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Scientists Uncover a Different Facet of Fuel-Cell Chemistry

Solid oxide fuel cells are a promising technology for cleanly converting chemical energy to electrical energy. To improve the efficiency of these devices, researchers studied a model electrode material in a new way—by exposing a different facet of its crystal structure to oxygen gas at operating pressures and temperatures. Read more »

EPSCoR Collaboration Fosters New Research and New Careers

The DOE Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DOE EPSCoR) encourages partnerships between national labs and researchers in qualifying states and territories. An EPSCoR collaboration with researchers from Kentucky has resulted in an ALS highlight, career advancement for young scientists, and a larger, center-scale proposal. Read more »

Artificial Spin Ice Toggles Twist in X-Ray Beams on Demand

ALS studies helped scientists understand how a nanoscale magnetic lattice (an artificial spin ice) acts as a toggle switch for x-ray beams with spiral character. The findings represent an important step toward the development of a versatile new tool for probing or controlling exotic phenomena in electronic and magnetic systems. Read more »PPT-icon-35 PDF-icon-35

Operating Schedule Updates

The operating schedule for the 2021-2 cycle will be published in a few days. The summer shutdown will begin July 3 and run into September. More information on subsequent shutdowns is anticipated by early fall. The most up-to-date information on the current schedule and future outlook can always be found on the Operating Schedule web page. Read more »

ALS User Kelsey Stoerzinger Receives NSF CAREER Award

Stoerzinger was chosen for this prestigious award for her proposal to study how to “split” seawater into hydrogen and oxygen gas while avoiding undesirable, chloride-containing byproducts. Hydrogen has many scientific, industrial and energy-related roles, including in fuel cells for cars. Read more »

Sophie Morley to Speak at Berkeley Lab 90th Anniversary Event

Throughout 2021, the Berkeley Lab community is celebrating the past and imagining the future. ALS Research Scientist Sophie Morley will be featured in the 90th Anniversary Speaker Series event taking place on Friday, May 28, at 12:00 P.M. Pacific, so join us online to hear more about how the ALS enables science around the world. Read more »

Guiding Target Selection for COVID-19 Antibody Therapeutics

Protein-structure studies helped demonstrate that the primary target of antibody-based COVID-19 immunity is the part of the virus’s spike protein that can most easily mutate. The work anticipated the rise of SARS-CoV-2 variants and guides the selection of antibody therapeutics that are likely to be more resistant to immune escape. Read more »PPT-icon-35 PDF-icon-35

Programmable Micromagnets for Single-Cell Sorting

Researchers demonstrated that electrically induced mechanical strain can control the magnetic state of tiny magnets used to sort biological cells. The work lays the foundation for a programmable, single-cell sorting platform to support a wide variety of biotechnology applications, including personalized cancer treatments. Read more »PPT-icon-35 PDF-icon-35

How X-Rays Could Make Reliable, Rapid COVID-19 Tests a Reality

A highly sensitive lateral flow assay—the same type of device used in home pregnancy tests—could be developed using pairs of rigid antibodies that bind to the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. SAXS data showed that a particular pair of monoclonal antibodies bound to the nucleocapsid protein very strongly and stably, in part due to the antibodies’ rigidity. Read more »