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When a portable reading in the field doesn’t match what the lab reports later, the instinct is to question the instrument. A peer-reviewed review of handheld XRF use in field geology, including work informing planetary surface exploration, found that how

Australia’s exploration sector is having a busy year. Rigs are turning, budgets have lifted, and a strong gold price is drawing capital back into the ground. Look a little closer at the latest figures, though, and a more nuanced picture

Fast asbestos screening is only part of the equation. Just as important is what happens after the scan. Every asbestos inspection generates valuable information, from photographs and material locations to inspection notes, risk assessments, and compliance records. While technologies like

In response to recent contamination scares, Australian regulators are redefining what counts as “high risk” for asbestos. Products once considered low risk are now under scrutiny. Testing requirements are tightening. And the assumption that asbestos is a “legacy problem” is

More than 30 toys were recently recalled across the UK after asbestos was found in something as ordinary as children’s play sand (1). The concerning part was not just the contamination itself. It was that these products had already undergone

In field-based remote sensing and hyperspectral data collection, precision isn’t just about numbers—it’s about context. What exactly was scanned? At what angle? Under what light conditions? And crucially—can it be repeated? These are the questions that separate reliable datasets from

In one of the most remote and challenging environments on Earth, researchers are now using hyperspectral drones and artificial intelligence to map and monitor fragile vegetation in Antarctica with unprecedented precision and efficiency.  This breakthrough represents a major step forward

The health of our global food supply hinges on the ability to detect and manage plant diseases. The scientific study of plant diseases, known as Phytopathology, is a constant battle against pathogens like fungi, bacteria, and viruses that threaten to

Black plastics play a significant role in modern manufacturing. They appear in automotive parts, electronics housings, consumer packaging, textiles, and industrial components. Yet for all their usefulness, black plastics create one of the most persistent challenges in recycling and material

Hyperspectral imaging is transforming how we see and understand agriculture. Once confined to research facilities and airborne platforms, this advanced technology is now available in ground-based systems that bring powerful insights directly to the field. For growers, this shift means

Ever wonder how bottled drinks manage to taste exactly the same, batch after batch? It’s no accident. Behind the scenes, precision tools like FTIR technology are working hard to uphold consistency and quality at scale.  In the high-speed world of

Australians love their wine—and the numbers back it up. With over 2,100 wineries producing more than 1.3 billion litres of wine in 2023, Australia’s wine industry continues to be a global force built on quality, scale, and innovation (1). But

Australia is ramping up its commitment to sustainable materials, with bioplastics gaining attention as a promising solution. CSIRO’s 2024 report outlines the growth of this sector and highlights its role in driving a circular economy transition. But the report also

Beneath the volcanic ash of Pompeii lies one of antiquity’s most iconic artworks—the Alexander Mosaic. This intricate floor piece, long admired for its craftsmanship, seemed to have given up all its secrets.  Until recently… Using advanced elemental analysis, researchers have

Agriculture is the backbone of global food security, sustaining billions of lives and economies. As demand grows, farmers must produce more with fewer resources while preserving the environment—a challenge made harder by climate change, soil degradation, and resource scarcity. To

The global honey industry is facing an unprecedented crisis: widespread fraud. Genuine beekeepers are being undercut, and consumers are unknowingly purchasing adulterated products. But as traditional testing methods struggle to keep up, one technology is proving indispensable—Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

History of Spectral Imaging: Pioneering Discoveries and Applications Spectral imaging has the power to reveal what the human eye cannot see, from detecting hidden contaminants in food to identifying mineral compositions in space. This extraordinary capability has driven progress across

History of Machine Vision: How It Became an Industry Game-Changer Machine vision is a part of our daily lives, whether we notice it or not. From self-checkout systems at the shops to speed cameras and food production, this technology ensures

History of XRF: Pioneers, Key Figures, and Breakthroughs in X-Ray Fluorescence From identifying valuable metals to detecting impurities, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) has reshaped how we analyse materials with unmatched precision. Born out of groundbreaking scientific discoveries, XRF has evolved into

The History of FTIR: How Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Changed Material Analysis Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy plays an unseen yet essential role in our daily lives. From ensuring the safety of the medicines we take to verifying the purity of

The Fascinating History of NIR: From Discovery to Modern Applications Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) has revolutionised how we analyse materials, providing detailed insights into their composition without the need for invasive sampling.  The history of NIR spans scientific breakthroughs, from its