Featured
The quantum tug-of-war between structure and spin
Using advanced X-ray scattering at the QM2 beamline at CHESS, researchers uncovered how atomic bonds and magnetic moments compete inside a newly discovered material - revealing a frustrated lattice where structure and magnetism intertwine and opening new possibilities for quantum materials research.
Under Pressure: How CHESS Helped Reveal Hidden Differences in Our DNA Packaging
How does pressure affect the molecules that organize our DNA? Using high-pressure X-ray scattering at CHESS, researchers revealed surprising differences between conventional and centromeric nucleosomes. This research sheds light on how our genetic material withstands extreme conditions and stays resilient under stress.
Philanthropic support accelerates infrastructure for the future of structural biology
A new $5 million initiative, funded by the Astera Institute, aims to make diffuse scattering – a signal in X-ray crystallography that reveals protein dynamics – accessible to the public and the broader scientific community.
CHESS receives $20M from NSF for new X-ray beamline
The U.S. National Science Foundation has awarded the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) nearly $20 million to build a new precision X-ray beamline for research on biological and environmental systems.
Wild blue wonder: X-ray beam explores food color protein
A natural food colorant called phycocyanin provides a fun, vivid blue in soft drinks, but it is unstable on grocery shelves. Cornell’s synchrotron is helping to steady it.
Summer Students: Live and In-Person
CHESS Summer students came together last month for their first - and only - in-person meeting of the summer. The group of students have been working remotely with their mentors since the start of the program on June 6th due to Covid-safety precautions.