Bacterial microcompartments (BMCs) are hollow protein shells that encapsulate enzymes involved in bacterial metabolism. Crystallography studies have provided atomic-resolution views of a fully assembled BMC, revealing basic principles of shell construction for fighting pathogens or bioengineering applications. Read more »
ALSNews Vol. 386
August 30, 2017
Subsurface Oxygen Boosts Activity of Copper Catalysts
Scientists are seeking ways to reduce levels of CO2 in the atmosphere by improving the processes that convert CO2 gas into ethanol (a liquid fuel). But copper, the best catalyst for this, is not very efficient. Now, ambient-pressure x-ray experiments have revealed how subsurface oxygen boosts copper’s catalytic activity. 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 »
Hybrid LED Phosphors Combine Performance and Durability
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) last a long time and are very energy efficient. However, white LEDs currently rely on phosphor materials doped with rare-earth elements (REEs) that are increasingly costly and in short supply. A new class of hybrid phosphor materials shows promise as REE-free alternatives. Read more »
Formation of a Photovoltaic Material from Precursor to Crystal
Lead halide perovskites have emerged as high-performance photovoltaic materials, demonstrating remarkably rapid improvements in efficiency. In situ printing and time-resolved x-ray characterization have provided new insights into the relationship between device efficiency, perovskite crystallinity, and film morphology. 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 »
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 »
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 »
September 2017 Call for General User Proposals
The User Office is accepting new General User Proposals (GUPs) from scientists who wish to conduct research at the ALS in the January–July 2018 cycle. The deadline for submissions is September 6, 2017. Read more »
Enter the ALS “Science as Art” Competition: September 18 Deadline
Do you have an artistic eye? Enter your scientific images or photographs that show the aesthetic side of ALS x-ray data and instrumentation in the ALS “Science as Art” competition. The competition will be judged at the upcoming User Meeting, but anyone can enter. Read more »