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Elucidating the mechanism of MgB2 initial hydrogenation via a combined experimental–theoretical study

Magnesium borohydride Mg(BH4)2 is a promising solid-state hydrogen-storage material, releasing 14.9 wt% hydrogen upon conversion to MgB2. Although several dehydrogenation pathways have been proposed, the hydrogenation process is less well understood. This study elucidates the key atomistic mechanisms associated with the initial stages of hydrogen uptake within MgB2. Read more »

The Mystery of the Lightweight Electrons

Copper oxides are important for superconductivity applications but are difficult to understand due to complex charge, spin, and orbital interactions. Now, studies at the ALS have found such a system in which observations of effective electron mass are at odds with state-of-the-art electronic-structure calculations. Read more »

Amorphous calcium carbonate particles form coral skeletons

Skeletons of Stylophora pistillata corals form by the attachment of amorphous calcium carbonate precursor particles, formed within the coral tissue, to the coral skeleton surface. This mechanism is faster than the precipitation of ions from solution and may render the corals less susceptible to ocean acidification than previously assumed. Read more »

Users Highlight Light Source Impacts in Capitol Hill Briefing

A panel of light source users participated in a briefing for Capitol Hill staff highlighting the critical role DOE x-ray light source user facilities play in advancing new technologies, the challenges posed by increasing international competition from Europe and Asia, and how next-generation upgrades to these facilities will open new scientific frontiers. Read more »

Explore the ALS in 3D and Virtual Reality

Ever wondered what’s under the ALS dome and inside the accelerator tunnels powering our light source? Now you can explore the ALS from your computer or don a VR headset (even something as simple as a Google Cardboard) and find out! Read more »

An Intern’s Vision Becomes (Virtual) Reality

For ALS Summer Intern Sam Schickler, the most exciting part about the ALS isn’t its famous dome, the particle accelerator it houses, or the x-ray experiments themselves–it’s the data. It’s why the rising 11th grader jumped at the chance to spend the summer at the ALS developing virtual reality (VR) experiences of ALS data and the ALS facility. Read more »

Global Blood Therapeutics Uses ALS to Tackle Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD), which affects millions of people worldwide, has traditionally been treated with a cytotoxic drug that has a range of negative side effects and variable patient response. Bay Area biopharmaceutical company Global Blood Therapeutics (GBT) is on a mission to develop a better treatment and is using the ALS to help. Read more »PPT-icon-35

Early Registration for 2017 User Meeting Ends Sept. 18

Discounted early registration ends Monday, September 18, for the 2017 ALS User Meeting, which will take place October 2–4 at Berkeley Lab. The ALS Users’ Executive Committee (UEC) and meeting organizers have assembled a full program featuring news from DOE, keynote talks, and science highlights, as well as 13 focused workshops, a student poster “slam,” and the presentation of awards at the annual banquet. To register and view the draft agenda and logistical information, visit the User Meeting webpage. Read more »