Public Release: 14-Jul-2013
Nature Physics
Imaging electron pairing in a simple magnetic superconductor
Using a technique to measure the energy required for electrons to pair up and how that energy varies with direction, scientists have identified the factors needed for magnetically mediated superconductivity -- as well as those that aren't.
Department of Energy Office of Science, UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

Public Release: 14-Jul-2013
Nature Structural & Molecular Biology
Key step in molecular 'dance' that duplicates DNA deciphered
Scientists have captured new details of the biochemical interactions necessary for cell division -- molecular images showing how the enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix gets drawn to and wrapped around its target. The research may suggest ways for stopping cell division when it goes awry.
National Institutes of Health, UK Medical Research Council, Japan Society for Promotion of Science, Uehara Memorial Foundation

Public Release: 2-Jul-2013
FEBS Letters
Scientists identify promising antiviral compounds
Scientists at the US Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory have identified two promising candidates for the development of drugs against human adenovirus, a cause of ailments ranging from colds to gastrointestinal disorders to pink eye. The researchers sifted through thousands of compounds to determine which might block the effects of a key viral enzyme they had previously studied in atomic-level detail.
National Institutes of Health, Department of Energy Office of Science

Public Release: 27-Jun-2013
Nano Letters
Tiny nanocubes help scientists tell left from right
A team of scientists at the US Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory and Ohio University has developed a new, simpler way to discern molecular handedness, known as chirality, which could improve drug development, optical sensors and more.
US Department of Energy Office of Science, National Science Foundation

Public Release: 16-May-2013
ACS Nano
DNA-guided assembly yields novel ribbon-like nanostructures
DNA "linker" strands coax nano-sized rods to line up in way unlike any other spontaneous arrangement of rod-shaped objects. The arrangement -- with the rods forming "rungs" on ladder-like ribbons could result in the fabrication of new nanostructured materials with desired properties.
DOE Office of Science

Public Release: 24-Apr-2013
Energy & Environmental Science
Recipe for low-cost, biomass-derived catalyst for hydrogen production
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory describe details of a low-cost, stable, effective catalyst that could replace costly platinum in the production of hydrogen. The catalyst, made from renewable soybeans and abundant molybdenum metal, produces hydrogen in an environmentally friendly, cost-effective manner, potentially increasing the use of this clean energy source.
Department of Energy Office of Science