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Science Briefs

Researchers Identify Viral Swiss Army Knife, Clarifying How Replication Occurs

Viruses are ingenious, infectious agents, capable of replicating inside the living cells of a host organism. Enterovirus, a common viral pathogen, is responsible for a range of diseases from mild colds to severe conditions, including viral meningitis, myocarditis, and paralysis. A new study sheds light on how enteroviruses use structured RNA elements and multifunctional proteins to coordinate viral replication efficiently using minimal genetic material. Read more »

Efficient Upcycling of Plastic Waste into Useful Liquid Fuels

Researchers found a way to turn single-use plastics (e.g., grocery bags and packaging) into useful liquid fuels, like components of gasoline or diesel, without needing high heat, rare metals, or added chemicals. The work presents a promising pathway to address the global plastic waste crisis, with both environmental and economic advantages. Read more »

A Deeper Look into Emergent Magnetism at Interfaces

Researchers shed new light on interfacial ferromagnetism in superlattices of alternating magnetic layers. By advancing our understanding of atomic-level interactions at magnetic interfaces, this work expands the scope of traditional interface studies and lays the groundwork for future innovations in magnetic storage and spintronics. Read more »

Building a Gated-Access Fast Lane for Ions

In organic conductors where charge is carried by both electrons and ions, scientists have discovered a way to make the ions move more than ten times faster than in comparable ion-transport methods. The results could apply to a host of areas, including improved battery charging, biosensing, soft robotics, and neuromorphic computing. Read more »

The Secret to Drought Tolerance Lies in a Lilac Crypt

Many species of California lilac grow throughout the state, north to Humboldt and south to San Diego. Some species have developed an adaptation for arid climates: the stomatal crypt. This extremely rare anatomy intrigued a group of researchers, who characterized species with these crypts at the ALS. Their microtomography characterization revealed how the stomatal crypt helps plants survive drought. Read more »

Energy-Saving, Acid-Free, Hard-Rock Lithium Extraction

Researchers used in situ x-ray diffraction to develop a direct, more energy-efficient, and cheaper way to extract lithium from its source mineral, spodumene. The approach not only promises to reduce energy consumption and processing costs but also supports the sustainable scaling of lithium production to meet growing market needs. Read more »PPT-icon-35