Best of the Week: The Future of Forensic Analysis, Interpersonal Relationships, Pharmaceutical Industry

This week, Spectroscopy published various articles that covered many topics in analytical spectroscopy. This week’s articles feature topics such as forensic analysis and clinical analysis. Much attention is given to spectroscopic techniques including near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and more. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the most popular articles, according to our readers and subscribers. Happy reading!

The Future of Forensic Analysis Set to Release September 16th

Spectroscopy announced that “The Future of Forensic Analysis” will launch on Monday September 16th at 12:00 am EST. The release of this content series coincides with National Forensic Science Week (NFSW), which is set to take place September 15–21st (1). Some of the highlights of this content series include news stories on recent studies, exclusive Q&As with experts in the field, and bylined articles.

New Study Illuminates the Neural Synchrony in Close Relationships

This article discusses the decline of close interpersonal relationships in the western world, examining how reduced birth rates, lower marriage rates, and higher divorce rates reflect this trend. A collaborative study by researchers from the University of Macau, Beijing Normal University, and Nanjing Normal University investigated the neural mechanisms behind these relationships, focusing on interpersonal neural synchronization (INS), where brain activity synchronizes during social interactions (2). The study analyzed 17 fNIRS hyperscanning studies of 1,149 dyads and found consistent INS across the frontal, temporal, and parietal brain regions in both romantic and parent-child relationships (2). These findings support attachment theory, highlighting the neural basis of emotional bonds. The researchers also explored factors like children’s age and brain regions affecting INS strength (2). This research offers valuable insights into strengthening interpersonal bonds, with implications for fostering more functional and stable relationships in society.

MRR: A New Tool in Applied Analysis for the Pharmaceutical Industry

The article explores the emerging use of molecular rotational resonance (MRR) in analytical chemistry, highlighting its advantages over traditional liquid and gas chromatography (LC and GC). MRR excels in analyzing complex solvents and isomers within mixtures without requiring pre-analytical separations, reducing separation times (3). It meets the sensitivity standards for analyzing Class 2 mixture C solvents as per U.S. Pharmacopeia Chapter <467> and eliminates the need for consumables (3). The article also covers MRR’s role in identifying challenging molecules and its potential in reaction optimization, emphasizing its complementary role alongside existing chromatography techniques.

In-Service Samples: An Infrared Differential Spectra Issue

This article discusses the errors associated with obtaining infrared (IR) differential spectra through the traditional method of subtracting a sample spectrum from its reference spectrum. The issue stems from poorly defined baselines, leading to incorrect results such as shifted baselines and altered peak sizes (4). The article introduces a method to correct this by applying a baseline correction before spectrum subtraction (4). Examples are provided to illustrate the problem and the effectiveness of the correction (4). The improved process is recommended for immediate integration into instrument software and analytical tools to enhance accuracy in differential spectral analysis.

A Decade of Progress: How fNIRS is Transforming Clinical Brain Imaging

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has emerged as a vital tool in brain imaging over the past decade, offering noninvasive, real-time insights into brain function (5). A recent review study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis, revealing the global trends, research hotspots, and future potential of fNIRS in clinical applications, particularly in neurology, psychiatry, pediatric medicine, and sports science (5).

References

1. Wetzel, W. The Future of Forensic Analysis Set to Release September 16th. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/the-future-of-forensic-analysis-set-to-release-september-16th (accessed 2024-09-12).
2. Wetzel, W. New Study Illuminates the Neural Synchrony in Close Relationships. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/new-study-illuminates-the-neural-synchrony-in-close-relationships (accessed 2024-09-12).
3. Thompson, C. MRR: A New Tool in Applied Analysis for the Pharmaceutical Industry. Spectroscopy 2024, ASAP. https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/mrr-a-new-tool-in-applied-analysis-for-the-pharmaceutical-industry
4. Wooton, D. L.; Schomburg, C.; Swanson, D. In-Service Samples: An Infrared Differential Spectra Issue. Spectroscopy 2024, ASAP. https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/in-service-samples-an-infrared-differential-spectra-issue
5. Workman, Jr., J. A Decade of Progress: How fNIRS is Transforming Clinical Brain Imaging. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/a-decade-of-progress-how-fnirs-is-transforming-clinical-brain-imaging (accessed 2024-09-12).