X-Ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy
High-resolution structure, redox states, and bonding descriptions of metals in complex environments
Synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopy techniques provide a powerful and synergistic toolkit to explore metal interactions within biological and biogeochemical systems and within the environment. These interactions can be observed on molecular scales to genomics-controlled mesoscales and include local environmental phenomena such as elemental uptake, catalytic behavior, storage, and bioavailability.
The synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopy suite encompasses standard and high-resolution X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES), extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS). Structural information (electronic and geometric) can be obtained from X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and EXAFS experiments (collectively called XAS). MicroXAS imaging provides spatially-resolved information on metal distribution and chemical speciation in biological materials on length scales from cells (nanometers) to tissues (centimeters). And enhanced electronic information into the time domain can be addressed using XES.
Synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopy techniques can probe how metalloproteins enable catalytic reactions like CO2 reduction and methane formation and how trace elements are involved in metabolism. They can also shed light on molecular transformations occurring in biogeochemical systems and processes by answering questions such as how the redox state and bonding description of a particular element evolve under various conditions and over time.
Instruments can be tuned to a specific element, providing complementary geometric and electronic structure information about the element and its nearest neighbors. The ability to probe one or more element independently under a variety of sample conditions allows detailed characterization of the chemistry in complex multifaceted systems. U.S. Department of Energy X-ray spectroscopy facilities can probe phosphorus through higher-atomic-number elements and enable structural dynamics studies on time scales into the sub-millisecond regime.

Synchrotron-Based X-Ray Spectroscopy Techniques Enable Exploration of Metal Interactions in Biological and Biogeochemical Systems. Top and Bottom Left: Understanding the structure of the copper-dependent integral membrane metalloenzyme in methanotrophic bacteria that converts methane to methanol. Top right: Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) reveals the structure of the active site of a nitrogenase enzyme that converts dinitrogen (N2) to bioavailable ammonia (NH3), which is a fundamental step in the biogeochemical nitrogen cycle. Bottom right: Geogenic CO2 exhalations are excellent natural laboratories for studying the behavior of copper in soil. The natural gradients found in redox conditions and in soil organic matter enable interacting processes to be disentangled. [All images copyrighted. See credit information at bottom of page.]
Key Features of X-ray Spectroscopy Techniques
- Determination of the atomic-resolution geometric structure of metal sites in molecules (EXAFS)
- Determination of oxidation states, metal-ligand interactions, bond strength, and structure-function correlation in molecules (XAS, XES, and RIXS)
- Determination of metal geometry, redox, and bonding in a single X-ray spectroscopy experiment
- X-ray energy range of 2 to 35 keV for studying phosphorus and higher-atomic-number elements
- Capacity for diverse sample types, including ultra-dilute metalloenzyme solutions, environmental or biogeochemical solutions, crystalline and amorphous solids, metal-colloid complexes, clays and multiphase mixtures, and in situ reaction environments with time-resolved capabilities
BER Researchers Use X-ray Spectroscopy to Study:
- Trace metal utilization in individual microbes and communities of organisms to understand their success or failure in ecosystems
- Systems-scale consequences of metal and organic matter environments in biological, biomimetic, and bioinspired systems
- Structure and function of metalloproteins and their intermediates in bioenergy, biogeochemical, and environmental enzymatic cycles
- The role of metalloproteins in the global carbon cycle
- Soil systems, both natural and environmentally compromised
- Microbe-fungi interactions and the evolution of microbial communities
- Biological remediation of toxic and radioactive waste
See more examples in Science Highlights
Sample Considerations
- Versatile sample environments range from low cryogenic through room (and elevated) temperatures and are in either helium (for elements from phosphorus to scandium), anoxic nitrogen, or air.
- Sample containment and preparation range from simple (“as-is”) to complex and are tailored to the experiment and X-ray energy range needs.
- Liquid samples can be studied frozen, static, or flowing.
- X-ray penetration of a sample depends on X-ray energy and sample density, thus the optimal approach to sample preparation varies between experiments.
- X-ray spectroscopy can also be employed at less than 2 keV energies for low-atomic-number elements. These experiments require an in-vacuum environment, are surface sensitive, and are rarely used for biological/biogeochemical studies.
- Users should discuss sample approaches with experts at the different beamline facilities.
X-ray Spectroscopy Beamlines at DOE User Facilities
Each beamline has unique characteristics. To determine the user facility and beamline best suited to your science questions, see additional information and beamline contacts at the links below.
- Beamlines 4.0.3, 7.3.1, and 11.0.2 — Advanced Light Source
- Beamlines 2-ID-D, 5-BM-D, 7-ID, 9-BM, 9-ID, 10-BM, 10-ID, 13-ID, 16-BM-D, 20-BM, and 20-ID — Advanced Photon Source
- Beamlines 5-ID, 7-BM, 7-ID, and 8-BM — National Synchrotron Light Source II
- Beamlines 7-3, 9-3, 4-3, 11-2, 4-1, 14-3, and 15-2 — Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource
Image Credits
Row 1, Image 1: Reprinted with permission from Elsevier from Sirajuddin, S., et al. 2014. “Effects of Zinc on Particulate Methane Monooxygenase Activity and Structure,” Journal of Biological Chemistry 289, 21782–794. DOI: 10.1074/jbc.M114.581363. Copyright 2014.
Row 1, Image 2: Reprinted with permission from Elsevier from Flores, R. M. 2014. “Chapter 3 – Origin of Coal as Gas Source and Reservoir Rocks,” In Coal and Coalbed Gas, 97-165. Ed. R.M. Fores, Elsevier. ISBN: 9780123969729, DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-396972-9.00003-3.
Row 1, Image 3: Reprinted with permission from Van Stappen, C., et al. 2019. “Spectroscopic Description of the E1 State of Mo Nitrogenase Based on Mo and Fe X-ray Absorption and Mössbauer Studies,” Inorganic Chemistry 58, 12365. DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b01951. Further permissions related to the material excerpted should be directed to the American Chemical Society.
Row 2, Image 1 and 2: Reprinted with permission from Elsevier from Ro, S. Y., et al. 2018. “From Micelles to Bicelles: Effect of the Membrane on Particulate Methane Monooxygenase Activity,” Journal of Biological Chemistry 293, 10457. DOI: 10.1074/jbc.RA118.003348.
Row 2, Image 3: Reprinted with permission from Mehlhorn, J., et al. 2018. “Copper Mobilization and Immobilization along an Organic Matter and Redox Gradient—Insights from a Mofette Site,” Environ. Sci. Technol. 52, 13698. DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b02668. Copyright 2018 American Chemical Society.
Research Highlights
Date | Title | Resource | Technique | Facility | Research Theme |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
06/12/2023 | Visualizing an Ancient Carbon Cycle Pathway Mechanism | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Chemical and Elemental Information |
06/06/2023 | Automation and High-Throughput Screening Speeds Lipid Nanoparticle Development | Structurally Integrated Biology for the Life Sciences | Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Solution X-ray Scattering | Advanced Light Source | Molecular Structure |
06/30/2023 | Persistence and Mobility of Iron-Rich Colloids Facilitate Element Transport and Cycling | Stanford-SLAC Cryo-EM Center | Cryo-Electron Microscopy, X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy | Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Chemical and Elemental Information |
05/05/2023 | Saprotrophic Fungus Weathers Potassium from Minerals in Carbon-Limited Environment | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Fluorescence Imaging | Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Chemical and Elemental Information |
11/02/2022 | The Copper Key to More Efficient Biomass Breakdown | Center for Structural Molecular Biology | Neutron Macromolecular Crystallography | Spallation Neutron Source/High Flux Isotope Reactor | Molecular Structure |
05/04/2023 | Img check | Molecular Structure | |||
03/28/2023 | Autonomous Hyperspectral Spatiochemical Imaging Delivers Faster Results and Improves Beamline Efficiency | Berkeley Synchrotron Infrared Structural Biology Imaging Program | Solution X-ray Scattering, Synchrotron Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging, X-ray Fluorescence Imaging | Advanced Light Source | Molecular Structure, Chemical and Elemental Information |
01/18/2023 | Unelectrified Aerosol-Producing Device for Biological Studies | Berkeley Synchrotron Infrared Structural Biology Imaging Program | Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Solution X-ray Scattering, X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography, Synchrotron Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging, X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy, X-ray Fluorescence Imaging | Advanced Light Source | Molecular Structure, Cell and Tissue Structure, Chemical and Elemental Information |
02/01/2023 | Bacterial Mercury Methylation Enhanced by Mixed Thiols | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Chemical and Elemental Information |
09/19/2022 | Viral Gene Products May Contribute to Soil Carbon Cycling | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
11/17/2022 | Direct Visualization of Fungal Mineral Transport | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Fluorescence Imaging | Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Chemical and Elemental Information |
04/01/2022 | Mechanisms of Bacterial Iron Metabolism | Structurally Integrated Biology for the Life Sciences | Solution X-ray Scattering | Advanced Light Source, Advanced Photon Source | Molecular Structure |
04/21/2022 | Protein Design for Genetically Encodable Nanomachines | Structurally Integrated Biology for the Life Sciences | Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Solution X-ray Scattering | Advanced Light Source | Molecular Structure |
10/14/2022 | Modeling the Partitioning of Amphiphilic Molecules and Cosolvents in Biomembranes | Center for Structural Molecular Biology | Small-Angle Neutron Scattering | Spallation Neutron Source/High Flux Isotope Reactor | Molecular Structure |
10/01/2022 | Detergent-Free Method for Photosystem I Stabilization in Structural Studies | Center for Structural Molecular Biology | Small-Angle Neutron Scattering, Solution X-ray Scattering | Spallation Neutron Source/High Flux Isotope Reactor | Molecular Structure |
07/05/2022 | Characteristics of Switchgrass Lignin Extracted by Different Solvent Pretreatments | Center for BioMolecular Structure | Solution X-ray Scattering | National Synchrotron Light Source II | Molecular Structure |
06/11/2021 | Evolving a Virus-Like Capsid from a Bacterial Protein | Center for BioMolecular Structure | X-ray Footprinting | National Synchrotron Light Source II | Molecular Structure |
10/08/2022 | XMIDAS Software Enables Chemical Analysis from Nanoscale Spectroscopy Data | Center for BioMolecular Structure | X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy, X-ray Fluorescence Imaging | National Synchrotron Light Source II | Chemical and Elemental Information |
08/26/2022 | RuBisCO Evolution Enabled by Structural Plasticity | Structurally Integrated Biology for the Life Sciences | Solution X-ray Scattering, X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Light Source | Molecular Structure |
04/07/2022 | Soft X-ray Tomography Captures Mesoscale Organelle Interactions | National Center for X-Ray Tomography | Soft X-ray Tomography | Advanced Light Source | Cell and Tissue Structure |
01/11/2022 | Biocatalyst Inspiration: Specificity and Selectivity of Rieske Oxygenases | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
03/25/2021 | Understanding How Bacteria Degrade N-Glycan | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
11/04/2021 | Potentially Customizable Molecular Assembly Line | Stanford-SLAC Cryo-EM Center, Structural Molecular Biology Resource | Cryo-Electron Microscopy, X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Light Source, Advanced Photon Source, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
04/05/2022 | How a Soil Microbe Could Rev Up Artificial Photosynthesis | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Photon Source, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
12/16/2021 | Aggregates Formed During Biomass Pretreatment Stem from Both Hemicellulose and Lignin | Center for Structural Molecular Biology | Small-Angle Neutron Scattering | Spallation Neutron Source/High Flux Isotope Reactor | Molecular Structure |
09/14/2021 | A Tunable Plant Pseudoenzyme-Enzyme Complex Regulates B6 Production | Cryogenic Transmission Electron Microscopy at EMSL | Cryo-Electron Microscopy | Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory | Molecular Structure |
02/22/2021 | Repurposing Cancer and Seizure Medications to Aid Fight Against COVID-19 | Structural Biology Center | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Photon Source | Molecular Structure |
06/11/2020 | Structural Basis for Neutralization of Betacoronaviruses by Llama Antibodies | Structural Biology Center | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Photon Source | Molecular Structure |
08/19/2021 | Existing Drug Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Replication | Structural Biology Center | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Photon Source | Molecular Structure |
08/03/2021 | Deconstructing the Infection Machinery of SARS-CoV-2 | Center for Structural Molecular Biology, Structural Biology Center, Structurally Integrated Biology for the Life Sciences | Small-Angle Neutron Scattering, Solution X-ray Scattering, X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Light Source, Advanced Photon Source, Spallation Neutron Source/High Flux Isotope Reactor | Molecular Structure |
05/12/2021 | Crystallography Confirms Drug-Protein Interaction that May Prevent Certain Breast Cancers | Structural Biology Center | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Photon Source | Molecular Structure |
04/17/2020 | Crystal Structures of SARS-CoV-2 Yield Understanding of Viral Replication Engine | Structural Biology Center | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Photon Source | Molecular Structure |
05/01/2021 | Structural Plasticity of the Selectivity Filter in a Nonselective Ion Channel | Structural Biology Center | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Photon Source | Molecular Structure |
10/05/2021 | Study Sheds Light on Photosynthesis in Iron-Low Leaves | Center for BioMolecular Structure | X-ray Fluorescence Imaging | National Synchrotron Light Source II | Chemical and Elemental Information |
02/11/2021 | A Modular Approach to Designing Protein Assemblies | Structurally Integrated Biology for the Life Sciences | Solution X-ray Scattering | Advanced Light Source | Molecular Structure |
01/19/2021 | Fusion Enzymes Improve Yield of Functionalized Terpenes | Structurally Integrated Biology for the Life Sciences | Solution X-ray Scattering | Advanced Light Source | Molecular Structure |
01/06/2021 | Designing a Controllable Self-Assembling Biomaterial | Structurally Integrated Biology for the Life Sciences | Solution X-ray Scattering | Advanced Light Source | Molecular Structure |
02/03/2020 | Antibodies Elicited by Zika Vaccine Characterized | Center for BioMolecular Structure, Structural Biology Center | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Photon Source, National Synchrotron Light Source II | Molecular Structure |
09/24/2019 | Revealing a MERS-CoV Vulnerability | Structural Biology Center | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Photon Source | Molecular Structure |
10/27/2020 | Potent Antibody Against SARS-CoV-2 | Structural Biology Center | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Photon Source | Molecular Structure |
02/02/2021 | SARS-CoV-2 Enzyme Structure Reveals Potential Inhibitors | Structural Biology Center | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Photon Source | Molecular Structure |
05/21/2021 | Essential Enzyme in Bacterial Protein Synthesis | Structural Biology Center | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Photon Source | Molecular Structure |
06/02/2021 | Complexation of Metals with Bacterial Methanobactins | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Chemical and Elemental Information |
03/24/2021 | Deciphering the Mechanism of Enzymatic Methane Synthesis | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy, X-ray Fluorescence Imaging | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Chemical and Elemental Information |
10/30/2020 | Molecular Crystals Hybridized with Hydrogel Polymers Achieve Unprecedented Material Attributes | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | Solution X-ray Scattering, X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
01/07/2020 | Multistep Crystallization of Microbial S-Layers | Structurally Integrated Biology for the Life Sciences, Structural Molecular Biology Resource | Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Solution X-ray Scattering, X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Light Source, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
03/23/2020 | Antibiotics with a Built-in OFF Switch | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | Solution X-ray Scattering, Synchrotron Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure, Chemical and Elemental Information |
11/02/2020 | Mechanistic Insights into Cu(I) Biogenesis of Galactose Oxidase | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Chemical and Elemental Information |
09/01/2020 | Tracking Foliar Zinc Absorption in Apple Trees | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Fluorescence Imaging | Advanced Photon Source, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Chemical and Elemental Information |
01/01/2021 | Soil Amendments and Flooding Cycle Impact Cadmium Bioavailability in Paddy Soil | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Chemical and Elemental Information |
08/18/2020 | Visualizing Enzymes in Action | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
01/22/2020 | Efficient and Economical Strategy for Functional Metalloprotein Design | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | Cryo-Electron Microscopy, X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
03/10/2020 | Introducing Positive Charges in an Artificial Enzyme Increases CO2 Hydrogenation | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
12/09/2019 | Tuning the Catalytic Bias of Hydrogenase Enzymes | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography, Synchrotron Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging | Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure, Chemical and Elemental Information |
03/08/2018 | Safety Concerns Over Tungsten Accumulation in Bone | Center for BioMolecular Structure | X-ray Fluorescence Imaging | National Synchrotron Light Source II | Chemical and Elemental Information |
07/08/2019 | Nanoparticle Properties Influence Nutrient Transport in Plants | Center for BioMolecular Structure, Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy, X-ray Fluorescence Imaging | National Synchrotron Light Source II, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Chemical and Elemental Information |
10/17/2018 | 3.7-Billion-Year-Old Rock Structures Formed by Tectonics, Not Life | Center for BioMolecular Structure | X-ray Fluorescence Imaging | National Synchrotron Light Source II | Chemical and Elemental Information |
09/07/2018 | X-ray Nanofluorescence Tomography of Single Bacterial Cells | Center for BioMolecular Structure | X-ray Fluorescence Imaging | National Synchrotron Light Source II | Chemical and Elemental Information |
12/10/2018 | Nanoparticle Surface Chemistry Influences Journey Through Tomato Plant | Center for BioMolecular Structure | X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy, X-ray Fluorescence Imaging | Advanced Photon Source, National Synchrotron Light Source II | Chemical and Elemental Information |
11/07/2017 | Characterization of Elusive Yeast Protein Complex Involved in Autophagy | Center for BioMolecular Structure | Solution X-ray Scattering | National Synchrotron Light Source II | Molecular Structure |
03/24/2020 | Critical Structural Differences Between Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza | Center for BioMolecular Structure | Solution X-ray Scattering, X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | National Synchrotron Light Source II | Molecular Structure |
03/24/2020 | Tunable Molecular Coating Stabilizes "DNA Origami" Structures | Center for BioMolecular Structure | Solution X-ray Scattering | National Synchrotron Light Source II | Molecular Structure |
01/10/2018 | Novel Architecture of a Bacterial Plasma Membrane Transporter | Center for BioMolecular Structure | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | National Synchrotron Light Source II | Molecular Structure |
11/16/2017 | 3D Protein Structure Aids Search for Vaccine | Center for BioMolecular Structure | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | National Synchrotron Light Source II | Molecular Structure |
08/09/2018 | Activation Mechanism of a Protein Kinase Reveals Role in Cancer Proliferation | Center for BioMolecular Structure | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | National Synchrotron Light Source II | Molecular Structure |
10/08/2018 | Searching for New Ways to Fight Bacterial Resistance | Center for BioMolecular Structure | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | National Synchrotron Light Source II | Molecular Structure |
06/21/2019 | Light Teaches Coenzymes New Tricks | Center for BioMolecular Structure | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | National Synchrotron Light Source II | Molecular Structure |
05/21/2019 | Structural Basis of Bacterial Spore Germination | Center for BioMolecular Structure | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | National Synchrotron Light Source II | Molecular Structure |
05/07/2020 | Mechanism of Activation of a Plant Metacaspase | Center for BioMolecular Structure | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | National Synchrotron Light Source II | Molecular Structure |
04/14/2021 | Molecular Fragment Screening Identifies Potential SARS-CoV-2 Inhibitors | Center for BioMolecular Structure, Structurally Integrated Biology for the Life Sciences, Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Light Source, National Synchrotron Light Source II, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
06/13/2018 | Structure of a Nuclear Membrane Gatekeeper | Center for BioMolecular Structure | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | National Synchrotron Light Source II | Molecular Structure |
09/23/2019 | Mechanism of Regulatory Protein's Dual Role as Inhibitor and Activator | Center for BioMolecular Structure | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | National Synchrotron Light Source II, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
04/02/2013 | Major Scaffold Component in Nuclear Pore Complex | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | Solution X-ray Scattering | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
05/24/2012 | Modulation of Plant Hormones by GH3 Proteins | Structural Biology Center | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Photon Source | Molecular Structure |
10/29/2013 | Common Physical Processes in Different Biomass Pretreatments | Center for Structural Molecular Biology | Small-Angle Neutron Scattering, X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Spallation Neutron Source/High Flux Isotope Reactor | Molecular Structure |
07/17/2013 | Lessening X-ray Damage Speeds Protein Discovery | Structural Biology Center | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Photon Source | Molecular Structure |
02/07/2013 | Lipid Bilayer Composition Regulates Function of Lipid Rafts in Model Cell Membranes | Center for Structural Molecular Biology | Small-Angle Neutron Scattering | Spallation Neutron Source/High Flux Isotope Reactor | Molecular Structure |
12/09/2012 | Watching the Evolution of a Protein’s Function | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Chemical and Elemental Information |
08/15/2013 | Multifunctionality of an Ebola Virus Protein | Structural Biology Center, Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Light Source, Advanced Photon Source, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
09/26/2014 | Understanding Nitrogen Fixation in Bacteria | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
11/10/2014 | Self-Assembling Porous Protein Cage Designed for Potential Biotech Applications | Structurally Integrated Biology for the Life Sciences | Solution X-ray Scattering, X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Light Source | Molecular Structure |
08/25/2015 | Modular Construction on a Biomolecular Scale | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
06/10/2015 | Archaeal Enzyme Plays Key Role in Atmospheric Carbon Turnover | Structural Biology Center | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Photon Source | Molecular Structure |
09/08/2015 | Manganese Reduction-Oxidation Drives Plant Debris Decomposition | Berkeley Synchrotron Infrared Structural Biology Imaging Program, Structural Molecular Biology Resource | Synchrotron Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging, X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy, X-ray Fluorescence Imaging | Advanced Light Source, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Chemical and Elemental Information |
12/07/2016 | Using Soft X-ray Ptychography to Investigate a Bacterium’s Inner Compass | X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy | Advanced Light Source | Chemical and Elemental Information | |
11/30/2016 | Crystal Structure of NOV1 Enzyme Reveals Mechanism of Action | Structurally Integrated Biology for the Life Sciences | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Light Source | Molecular Structure |
11/15/2016 | Mapping the Migration of Genetic Material | National Center for X-Ray Tomography | Soft X-ray Tomography | Advanced Light Source | Cell and Tissue Structure |
09/30/2020 | Understanding an Essential Chaperone Complex | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Solution X-ray Scattering, X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Photon Source, National Synchrotron Light Source II, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
07/31/2020 | Targeting a Critical Molecular Switch in COVID-19 | Center for BioMolecular Structure | Solution X-ray Scattering | National Synchrotron Light Source II | Molecular Structure |
11/30/2020 | Fine Tuning Drugs to Fight Cancer | Center for BioMolecular Structure, Structural Biology Center | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Photon Source, National Synchrotron Light Source II | Molecular Structure |
01/12/2016 | Cellulose Synthesis Complex | Center for Structural Molecular Biology | Small-Angle Neutron Scattering, Solution X-ray Scattering | Spallation Neutron Source/High Flux Isotope Reactor | Molecular Structure |
12/14/2016 | Hollow Pyramid Unlocks Principles of Protein Architecture | Structurally Integrated Biology for the Life Sciences | Solution X-ray Scattering | Advanced Light Source | Molecular Structure |
12/20/2016 | Detailing the Molecular Roots of Alzheimer’s Disease | Structural Biology Center | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Photon Source | Molecular Structure |
08/15/2016 | How Your Body Transports Zinc to Protect Your Health | Structural Biology Center | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Photon Source | Molecular Structure |
07/20/2017 | The CRISPR Target-Recognition Mechanism | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Light Source, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
05/03/2018 | Dynamic Regulation of Histone Chaperone Nucleoplasmin | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | Solution X-ray Scattering | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
06/23/2017 | Revealing How Bacterial Organelles Assemble | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
06/26/2017 | Molecular Basis of Alternative Tyrosine Biosynthesis in Plants | Structural Biology Center | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Photon Source | Molecular Structure |
04/12/2017 | Green Alga Genome Provides Blueprint to Advance Clean Energy, Bioproducts | National Center for X-Ray Tomography | Soft X-ray Tomography | Advanced Light Source | Cell and Tissue Structure |
10/06/2016 | Description of Hydration Water in Green Fluorescent Protein Solution | Center for Structural Molecular Biology | Small-Angle Neutron Scattering | Spallation Neutron Source/High Flux Isotope Reactor | Molecular Structure |
09/29/2017 | Precise Control of Neutron Contrast in Surfactant Micelles Provides Platform for Membrane Structure Studies | Center for Structural Molecular Biology | Small-Angle Neutron Scattering | Spallation Neutron Source/High Flux Isotope Reactor | Molecular Structure |
12/22/2016 | Neutrons Identify Oxygen Activation in LPMO enzyme | Center for Structural Molecular Biology | Neutron Macromolecular Crystallography, X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Photon Source, Spallation Neutron Source/High Flux Isotope Reactor | Molecular Structure |
05/23/2017 | Using Neutrons to Resolve Plasma Membrane Organization in Live Bacteria | Center for Structural Molecular Biology | Small-Angle Neutron Scattering | Spallation Neutron Source/High Flux Isotope Reactor | Molecular Structure |
08/03/2017 | Chemical Strategy for Conversion of CO2 to Biomass | Structural Biology Center, Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Photon Source, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
11/19/2020 | Enhancing Enzyme Catalysis Through Directed Evolution | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
08/14/2020 | Phenoxy Radical-Radical Coupling in Plants | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
06/22/2017 | Archaeal Abundance on Human Skin Changes with Age | Berkeley Synchrotron Infrared Structural Biology Imaging Program | Synchrotron Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging | Advanced Light Source | Chemical and Elemental Information |
08/11/2017 | Hacking the Bacterial Social Network | Structural Biology Center | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Photon Source | Molecular Structure |
06/16/2017 | Engineering Better Plant Cultivars for Iron Uptake by Modifying the Iron Deficiency Response in Arabidopsis thaliana | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Fluorescence Imaging | Advanced Photon Source, National Synchrotron Light Source II, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Chemical and Elemental Information |
05/09/2017 | Probing S-layer Protein Structural Dynamics with SAXS | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | Solution X-ray Scattering | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
09/08/2017 | The Origins of Photosynthesis in a Sun-Loving Bacteria | Structural Biology Center | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Light Source, Advanced Photon Source | Molecular Structure |
08/14/2017 | X-ray Footprinting Solves Mystery of Metal-Breathing Protein | Center for BioMolecular Structure | X-ray Footprinting | Advanced Light Source | Molecular Structure |
12/05/2016 | Designing Cyclic Oligomers: Greater than the Sum of Their Parts | Structurally Integrated Biology for the Life Sciences | Solution X-ray Scattering, X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Light Source, Advanced Photon Source | Molecular Structure |
09/09/2017 | Measuring and Modeling Poplar Root Water Extraction After Drought Using Neutron Imaging | Center for Structural Molecular Biology | Neutron Imaging | Spallation Neutron Source/High Flux Isotope Reactor | Cell and Tissue Structure |
06/30/2017 | Finding New Clues to a Common Respiratory Virus | Structural Biology Center | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Photon Source | Molecular Structure |
11/02/2017 | Arsenic Accumulation in Benthic Periphytic Biofilms | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Fluorescence Imaging | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Chemical and Elemental Information |
10/01/2016 | Crystal Clear Imaging Infrared Brings to Light Nanoscale Molecular Arrangement | Berkeley Synchrotron Infrared Structural Biology Imaging Program | Synchrotron Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging | Advanced Light Source | Chemical and Elemental Information |
07/10/2017 | Novel Orange Carotenoid Proteins Shed Light on Evolution of Cyanobacteria Photoprotection | Structurally Integrated Biology for the Life Sciences | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Light Source | Molecular Structure |
01/11/2017 | Study Pinpoints Most Reactive Areas of Nanoscale Particles | Berkeley Synchrotron Infrared Structural Biology Imaging Program | Synchrotron Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging | Advanced Light Source | Chemical and Elemental Information |
01/19/2017 | A Regional Model for Uranium Redox and Mobility | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Chemical and Elemental Information |
04/07/2017 | Direct Measurement of Protein Dynamics In Vivo | Center for Structural Molecular Biology | Small-Angle Neutron Scattering | Spallation Neutron Source/High Flux Isotope Reactor | Molecular Structure |
04/18/2017 | Could This Enzyme Help Turn Biofuel Waste into Something Useful? | Structurally Integrated Biology for the Life Sciences | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Light Source | Molecular Structure |
07/11/2017 | Brown Rot Fungi Reveal a New Approach for Biomass Conversion to Fuels and Chemicals | Center for Structural Molecular Biology | Small-Angle Neutron Scattering | Spallation Neutron Source/High Flux Isotope Reactor | Molecular Structure |
09/19/2019 | Dynamics on Cellulose Show Two Important Populations from Neutron Scattering and Simulations | Center for Structural Molecular Biology | Small-Angle Neutron Scattering | Spallation Neutron Source/High Flux Isotope Reactor | Molecular Structure |
11/15/2017 | Cyanobacterial Studies Examine Cellular Structure During Nitrogen Starvation | Center for Structural Molecular Biology | Small-Angle Neutron Scattering | Spallation Neutron Source/High Flux Isotope Reactor | Molecular Structure |
12/13/2017 | Binding of Alternative Substrates to Nitrogenase | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
01/17/2018 | "Zip Code" Mechanism for Hormone Signaling Revealed | Center for BioMolecular Structure | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | National Synchrotron Light Source II, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
01/18/2018 | Structure of a Flavoenzyme Assembly Intermediate | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
12/14/2017 | Using Plants to Immobilize and Stabilize Arsenic in the Soil | Center for BioMolecular Structure, Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy, X-ray Fluorescence Imaging | National Synchrotron Light Source II, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Chemical and Elemental Information |
08/30/2018 | Directed Evolution Mimics Allosteric Activation of Enzymes | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
08/21/2018 | Potent Bacteria | Structural Biology Center | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Photon Source | Molecular Structure |
11/15/2018 | Controlled Self-Assembly of a Designed Nucleoprotein | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | Solution X-ray Scattering | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
02/05/2019 | Peptide Induced Lateral Segregation of Lipids in a Biomembrane | Center for Structural Molecular Biology | Small-Angle Neutron Scattering | Spallation Neutron Source/High Flux Isotope Reactor | Molecular Structure |
02/25/2019 | Breakthrough Shines Light on Disease-Fighting Protein | Stanford-SLAC Cryo-EM Center, Structural Biology Center | Cryo-Electron Microscopy, X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Photon Source, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
02/18/2019 | An Efficient and Economical Strategy for the Design of Functional Metalloproteins | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
02/22/2019 | DNA Gets a Bigger Alphabet | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
03/05/2019 | Understanding Cadmium Distribution in Hyperaccumulating Plants for Efficient Phytoremediation | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Fluorescence Imaging | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Chemical and Elemental Information |
04/05/2019 | Influence of Chemically Disrupted Photosynthesis on Cyanobacterial Thylakoid Dynamics | Center for Structural Molecular Biology | Small-Angle Neutron Scattering | Spallation Neutron Source/High Flux Isotope Reactor | Molecular Structure |
04/12/2019 | What Enables the Fastest Carbon Dioxide Fixation by Reductive Carboxylase? | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
05/03/2019 | New Approach for Solving Protein Structures from Tiny Crystals | Center for BioMolecular Structure | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | National Synchrotron Light Source II | Molecular Structure |
07/10/2019 | Structuring Sweetness: What Makes Stevia 200 Times Sweeter than Sugar? | Structural Biology Center | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Photon Source | Molecular Structure |
07/10/2019 | Structural Characterization of Chitinases from Agave tequilana | Structural Molecular Biology Resource | Solution X-ray Scattering | Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource | Molecular Structure |
11/19/2019 | How Essential Membrane Lipids Interact to Regulate Cellular Processes | Structural Biology Center | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Photon Source | Molecular Structure |
11/29/2019 | Ammonia-Salt Solvent Promotes Cellulosic Biomass Deconstruction Under Ambient Processing Conditions | Center for Structural Molecular Biology | Small-Angle Neutron Scattering | Spallation Neutron Source/High Flux Isotope Reactor | Molecular Structure |
12/09/2019 | Research at the Advanced Photon Source Leads to New Ebola Drug | Structural Biology Center | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography | Advanced Photon Source | Molecular Structure |
08/29/2020 | How Proteins Remodel DNA in Bacteria Under Stress | National Center for X-Ray Tomography, Structurally Integrated Biology for the Life Sciences | Solution X-ray Scattering, X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography, Soft X-ray Tomography | Advanced Light Source | Molecular Structure, Cell and Tissue Structure |
08/13/2020 | Cell Membrane Proteins Imaged in 3D | Center for BioMolecular Structure, Structural Biology Center | X-ray Macromolecular Crystallography, X-ray Fluorescence Imaging | Advanced Photon Source, National Synchrotron Light Source II | Chemical and Elemental Information |
07/21/2020 | Role of Solvents in Efficient Biomass Deconstruction | Center for Structural Molecular Biology | Small-Angle Neutron Scattering | Spallation Neutron Source/High Flux Isotope Reactor | Molecular Structure |
02/14/2020 | How Dinosaur Blood Vessels Preserve Through the Ages | Berkeley Synchrotron Infrared Structural Biology Imaging Program | Synchrotron Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging | Advanced Light Source | Chemical and Elemental Information |
06/23/2020 | Novel Cell Membrane Model Could Be Key to Uncovering New Protein Properties | Center for BioMolecular Structure, Center for Structural Molecular Biology | Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Small-Angle Neutron Scattering, Solution X-ray Scattering | National Synchrotron Light Source II, Spallation Neutron Source/High Flux Isotope Reactor | Molecular Structure, Cell and Tissue Structure |
10/07/2020 | "Missing Link" in Evolutionary History of the Carbon-Fixing Protein Rubisco | Structurally Integrated Biology for the Life Sciences | Solution X-ray Scattering | Advanced Light Source | Molecular Structure |