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 »
Inhalable COVID-19 Protection via Synthetic Nanobodies
Protein structures obtained in part at the ALS helped researchers to increase the potency of simplified antibodies (nanobodies) designed to neutralize SARS-CoV-2. Stable enough to be used in inhalers or nasal sprays, the nanobodies offer a new option, aside from injected vaccines, for COVID-19 prevention and treatment. Read more »
The Odd Structure of ORF8: Scientists Map the Coronavirus Protein Linked to Immune Evasion and Disease Severity
Researchers determined the atomic structure of a coronavirus protein thought to help the pathogen evade and dampen response from human immune cells. Researchers determined the atomic structure of a coronavirus protein thought to help the pathogen evade and dampen response from human immune cells. Read more »
Antibody from SARS Survivor Neutralizes SARS-CoV-2
Using structural data from the ALS and cryo-electron microscopy, researchers have characterized how an antibody binds to and neutralizes SARS-CoV-2. This work provides the basis for therapeutic and vaccine development for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more »
X-Ray Experiments Zero in on COVID-19 Antibodies
In the fight against SARS-CoV-2, scientists have been working on identifying neutralizing antibodies that could be used in preventative treatments or as post-exposure therapies. The latest findings, which include data from the ALS, indicate that antibodies from SARS survivors could potently block entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells. Read more »
Masks On, Ready to Work: Meet the People Supporting COVID-19 Science
David Richardson’s job is literally to make sure the light stays on. But it’s not just any light—it’s a very special x-ray light that could play a crucial role in an eventual treatment for COVID-19. Richardson is an operator at the ALS, and is one of a handful of workers providing essential services to scientists working on COVID-19-related research. Read more »
Shelter-in-Place Message from Director Steve Kevan
A far cry from the familiar, bustling ALS, our facility is running at minimal operations and the majority of our staff is working from home. I speak for the entire ALS staff when I write that we miss all of you, and hope you are healthy and safe. Read more »
How the ALS Team Shelters in Place
While we have been under a shelter-in-place order in the Bay Area, the ALS community has mostly been telecommuting. We caught up with Angelic Lucero, Karen Nunez, Ina Reichel, Bruce Rude, Ashley White, and Antoine Wojdyla to see how they have been handling this unprecedented experience. Read more »
Staff at Berkeley Lab’s X-Ray Facility Mobilize to Support COVID-19-Related Research
X-rays allow researchers to map out the 3D structure of proteins relevant to diseases at the scale of molecules and atoms, and the ALS has been recalled to action to support research related to COVID-19, the coronavirus disease that has already infected about 2 million people around the world. Read more »