Charles “Chuck” Fadley, a pioneer in x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, died at his home in Berkeley on August 1 after several years of treatment for cancer. He held the positions of distinguished professor emeritus of physics at UC Davis, and Advanced Light Source professor and senior faculty scientist at Berkeley Lab. He was 77. Read more »
Elaine DiMasi, ALS-U Beamlines and Optical Systems Lead
Elaine DiMasi joined the ALS-U Project two months ago, bringing her expertise in both beamline science and project management. Find out why she’s known as the BOSS. Read more »
Molecular Framework Imparts Stability to Reactive Catalyst
Researchers have shown that a rigid metal–organic framework (MOF) can be used to stabilize core regions of a reactive catalyst that has potential for use in artificial photosynthesis. The framework immobilizes and preserves key reactive intermediates and affords a clearer view of how the catalyst’s structure correlates with function. Read more »
A Bullfrog’s Powerful Defense Against Toxic Red Tides
Working as a “molecular sponge,” a bullfrog protein known as saxiphilin provides powerful, yet little understood, protection against deadly neurotoxins produced in red tides. Crystallography studies at the ALS have clarified saxiphilin’s function, potentially enabling better ways to monitor and combat toxins in our oceans and food supplies. Read more »
X-Ray Studies Key in Study Relating to Immune System-Signaling Protein
A grouping of amino acids—part of an important signaling protein, STING—plays an important role in activating the immune system. A study conducted through the Collaborative Crystallography program at the ALS confirmed how this part of the STING protein helps to bind a protein-modifying enzyme associated with autoimmune diseases and some cancers. Read more »
Congratulations and Thank You to Our Retirees
Congratulations to Bob Gassaway, Bob Mueller, John Pepper, Max Vinco, and Tony Warwick! Read more »
Stephanie Gilbert Corder, Infrared Beamline Scientist
Stephanie Gilbert Corder is the newest beamline scientist at the ALS. Having been an ALS user in the past, she is eager to help others get reliable measurements to make the most of their beamtime. Read more »
A Crackling Analysis of Stripe and Skyrmion Phases
Through statistical analysis of “crackling” (a system’s jerky response to slowly changing conditions), researchers demonstrated fundamental differences between skyrmion and stripe phases in a layered heterostructure. The method has broad applicability to many complex materials of interest for emerging information technologies. Read more »
Here Comes the Sun: A New Framework for Artificial Photosynthesis
Scientists have long sought to mimic the process by which plants make their own fuel using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water through artificial photosynthesis devices, but exactly how catalysts work to generate renewable fuel remains a mystery. Now, a study has uncovered new insight into how to better control cobalt oxide, one of the most promising catalysts for artificial photosynthesis. Read more »
Shawn Sallis, Materials Science Postdoctoral Fellow
After completing his Ph.D. in materials science at Binghamton University, Shawn Sallis joined the ALS as a postdoc. For the last four years he’s worked with Wanli Yang on higher-capacity batteries. Read more »