Science in Action

In 2024, a notification arrived at the Museum of Art, Kochi questioning the authenticity of the painting “Girl and Swan,” part of the museum’s collection. This inquiry was rooted in the recent scandal that shook the art world: the arrest of Wolfgang Beltracchi, known as the "master of forgery." As more and more of Beltracchi's forgeries were uncovered, the museum began an investigation into the authenticity of “Girl and Swan,” prompted by information provided by the Berlin State Police.

Dr. Corradini, an Associate Professor and the Arrell Chair in Food Quality at the University of Guelph, embodies the rigorous, analytical spirit of her surroundings. She defines her field—Food Science—as a crucial applied science, a dynamic intersection of physics, biology, chemistry, and engineering. Her mandate is clear and far-reaching: to leverage these diverse disciplines to ensure the public food supply is safe, available year-round, and its production is efficient, addressing global challenges through laboratory innovation.

Professor He Xuemei’s research group at the School of Gemmology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), studied emerging gemstones such as Hezhou jade, Jinsha jade, and Xunke purple agate from Guangxi Province with XGT-9000. Her research team carried out comprehensive research on the element compositions, concentrations, and special structures.

Integration of sophisticated spectroscopic tools into the lab are being used not just to authenticate products, but to actively detect counterfeits.

South Africa, with economic and technological challenges, has shown a new approach to fluorescence spectroscopy to be more efficient and less costly for wastewater treatment.

Dive into Professor Peter Croot's research on biogeochemical cycles, carbon cycling, and primary productivity in the ocean, using cutting-edge fluorescence spectroscopy to unravel the mysteries of "Planet Ocean."

Professor Akitoshi Hayashi develops all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries using sulfide-based electrolytes to enhance electric vehicle safety and performance. His team pioneered glass-type Li₃PS₄ electrolytes via mechanochemical synthesis. He applies Raman spectroscopy, especially with UV lasers, to analyze structural changes, detect degradation, and identify anionic species like PS₄³⁻. These measurements are key for evaluating amorphous materials. He also highlights challenges including hydrogen sulfide management, air stability, and commercialization of solid-state battery technologies.

Dr. Sayo Fakayode of Georgia College & State University applies portable Raman spectroscopy combined with chemometric tools—regression and principal component analysis—to screen over-the-counter medicines and supplements. His approach rapidly detects and quantifies active ingredients in common OTC products, achieving approximately 94 % accuracy. This method is water insensitive, more convenient than chromatography, and allows in situ verification without opening containers. Fakayode’s work addresses global challenges arising from poorly regulated or counterfeit OTC consumables.

Metal recycling is key to sustainability, and Professor Mikito Ueda's groundbreaking work on using ionic liquids for energy-efficient electrolytic purification could revolutionize how we conserve vital mineral resources.

See how Cryogenics coupled with spectroscopy can quiet the noise of complex molecules to allow a focus on the one you want to study.

Professor Fiona Lyng from Technological University Dublin uses Raman microscopy to detect precancerous biochemical changes in cervical cells before visible morphological signs appear. Her method complements Pap tests and HPV screening by providing objective, molecular-level insight. Using green laser excitation and standard glass slides, her team identifies DNA, RNA, protein, and lipid signatures non-destructively. The approach integrates seamlessly into existing clinical workflows, offering a sensitive, specific, and minimally invasive tool for early cervical cancer detection.

Ever bitten into a burger that exploded with smoky chipotle zing, only to later discover it was secretly infused with the ghost pepper's fiery wrath? Welcome to the thrilling world of flavor creation.

The supply of stable quality and production volume for the practical use of carbon nanotubes is critical for the proliferation of this unique group of materials. Read one expert's take on the state of research.

Dr. Scott Perl, an astrobiologist and geobiologist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, treats extreme sites on Earth as planetary analogues to explore life’s persistence under harsh conditions. His research focuses on recognizing geological and biological biosignatures, including physical structures and chemical remnants, in salt-rich environments. By decoding salt records and comparing them with extraterrestrial scenarios, his work aids interpretation of potentially similar features on other solar system bodies. These insights support future planetary exploration aimed at discerning signs of life beyond Earth.

What if you could create a new type of semiconductor that could be more efficient in terms of absorbing the energy of the sun? New materials and configurations help us understand inevitable defects.

Aaron Specht tries to improve public health conditions using X-ray fluorescence and a heavy dose of globetrotting to spot heavy metals in compromised populations.

Two-dimensional materials have the potential to replace Silicon on microprocessors in computers. If we want to replace Silicon with some of these emerging materials, we must understand everything about it and need standard characterization routes for it too. AFM-Raman with TERS is an essential tool.

Plastic airplanes? Nanotechnology makes it possible, with the help of AFM-Raman/TERS instrumentation. Read about how it all comes together.

Dr. Patrick Z. El Khoury at PNNL advances tip enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) and custom multimodal nano optical methods to probe heterogeneous interfaces at the nanoscale. His work addresses how catalytic, electronic, or biological activity varies across tiny topographic sites by combining nano Raman, nano PL, nano CARS, SHG/SFG, TPPL and extinction measurements. These high-resolution tools—built on HORIBA’s AFM optical platforms—reveal unique local chemical and physical signatures that inform chemical physics fundamentals across diverse materials systems.

See how X-ray fluorescence allowed researchers to discover the subtle paint formulations that give Van Gogh’s artwork its depth and realism

Dr. Masoud Mahjouri Samani from Auburn University custom-built a laser diagnostic microscope by integrating HORIBA iHR320, EMCCD, and PMT to characterize 2D quantum materials. His system performs Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and time-correlated single photon counting to monitor real time structural and electronic changes—such as atomic vibrations and PL shifts—during processes like laser doping and defect induction. These advanced spectroscopic tools allow rapid, in-situ tracking of material behavior as researchers engineer next-generation components for quantum electronics and devices.

Read about how fluorescence sensors can be used as biological detectives and also enhance display technology development.

Dr. Yury Gogotsi of Drexel University, co-inventor of MXenes, leads research into two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides with unique electrical conductivity, hydrophilicity, and modular properties. These materials hold promise for fast-charging energy storage, smart wearable electronics, transparent conductive coatings, and more. His team, led in part by Asia Sarycheva, is building a Raman spectra library for MXenes. Raman spectroscopy fingerprinting enables analysis of composition, surface terminations, structural defects, and stacking order, advancing quality control and structure–property tuning in MXene nanotechnology.

Was there life on Mars? We'll soon find out, as the Mars 2020 expedition, which launched on July 30, 2020, will explore an ancient lake bed with XRF for signs of life. It may change our ideas of evolution in the universe.

This HORIBA Science in Action article defines microplastics as plastic fragments smaller than 5 mm formed via environmental degradation of larger items under sunlight, wind, and water. It reports widespread contamination—from drinking water (over 90% of sampled bottled water contained microplastics) to marine environments, beaches, and glaciers horiba.com. Microplastics also act as vectors for bacteria, algae, and pollutants. Highlighting their persistence, ubiquity, and varied toxicities, the article underscores the growing environmental threat posed by these pervasive pollutants.

Mourou’s goal was to develop an ultra-short, high-intensity laser pulse without destroying the equipment used to produce it.

Scientists use nanoparticles in a variety of applications, including medicine, pharmaceuticals, electronics, biomaterials, energy production and consumer products.

This is the field of food science. Each food has its own unique food problem. And food scientists are responsible for designing ways to manufacture and preserve the quality and safety of those foods throughout its lifecycle.

Dr. Rui He at Texas Tech University investigates 2D materials like graphene, MoS₂, and chromium triiodide at ultra-low temperatures (~10 K, close to absolute zero). She uses HORIBA’s LabRAM HR Evolution Raman spectroscopy to capture vibrational, electronic, and magnetic excitations, including terahertz-frequency spin waves in ferromagnetic 2D materials. These fundamental measurements reveal temperature-dependent phase transitions and magnetic behavior key to designing faster, energy-efficient spintronic or optoelectronic devices, guiding future advances toward room-temperature application readiness.

Vargas, a Ph.D., is the Lead Scientist for the Analytical and Materials Analysis Laboratories at Birla Carbon. And the Marietta, Georgia-based company’s world revolves around carbon black.

Nuclear fusion is viewed by many as the holy grail of clean, renewable energy.

To most scientists, climate change is real. The challenge is to find more and better energy sources to generate electricity that do not emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Professor Sukwon Choi at Penn State University harnesses Raman spectroscopy as an “optical thermometer” to noninvasively probe submicron thermal hotspots in microelectronic devices prone to overheating. By measuring phonon energies through shifts in Raman band positions and comparing intensities of Stokes and anti Stokes scatterings using a LabRAM HR Evolution Raman microscope, his approach achieves high spatial and temperature resolution. This technique enables precise local temperature mapping essential for designing cooling systems and enhancing power device reliability.

A semiconductor manufacturer in the Silicon Valley faced a sizable setback. Something was contaminating its product, and the company halted production. That cost the manufacturer millions of dollars a day.

Large, land-based gas turbines are the worker bees behind energy production. These devices convert the heat from nuclear fuel, concentrated solar power and fossil fuels like coal and gas, into electricity.

Dr. Aaron Celestian of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County harnesses museum mineral collections for environmental and practical research. Using HORIBA’s non-destructive Raman spectroscopy (XploRA Plus) and micro XRF (XGT 7200), he analyzes rare minerals and fluid inclusions in real time without damaging samples. His work explores mineral interactions in natural and extraterrestrial contexts, including using zeolites like sitinakite to remediate nuclear-contaminated sites. He also engages community researchers and students, combining conservation, education, and scientific discovery.

The United States Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) faced a challenge. It wanted to conduct photoemission spectroscopy in the extreme low UV range using a tunable light source. It’s a difficult application. No off-the-shelf instruments existed to achieve its goals.

Dr. Christie Sayes at Baylor University explores the emerging field of nanotoxicology, assessing risks linked to engineered nanoparticles—tiny particles sized 1–100 nm used in medicine, electronics, catalysis, and remediation. Her research indicates they can enter the body via inhalation, ingestion, or dermal contact, traverse cell membranes, and migrate to organs like the heart and brain. Animal studies show biochemical damage, inflammatory responses, apoptosis, and possible links to chronic disease. Exposure route, dose, and particle chemistry are key to understanding toxicity.

In less than two years, mankind will begin a journey that will open new doorways in its understanding of the universe.

Mark Witkowski of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Trace Examination Section uses HORIBA Raman spectroscopy to tackle counterfeit pharmaceuticals, supplements, and contaminated foods. Employing non-destructive micro-Raman (LabRAM IR2) and automated XploRA PLUS with ParticleFinder™, his team rapidly analyzes small particles and tablets. Raman spectra reveal the chemical fingerprint of components, allowing comparison to authentic products and identification of fake or adulterated formulations. This forensic approach preserves evidence integrity and supports investigations targeting counterfeiters.

Professor George Tsilomelekis at Rutgers University investigates how inexpensive, renewable sources—particularly non-edible biomass, methane, ethane, and propane—can be catalytically upgraded into value-added products like fuels, solvents, polymer precursors, and fuel additives. Using operando vibrational spectroscopy methods (Raman plus infrared), he observes molecular interactions and conversion pathways within catalytic reactors in real-time. This spectroscopic insight enables structure–activity correlations, catalyst optimization, faster screening, and improved selectivity—paving the way for more sustainable chemical production from renewable feedstocks.

The result of Martin’s research could help create abundant, low-cost, clean energy on a global scale.

Scientists believe phenolic compounds, like those found in olive oil, can contribute to a lower rate of coronary heart disease and prostate and colon cancers.

Imagine reading a newspaper with an LED-like display that folds to fit in your pocket.

Richard Loomis is trying to make a better solar cell. And he’s taken a road off the beaten path to achieve that goal.

Eric Ellison at the University of Colorado Boulder uses confocal Raman microspectroscopy (LabRAM HR Evolution) to analyze ultra-thin slices of peridotite rocks from deep beneath the Earth’s surface. He spatially maps crystal structures and chemical signatures to identify minerals that formed during serpentinization reactions-processes that generate hydrogen and could support microbial ecosystems. Through detailed mineralogical mapping, Ellison seeks to uncover evidence for ancient subsurface life on Earth—and analogous environments on other planetary bodies.

Imagine killing cancer cells with oxygen compounds. Then tracking the cancer’s metabolism with near ultraviolet light sources. That’s the potential result of the pioneering work by a team at the University of Nevada-Reno.

The primary role of a drinking water treatment plant is to provide clean drinking (disinfected) water.

A material unfamiliar to the masses may provide a huge leap in solar energy technology over the next few years.

Doctors can treat certain types of cancers with non-toxic light-emitting molecules, photosensitizers, and light. This is the essence of Photodynamic therapy, an up and coming treatment model for certain cancers.

Professor Andrew Czaja, a paleobiologist at the University of Cincinnati, investigates ancient microbial life by examining microscopic fossils and their chemical signatures preserved in Earth’s oldest rocks. Using thin rock slices and a HORIBA T64000 high-performance Raman spectrometer, he maps organic carbon distributions and distinguishes authentic biological remnants from background minerals. Czaja’s methods help validate evidence of early life on Earth and inform similar analyses for future Martian samples, strengthening our understanding of life’s potential beyond our planet.

Researchers have focused on the terrestrial system to identify the missing carbon, such as in rivers and glaciers. Baker’s group is focusing on groundwater.

Now, HORIBA Scientific has developed the perfect supplement for these highly capable research spectrofluorometers.

This winter, John Priscu plans to drill thousands of feet below the frozen ice of Antarctica and expects to find living creatures. If he’s successful, it could help change the way we see our planet.