Using the Advanced Light Source (ALS), researchers solved the structure of ORF8, a protein specific to SARS-CoV-2. Understanding the structure of ORF8 opens the door to therapy studies targeting SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for causing COVID-19. Read more »
ALSNews Vol. 425
March 31, 2021
Tuning of One Atomic Layer Unlocks Catalytic Pathway
An atomically precise surface probe helped researchers discover that a catalyst can be activated by tuning the composition of just one atomic surface layer. The work sharpens our understanding of how surface changes can improve the production of hydrogen fuel from water using efficient catalysts made of inexpensive materials. Read more »
Study Shines New Light on Li-Battery Cathode Materials
Researchers clarified key reaction mechanisms in a Li-battery cathode material, revealing its surprising utility as a catalyst for next-gen batteries. The work refutes widely held ideas about reversible reactions in a highly debated material for Li-based batteries and expands the range of materials suitable for use in high-power batteries and fuel cells. Read more »
Skyrmion Creation and Annihilation Made Simple
Researchers developed a simple approach to writing and deleting skyrmions on demand, using heat and magnetic fields generated by an electrical current, by-products normally considered problematic. The ubiquitous character of these effects, coupled with simplicity of design, offers much-needed scalability and broad applicability. Read more »
Coral Skeleton Reveals Hidden Structures under Multimodal Scrutiny
A powerful new microscope combining ptychography with x-ray linear dichroism provides nanoscale insight into the biomineral strength and resilience of a coral skeleton. The technique’s previously unachievable spatial resolution and contrast will open up new lines of research for users of x-ray microscopy at the ALS. Read more »
Clency Easterling, Senior Material Specialist
Even before joining the ALS in 2015, Clency was impressed by the scientific mission of the facility. Although his work takes him all over the ALS, he is interested in one particular type of research—find out what has captured his attention. Read more »
Winter 2021 Shutdown Recap
During the Winter 2021 shutdown, the ALS was a hive of activity, though social distancing requirements during the pandemic meant that the activity looked a bit different from years past. We began commissioning on March 26 and plan to return to user operations after commissioning concludes. Read more »
March 2021 Message from the UEC
As the ALS plans for the safe return of staff and users to the Berkeley Lab site, the Users’ Executive Committee is here to help the user community navigate the unknowns. The UEC also encourages users to attend the “Science enabled by ALS-U” seminar series; the next talk is Friday, April 2. Read more »
March 2021 Awards and Honors for ALS Users
Ane Etxebarria wins Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship, and DOE recognizes Marca Doeff and Johanna Nelson Weker for their significant contributions to energy storage research. Congratulations to these members of the ALS community on their achievements! Read more »
ALS in the News (March 2021)
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- Cameron Geddes appointed director of Berkeley Lab’s Accelerator Technology and Applied Physics Division
- Lab workshops and events provide input for Charter Hill materials and chemistry campus vision
- Targeting a new antibody supersite key to COVID immunity
- Scientist Q&A: The molecular imaging behind COVID-19 breakthroughs
- In a leap for battery research, machine learning gets scientific smarts
- Berkeley Lab innovation supports thousands of jobs across the Bay Area and nation
- A COSMIC approach to nanoscale science
- Autonomous discovery: What’s next in data collection for experimental research
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