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Light Sources Form Data Solution Task Force

With funding from DOE for a two-year pilot program, scientists from the five light sources have formed a Data Solution Task Force that will demonstrate, build, and implement software, cyberinfrastructure, and algorithms that address universal needs between all five facilities. These needs range from real-time data analysis capabilities to data storage and archival resources. Read more »

77Se NMR Probes the Protein Environment of Selenomethionine

Sulfur is critical for protein structure and function but lacks a sensitive isotope for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments. This can be circumvented by substituting sulfur with selenium, which has an NMR-compatible isotope (77Se). To enable interpretation of the NMR data, the structures of five of protein variants were solved by x-ray crystallography to a resolution of 1.2 Å. Read more »

Turning Up the Heat on Antibacterial-Resistant Diseases

Scientists have designed a biocompatible polymer that has the potential to advance photothermal therapy, a technique that deploys near-infrared light to combat antibacterial-resistant infections and cancer. The team synthesized the polymer by stringing together small molecules called ionic azaquinodimethanes, which they characterized at the ALS. Read more »

ALS Mission and Values Event

Earlier this month, the ALS Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accountability (IDEA) Committee hosted an interactive staff event to gather input on the ALS Mission Statement and a new set of core values. Once approved by the ALS community and management, these elements will help guide strategic decisions for the ALS and set work environment expectations. Read more »

New Catalyst Resists Destructive Carbon Buildup in Electrodes

Key challenges in the transition to sustainable energy can be met by converting CO2 to CO through the use of solid oxide electrolysis cells. But because these can suffer from carbon deposition at the electrodes, researchers have now identified and tested a new, cerium oxide–based catalyst that is more resistant to carbon buildup. Read more »PPT-icon-35

Update from ALS Director Steve Kevan

Steve Kevan highlights the ALS achievements of the past year and looks forward to progress on many fronts. The ALS-U Project, Science Council, and Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accountability (IDEA) will all shape the ALS of the future. Read more »

Molecular Handle Enables Viral Attack on Joint Cells

A collaboration of university and industry researchers used x-ray crystallography to investigate how the chikungunya virus, which can cause debilitating joint pain, engages a receptor protein found on the surfaces of joint cells. The work provides a path forward in the fight against a family of viruses that can result in acute and chronic arthritis. Read more »PPT-icon-35 PDF-icon-35

Crystallography Reveals How New Molecular Cages Trap Toxic Gases

Current technologies for reducing toxic gas emissions are often ineffective and wasteful. Crystallographic analyses of two new MOF materials revealed how they reversibly bind their target gases, enabling the materials to be reused over many cycles (reducing waste) and permitting subsequent conversion of the gases into valuable chemical products. Read more »

March 4 Deadline for General User Proposals

The User Office is accepting new General User Proposals (GUPs) from scientists who wish to conduct research at the ALS in the 2020-2 (July–December) cycle. The deadline for submissions is March 4, 2020. Applicants are reminded that they may request joint access to the Molecular Foundry, a nanoscience user facility at Berkeley Lab, to support their ALS activities. Read more »