Researchers identify new culprit for Minamata mercury poisoning tragedy
The 1950s and ‘60s poisoning event was long attributed to methylmercury, but studies at SLAC suggest a different compound was to blame. The findings could reshape toxicologists’ understanding of disease related to mercury poisoning.
Researchers show how electric fields affect a molecular twist within light-sensitive proteins
A better understanding of this phenomenon, which is crucial to many processes that occur in biological systems and materials, could enable researchers to develop light-sensitive proteins for areas such as biological imaging and optogenetics.
How iron carbenes store energy from sunlight – and why they aren’t better at it
These inexpensive photosensitizers could make solar power and chemical manufacturing more efficient. Experiments at SLAC offer insight into how they work.
Rust offers a cheap way to filter arsenic-poisoned water
In regions that lack the resources to treat the contaminated water, it can lead to disease, cancer, and even death.
Scientists discover how proteins form crystals that tile a microbe’s shell
A new understanding of the nucleation process could shed light on how the shells help microbes interact with their environments, and help people design self-assembling nanostructures for various tasks.
Researchers reveal how enzyme motions catalyze reactions
What they learned could lead to a better understanding of how antibiotics are broken down in the body, potentially leading to the development of more effective drugs.
Q&A: Scientists use X-rays to crack the secrets of shale, a keystone of one of the nation’s fastest growing energy sources
A better understanding of these materials and how they store and transport oil and gas could one day enable more efficient fossil fuel production.
Study sheds light on the really peculiar ‘normal’ phase of high-temperature superconductors
It reveals an abrupt transition in cuprates where particles give up their individuality. The results flip a popular theory on its head.
New insight into a cancer-shielding protein could guide a new generation of cancer treatments
A better understanding of ‘checkpoint proteins,’ which protect cancer cells against immune system strikes, could lead to the development of more effective drugs.
Stanford researchers create new catalyst that can turn carbon dioxide into fuels
A study including SLAC scientists and facilities discovers a new process that shows promise in turning the greenhouse gas back into usable fuels.
Slideshow: 2019 SSRL/LCLS Users’ Meeting
The annual conference for scientists who conduct research at SLAC’s light sources engaged about 350 researchers in talks, workshops and discussions.
SLAC’s Aina Cohen receives 2019 Farrel W. Lytle Award
She is recognized for two decades of innovation and excellence at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource.
Xinru Wang wins 2019 Klein Award for research on cell signaling in enzymes
Using SLAC’s X-ray synchrotron SSRL, Wang improves fundamental knowledge about how cells communicate, which could enable the development of more effective drugs.
Scientists report two advances in understanding the role of ‘charge stripes’ in superconducting materials
The studies could lead to a new understanding of how high-temperature superconductors operate.
How the catalytic converters in cars go bad and why it matters
A new way to arrange the hard-working atoms in this part of an exhaust system could lower the cost of curbing pollution from automotive engines.
Scientists create artificial catalysts inspired by living enzymes
Stanford researchers have made a significant advance in the development of artificial catalysts for making cleaner chemicals and fuels at an industrial scale.
Arianna Gleason and Diana Gamzina receive DOE Early Career Research grants
The SLAC scientists will each receive $2.5 million for their research on fusion energy and advanced radiofrequency technology.
Hans-Georg Steinrück receives 2019 Spicer Award for energy storage research at SLAC’s X-ray synchrotron
This early-career scientist has undertaken challenging projects with significant implications for lithium-ion batteries.
First snapshots of trapped CO2 molecules shed new light on carbon capture
A new twist on cryo-EM imaging reveals what’s going on inside MOFs, highly porous nanoparticles with big potential for storing fuel, separating gases and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Scientists make first high-res movies of proteins forming crystals in a living cell
A close-up look at how microbes build their crystalline shells has implications for understanding how cell structures form, preventing disease and developing nanotechnology.
