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Tiny microbes and molecular machines have an outsized impact on human health, and they play key roles in the vast global cycles that shape climate and make carbon and nitrogen available to all living things. 

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Science of life

This illustration shows arrestin, an important type of signaling protein

News Feature

Drawing on SLAC facilities, Australian researchers have revealed how Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria obtain manganese from our bodies, which could lead to better therapies to...

A protein molecule with intertwined spirals around a small yellow center form.
News Feature

SLAC and Stanford scientists used it to zoom in on an iconic RNA catalyst and a piece of viral RNA that’s a potential target...

A high-res 3D ribbon diagram showing the structure of part of an RNA molecule
News Brief

Petroglyphs are carved in a material called rock varnish, the origins of which have been debated for years. Now, scientists argue it’s the result...

Rock art featuring human and animal forms and handprints
News Feature

The Horizon Prizes celebrate the most exciting, contemporary chemical science at the cutting edge of research and innovation.

ultrafast X-ray scattering
News Feature

From the invisible world of elementary particles to the mysteries of the cosmos, recipients of this prestigious award for early career scientists explore nature...

Panofsky fellows
News Feature

Derived from microscopic algae, the rare, light-driven enzyme converts fatty acids into starting ingredients for solvents and fuels.

Illustration of molecular structure of an enzyme that is powered by sunlight
News Brief

Two groups of researchers drew on SLAC tools to better understand how to target a key part of the virus that causes COVID-19.

Illustration of SARS-CoV-2, a round ball with spikes.
News Feature

SSRL and LCLS scientists will help visiting research teams solve their experimental challenges, then apply what they’ve learned to help others work more efficiently.

Diagram of a complex molecule
News Feature

Scientists get dramatically better resolution at X-ray free-electron lasers with a new technique.

timingjitter
News Feature

Stanford EM-X brings hundreds of researchers around the world together to discuss the latest methods and discoveries from electron microscopes.

Black and white electron microscope images of pollen.
News Feature

G6PD deficiency affects about 400M people worldwide and can pose serious health risks. Uncovering the causes of the most severe cases could finally lead...

G6PD enzyme in red blood cell
News Feature

The results suggest a possible feedback that could help trap carbon in the ocean’s low-oxygen zones, but the impact on climate change remains unclear.

Scientists watch from a ship deck as a sample is hauled in from the ocean.