Approximately 1,700 scientists visit SSRL annually to conduct experiments in broad disciplines including life sciences, materials, environmental science, and accelerator physics. Science highlights featured here and in our monthly newsletter, Headlines, increase the visibility of user science as well as the important contribution of SSRL in facilitating basic and applied scientific research. Many of these scientific highlights have been included in reports to funding agencies and have been picked up by other media. Users are strongly encouraged to contact us when exciting results are about to be published. We can work with users and the SLAC Office of Communication to develop the story and to communicate user research findings to a much broader audience.
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Shared-Ligand Intermediates of Metal Exchange Visualized by Rapid Freeze Quench and Selenium EXAFS of Se-Labeled Metallochaperones. A Paradigm for Studying Copper-Mediated Host-Pathogen Interactions
To defend against infections, our phagocyte cells form a vesicle called a phagosome around pathogens, which then merges with a lysosome to form a phagolysosome. To terminate the threat, the phagolysosome gives the invading cell toxic doses of copper. However, some bacteria have evolved mechanisms for pumping the copper back out of the cell, avoiding toxicity.
Evolution of the Nanoporous Structure of Sintered Ag at High Temperature Using in-Situ X-ray Nanotomography
Many new electronic devices replace traditional silicon chips with silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor chips, which are able to handle more power, function with less power loss, and operate at higher temperatures. Because these chips generate more heat, new materials that bond the chip to the heat sink are needed. A promising choice is sintered silver (Ag).
A Structural Switch that Couples TCR Ligand Binding to Signaling
T cells allow our immune system to respond to specific antigens from infectious agents. Each T cell hosts a receptor (TCR) that binds to a particular antigenic peptide ligand. If the receptor is exposed to the ligand it recognizes, the T cell is activated.
Revealing the Functional Principles of a Multi-protein Assembly that Uses MicroRNAs
The central dogma of molecular biology posits that the genes in our DNA are transcribed (or “copied”) into messenger RNAs (mRNA), which are then translated (or “read-out”) into the proteins that make up our cells and tissues. Control of gene expression is critical to human health and development. One major mechanism of regulation involves very small RNAs called microRNAs (miRNAs).
Lattice Coupling Conspires in the Correlated Cuprate High-Tc Superconductivity
Materials that act as superconductors at higher temperatures (as high as -70°C) are a subject of intense research, due to their use in magnets and quantum devices, including advanced medical and scientific instruments. Interactions of many quantum-level variables in superconducting materials make these systems difficult to model.
Gold Nanoparticle Biodissolution by a Freshwater Macrophyte and Its Associated Microbiome
Nanotechnology, which focuses on materials that measure between 1 and 100 nanometers in at least one dimension, is being applied to diverse areas of research including medicine, electronics, and biology. Yet it is unclear how these engineered nanomaterials might interact with and affect environments and ecosystems.
Direct Observation of the Kinetics of Gas–Solid Reactions Using in-Situ Kinetic and Spectroscopic Techniques
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a poisonous and corrosive gas created in industrial and natural systems. Copper oxide (CuO), a crystalline solid, can be used to clean H2S from emissions by forming various copper sulfide species, a reaction that is thermodynamically favorable but often does not go to completion in industrial applications.
Empowering Multicomponent Cathode Materials for Sodium Ion Batteries by Exploring Three-dimensional Compositional Heterogeneities
Lithium ion batteries are widely used in electronic devices and vehicles because of their high energy density (more energy storage per weight). Unfortunately, lithium is not an abundant element on Earth, so demand is mounting for an alternative battery that has high energy density but made with more sustainable materials.
Activation of MnO2 Catalysts by Mn3+ Ions
The more widespread use of solar electricity is not currently limited by the technology for generating energy from sunlight but by the storage of that energy, so that it can be used when needed. Converting water to O2 and H2 via the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a fossil fuel free way to store energy for later use; catalysts that improve the efficiency of OER ar
Understanding Reaction Pathways Leading to MnO2 Polymorph Formation
Metastable materials are materials that exist in their higher-energy configurations. They will eventually transform into their lowest energy form, given a certain amount of time. The classic example is diamond, which given enough time will change into graphite.
Collaborate on Science Highlights
We can work with users and the SLAC Office of Communication to develop the story and to communicate user research findings to a much broader audience.