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Catching radical molecules before they disappear

Researchers from the Institute for Basic Science synthesized four new kinds of stabilized radicals with ferromagnetic properties, opening doors to applications in rechargeable batteries and molecular spintronics. The oxime radicals were stabilized using N-heterocyclic carbenes, a breakthrough in synthesizing organic radicals.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 13, 2017

Crystals in a pink X-ray beam

A new experimental setup allows for serial crystallography using broad-spectrum X-rays at synchrotron sources, enabling the study of proteins with smaller samples and shorter exposure times. This method reduces unwanted scattered radiation, making it possible to determine protein structures with high precision.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 3, 2017

Discovery of a new structure family of oxide-ion conductors 'SrYbInO4'

Scientists at Tokyo Tech have synthesized a new material, SrYbInO4, which exhibits high oxide-ion conductivity and is the first example of pure oxide-ion conductors with a CaFe2O4-type structure. The material has a lower activation energy for oxide-ion conductivity compared to CaFe2O4.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateOct 25, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Novel small antibody fragment: A valuable tool in crystallography

Researchers at Osaka University developed a novel chimeric antibody fragment to aid in the structural determination of 'uncrystallizable' target proteins. The Fv-clasp design improved production compatibility and stability while maintaining binding ability, enabling successful crystallization of biologically important proteins.

SourceOsaka University·JournalStructure·DateSep 20, 2017

Dutch and Canadian researchers detail one of the biggest proteins ever found

Researchers from Eindhoven University of Technology and Queen's University have detailed the structure of a 600-nanometer protein in an Antarctic bacterium, revealing its role in gripping onto ice surfaces. The discovery has potential applications in preventing pathogenic bacteria from attaching to human cells.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 9, 2017

New Berkeley lab algorithms extract biological structure from limited data

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory develop Multi-Tiered Iterative Phasing (M-TIP) algorithm to determine molecular structure from sparse and noisy single-particle diffraction data. This approach reduces the amount of required information, enabling the extraction of more features from limited experiments.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2017
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

3-D-printed jars in ball-milling experiments

Researchers used 3D printing to create optimized milling jars for X-ray powder diffraction experiments. The new design improves background and angular resolution, reducing scattering from jar walls and milling balls.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalJournal of Applied Crystallography·DateJun 27, 2017

Argonne X-rays used to help identify a key Lassa virus structure

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory used X-ray crystallography to solve the structure of Lassa virus glycoprotein, a key component in vaccine development. The study provides valuable insights into how the virus enters human cells, paving the way for the design of an effective vaccine.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJun 13, 2017

Perseverance pays off in fight against deadly Lassa virus

A team led by Kathryn Hastie and Erica Ollmann Saphire at The Scripps Research Institute has solved the structure of Lassa virus's surface glycoprotein, a key step in developing a vaccine. The breakthrough provides a blueprint to design a Lassa virus vaccine, which could help combat the deadly arenavirus family.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience·DateJun 1, 2017
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.

Special X-ray technique allows scientists to see 3-D deformations

Researchers developed a new X-ray technique to examine deformations and dislocations in nanoparticles, which affect their properties. The technique, called Bragg coherent diffraction imaging, allows scientists to reconstruct the size and shape of grain defects in three dimensions.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMay 23, 2017

Novel nozzle saves crystals

Scientists developed a novel double flow-focusing nozzle to reduce protein crystal consumption in X-ray crystallography. The new device enables stable experimental conditions, increases the rate of high-quality diffraction patterns, and widens the spectrum of biomolecules that can be analysed.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 16, 2017

Turning up the heat for perfect (nano)diamonds

Defective diamonds are transformed into highly perfect nanodiamonds using high-temperature conditions, enabling precision measurement of electromagnetic fields and other variables. This process improves the homogeneity of crystal lattices, paving the way for scalable methods in quantum sensing.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Materials·DateFeb 14, 2017

X-ray pulses reveal structure of viral cocoon

Researchers used high-intensity X-ray pulses to determine the structure of a viral cocoon down to a scale of 0.2 nanometres, approaching atom-scale resolution. The tiny viruses with their crystal casing are by far the smallest protein crystals ever analyzed using X-ray crystallography.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 13, 2017

Protein chaperone takes its job seriously

Researchers at Caltech have discovered the molecular basis for protection of a ribosomal protein from cellular degradation, using X-ray crystallography to solve the structure of the bound pair. This finding has potential applications in developing new cancer drugs by preventing tumor growth.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 2017
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.

Creating new physical properties in materials

A collaborative effort demonstrates that the physical properties of SrTiO3 can be changed by a simple electrical treatment, creating the effect known as piezoelectricity. This discovery opens a new chapter for research into new materials and unusual properties.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 29, 2016

Screen to beam technology: The rise of haptic interfaces

Scientists have developed haptic interfaces to enhance collaboration and data analysis in X-ray crystallography. The technology enables real-time visualization and classification of experimental crystallization data on a cloud-based database, streamlining the process and reducing manual effort.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalJournal of Applied Crystallography·DateNov 23, 2016

Spray-printed crystals to move forward organic electronic applications

Researchers at University of Surrey develop a scalable and low-cost method to fabricate high-quality isolated organic single crystals using spray-printing. This breakthrough enables the production of inexpensive electronics with applications in flexible circuits, medical detectors, sensors, and more.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 22, 2016

X-rays capture unprecedented images of photosynthesis in action

Researchers use ultrafast X-ray lasers to study photosystem II protein in action, capturing the first high-resolution 3-D view at room temperature. The study reveals that previous theories explaining the mechanisms may be incorrect and opens new avenues for understanding photosynthesis.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateNov 21, 2016
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.

Scientists make structure analysis of protein molecules several times faster

Researchers at MIPT and several universities create technology to determine spatial structure of receptor proteins, crucial for human health. By using sulfur atoms and Serial Femtosecond Crystallography, scientists solve the problem of radiation damage, enabling precise analysis of protein structures with a resolution of 1.9Å.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 4, 2016

WSU researchers 'watch' crystal structure change in real time

Researchers at Washington State University have successfully watched a material's crystal structure change in real time, using a new facility at the Argonne National Laboratory. This breakthrough method allows for actual measurement of physical changes and validation of computer simulations.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 25, 2016

Scientists capture the elusive structure of essential digestive enzyme

Researchers at Princeton University have revealed new insights into the mechanism of phenylalanine hydroxylase, a critical liver enzyme for human health. By applying unique approaches combining small-angle x-ray scattering and chromatography, they provided evidence for a model of the active structure of the enzyme.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 25, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Determining the structures of nanocrystalline pharmaceuticals by electron diffraction

Researchers have developed a new method to determine the structures of nanocrystalline pharmaceuticals, reducing radiation damage and allowing for study at room temperature. The approach uses low-dose electron diffraction with a high-sensitivity detector, enabling the collection of high-quality data for direct crystallography methods.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalActa Crystallographica Section A·DateFeb 26, 2016

Successful real-time observation of atomic motion with sub-nanometer resolution

Researchers used the powerful x-ray pulses from SACLA to investigate excited-state induced transient lattice dynamics in phase-change materials. They observed non-thermal local structural rearrangements within a few picoseconds, followed by warming of the lattice and a 2 pm change in lattice spacing after 20 ps.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 22, 2016
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

New method opens crystal clear views of biomolecules

Researchers develop a new technique to determine the spatial structures of proteins and molecules without prior knowledge, revolutionizing crystallography. The method provides insights into the modes of action of biomolecules and can lead to tailor-made drugs for diseases.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalNature·DateFeb 10, 2016

Twisted X-rays unravel the complexity of helical structures

Researchers propose using twisted X-rays to study non-crystalline but symmetric structures like helices. This method matches the symmetry of incoming radiation to the structure's symmetry, producing sharp peaks in diffraction data that can be used for accurate structure prediction.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalActa Crystallographica Section A·DateFeb 9, 2016
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.

Caution: Shrinks when warm

A team of physicists has identified a material with negative thermal expansion, shrinking in size as it warms. The discovery challenges current theoretical understanding of thermal expansion and may lead to the development of more durable electronics.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalPhysical Review B·DateOct 8, 2015

UCLA physicists determine 3-D positions of individual atoms for the first time

Scientists at UCLA used a microscope to image the 3D positions of individual atoms with precision of 19 trillionths of a meter. This breakthrough enables researchers to infer macroscopic material properties from atomic arrangements, guiding the development of aircraft components and other applications.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 21, 2015

Insights into obscure transition uncovered by X-rays

Researchers use X-rays to study nickelates and discover that tensile strain facilitates the transfer of electrons between atoms, ruling out electronic checkerboard theory. The findings provide new insight into the metal-insulator transition, guiding the design of new electronic devices.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 11, 2015
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

X-raying ion channels

Researchers at SISSA and Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste have used x-ray crystallography to demonstrate that the selectivity filter of ion channels is dynamic, not rigid. This discovery contributes to solving a long-standing debate among biophysicists and neurobiologists.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2015

Novel X-ray lens sharpens view into the nano world

A novel X-ray lens designed by DESY scientists has been successfully tested, producing sharper and brighter images of the nano world. The lens employs a unique concept to redirect X-rays over a wide range of angles, enabling high convergence power and resolving smaller details.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 1, 2015

Fluctuation X-ray scattering

Fluctuation X-ray scattering measures molecules at short timescales to reveal structural insights into biological molecules and materials. The technique improves upon traditional small-angle X-ray scattering, providing greater detail from limited datasets.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·DateMar 26, 2015
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Fading orange-red in Van Gogh's paintings

Researchers identify plumbonacrite as intermediate in degradation of red lead, leading to bleaching of the color over time. The discovery sheds new insights into the bleaching process of red lead, revealing a possible reaction pathway involving light and carbon dioxide.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 10, 2015

X-ray imaging of a single virus in 3-D

Researchers have successfully imaged the 3D structure of a giant mimivirus using an X-ray free-electron laser, without relying on crystal formation. This achievement paves the way for imaging important pathogenic viruses like HIV and influenza.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 4, 2015

TSRI team shows how rare antibody targets Ebola and Marburg virus

A Scripps Research Institute team has discovered an antibody that can target both Marburg and Ebola viruses, paving the way for new treatment options. The antibody works by binding to a vulnerable site on the virus's surface, preventing it from entering human cells.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell·DateFeb 26, 2015

High-powered X-ray laser unlocks mechanics of pain relief without addiction

Scientists have developed a new X-ray source to study how non-addictive painkillers work, revealing the target of binding to neuroreceptors. This breakthrough could lead to designing molecules to generate specific responses and address critical health issues related to opioid abuse.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateFeb 17, 2015

Integrated space-group and crystal-structure determination

The new SHELXT program solves the phase problem for single-crystal reflection data using a novel dual-space algorithm, extending resolution and accommodating missing data. With high success rates, it has already solved thousands of structures.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalActa Crystallographica Section A·DateJan 8, 2015
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.

Mysteries of 'molecular machines' revealed

Researchers are developing new software to visualize molecular machines, revealing their inner workings and structures. The Phenix software uses X-ray diffraction spots to create 3-D images of protein molecules.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Methods·DateDec 22, 2014

New research paves the way for nano-movies of biomolecules

Scientists have developed a new technique to capture the fast dynamics of biomolecules using high-speed X-ray lasers, revealing subtle processes with unprecedented clarity. The study used the photoactive yellow protein as a model system and achieved snapshots of molecular movements at atomic resolution.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 2014
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.

New model clarifies photoexcited thin-film lattice dynamics

Researchers developed a comprehensive model to describe photoexcited thin-film lattice dynamics, clarifying the physical and chemical properties of materials. The study used ultrafast X-ray diffraction to analyze the atomic movements in a crystal structure.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalStructural Dynamics·DateNov 18, 2014

X-ray vision of photosynthesis

Researchers have used X-ray diffraction to investigate photosystem II, revealing structures yet unknown. The results show that photosystem II proteins are arranged within crystals as extended rows, similar to their natural environment.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalStructure·DateNov 5, 2014
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.

Figuring out how we get the nitrogen we need

Researchers have successfully crystallized carbon monoxide bound to the FeMo-cofactor of nitrogenase, a long-sought structure that could reveal the enzyme's mechanism. The breakthrough, achieved by Thomas Spatzal and colleagues, uses optimized crystallization methods and tiny crystal seeds to accelerate growth.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateOct 28, 2014

Celebrating 100 years of crystallography

X-ray crystallography has revolutionized our understanding of molecular structures and their influence on various scientific fields. The technique's future holds intriguing possibilities, including potential transformations beyond its current form.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateAug 20, 2014

Uncovering the 3-D structure of a key neuroreceptor

Scientists have determined the 3D structure of 5HT3-R, a receptor involved in conditions like chemotherapy-induced nausea and anxiety. The high-resolution structure reveals the receptor's molecular anatomy, providing insights into its function and potential targets for novel medicines.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateAug 3, 2014

A first direct glimpse of photosynthesis in action

Scientists successfully visualize crucial event in photosynthetic reaction, enabling study of protein complex that splits water. This breakthrough uses free-electron laser technique to collect data at room temperature.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateJul 11, 2014
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.

Molecular snapshots of oxygen formation in photosynthesis

Researchers from Umeå University have explored two ways to study the reaction sequence leading to oxygen formation in photosynthesis. The studies used different techniques, including slowing down the reaction and taking X-ray snapshots of the molecule's structure. The results show that small structural changes occur together with proto...

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 11, 2014

Postcards from the photosynthetic edge

Scientists at Berkeley Lab and SLAC have taken detailed snapshots of the four photon-step cycle of photosynthetic water oxidation in photosystem II. The study provides information that should be useful for designing artificial solar-energy based devices to split water, a crucial step towards clean energy.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 9, 2014

Scientists capture ultrafast snapshots of light-driven superconductivity

Researchers used x-ray pulses to trigger superconductivity and reveal the rapid disappearance of 'charge stripes' that hindered it. The findings provide new insights into room-temperature superconductivity and its potential applications in electronics and computation.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 16, 2014
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.