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 »
Study Concludes Glassy Menagerie of Particles in Beach Sands Near Hiroshima is Fallout Debris from A-Bomb Blast
Mario Wannier was methodically sorting through particles in samples of beach sand from Japan’s Motoujina Peninsula when he spotted something unexpected: a number of tiny, glassy spheres and other unusual objects. X-ray studies have provided evidence that they are A-bomb fallout from the destroyed city of Hiroshima. Read more »
ALS Director Announces Andreas Scholl as New Science Deputy
I am delighted to inform you that our search for a new science deputy has ended successfully with the appointment of ALS senior staff scientist Andreas Scholl. I look forward to working with him as we continue to manage this world-leading facility and get ready for ALS-U science. Read more »
Chiral Crystals Give Rise to Topological Conductors
Researchers have discovered materials whose chiral crystal structures produce chirality in their electronic behavior. These topological conductors retain their unique electronic properties regardless of defects and open new possibilities in materials research. Read more »