Three distinct crystalline phases with different electronic, magnetic, and optical properties were reversibly induced in a material through the insertion and extraction of ions by an electric field at room temperature. Such multifunctional materials are desirable for many applications, from smart windows to spintronics. Read more »
ALSNews Vol. 385
July 26, 2017
Structure of a Key Protein from the Zika Virus
The Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne pathogen recently linked to birth defects in infants. At the ALS, researchers have resolved the structure of a key ZIKV protein to 3.0 Å, an important step toward the rational design of drugs capable of disrupting viral functions and halting the spread of the disease. Read more »
The Ancient Roman Secret to Concrete Resilience in Seawater
Researchers used x-ray microdiffraction to trace the complex sequences of crystal growth in concrete from ancient Roman pier and breakwater sites. The results indicate that minerals continue to form over millennia as seawater percolates through, reinforcing the cementing matrix in a kind of regenerative process. Read more »
Director’s Note: Roger Falcone Stepping Down as ALS Director
“After more than 10 years as ALS Director, I will be stepping down later this year to return to teaching and research on campus. Berkeley Lab will soon begin the process of searching for a new ALS Director, and my plan is to be here until new leadership is identified.” Read more »
Jinghua Guo, Senior Scientist
Jinghua Guo has been a part of the ALS since the early days. His original research focus is still one of his top interests now—studies of in situ capabilities of catalysts in gases and liquids and chemical processes. Guo also studies nanostructured materials, energy materials, and water and environmental sciences at Beamline 8.0.1 and also at 6.3.1.2. Read more »
Register Now for the 2017 ALS User Meeting: October 2–4
Registration is now open 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 »
Deadline Extended: Nominations for the 2017 ALS User Meeting Awards
The deadline for nominations for the 2017 ALS User Meeting awards has been extended to July 31. Consider putting forward an individual (or team) who has made a significant contribution to the scientific and/or user support programs at the ALS. The online nomination forms are on the UEC website together with a description of each award. Read more »
ALS User Marie Jackson Featured on Science Friday
Marie Jackson (pictured center, with ALS scientists Nobumichi Tamura and Camelia Stan), an ALS User from the University of Utah, was recently featured on Science Friday. She discussed her work on understanding crystal growth in Roman concrete (featured in this month’s science brief) with host Ira Flatow. Listen to the segment. Read more »
ALS in the News (July 2017)
- Researchers discover how CRISPR proteins find their target
- Scientists get first direct look at how electrons ‘dance’ with vibrating atoms
- Will brain-inspired chips make a dent in science’s big data problems?
- Researchers ID new mechanism for keeping DNA protein in line
- What’s on your skin? Archaea, that’s what
- Carbon nanotubes stand at attention