Researchers discovered that, in the nanoscale structure of human enamel (the hard outer layer of teeth), slight crystal misorientations serve as a natural toughening mechanism. The results help explain how human enamel can last a lifetime and provides insight into strategies for designing similarly tough bio-inspired synthetic materials. Read more »
Milestone in Advanced Light Source Upgrade Project Will Bring in a New Ring
On Dec. 23, the ALS upgrade (ALS-U) project received CD-3a approval, which authorizes an important release of funds for purchasing equipment and formally approves the start of construction on the accumulator ring. Read more »
Heidi Clark, ALS Senior Administrator Supervisor
After nine years in the Intellectual Property Office, Heidi Clark joined the ALS two months ago. Keep reading to find out what skills and secret talents she’s brought from previous jobs and just what “ham mode” means. Read more »
Genetic Blueprint for the Bioproduction of an Antidepressant Drug Candidate
A set of genes from a marine bacterium has been found to encode the biosynthesis of a promising antidepressant drug candidate. This work, which used the ALS to solve the structure of a key enzyme, could enable industrial-scale bioproduction of the drug in ways that are more efficient and sustainable than chemical synthesis. Read more »
Argon: Not So Noble in Earth’s Core
Researchers demonstrated the synthesis of a thermodynamically stable compound of argon and nickel at temperatures and pressures representative of the Earth’s core. The ability of argon, a noble gas, to react with other elements under these conditions may help solve outstanding geological questions, including the “missing argon paradox.” Read more »
