Methods guide
How water structure is measured
Claims about structured water often reference measurements like X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, and NMR. This guide summarizes what each method can detect and where interpretive leap risks are highest.
X-ray & neutron scattering
Useful for average structural features, coordination numbers, and temperature/pressure dependence. Interpretation requires careful modeling and cannot directly confirm "memory" claims.
IR & Raman spectroscopy
Measures vibrational modes tied to hydrogen bonding. Strong for detecting changes in bonding environments, but signal interpretation can be subtle and method-dependent.
NMR and dielectric
Probes molecular motion and relaxation times; helps characterize dynamics rather than fixed structures. Often used to infer changes in hydrogen-bond networks.
X-ray absorption & emission
Sensitive to electronic structure and local hydrogen-bond environments. Powerful yet complex; results depend on calibration and computational modeling.
Interpretation guardrails
- Check whether the measurement directly tests the claim being made.
- Prefer studies with clear protocols and reproducible instrumentation.
- Separate statistically significant changes from marketing language.
- When evidence is indirect, label it as interpretive rather than definitive.