights in Olive Oil Quality and Fraud Prevention

As mentioned above, extra virgin olive oil has been susceptible to food fraud. As a result, effort has been made to combat this concern. The problem is that traditional reliable chemical tests are slow and labor-intensive (2). In this study, researchers from Università Telematica San Raffaele reviewed advanced non-destructive techniques, spotlighting near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and red, green, blue (RGB) imaging for rapid, in-field quality assessments (2). These methods can detect ripeness, authenticity, and fraud, with NIR excelling in portable, cost-effective applications (2). Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy also shows promise for monitoring oil quality and ripening (2). The review highlights integrating spectroscopic techniques with imaging and mechanical analyses to enhance accuracy and sustainability, paving the way for accessible, real-time quality control across the EVOO supply chain.

Young Scientist Awardee Uses Spectrophotometry and AI for Pesticide Detection Tool

3M announced in a press release that ninth-grader Sirish Subash won the 3M Young Scientist Challenge for his project Pestiscand, which is a handheld device using spectrophotometry and machine learning to detect pesticide residues on produce (3). Tested on tomatoes and spinach, the device achieved over 85% accuracy (3). Subash, from Georgia’s Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology, collaborated with 3M scientist Aditya Banerji to develop the prototype (3). The award highlights innovation in addressing agricultural challenges, like pesticide detection, which is critical for food safety. Subash is the 17th winner of the challenge, with other finalists also recognized for tackling global issues with creativity and scientific ingenuity (3).

LIBS Proves its Versatility for Moon Missions in New Study

Space exploration is an industry that benefits from spectroscopic techniques, including LIBS. In this study conducted from researchers at the University of Tokyo, they highlight the potential of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for lunar exploration. Designed to address the Moon’s unique conditions, such as its lack of atmosphere and diverse surface materials, LIBS was tested on 169 geologic samples under vacuum conditions (4). The method achieved robust accuracy (1.5–2.5 wt% RMSE for major oxides) across powdered and rock samples, reliably analyzing varied soil properties (4). LIBS also distinguished lunar materials like basalts and anorthosites, aiding geological insights and identifying ilmenite-rich soils for resource utilization (4). This adaptability makes LIBS a key tool for future Artemis missions and sustainable lunar operations.

Highlights from The Future of Forensic Analysis

In a follow-up to our content series released back in September, “The Future of Forensic Analysis” showcases advancements in forensic science through Q&A interviews, case studies, and peer-reviewed articles. Interviews with experts Glen Jackson and Brooke Kammrath explore the evolution of mass spectrometry and the development of spectroscopic tools for forensic analysis (5). Highlights include studies on ATR FT-IR, NIR spectroscopy, and LIBS for crime scene investigations, enabling fast, accurate evidence analysis (5). Peer-reviewed articles demonstrate innovative applications like SERS with chemometric techniques for detecting illicit drugs in blood and NIR spectroscopy for identifying adulteration in Kelulut honey (5).

References

1. Workman, Jr., J. New Spectroscopy Method Shows Promise for Detecting Olive Oil Fraud. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/new-spectroscopy-method-shows-promise-for-detecting-olive-oil-fraud (accessed 2024-11-14).
2. Workman, Jr., J. NIR, IR, UV-vis, and NMR Spectroscopy Drive New Insights in Olive Oil Quality and Fraud Prevention. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/nir-ir-uv-vis-and-nmr-spectroscopy-drive-new-insights-in-olive-oil-quality-and-fraud-prevention (accessed 2024-11-14).
3. Wetzel, W. Young Scientist Awardee Uses Spectrophotometry and AI for Pesticide Detection Tool. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/young-scientist-awardee-uses-spectrophotometry-and-ai-for-pesticide-detection-tool (accessed 2024-11-14).
4. Wetzel, W. LIBS Proves its Versatility for Moon Missions in New Study. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/libs-proves-its-versatility-for-moon-missions-in-new-study (accessed 2024-11-14).
5. Wetzel, W. Highlights from The Future of Forensic Analysis. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/highlights-from-the-future-of-forensic-analysis (accessed 2024-11-14).