Combining ALS experiments with quantum-mechanical calculations, scientists found dramatic differences in how carbon dioxide (CO2) reactions begin on silver as opposed to copper. Both metals help transform CO2—a greenhouse gas—into more useful forms, and this new atomic-level data could help make the process more efficient. Read more »
ALSNews Vol. 405
May 29, 2019
Breakthrough in Membrane-Protein Design Settles Long-Standing Debate
Scientists characterized designed membrane proteins to better understand the forces that stabilize these large, complex structures. The results necessitate a rethinking of membrane-protein biophysics and could lead to better therapies for related illnesses as well as functional membrane proteins for engineering applications. Read more »
Mirror, Mirror, in the Optimal Spot
Researchers have developed a fast, systematic way to get the best performance out of x-ray mirrors by optimizing their positioning in beamlines. The system does in a day what used to take many days, by combining precise surface metrology with computer analysis of the optimal alignment of a mirror in a beamline. Read more »
Clues to the Early Solar System Preserved in a Meteorite
Scientists analyzing a tiny carbon-rich pocket inside a meteorite found unexpected chemical signatures. Their findings are the first direct evidence that material from the outer solar system may have traveled inward long before planets formed, providing insight into the early solar system. Read more »
Shawn Sallis, Materials Science Postdoctoral Fellow
After completing his Ph.D. in materials science at Binghamton University, Shawn Sallis joined the ALS as a postdoc. For the last four years he’s worked with Wanli Yang on higher-capacity batteries. Read more »
2019 ALS User Meeting Award Nominations Due June 28
The ALS Users’ Executive Committee invites nominations from everyone—including students, postdocs, PIs, and staff—for the 2019 ALS User Meeting Awards. Consider preparing a brief nomination for a deserving colleague. In addition to the award plaque, there will be a cash prize associated with each award. Read more »
May 2019 Message from the UEC
Alex Frañó, the vice chair of the Users’ Executive Committee (UEC) for 2019, reports on the most recent UEC meeting, discusses a letter of support for light source facilities, and announces a new communication tool for users. Read more »
ALS Doctoral Fellowship Applications Open June 1
ALS Doctoral Fellowships in Residence allow early-career researchers to spend a year at the ALS working at the frontier of synchrotron radiation research and helping advance state-of-the-art techniques. Applications will be accepted from June 1–June 30. Read more »
Former Director Roger Falcone Elected to the National Academy of Sciences
Roger Falcone, who led the ALS for 11 years, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences. In addition to his contributions at Berkeley Lab, he is also a professor in the UC Berkeley Physics department and past-president of the American Physical Society. Congratulations, Roger! Read more »