Detecting RNA virus in saliva samples using Raman spectroscopy

News: Researchers have turned to Raman Spectroscopy to detect RNA viruses present in saliva samples.

Facts:

  • Raman Spectroscopy: It is an analytical technique where scattered light is used to measure the vibrational energy modes of a sample.
  • Significance: Raman spectroscopy can provide both chemical and structural information as well as the identification of substances through the detection of Raman scattering from the sample.

Additional Facts:

  • Raman Scattering or Raman Effect: It is a change in the wavelength of light that occurs when a light beam is deflected by molecules. 
  • When a beam of light traverses a dust-free,transparent sample of a chemical compound,a small fraction of the light emerges in directions other than that of the incident (incoming) beam.
  • Most of this scattered light is of unchanged wavelength.However, a small part has wavelengths different from that of the incident light; its presence is a result of the Raman effect.