Reflecting on my first year as ALS director, I am amazed and proud of several major organizational changes, significant accomplishments, and staff recognitions, though of course there are still many challenges left for the future. Read more »
ALSNews Vol. 401
January 30, 2019
Project Director Dave Robin Announces ALS-U Project Beamlines
Over the past year, a process has been ongoing to select the insertion-device beamlines that will be built and upgraded within the scope of the ALS-U Project. I am delighted to inform you that the selection process is now complete and to announce the result. Read more »
A Two-Pronged Defense against Bacterial Self-Intoxication
Researchers solved the structure of a bacterial toxin bound to a neutralizing protein, revealing two distinct mechanisms for how the toxin-producing bacteria avoid poisoning themselves. The findings offer clues to the evolutionary origins of the potent toxins that enable bacterial pathogens to cause human diseases such as cholera and diphtheria. Read more »
Electric-Field Switching of Topological Phase
Researchers have successfully switched a topological insulator on and off by applying an electrical field. The work represents a major advancement toward the creation of a functioning topological transistor that would allow devices to operate more efficiently at lower power than conventional electronics. Read more »
Hidden Flow of Lithium Ions Points Way to Better Batteries
Experiments revealed that lithium ions unexpectedly flow along the surfaces of electrode particles, boosting the growth of lithium “hot spots” that shorten battery life. The results correct decades’ worth of assumptions and will help improve battery design, potentially leading to a new generation of lithium-ion batteries. Read more »
Locking Protein Structure to Close the Door on Cancer
While the SHP2 protein helps regulate cellular activity, mutations in its structure can lead to cancer. X-ray crystallography at the ALS and SSRL has revealed differences between normal and mutated SHP2, as well as how it binds to certain cancer drugs. These structural insights open the door to new types of cancer therapy. Read more »
Robbie Leftwich-Vann, ALS-U Project Manager
Robbie Leftwich-Vann came to Berkeley Lab with years of experience with NASA and the aviation sector. She is focused on building the infrastructure and setting up the tools for the ALS-U team to succeed—enabling the project to take flight. Read more »
Forum Reinforces ALS Links to Water-Energy Nexus
About 80 Berkeley Lab scientists gathered at the ALS last week for an “ALS Water-Energy Outreach Forum” to discuss the challenges and opportunities arising from a growing focus on the nexus between water and energy—two resources essential to human populations—and to explore how the ALS can help address key questions in the field. Read more »
Zahid Hussain Honored with DOE Secretary’s Award
Former ALS Deputy for Scientific Support Zahid Hussain was honored with a Department of Energy Secretary’s Distinguished Service Award. The award is one of the highest scientific honors given by Energy Secretary Rick Perry, recognizing “continuous and distinctive achievements.” Read more »
14-Day Notice Required for User Arrivals and Allowable Visa Types for Experimental Work
All users of the ALS must register in the ALSHub at least 14 days prior to their arrival date to provide required information (including visa type, if applicable). This allows enough time for pre-check-in processing and review. Read more »