World’s first long duration synchrotron experiment

In an unprecedented step forward, Diamond recently unveiled the world’s first experimental facility that allows users to carry out synchrotron experiments over months and even years. The Long Duration Experimental facility (LDE) makes it possible for scientists to scrutinise changes in the properties and behaviourof materials that take place in situ over an extended period of time.

Molecular ruler to regulate chain lengths in Lipopolysaccharide

An international team of scientists, led by researchers from the University of St Andrews in the UK and Guelph in Canada, have used cutting edge X-ray and ultraviolet light studies to reveal the workings of the molecular ruler that helps bacteria to survive and outsmart the human immune system.

One step closer to preventing hip implant replacements

The hip joint is one of the largest joints in the human body and over the last decade, it is estimated that over half a million hips have been replaced in England and Wales as a result of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder in adults, affecting nearly eight million people in the UK alone. Surgical replacement of the joint using artificial metal implants is the most effective way to restore activity and reduce pain and disability in osteoarthritis sufferers.

Shining a light on medical diagnostics

Medical imaging potential for highly fluorescent Bodipy-phosphine complexes. Crystallographic data gathered at the Small Molecule Single Crystal Diffraction beamline (I19) have aided scientists from Newcastle University in characterising a series of metal complexes with potential applications in medical imaging and diagnostics for cancer.