An international research group reports in Nature the observation of the phase transition of a hexagonal close-packed (HCP) crystal structure of hydrogen to a 6-fold larger hydrogen supercell. The findings describe polymerization activity at extreme pressures which reveals how atoms arrange themselves in solid hydrogen and offers clues to the formation of metallic hydrogen. The study includes X-ray diffraction (XRD) data from MAX IV’s NanoMAX beamline.
High-resolution imaging provides clues to lung disease
Researchers have imaged lung tissue affected by Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) with nanometre resolution. They managed to capture differences in the distribution of trace elements compared to a healthy lung. The result is a step towards better understanding the body at the nanoscale and managing this and other currently untreatable diseases.
New anti-cancer candidate revealed with AI drug screening and X-rays
Consider it a success case or a bright point of discovery in the search for cancer inhibitors. An international team of researchers has identified a new compound to potentially disarm AKR1C3, an upregulated enzyme found in prostate, breast and other cancers, using AI-based drug screening and brilliant X-ray light at MAX IV. Is this study a diamond in the rough or a glimpse of more to come in biomedical research using artificial intelligence?
High-speed snapshots reveal hidden details of catalysis
Developments in time-resolved catalysis research opens a long-awaited opportunity to revisit catalytic reactions that have been subject to scientific debate. In this recent publication, the newly developed method has been used to settle the mechanism for carbon monoxide transformation to carbon dioxide over a platinum catalyst. The result is an important step towards optimisation of catalysts.
Researchers reveal mechanism behind artificial photosynthesis
Researchers have for the first time revealed the mechanism behind artificial photosynthesis. The study is an important step towards more efficient and tailored devices for local sustainable energy production.
A new way to look at thyroid tumours
Follicular tumours in the thyroid can be difficult to diagnose as the entire follicle capsule needs to be sliced and inspected in order to detect ruptures. The current protocol involves cytology and histology, but these have limitations. Researchers from Uppsala University (UU) and Lund University (LU) are investigating the potential use of synchrotron-based virtual histology for 3D inspection of the follicle capsule at MAX IV.
Altermagnetism imaged for the first time at MAX IV
The domain structure of a new type of magnet, called altermagnet, has been imaged for the first time at the MAXPEEM beamline. The study opens the way for controlling the properties of these materials at the nanoscale and could contribute to faster and more energy efficient memory devices.
Looking for clues in stroke-causing plaques with X-rays and machine learning
Stroke affects around 15 million people globally every year according to the WHO. Stroke can lead to significant health consequences or even death, and further knowledge of causes for prevention is a priority. Atherosclerotic plaques that can rupture and cause stroke has been investigated by a combination of X-ray imaging and machine learning to understand more about stability and risks.
Forging designer supramolecular hydrogels
A research group from the University of Glasgow in the United Kingdom reports in the journal Nature Synthesis that dynamic supramolecular hydrogels can be designed with desired structures using a new ‘forging’ technique. The out-of-equilibrium system was tested using MAX IV’s Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) beamline, CoSAXS.
Multitasking microalgae fight pollution
Microalgae for pollution removal is the topic of two recent studies by MAX IV users. The storage mechanism of phosphorous in the algae was investigated in detail contributing to method development for pollution removal from wastewater. The phosphorous-containing algae can, in turn, be used to soak up metal pollutants.