Since Tuesday, March 17, the ALS has been in a warm standby state. Here are details on what that means for user proposals and beamtime. Read more »
ALSNews Vol. 414
March 25, 2020
Elusive Kagome Electronic Structures Revealed
Electronic-structure studies showed that both infinitely light and infinitely massive particles coexist in a material with a star-shaped (kagome) crystal lattice. The material’s rich array of electronic behaviors shows promise for future spintronic applications and represents a new frontier for studying exotic phases of matter. Read more »
How a New Electrocatalyst Enables Ultrafast Reactions
With key data from the ALS, researchers discovered how a new, low-cost electrocatalyst enables an important oxygen reaction to proceed at an ultrafast rate. The work provides rational guidance for the development of better electrocatalysts for applications such as hydrogen-fuel production and long-range batteries for electric vehicles. Read more » 
Criegee Intermediates Play Unexpected Role in Cell Chemistry
Researchers employed mass spectrometry to illuminate lipid nanodroplets under ultraviolet light. The results unexpectedly showed that hydroxyl radicals cause damage to cells via the formation of Criegee intermediates: molecules first proposed in 1975 to explain how pollutants react with the ozone layer in our atmosphere. Read more »
Survival of T. rex Microvascular Structures from Deep Time
Researchers used several analytical techniques at the ALS to demonstrate how soft-tissue structures may be preserved in dinosaur bones, countering long-standing scientific dogma that protein-based body parts cannot survive more than one million years. Read more »
Stefania Trovati, Lead Radiation Physicist
As the lead radiation physicist at the ALS, Stefania Trovati is an expert in characterizing the radiation environment, but her expertise stretches beyond physics. She is also highly knowledgeable about raccoons and many other animals. Read more »
March 2020 Message from the UEC
UEC Chair Alex Frano and the rest of the Users’ Executive Committee have been working with ALS management on the 2020 User Meeting and the upcoming shutdown schedule, though some of those discussions are paused during the response to the pandemic. The UEC is here to support and help the user community. Read more »
Jinghua Guo and Yi-De Chuang to be Honored by Professional Societies
The Materials Research Society selected Jinghua Guo to receive the 2020 Innovation in Materials Characterization Award. The American Physical Society recognizes Yi-De Chuang as an Outstanding Referee of the Physical Review journals. Read more »
ALS in the News (March 2020)
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- Stanford scientists program cells to carry out gene-guided construction projects
- National labs are forced to adapt during coronavirus outbreak
- A graphene innovation that is music to your ears
- Texas A&M-led team sheds new light on design of inorganic materials for brain-like computing
- How JCAP is making solar fuels shine
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