Researchers have demonstrated an infrared technique to map and analyze strain in atomically thin crystals of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) at the nanoscale. This ultrasensitive strain-imaging method could be a promising tool for the examination of low-dimensional materials of interest for electronic and photonic devices. Read more »
Fundamental Property of Arginine Revealed Through Solvation
Just 20 amino acids act as building blocks for all our proteins, but their chemical properties have been difficult to study at the most fundamental level. Combining experiments and theory at the ALS, researchers have now determined the ionization energy of arginine, an amino acid with over 100 isomers. Read more »
In Memoriam: Charles Fadley, Pioneer in X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy
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 »