Structural Molecular Biology
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How a Single Chemical Bond Balances Cells Between Life and Death
With SLAC’s X-ray laser and synchrotron, scientists measured exactly how much energy goes into keeping this crucial bond from triggering a cell's death spiral.
SLAC Experiment is First to Decipher Atomic Structure of an Intact Virus with an X-ray Laser
The method dramatically reduces the amount of virus material required and allows scientists to get results several times faster.
X-Ray Study Reveals Long-Sought Insights Into Potential Drug Target
X-ray studies have produced surprising insights into the workings of a hormone receptor associated with blood pressure regulation that could be a target for new medicines related to cardiovascular conditions, neuropathic pain and tissue growth.
Protein Structure Solved from Smallest Crystals Yet
X-rays show details of an insect virus’s crystalline cocoon with sub-nanometer resolution.
X-ray Laser Gets First Real-time Snapshots of a Chemical Flipping a Biological Switch
Scientists used SLAC's LCLS X-ray laser to make the first snapshots of a chemical interaction between two biomolecules. It changes the shape of millions of molecular switches almost instantaneously, like synchronized swimmers performing the same move.
Scientists Watch Bacterial Sensor Respond to Light in Real Time
High-speed X-ray camera reveals ultrafast atomic motions at the root of organisms’ ability to turn light into biological function.
Researchers Discover New Type of ‘Pili’ Used by Bacteria to Cling to Hosts
New insights into how bacteria interact with host cells could help fight off harmful microbes.
X-ray Studies at SLAC and Berkeley Lab Aid Search for Ebola Cure
Scientists have determined in atomic detail how a potential drug molecule fits into and blocks a channel in cell membranes that Ebola and related “filoviruses” need to infect victims’ cells.
Q&A: Biologist Describes Milestone toward a Universal Flu Vaccine
Ian Wilson explains how scientists have found a way to induce antibodies to fight a range of influenza viruses, which could some day eliminate the need for seasonal flu shots.
SLAC Experiment Finds Key to Natural Detoxifier’s Reactivity
A tiny change in the length of a chemical bond makes a big difference in the activity of a molecule important in health, drug development and chemical synthesis
