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Institut Laue-Langevin


A deep dive into drug delivery

Scientists at Institut Laue-Langevin create novel combination of neutron and light scattering to elucidate molecular structure of therapeutic nanoparticles. The technique enables precise determination of particle dimensions, internal structure homogeneity, and potential drug location.

SourceInstitut Laue-Langevin·JournalSmall Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2026

Beyond 0 and 1: a material that can store four magnetic states

Researchers have discovered a ferrotoroidic material that can store information in four distinct magnetic states, allowing for increased storage capacity. The material's non-volatile behavior and ability to control magnetic states using electric and magnetic fields make it an attractive model system for exploring quaternary memory.

SourceInstitut Laue-Langevin·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2026

Room to move: how proteins behave in crowded environments

Neutron scattering reveals a new type of protein motion that depends on the surrounding environment within assemblies. The observed behaviour, known as non-Fickian diffusion, shows that molecular motion can no longer be described by a single uniform rule across the whole system.

SourceInstitut Laue-Langevin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2026

Exotic observations with neutrons at the ILL

The study reveals three distinct phases: liquid, solid, and plastic ice, with the latter exhibiting picosecond rotational motion. The implementation of state-of-the-art spectrometers and sample environments enabled the first experimental observation of plastic ice VII at high temperatures and pressures.

SourceInstitut Laue-Langevin·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2025

Pea-based cappuccino: The greener future of food

Researchers at Institut Laue-Langevin and Aarhus University developed a new method to characterise foam structure, enabling the creation of plant-derived foaming ingredients in food. The technique uses small-angle neutron scattering, imaging, and electrical conductivity measurements to provide insights into pea albumin-based foams.

SourceInstitut Laue-Langevin·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2025

Unlocking the secrets of supercritical fluids

A team of international researchers has measured the molecular diffusion coefficient of a supercritical fluid, revealing a gradual transition from gas-like to liquid-like behavior across the Widom line. This study contributes to our understanding of supercritical fluid dynamics and holds implications for planetary science.

SourceInstitut Laue-Langevin·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2024

Looking inside battery cells

A team of researchers used state-of-the-art imaging techniques to study lithium-ion battery cells. They identified macroscopic deformations in the copper current collector due to local accumulations of silicon during electrode manufacturing. The defects compromise cell structure and functioning when agglomerates exceed 50 microns in size.

SourceInstitut Laue-Langevin·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2024

A molecular moonlander

Researchers at Institut Laue-Langevin discovered triphenylphosphine molecules exhibit rolling and translating motions on graphite surfaces, facilitated by their geometry and three-point binding. This study provides new insights into surface dynamics and opens up avenues for materials science and nanotechnology.

SourceInstitut Laue-Langevin·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2024