Researchers found that when an ion-conducting polymer composite is placed in an electric field, it forms ion-rich hotspots that continue to grow for hours after the field is removed. The study opens a new path to understanding the dynamic structure of composite materials for smaller, lighter batteries. Read more »
ALSNews Vol. 424
February 24, 2021
3D Whole-Cell Mapping of Insulin Secretion
Researchers used soft x-ray tomography to gain a 3D whole-cell view of how insulin-producing pancreatic cells react upon exposure to glucose and a diabetes drug. The approach enables direct quantification of intracellular responses before, during, and after cell stimulation, providing new insights into how drugs alter cell function. Read more »
Actor in a Supporting Role: Substrate Effects on 2D Layers
ALS studies highlighted interactions that can occur between technologically intriguing 2D materials and the substrates that physically support them. The results provide important insights into the issue of non-negligible interlayer coupling and demonstrate the potential for tuning single-layer properties through substrate engineering. Read more »
To Speed Discovery, Infrared Microscopy Goes “Off the Grid”
Researchers developed a highly efficient way to collect infrared microscopy data that avoids the use of slow, grid-based raster scans. The method substantially reduces image-acquisition times by autonomously increasing sampling density in regions of interest, facilitating infrared spectromicroscopy of biochemical processes in real time. Read more »
Ken Baptiste, Electrical Engineering Group Leader
Ken Baptiste has been with the ALS since its origin, and he’s been known for his delicious rum cake that entire time. Along the way, he’s learned about the importance of meticulous planning and discovered a few hidden spaces at the Lab. Read more »
March 3 Deadline 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 2021-2 (August–December) cycle. The deadline for submissions is March 3, 2021. Applicants are reminded that they may request joint access to the Molecular Foundry, a nanoscience user facility at Berkeley Lab, to support their ALS activities. Read more »
Submit Your Ideas for the User Meeting (Aug. 10–13)
The 2021 UEC Chair Johanna Nelson Weker announces the date of the User Meeting, which will take place virtually August 10–13. This year’s meeting will continue the tradition of excellent speakers, tutorials, and workshops. Read more »
Ashley White Selected as Women @ The Lab 2020 Honoree
The Women Scientists & Engineers Council recognizes the Women @ The Lab 2020 honorees for their meritorious professional contributions, leadership, mentorship, and outreach. A virtual W@TL event is being planned for March 30th, 3:00 pm–4:30 pm. Read more »
ALS in the News (February 2021)
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- Worth their salt: New battery anodes use salt for energy, stability
- Department of Energy to invest $25 million in polymer upcycling, plastic waste reuse research
- Synthesis of a potent antibiotic follows an unusual chemical pathway
- How scientists shot down cancer’s ‘Death Star’
- A detailed look inside tsetse flies
- Copperizing the complexity of superconductivity
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