Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

A new generation of storage -- ring

The MAX IV facility in Lund, Sweden is developing a storage-ring synchrotron system that will enable new experiments requiring high source brightness and transverse coherence. The system's design challenges include compact magnets and low-vacuum chambers, which require innovative solutions to overcome technical issues.

Breakthrough allows researchers to watch molecules 'wiggle'

A new crystallographic technique enables time-resolved crystallography, allowing researchers to study how molecular structures work. This breakthrough is expected to provide a major boost in areas of research that rely on understanding molecule function.

Ultrafast remote switching of light emission

Scientists have created a method to switch on and off the spontaneous emission of light by quantum dots at will, with pulses as short as 200 picoseconds. This technique has potential applications in quantum information transmission and control.

Mysteries of space dust revealed

Researchers analyzed space dust collected by NASA's Stardust mission, finding complex composition and structure, and potentially originating from beyond our solar system. The study provides a first glimpse into the diversity and complexity of interstellar dust.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Photon speedway puts big data in the fast lane

Scientists at Berkeley Lab and SLAC used a 'photon science speedway' to collect and analyze 114 terabytes of data on photosynthesis in just five days. The work led to new insights into how nature splits water molecules during photosynthesis, a key step towards developing artificial solar energy.

Mysteries of space dust revealed

Researchers analyzed seven grains of possible interstellar dust, finding they are more complex in composition and structure than previously imagined. The analysis opens a door to studying the origins of the solar system and possibly the origin of life itself.

Noninvasive brain control

Researchers at MIT have developed a new light-sensitive protein called Jaws that allows for non-invasive brain control using a light source outside the skull. This breakthrough enables long-term studies without implanted light sources, paving the way for potential treatments of epilepsy and other neurological disorders.

Ultrafast laser technique developed to observe electron action

University of Central Florida physicists have developed a new ultrafast light source to observe electron motion in molecules, allowing scientists to understand how electrons interact with each other. This breakthrough may lead to improved efficiency in solar cells and unlock new rules for quantum mechanics.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

The new face of tofu

A new Cornell study reveals that tofu lovers perceive it as a convenient and filling source of light protein. However, non-users had misconceptions about its cost and cooking difficulties. Correcting these misconceptions through price information, simple recipes, and 'cooks like chicken' messaging increased the likelihood of purchase.

A glassy look for manganites

Scientists at Berkeley Lab discovered that the re-ordering of spin in manganites is not ultra-fast, but rather exhibits a glass-like state, with the restoration of crystalline order delayed. This separation of charge-ordering behavior from spin-ordering behavior may lead to new approaches for manipulating spin effects.

Under some LED bulbs whites aren't 'whiter than white'

Researchers found that different LED light sources render white differently, affecting product appearance. Participants struggled to distinguish between cards under blue-pumped LEDs, highlighting the need for spectrum engineering to accurately render whiteness.

In-fly movie: 3D video from inside flying insects

Researchers created 3D X-ray movies of a blowfly's flight muscles, showcasing their complex movements and control. The study provides new insights into how flies manage to perform aerobatic maneuvers with precision, opening up possibilities for innovation in micro air vehicles.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Unavoidable disorder used to build nanolaser

Researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute discovered that imperfect nanostructures can be used to produce 'nanolasers', which is an ultimately compact and energy-efficient light source. The imperfections in photonic crystal membranes result in controlled reflections, amplifying light and enabling efficient laser production.

On the road to Mottronics

Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Advanced Light Source have demonstrated the ability to control the conducting/insulating phases of ultra-thin films of Mott materials using epitaxial strain. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient transistors and memories with higher energy efficiencies and faster switching ...

Tracking catalytic reactions in microreactors

Researchers mapped catalytic reactivity inside a microreactor in high resolution from start-to-finish using infrared and x-ray light. The study revealed opportunities for optimization, resulting in better catalytic performances.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Natural 3-D counterpart to graphene discovered

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have found a new form of quantum matter called a three-dimensional topological Dirac semi-metal (3DTDS) in sodium bismuthate, promising faster transistors and compact hard drives. The discovery features intriguing non-saturating linear magnetoresistance.

Andrew Sessler wins Fermi Award

Andrew Sessler, former Berkeley Lab Director, wins Fermi Award for his work on particle accelerators and storage rings. He is recognized for advancing the science and technology frontier in research and development.

Solar cell degradation observed directly for the first time

Researchers at DESY's PETRA III facility watched organic solar cells degrade in real time, revealing a mechanism of degradation that involves growth and receding of active domains. The study could lead to new approaches for increasing the stability of this promising type of solar cell.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

A superconductor-surrogate earns its stripes

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have revealed the origins of a 'stripe phase' in a material linked to superconductivity. By studying ultrafast optical techniques and X-ray scattering, they found that electrons become concentrated in stripes throughout the material, leading to an energy threshold for electrical currents.

Snap to attention: Polymers that react and move to light

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed polymers that 'snap' when triggered by light, converting light energy into mechanical work. This phenomenon enables flexible devices with potential applications in robotics and biomedical engineering.

Improving light and heat spectra measurements

Researchers at PTB developed a novel approach to improve spectral distribution curves, correcting distortions caused by measuring instruments. The improved method can be applied in various fields of radiometry and photometry, including broadband and narrowband measurements.

Copper shock: An atomic-scale stress test

Researchers used an X-ray laser to create movies of copper atoms' arrangement changes after extreme shock, pinpointing the breaking point of permanent deformation. This experiment enables direct comparison with complex computer simulations and helps predict material strength in extreme conditions.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Advanced light source provides a new look at vanadium dioxide

Researchers studied vanadium dioxide using ALS beamline 4.0.2 to investigate the origin of its metal-insulator transition, which could lead to faster and more energy-efficient electronic devices. The study identified roles for Pi-symmetry and delta-symmetry electron orbitals in controlling the transition.

Most distant gravitational lens helps weigh galaxies

Astronomers have found the most distant gravitational lens yet, which provides a rare opportunity to directly measure the mass of a distant galaxy. The discovery poses a puzzle as lenses are expected to be exceedingly rare, suggesting either luck or underestimated small galaxies in the early Universe.

On the road to fault-tolerant quantum computing

Researchers from China's Tsinghua University and the US Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have demonstrated high-temperature superconductivity in a topological insulator. This breakthrough is essential for creating 'fault-tolerant' quantum computers, which can solve complex problems much faster than current m...

The eyes have it

Researchers have found that methylmercury can directly affect vision by accumulating in the retinal photoreceptors. The study used powerful synchrotron X-rays and methylmercury-poisoned zebrafish larvae to reveal the mechanisms of heavy metal toxicity in developing vertebrates.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

3D IR Images Now3D IR images now in full color in Full Color

Researchers at Berkeley Lab and University of Wisconsin have developed a non-destructive 3D imaging technique that provides molecular-level chemical information. The technique, FTIR spectro-microtomography, combines Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy with computed tomography to create full-color 3D images with unprecedented detail.

New 3-D colonoscopy eases detection of precancerous lesions

Researchers at MIT have developed a new endoscopy technology that captures three-dimensional images of the colon surface, making it easier to detect precancerous growths. The technique, known as photometric stereo endoscopy, uses multiple light sources to create visual representations of surface features.

Purple bacteria on Earth could survive alien light

University of Miami researchers found that purple bacteria can survive in extreme alien light by distributing photons across multiple reaction centers, allowing each one enough time to recover. This discovery suggests new possibilities for life on Earth and elsewhere in the universe.

New language discovery reveals linguistic insights

Researchers have documented a new mixed language, Light Warlpiri, generated from a combination of elements from three languages. This innovative language features verb and noun structures not found in the source languages, showcasing the creative potential of human language formation.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Roman seawater concrete holds the secret to cutting carbon emissions

Researchers have discovered properties that made ancient Roman concrete sustainable and durable, with potential applications for environmentally friendly modern concretes. The Roman recipe needed less than 10% lime by weight, making it at two-thirds or less the temperature required by Portland cement.

Whirlpools on the nanoscale could multiply magnetic memory

Researchers at Berkeley Lab and international team develop method to control spin orientation in magnetic nanodisks, enabling four-bit storage and potential for faster, more energy-efficient devices. Smaller disk sizes show promise for faster switching times.

Snap shots of 1 of life's central processes

A team of researchers is studying the protein structure and reaction dynamics of a key photosynthesis catalyst. They aim to understand the intermediate stages necessary for the oxidation of water, which could help develop sustainable solar energy solutions.

Distant blazar is a high-energy astrophysics puzzle

The most distant known source of very high-energy gamma rays, PKS 1424+240, deviates from expected emission spectrum despite being detected at a great distance of over 7.4 billion light-years. The findings may indicate new insights into blazar emission mechanisms or the extragalactic background light.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Diamond sheds light on basic building blocks of life

The Diamond Light Source facility has been upgraded to analyze pathogens requiring Containment Level 3, including serious viruses responsible for AIDS, Hepatitis, and flu. This capability enables scientists to study virus structures in detail, opening up new paths for therapeutic treatments and vaccines.

Dung beetles use stars for orientation

Scientists have discovered that dung beetles use the Milky Way's gradient of light to ensure they keep rolling their balls in a straight line. The beetles' ability to orient themselves using this method has been proven, giving them an advantage in navigating their environment.

The paths of photons are random -- but coordinated

Researchers have shown that even in disordered structures, photons can sense and coordinate their travel through a medium. This is due to the wave properties of photons, which allow them to interact with each other. By analyzing these interactions, valuable insight into complex microscopic structures can be gained.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

6 Berkeley Lab scientists are 2012 APS Fellows

Six Berkeley Lab scientists, from various divisions, were elected APS Fellows in 2012 for their outstanding research and contributions to the physics enterprise. These individuals represent a high count for a single institution, with only half of one percent of APS members being elected as Fellows annually.

Study advances understanding of volcanic eruptions

Researchers found that initial bubble growth determines eruption size, with rapid changes in gas flux and composition crucial for prediction. The study provides a key to understanding volcanic eruptions and could lead to better predictions of their scale.

Southampton physicists join search for hidden magnetic states

Physicists from the University of Southampton used Diamond Light Source's new I10 Beamline to search for 'hidden magnetic states' in exchange-spring magnets. They have identified at least three different classes of these states, which could provide important confirmation of a theoretical model.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Scientists make iron transparent

Researchers at DESY have successfully made atomic nuclei transparent using X-ray light, a crucial step towards developing quantum computers. This achievement demonstrates the effect of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) in atomic nuclei and has significant implications for the future of quantum computing.

Researchers discover particle which could 'cool the planet'

Scientists have detected Criegee biradicals, which react rapidly to form aerosols and clouds that can cool the planet. The discovery has significant implications for pollution and climate change, suggesting a natural mechanism for offsetting warming.

Diamonds and dust for better cement

By using diamonds and dust to simulate extreme pressures, researchers gained new insights into calcium-silicate-hydrate, a critical binder in concrete. The study aims to reduce carbon emissions and create stronger, more efficient cements.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

A guiding light for new directions in energy production

Optofluidics, the study of microfluidics combined with optics, is poised to revolutionize energy production. By directing light and concentrating its use, optofluidics can increase efficiency in existing systems like biofuel reactors and solar cells, as well as innovate new forms of energy production.

Artificial light quality affects herbivore preference for seedlings

Experiments tested sweetpotato whitefly preference for cucumber seedlings grown under fluorescent lamps with high red:far red ratio or metal-halide lamps. The results showed that FL seedlings were less attractive to the whiteflies and had higher chlorophyll content and thicker leaves than ML seedlings.

Improving LED lighting

Researchers have created a smaller, flexible LED light with improved thermal management and increased life-span. The device uses novel manufacturing techniques to reduce temperature and increase efficiency, making it suitable for various applications such as deformable display monitors and biomedical devices.

Rainbows without pigments offer new defense against fraud

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed pigment-free polymer materials that exhibit intense, colorful patterns. These materials are difficult to copy and could provide a new anti-counterfeit solution for passports and banknotes.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Energy saving lamp is eco-winner

A Swiss study by Empa found that energy-saving lamps have a larger ecological footprint due to electronic circuitry, but recycling reduces environmental effects. The production of incandescent bulbs has a negligible impact on the environment, while usage and power source are major factors.

'Greening' your flat screen TV

Researchers create new nano-material using biomaterial involved in Alzheimer's disease research, resulting in environmentally friendly LED lights. The technology also enables medical equipment to be more sensitive and generates strong signals for other applications.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Highest X-ray energy used to probe materials

Researchers used an XFEL to probe nitrogen gas at up to 8 keV, a record-high X-ray energy. The study revealed the interaction between nitrogen gas and the XFEL beam, including electron dynamics and space charge effects. Understanding these dynamics will change our understanding of chemistry, physics, and materials science.