Researchers simultaneously monitored both the structure and function of a photovoltaic material as it crystallized from solution. The work raises the prospect of rationally tuning materials for optimal performance in photovoltaics and other light-manipulating devices, including light-emitting diodes, detectors, and lasers. Read more »
ALSNews Vol. 432
October 27, 2021
An Antibody That Broadly Neutralizes SARS-CoV-2
An antibody that appears to neutralize all known SARS-CoV-2 strains and closely related coronaviruses was discovered with the help of the ALS. The work highlights principles underlying antibody potency, breadth, and escapability that can guide the development of therapeutics against the current and potential future pandemics. Read more »
The Elusive Electronic Structure of Liquid Metals Unveiled
Over 50 years ago, renowned physicists formulated theoretical models for the electronic structure of liquid metals. Now, for the first time, researchers observed the distinct spectral features predicted by those models, at the interface of a crystalline insulator (black phosphorus) and disordered dopants (alkali metals). Read more »
Sounding the Antiviral Alarm: A New Family of Immune-System Sensors
Comparison of enzyme structures from humans and insects revealed a new family of evolutionarily related immune-system sensors, triggered by viral RNA or DNA to produce tailored signals that initiate antiviral action. The results shed new light on the diversity and development of immune defenses in animals. Read more »
Wanli Yang, RIXS Senior Scientist
Wanli Yang was recently honored as an American Physical Society fellow and is a member of an R&D 100 award-winning team for the second time. He credits his love of physics with a total accident—reading a book he borrowed from a classmate in high school! Read more »
Nominations Due October 28 for New UEC Members
The Advanced Light Source Users’ Executive Committee (UEC) invites nominations for new UEC members. Self-nominations are welcome. Following an election, five new UEC members will be selected for the 2022–2024 term. Read more »
Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowship Applications Open Nov. 1
The ALS’s commitment to recruiting a vibrant, diverse, and talented workforce is paramount to promoting a diverse lab community. To support the next generation of researchers, we have two types of fellowships to fund research at our facility. Applications for the doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships will be accepted November 1–December 1. Read more »
Jennifer Doudna Colloquium Oct. 28 at 3:00 p.m. PT
The Fall ALS Colloquium continues today at 3:00 pm Pacific. Jennifer Doudna (Innovative Genomics Institute @ UC Berkeley, UCSF, HHMI) will present CRISPR: The Science and Opportunity of Genome Editing.
Zoom link: https://lbnl.zoom.us/j/96095492358 Read more »
2021 Berkeley Lab Director’s Award Laureates
Congratulations to Photon Science Development Lead Howard Padmore, Mechanical Technician Monroe Thomas, Photon Science Operations Group Lead Mike Martin, and the Center for X-Ray Optics, who will be honored with Berkeley Lab Director’s Awards. Tune in to the award ceremony on November 18 at 12:00 p.m. PT. Read more »
APS and R&D 100 Awards Recognize Wanli Yang
Congratulations to ALS senior scientist Wanli Yang, who was recently elected a fellow of the American Physical Society and was part of a Berkeley Lab team led by Wei Tong that received a 2021 R&D 100 Award for a novel cathode material for next-generation lithium-ion batteries. Read more »