New analysis of ancient Jian ware reveals that the distinctive pottery contains an unexpected and highly unusual form of iron oxide. This rare compound was only recently discovered and characterized by scientists and so far has been extremely difficult to create with modern techniques.
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ALSNews Vol. 360
JANUARY 28, 2015
Brain Receptor Structures Key to Future Therapeutics
Neurotransmitter receptor proteins are critical to learning and memory. Mutations are associated with neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions including Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, and autism. Structures of two such receptors, solved by x-ray crystallography, provide a blueprint for the development of therapeutics. Read more »
ALS Director’s Update: Reflections on our Past, Present, and Future
We are looking forward to an exciting and productive year at the ALS, with plans for new beamlines and capabilities coming online, and more users taking advantage of our technical and scientific expertise to produce a record number publications. At the ALS, we are encouraged by this year’s funding and are looking for new ways to focus on our core strengths while expanding partnerships to explore new opportunities. Read more »
New ALS Technique Guides IBM in Next-Generation Semiconductor Development
A new measurement technique developed at the ALS is helping guide the semiconductor industry in next-generation nanopatterning techniques. NIST and IBM researchers collaborated on the technique, which allows scientists to evaluate the 3D buried features inside a film. The ALS is currently the only place in the world that has such capability.
Record-Setting Microscopy Illuminates Energy Storage Materials
Using soft x-ray ptychography, researchers at the ALS have demonstrated the highest-resolution x-ray microscopy ever achieved by imaging five-nanometer structures. The researchers used ptychographic imaging to map the chemical composition of lithium iron phosphate nanocrystals, yielding important new insights into a material of high interest for electrochemical energy storage. Read more »