Chemical reactions often involve intermediate steps that are too fast and complex for us to see  – even using our most advanced scientific instruments. Combining two X-ray spectroscopy techniques has now been shown to change that.

After decades of effort, scientists have finally seen the process by which nature creates the oxygen we breathe using SLAC’s X-ray laser.

A molecule with hooks that can grip and disable the virus’s pesky protease shows potential for fighting infection.

This ‘beautiful’ herringbone-like pattern could give rise to unique features that scientists are just starting to explore.

Experiments visualize how 2D perovskite structures change when excited.

Researchers discover that electrons play a surprising role in heat transfer between layers of semiconductors, with implications for next-generation electronic devices.  

Researchers used cryo-EM (left) to discover how a chamber in human cells (right) directs protein folding. 

Once built, the system could produce fast X-ray pulses ten times more powerful than ever before.

To invent a new tool for studying how chemicals react at interfaces, researchers shoot tiny jets of oil and water at each other and illuminate them.