Introduction   The agri-food industry constantly faces the challenge of ensuring the safety, quality, and authenticity of its products. In this context, spectroscopy emerges as a crucial scientific tool, widely applied to analyze the composition and quality of foods. The interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation allows scientists to obtain detailed information about the components and properties of food in a non-invasive and real-time manner.   One of the main advantages of spectroscopic techniques over other technologies is their ability to perform rapid and precise m ..read more

In recent years, research has delved into the benefits and applications of ultraviolet light in disinfection and sterilization. Its ability to penetrate microbial cells and cause cellular damage has been discovered to be a valuable tool for water disinfection and other purposes. Thus, multidisciplinary advancements in understanding the technologies that enable the generation of ultraviolet light have driven the development and optimization of disinfection and sterilization applications, resulting in a significant direct impact on food and health safety, as well as the well-being of individuals ..read more

Optogenetics is a revolutionary technique in the field of neuroscience that allows the control of neuronal activity in living organisms with unprecedented precision [1,2]. By fusing methods from genetics and optics, this technique facilitates the control of neurons genetically engineered to express light-sensitive ion channels. This innovative approach has opened up new avenues for understanding how specific patterns of neural activity influence behaviors, emotions, and cognitive processes, and has laid the groundwork for the development of innovative therapies for neurological disorders [3 ..read more

Fluorescence spectroscopy, an advanced technique within the field of photoluminescence, has established itself as an essential resource not only in areas such as analytical chemistry and molecular biology, but also in food analysis and quality control [1]. This methodology, noted for its exceptional sensitivity and selectivity, is crucial for the accurate identification and quantification of bioactive compounds, contaminants, and adulterants.   In this article, we present a compendium of essential strategies and knowledge for the effective application of fluorescence spectroscopy [2]. Thi ..read more

In the rapidly evolving world of agrifood technology, optical spectroscopy stands out as a pivotal tool for analyzing food products. This non-destructive, rapid, and efficient method allows for the assessment of various parameters like quality, safety, and nutritional value. However, the effectiveness of optical spectroscopy largely depends on the robustness and accuracy of the analytical data it generates as well as the completeness of the dataset. This is where data augmentation (DA), a technique widely used in machine learning and data science, plays a crucial role.   Different DA tech ..read more

In a world increasingly reliant on precision medicine and minimally invasive interventions, the field of photopharmacology has emerged as a revolutionary pathway to treat a multitude of conditions. At its core, photopharmacology uses the inherent sensitivity of certain drugs to light to exert control over their bioactivity. This allows clinicians to precisely regulate not only where but also when a drug is activated, thereby minimizing collateral damage to healthy tissues. In this brief article, we put some light into the intriguing world of photopharmacology, its mechanisms, applications, and ..read more

Fireworks, with their breathtaking displays of vibrant colors illuminating the night sky, are a beloved spectacle enjoyed by people worldwide. In this article, we unveil the science behind the colorful magic of fireworks, exploring into flame emission spectroscopy and its role in creating these amazing visual symphonies.   The use of metal compounds to generate colors dates back centuries, but modern technology and a deep understanding of spectroscopy have elevated firework displays to new heights. Flame emission spectroscopy is the scientific backbone behind the captivating firework disp ..read more

The demand for high quality and safety in food production protocols has been exponentially increased in the last decades. Productivity improvements in agri-food industries are linked to obtain the optimal organoleptic properties from the products demanded by the consumers at the same time that the food waste is reduced [1]. In particular, tomato industry requires compliance with high quality standards and precise process control, where the utilization of fast and accurate analytical tools are more than necessary [2].   Chemical analyses are sometimes time-consuming and expensive and there ..read more

Yo, listen up here’s a story // About a little guy // That lives in a blue world   Blue his house // With a blue little window // And a blue corvette // And everything is blue for him   These verses correspond to “Blue (Da Ba Dee)”, a song by Italian music group Eiffel 65 that was first released in 1998 and became an international hit in 1999. It talks about a guy that lives in a reality where everything is blue. But would this guy have a blue LED lamp in his blue house? In this post we will answer this question and explain the importance of blue LEDs, whose inventors earned the Nobe ..read more

Photochemistry is the discipline that studies the chemical processes in which light plays a role. In this post, we do not aim to carry out a thorough analysis about photochemistry, but to provide a brief overview about some concepts we find interesting in this field. In the first place, we are going to describe the basic operation of  a solar simulator. Then, we will explain two different phenomena: photodegradation, and photocatalysis.   Solar simulator   A solar simulator is a lighting system that tries to reproduce, as closely as possible, the characteristics of natural sunli ..read more