to start you thinking -
here is a few of the projects that synchrotron light is contributing to
This list is borrowed from the Australian Synchrotron web site and can be found at http://www.synchrotron.org.au
- trace the distribution of pollutants in a wetland
- manufacture microscopic machines such as motors so small they can fit through the eye of a needle
- analyse ore samples to establish the value of a possible mining site
- analyse a hair sample for trace elements to determine whether Beethoven was poisoned
- test wood to determine its load bearing capacity
- make light bulbs that use less electricity
- determine the lead content in clay, a material used in the manufacture of many medicines
- probe how atoms and molecules bond with a surface, and develop ultra-thin lubricants
- evaluate the performance of microchips
- visualise cells in their natural state
- help fight against malaria by studying the life cycle of the deadly malaria parasite in living red blood cells
- determine the three-dimensional structure of proteins
- create new and better drugs
- increase the winter hardiness of wheat
- solve protein crystal structures in days instead of months or years
- study the brain
- develop new imaging techniques for medical diagnosis
- perform non-invasive angiography (X-ray study of the heart and blood vessels to reveal obstructions)
- help industry develop environmentally friendly and solvent-free paints
- manufacture biodegradable plastics that could be eaten by bugs
- study the surfaces and interfaces between materials
- tackle corrosion problems in cars, aeroplanes, and pipelines
- explore the properties of materials as diverse as semi-conductors, glass, muscle fibres, and plastics
- develop new injection-moulded materials for jogging shoes, car bodies and bumpers, and furniture foam
- probe the structure of matter
- investigate chemical reactions
- develop new drugs
- design new microchips for more powerful computers
- manufacture tiny biomedical implants
- create new materials such as stronger metal alloys for aeroplane wings
- investigate the use of tin oxide as a glass coating material
- investigate the possible health benefits of oestrogenic compounds
- determine structures of large chiral molecules like proteins and biopolymers
- build mini-machines by manipulating and moving molecules
- improve computer chips by removing fine layers of electrons
- watch atoms in chemical reactions
- work out molecular structures of metals, plastics, optical fibres
- make new materials for the aerospace industry
- give wool textiles the feel of silk
- develop anti-flue drugs such as Relenza
- understand how bacteria reduce metal pollution in wetlands
- make better tasting chocolates by investigating how cocoa butter crystallises
- study the properties of oil
- detect petrol and oil micro-contaminants
- image oil flow through sedimentary rocks
- detect trace elements in geological samples
- stimulate geochemical forces
- make less polluting petrol
- study the residual stress and phase structure of welds
- identify metal contaminants of silicon wafers
- study interfaces of materials and surfaces
- create superconducting ceramics
Last modified: 2012-01-19 17:01:04