Fourier transform IR (FTIR) spectroscopy is a rapid, reagent-less, non-destructive, anal. technique whose continuing development is resulting in manifold applications in the biosciences. FTIR spectra of microbes are derived from a composite of different vibrational modes representing a diverse range of biomols. presents in cell walls, membranes, extracellular polymeric substances, and the cytoplasm. As FTIR spectroscopy is increasingly established as a powerful anal. tool within microbiol., its value to other biomedical areas is now being realized. A selected no. of significant diagnostic and biomarker studies dealing primarily with human diseases and disorders through the spectroscopic anal. of tissues, cells or body fluids are presented. [on SciFinder (R)]