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DNA is, besides displaying its central biological role as bearer of the genetic material, an extremely versatile construction material. DNA has become very attractive for the creation of novel nanosized objects. We are studying the influence of modifications of DNA with the aim to create functional DNA based nano-materials. Our modifications generally consist of large chromophores, which show specific light-induced activity such as energy or electron transfer. We are using modifications ...
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The three dimensional structure (i.e. conformation) of natural proteins and peptides plays an important role in their biological activity and has led to the development of non-natural backbones which mimic such conformations and offers therapeutic advantages. Peptoids are peptidomimetics where the chemical modification is responsible for desirable chemical, physical and biological properties. The presence of tertiary amides in the peptoid backbone results in complex NMR spectra due to ...
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Diamond welcomes today’s news that the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is investing £12.9 million in the UK Catalysis Hub. Catalysis science is critical for the country’s chemical, energy, pharmaceutical, food, personal care and materials sectors.
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The coupled magnetic and electronic properties of rare-earth doped GaN semiconductors have attracted a lot of interest by researchers from industry and academia in recent years. Researchers from University of Strathclyde, Osaka University (Japan) and Diamond Light Source have investigated Eu-doped GaN at Diamond beamlines B18 and I06. Their results have been published in Nature’s Scientific Reports.
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The coupled magnetic and electronic properties of rare-earth doped GaN semiconductors have attracted a lot of interest by researchers from industry and academia in recent years. Researchers from University of Strathclyde, Osaka University (Japan) and Diamond Light Source have investigated Eu-doped GaN at Diamond beamlines B18 and I06. Their results have been published in Nature’s Scientific Reports.
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The properties of nanocrystalline materials, where crystallinity is limited to particles of a few nanometres in dimension, are heavily researched in a number of contemporary areas. This is because once the crystal is reduced to such a small size, the properties may change dramatically from the bulk material. The structure of the surface atomic arrangement also becomes a significant proportion of the total structure, which may change the reactivity of the material in a nanocrystalline form. ...
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STFC have just announced the next Public Engagement Fellowships Scheme. For researchers with good communication skills who have demonstrated a track record in public engagement with research or communication work.
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High-energy X-rays produced by Diamond Light Source, the UK's national synchrotron science facility, have revealed the earliest rugose coral recorded to date. Using high-resolution tomography enabled by the Diamond synchrotron, researchers from Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales and Golestan University (Iran) were able to create 3D images of the rare fossil, without having to sample it destructively.
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The impressive appearance of the second largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, York Minster, has dominated the townscape since medieval times (Figure 1). Representing the architectural expression of developing Christianity during that period, its international historical significance is unquestioned, and the Minster has provided a source of inspiration for scholars through the ages. However, recent centuries have seen conservationists battling to preserve the authenticity of this ...
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As 2012 draws to a close, Diamond Light Source reflects back on its tenth anniversary year.
In November top scientists, industrial researchers and funding agencies gathered at the Royal Society in London to gain insights into the scientific achievements that have been driven by Diamond Light Source, the UK’s national synchrotron science facility.
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Recently published work from the Infrared beamline at the Diamond Light Source has the potential to speed up and simplify investigations in cell biology. The report, highlighted on the front cover of the 14th November 2012 issue of The Analyst, details a technique that has been developed to rapidly and effectively screen cell samples, replacing a key step in single cell analysis that is usually carried out by the human eye.
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A European collaboration of scientists from the UK, Spain, Italy, France and the Ukraine has used interfacial strain to drive large temperature changes in thin magnetic films. Their results, published this week in Nature Materials, pave the way for further studies and R&D, with the potential to deliver environmentally friendly, energy-efficient refrigeration in both domestic and industrial appliances.
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I just returned from leave to hear the sad news that former Life Sciences Director Professor Dame Louise Johnson has passed away.
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Arabidopsis thaliana, or thale cress as it is commonly known, made history back in 2000 by becoming the first plant to have its entire genetic code read by scientists, contributing to what is often referred to as biology's version of the book of life.
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In contrast to mammals, plants do not have mobile defender cells and an adaptive immune system; they defend themselves against attack from pathogens using an innate immune system. This immune system relies on the detection of foreign molecules and responds to these in different ways. One such way is the Hypersensitive Response (HR) where plant host cells undergo localised cell death. This makes it challenging for invading pathogens to establish a successful infection. HR is normally observed ...
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Many of the experimental stations (beamlines) at Diamond are well suited to addressing environmental questions. With powerful X-rays you can see metal corrosion as it forms...
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A wide variety of health related research takes place at Diamond and scientists here highlight how the synchrotron is helping them to bring new diagnosis techniques and better implant devices to the field of medicine.
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See scientists and engineers talking about what fascinates them about science, what sparked their curiosity, how they were inspired to follow their chosen career path and why the Diamond synchrotron is important to them.
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A collaboration of scientists from the University of Nottingham, STFC’s ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, Diamond Light Source, the University of Oxford and Peking University in China, have created a new low-cost material that can capture harmful gases, offering exciting prospects for combating atmospheric pollution.
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Scientists at the University of Oxford and Diamond Light Source have described a new chemical catalyst for producing methanol, a promising future biofuel. By reducing the energy needed to convert biomass to methanol, the new catalyst offers a more sustainable way to make the useful chemical and fuel.
At present, methanol is used primarily in industrial chemistry, including the manufacture of plastics and synthetic fibres, and as a fuel in fuel cells. It is manufactured from natural gas, ...
