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Mineral Microstructures Shed Light on Planet-Scale Dynamics

To explore what happens to minerals under the extreme conditions in Earth’s mantle, researchers developed an x-ray technique that bridges the gap between methods that reveal bulk properties and those that focus on individual crystals. Use of the technique has shed light on the dynamics of tectonic-plate subduction in Earth’s lower mantle. Read more »

Tuning Semimetallicity Using Thin Films and Interfaces

With support from ALS data, scientists gained new insight into a semimetal’s unusual electronic behavior. The work lays out a basic strategy for engineering the band structures of semimetallic compounds using dimensional confinement and reveals a new way of creating two-dimensional electron/hole gases by exploiting interfacial bonding. Read more »PPT-icon-35 PDF-icon-35

Researchers Set Sights on Another COVID-19 Target

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, it was quickly established that the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is a prime target for neutralizing antibodies. Now, scientists have found a second region of the spike protein that is targeted by dozens of antibodies, some of which exhibit ultrapotent neutralizing activity. Read more »

Label-Free Characterization of Organic Nanocarriers

A technique developed at the ALS enables accurate characterization of organic nanocarriers (molecules that encapsulate other molecules) without the need for disruptive labeling. The method will enable faster, more precise development of exciting new technologies, ranging from targeted drug delivery to oil-spill remediation. Read more »PPT-icon-35 PDF-icon-35

Conformational Dynamics in the Interaction of SARS-CoV-2 Papain-like Protease with Human Interferon-Stimulated Gene 15 Protein

The image depicts the complex formed between SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease and human interferon-stimulated gene 15 protein. Small-angle scattering elucidated the structural details of this complex providing insight into its role in suppressing the innate immune response and also potential routes for development of therapeutics to combat COVID-19. Read more »

Key to Cleaner Combustion? Look to the Stars

Researchers made the first real-time, lab-based measurement of free radicals reacting under cosmic conditions, prompting elementary carbon and hydrogen atoms to coalesce into primal benzene rings. The findings are key to understanding how the universe evolved with the growth of carbon compounds and could also help the car industry make cleaner combustion engines. Read more »