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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 »

Assembly of the SARS-CoV-2 Replication Mechanism

Using a multimodal approach that included x-ray scattering at the ALS, researchers determined how components of the SARS-CoV-2 replication mechanism fit together. A better understanding of how this protein complex works provides insight into potential structural or functional weak spots to exploit for drug development. Read more »PPT-icon-35 PDF-icon-35

Deconstructing the Infectious Machinery of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus

Scientists collaborated to model the complex protein responsible for SARS-CoV-2 replication, revealing its potential weak spots for drug development. The investigation hinged on data collected from many advanced imaging techniques, including small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS), crystallography, and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). Read more »

Conformational Dynamics in the Interaction of SARS-CoV-2 Papain-like Protease with Human Interferon-Stimulated Gene 15 Protein

The image depicts the complex formed between SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease and human interferon-stimulated gene 15 protein. Small-angle scattering elucidated the structural details of this complex providing insight into its role in suppressing the innate immune response and also potential routes for development of therapeutics to combat COVID-19. Read more »

How X-Rays Could Make Reliable, Rapid COVID-19 Tests a Reality

A highly sensitive lateral flow assay—the same type of device used in home pregnancy tests—could be developed using pairs of rigid antibodies that bind to the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. SAXS data showed that a particular pair of monoclonal antibodies bound to the nucleocapsid protein very strongly and stably, in part due to the antibodies’ rigidity. Read more »

To Design Truly Compostable Plastic, Scientists Take Cues From Nature

Researchers have designed an enzyme-activated compostable plastic that could diminish microplastics pollution and holds great promise for plastics upcycling. The material can be broken down to its building blocks—small individual molecules called monomers—and then reformed into a new compostable plastic product. Read more »

Probing Composite Materials to Make Better Batteries

Researchers found that when an ion-conducting polymer composite is placed in an electric field, it forms ion-rich hotspots that continue to grow for hours after the field is removed. The study opens a new path to understanding the dynamic structure of composite materials for smaller, lighter batteries. Read more »PPT-icon-35 PDF-icon-35

Newly Discovered Photosynthesis Enzyme Yields Evolutionary Clues

Scientists have discovered a primitive form of rubisco, a photosynthesis enzyme that has helped shape life on Earth. Detailed information about its structure, determined using complementary techniques at the ALS, will help scientists understand how carbon-fixing organisms oxygenated the atmosphere and how modern plants evolved. Read more »