Chemistry & Catalysis

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April 29, 2022
News Feature
How a soil microbe could rev up artificial photosynthesis
Researchers discover that a spot of molecular glue and a timely twist help a bacterial enzyme convert carbon dioxide into carbon compounds 20 times faster than plant enzymes do during photosynthesis. The results stand to accelerate progress toward converting carbon dioxide into a variety of products.
An illustration shows the pocket in an enzyme called ECR where the carbon fixing reaction takes place.
January 27, 2022
News Feature
Researchers use attosecond X-ray pulses to track electron motion in a highly excited quantum state of matter
Less than a millionth of a billionth of a second long, attosecond X-ray pulses allow researchers to peer deep inside molecules and follow electrons as they zip around and ultimately initiate chemical reactions.
attosecond_coherent_electron_motions
January 19, 2022
News Feature
Advancing materials science with the help of biology and a dash of dish soap
High-speed X-ray free-electron lasers have unlocked the crystal structures of small molecules relevant to chemistry and materials science, proving a new method that could advance semiconductor and solar cell development.
January 19, 2022
News Feature
Analysis of the rock record rules out atmospheric oxygen before the Great Oxygenation Event
New research questions ‘whiff of oxygen’ in Earth’s early history.
Blue and purple image showing cracks where arsenic and copper entered a shale sample.
December 16, 2021
News Brief
Room-temperature crystallography aids new study of photosynthetic bacteria
Recently developed methods now in use at SLAC’s X-ray synchrotron helped a team of chemists better understand how certain bacteria turn light into chemical energy.
A diagram of a protein molecule with white spirals and multicolored webs indicating key parts of the molecule.
December 8, 2021
News Feature
Laser-focused: Chandra Breanne Curry appointed first LaserNetUS coordinator
Through her work with this nationwide program, Curry plans to make high-power laser facilities more accessible to researchers.
Chandra Breanne Curry
November 16, 2021
News Feature
Bucket brigades and proton gates: Researchers shed new light on water’s role in photosynthesis
A better understanding of this process could inform the next generation of artificial photosynthetic systems that produce clean and renewable energy.
water droplets on plant
October 14, 2021
News Feature
Rule-following molecules provide the first direct confirmation of a half-century-old theory
The results could lead to a better understanding of reactions with vital roles in chemistry and biology.
UED conformers
October 13, 2021
News Brief
SSRL and LCLS Host 2021 Users’ Meeting
Scientists who perform experiments at SLAC’s lightsources gathered online for research talks, workshops and discussions.
Aerial view of industrial-looking research buildings
October 7, 2021
News Feature
Department of Energy gives green light for a flagship petawatt laser facility at SLAC
High-power lasers will work in concert with the lab’s X-ray laser to dramatically improve our understanding of matter in extreme conditions.
diamond rain

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