Researchers identified the dominant chemical state of active sites in a cobalt-based catalyst using resonant photoemission spectroscopy under realistic conditions. The work will help scientists develop more-efficient catalysts for removing noxious carbon monoxide gas from exhaust streams generated by the burning of fossil fuels. Read more »
ALSNews Vol. 456
February 28, 2024
Tracking the Breakdown of Cellulose at the Micron Scale
A time-resolved study using infrared spectromicroscopy in a carefully controlled environment revealed why enzymes get bogged down when trying to break up cellulose from plants. The work sheds new light on the challenge of extracting the sugars locked up in plants for use in making petroleum-free fuels, chemicals, and medicines. Read more »
Bifurcation of High- and Low-Energy Electrons in Microbial Metabolism
A class of chemical reaction found only in biology, electron bifurcation channels two electrons from one donor to two separate acceptors, with one electron elevated in energy at the expense of lowering the energy of the second. Researchers used the ALS to study this process in a microbial protein involved in this bioenergetic pathway. Read more »
The Effects of Diabetes on Spinal-Column Biomechanics
Researchers found that type 2 diabetes induces earlier onset of plastic (nonrecoverable) deformation in intervertebral discs by impairing the biomechanical behavior of collagen. A greater understanding of the underlying causes of tissue failure in diabetes—a growing problem worldwide—is important in helping to prevent and treat symptoms. Read more »
Matthew Marcus, STXM Beamline Scientist
From the microscope at work to the telescope at home, Matthew Marcus is captivated by space sciences. In this interview, he shares some of the findings from Beamline 5.3.2.2 as well as stories from his long career in x-ray science. Read more »
Apply for ALS Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships
Applications will be accepted from March 8–29 for ALS Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships that begin September 1, 2024. Fellows spend a year in residence at the ALS conducting research and instrumentation development in collaboration with their home institution. Read more »
March 6 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 2024-2 (August–December) cycle. The deadline for submissions is March 6, 2024. 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 »
ALS in the News (February 2024)
-
-
-
-
- Researchers leverage SAXS to understand aspect of microbial metabolism
- Type 2 diabetes alters the behavior of discs in the vertebral column
- Watching the enzymes that convert plant fiber into simple sugars
- Some of the brightest x-rays on Earth are made just above the UC Berkeley campus (video)
- ‘Flawed’ material resolves superconductor conundrum
-
-
-
Save the Date: 2024 ALS User Meeting
Don’t miss the 2024 ALS User Meeting featuring invited speakers, hands-on workshops, tutorials, and a potential collaborative workshop with the ALS and Molecular Foundry. Exciting discussions await, so mark your calendars for August 12–14. Read more »