Scientists used small-molecule x-ray crystallography to verify and characterize the first non-functionalized fullerene with a heptagonal ring in the cage. This new molecule changes the definition of a classical fullerene and expands the range of structural possibilities for endohedral fullerenes. Read more »
ALSNews Vol. 363
APRIL 29, 2015
What Goes Up, Must Come Down (and Sometimes Gets Stuck)
High-pressure experiments at Beamline 12.2.2 on ferropericlase—the presumed weakest mineral found in the Earth’s lower mantle—help explain why subducted slabs of Earth’s crust stall at a depth of around 1000 km (~625 miles). Read more »
Notification of General User Proposal and Approved Program Results
The Proposal Study Panel (PSP) met April 23–24 to oversee and finalize the scoring of General User Proposals for the 2015-2 operating cycle, and to make recommendations to the ALS Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) on Approved Program applications. Allocation meetings for each beamline will take place in May. Read more »
2015 ALS Shutdown
The upcoming long-term operating schedule has been published and users will note that it includes an extended shutdown period (October 26, 2015-January 13, 2016) for the ALS. The lengthy shutdown is in part because it spans the Thanksgiving and Holiday shutdown periods, as well as being indicative of the amount of time required to implement major upgrades. The main project for this shutdown is the completion of the final phase of the Storage Ring Radio Frequency (SRRF) Upgrade. Read more »
Peptoid Nanosheets Offer a Diversity of Functionalities
Researchers at the ALS have recently observed peptoid nanosheets as they self-assemble at an oil–water interface. This development opens the door to designing peptoid nanosheets of increasing complexity and functionality for a broad range of applications, including improved chemical sensors and separators, and safer, more effective drug-delivery vehicles. Read more »
A Milky Mystery: The Case of the Casein Micelles
We all know that milk contains important nutrients such as calcium and protein that help build bones and muscle. But how much do we really know about these ingredients at the molecular level? To learn more, scientists from New Zealand and Australia came to the ALS to x-ray some milk.
Read more »