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A Novel Insulating State Emerges in a 2D Material

Researchers found a unique insulating state in an atomically thin material, driven by the combined effects of lattice–charge interactions and atomic-bond formation. The work provides a better understanding of charge ordering in two-dimensional materials and opens up new possibilities for achieving designer electronic properties. Read more »PPT-icon-35 PDF-icon-35

Newly Discovered Bacterial Enzyme Produces Useful Biopolymer

Researchers identified a bacterial enzyme that produces a novel biopolymer. The polymer, dubbed acholetin, is a chain of sugar molecules known as a polysaccharide. Acholetin is similar in structure to chitin, the major component of insect exoskeletons, and holds promise as a useful biomaterial because of its biodegradability and biocompatibility. Read more »

Structural organization of the spongy mesophyll

Many leaves have two layers of photosynthetic tissue: the palisade and spongy mesophyll. The latter is not well characterized and often treated as a random assemblage of irregularly shaped cells. These results show that simple principles may govern the organization and scaling of the spongy mesophyll in many plants and demonstrate the presence of structural patterns associated with leaf function. Read more »

What Drives Electron–Hole Asymmetry in Graphene?

Using the ALS, researchers determined that interactions between electrons are what give rise to the divergent effects observed when graphene is doped with electrons versus holes. A better understanding of this electron–hole asymmetry could lead to new avenues for generating exotic material phases, including unconventional superconductivity. Read more »PPT-icon-35 PDF-icon-35

Molecular Hijacking of a MicroRNA by the Hepatitis C Virus

The hepatitis C virus (HCV), which attacks the liver, is known to repurpose host-cell components known as microRNAs—short RNA strands that act to silence gene expression. Now, the molecular structure of an HCV site bound to a microRNA complex revealed how their interactions shield the virus from the host cell’s protective response. Read more »

Scientists Uncover Surprising New Clues to Exotic Superconductors’ Superpowers

Researchers studied a model material (CeCoIn5) that mimics a cuprate superconductor that can be switched on and off using high magnetic fields. In chemical compositions where the superconductivity is strongest, the number of free electrons jumps, signifying a transition point. The researchers attributed this transition to the behavior of electrons associated with the cerium atoms. Read more »

A Brighter Future for Stretchable Electronics

By continuously monitoring physiological signals, wearable “stick-on” sensors not only help people stay healthy, they can also provide early warning of potential health problems. At the ALS, researchers studied the morphology of such a sensor’s active material, which is key to controlling and optimizing its structure and performance. Read more »