Steve Kevan, director of the ALS since 2018, has announced that he will retire later this year. An international search for his replacement will be initiated soon. Read more »
ALSNews Vol. 434
January 26, 2022
Revealing Lithium Metal’s Electronic Structure
Spectroscopy at the ALS and theoretical calculations at the Molecular Foundry revealed the intrinsic spectroscopic signature of lithium metal and explained the origin of previous contradictory reports. The findings provide a benchmark for further studies of lithium compounds towards batteries with higher capacity and energy density. Read more »
Spectral Phenotyping for Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease
Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease may soon be within reach, thanks to spectral phenotyping. Using infrared spectroscopy, Berkeley Lab researchers developed this technique to detect the subtle biochemical changes in a “cellular fingerprint” that is characteristic of the devastating disease. Read more »
How Shark Egg Cases Balance Toughness and Permeability
Also known as “mermaid’s purses,” shark egg cases are both tough and permeable—two opposing characteristics that are necessary for the embryo’s survival. X-ray scattering at the ALS and electron microscopy helped explain how the material’s nanoarchitecture contributes to its toughness, informing future development of high-performance synthetic materials. Read more »
Reshaping the World of Research Through Remote Experimentation
At a time when the need was greater than ever, seven user research facilities formed a team of experts, the Remote Access Working Group (RAWG), to figure out how their institutions could keep the science going even when the researchers couldn’t access them in person. Read more »
Diane Bryant, Senior Scientific Engineering Associate
Diane Bryant shares what she likes about working at the ALS, why she chairs the career and professional development task force, and the fun activity she does to take her mind off work. Read more »
March 2 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 2022-2 (August–December) cycle. The deadline for submissions is March 2, 2022. 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 »
COVID Booster Shots Required for Site Access Starting February 28
LBNL will require on-site users, affiliates, and employees who are eligible for booster shots to provide proof of a COVID supplemental or booster dose starting February 28, 2022. Please look out for additional guidance on how to update your COVID vaccination record. Read more »
New Year’s Message from the Users’ Executive Committee
A warm welcome from the ALS Users’ Executive Committee 2022! We serve and represent the interests of the user community and provide a channel of communication and advocacy between the user community and ALS management. Read more »
In Memoriam: Malcolm Howells, X-Ray Optics and Imaging Pioneer
Malcolm Richard Howells, a pioneer in x-ray optics and x-ray imaging, and an important contributor in the early days of the ALS, died on November 24, 2021. He will be deeply missed by all his colleagues and the generations of scientists that he trained and who now walk in his footsteps. Read more »