News Feed - Canadian Light Source

World leader in single-atom catalysts relies on CLS to drive advances in field

"Fundamental SAC research would be impossible without access to world-class facilities like the CLS....” Dr. Peng Zhang, Dalhousie University

USask statement on 2024-25 federal budget

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) applauds the 2024-25 federal budget’s strong support for key areas of post-secondary education and research

Synchrotron light helps study the past, prevent corrosion in future

New imaging techniques could be used to preserve artifacts and fossils

Protecting drinking water on prairies from emerging pollutant

University of Guelph researchers use CLS to better understand compound used to treat sour gas.

The fascinating future of metal tellurate materials

International research team determines structure of new material with potential uses in solar energy, batteries, catalysis

Findings pave way for longer-lasting solid-state batteries

NRC researchers identify root causes of rapid loss of capacity in solid-state batteries

Discovery sets stage for vaccine against gastric cancer, ulcers

Researchers from Quebec's National Institute of Scientific Research (INRS) solve structure of protein that plays a key role in helping H. pylori bind to stomach lining

Customized hearing implants: How synchrotron imaging is changing the game

Researchers from Western University use CLS to obtain highly detailed images of the inner ear, paving way for customized programming strategies for hearing implants

New discovery may lead to better vaccines for pork producers

Researchers from University of Manitoba, Leiden University Medical Centre (Netherlands) gain new insights into porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), which costs Canadian pork industry estimated $130M annually.

New glass-ceramic composite shows promise for safer storage of nuclear waste

USask researchers find composite resists corrosion as well as current industry standard and holds more waste

Using pulp and paper waste to scrub carbon from emissions

McGill researchers develop new green technology

Improving antiviral medication for COVID-19 gives more patients access to treatment

University of Alberta research could pave way for immunocompromised people to safely treat infection.

From cannabis harvest to flexible solar panels

University of Ottawa researchers using CLS to develop next-gen electronic devices

Nature’s defense against changing climate

UBC researchers identify unique water storage system that protects balsam poplar trees from drought

Fighting food waste: Reducing grain spoilage in storage could help feed growing global population

Synchrotron light enables researcher to identify wheat varieties that best retain nutritional properties

Developing crave-worthy vegan meats: A golden age for agriculture in Canada?

Researchers from University of Guelph develop method for converting liquid oils to solid, plant-based fats with texture similar to meat.

Protecting communities from toxic mine waste

Researchers demonstrate effectiveness of method for containing toxins from mine waste that could help protect drinking water, prevent cancer.

New hope for fighting malaria: Decoding human antibodies

Using CMCF beamline, researchers from Hospital for Sick Children decode how human antibodies protect us against malaria

Adding calcium to soils can help increase organic matter, trap more carbon

Researchers from Cornell University, Purdue University have identified a previously undiscovered mechanism triggered by calcium when it’s added to soil.

Developing batteries with 10 times the energy storage

Researchers from Western University gain deeper understanding of all-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries, which could lead to EVs that cost less to purchase, travel further on a single charge, and are safer to drive.

Combining metals for cheaper, more stable fuel cells

Researchers from Western University have discovered that incorporating other metals reduces the amount of platinum that is required to produce energy, and results in a more stable catalyst for fuel cells.

A new approach to longer-lasting, faster-charging batteries

Researchers from McGill University, Université du Québec à Montreal develop new approach to making inexpensive batteries that hold large amounts of charge and recharge quickly.

Nanoscale rust: The future of magnets?

U of M researcher studying how to make magnets cheaper, easier to produce

Turning mine waste into healthy soil

A team led by researchers at the University of Queensland has developed an innovative method to turn harmful tailings into healthy soil.

Battling antibiotic-resistant pathogens one door knob at a time

New antimicrobial coating could revolutionize cleaning methods

Understanding sensitive soils to improve quality of surrounding water

Researchers from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences are investigating the impact of phosphorous on sensitive soils and local aquatic systems.

Improved treatment for patients with kidney failure

USask researchers have developed a better membrane for dialysis machines that could lead to safer treatment, improved quality of life for patients with kidney failure.

CLS enables confirmation of physics phenomenon

Researchers from the University of New Brunswick and The Ohio State University use Canadian Light Source for experimental confirmation of quantum monodromy

Newly identified protein could help fight cancer

Researchers from the University of British Columbia (UBC) have identified a new protein that helps an oral bacterium thrive in other locations around the body.

Recycling precious metals from electronic waste with captured CO2

U of T researcher Gisele Azimi is bringing battery recycling to a new level, using captured carbon dioxide to harvest the precious metals used for green technologies.

Building a better carbon capture system

Modular design by researchers at Rice University could be used to clean air in homes, industrial plants, and even a space station.

Transforming chicken manure into nutrient-rich fertilizer for crops

An international collaboration between researchers from Brazil and the United States has identified a process for turning poultry waste into a soil additive for agriculture.

Recycling phosphorus from wastewater to grow better crops

Scientists are helping close the loop on the sustainability cycle with research into nutrient-enhanced biochar.

Corn protein key to better texture in plant-based meat substitutes

Using the CLS, an Ontario research team has come up with a new method for creating meat substitutes with the same fibrous qualities as a steak or chicken breast

Taking the stress out of growing corn

Researchers from the University of Saskatchewan are investigating how the first frost impacts corn varieties, in the hopes of finding new ways to maximize crop yields.

Ancient fluid in quartz provides key to finding new uranium deposits

Saskatchewan’s Athabasca Basin is home to some of the world’s largest and richest uranium deposits, but it can still be tricky to find them.

Undermining the foundations of bacterial resistance

Scientists from the University of Guelph have used the Canadian Light Source (CLS) at the University of Saskatchewan to better understand how several infectious bacteria, including E. coli., build a protective sugar-based barrier that helps cloak their cells.

New catalyst twice as selective, could make chemical production cleaner and cheaper

Researchers demonstrated a new electrically powered catalyst that is twice as efficient as baseline materials at producing acetic acid, which has multiple industrial applications.

Tiny proteins found across the animal kingdom play a key role in cancer spread

Researchers from McGill University have made an exciting discovery about specific proteins involved in the spread of certain cancers.

Researchers study molecular bindings to develop better cancer treatments

A research team based in Winnipeg is using the Canadian Light Source (CLS) at the University of Saskatchewan to find new, cutting-edge ways to battle cancer.

Imaging Earth’s crust reveals natural secret for reducing carbon emissions

When Simone Pujatti dove deeply into the makeup of rocks from the ocean floor, he did not find what he was expecting — he found something much more interesting, with implications for mitigating climate change.

Researchers identify new material for creating electronic devices

Efficiently building a better diode one layer at a time

Inside cannabis flowers and chemistry

Researchers used the CLS to uncover how structures in cannabis flowers are connected to the plant's complex chemistry.

Attacking cancer cells from the inside out

Researchers from the University of Toronto (U of T) are harnessing the power of proteins to stop cancer cells in their tracks.

Meeting high-tech industry’s need for magnetic materials

Researchers from the University of British Columbia (UBC) have discovered a new material made of common elements that may one day make our everyday electronics, such as cellphones, cheaper and more environmentally friendly.

Battling biofilm to prevent dangerous lung infections

Researchers from the University of Toronto (U of T) and The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) have identified a promising therapeutic target to help treat lung infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.

Canadian Light Source at USask announces appointment of new Chief Executive Officer

Today, the Canadian Light Source (CLS) Board of Directors at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is announcing the appointment of a new CLS Chief Executive Officer.

Blood-type conversion process informed by CLS crystallography now in pre-clinical trials

Application of a discovery that was aided in part by the Canadian Light Source (CLS) at the University of Saskatchewan has advanced to pre-clinical trials and is now the basis of a dynamic new startup.

Building better catalysts to close the carbon dioxide loop

Converting CO2 to useful chemicals

Cleaning contaminated water with flax shives

Researchers from University of Saskatchewan use Canadian Light Source to examine why common agricultural byproduct an effective adsorbent for clearing pharmaceutical pollutants from water.

Better batteries for a better future

A team of scientists from the United States, Canada and Germany are tackling one of the largest challenges of our generation — reliable energy storage.

Innovative fuels for Small Modular Reactors

Scientists from Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, University of Saskatchewan using the CLS to investigate energy solutions.

Students from Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation using science to help bison

Bison have long held a prominent place in the culture of the Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation, located about 100 kms east of Regina.

Finding more sustainable ways to cultivate rice crops

A team of researchers based in Europe used the Canadian Light Source to understand how to make fertilizer nutrients more available to rice plants.

Canadian Light Source begins major upgrade

New linear accelerator will ensure continued world-leading discovery and innovation.

New bone imaging technique could lead to improved osteoporosis treatment

Osteoporosis takes heavy toll on Canadians in terms of physical suffering and economic burden.

Understanding oral bacteria to help fight periodontal disease

Wilfrid Laurier researchers are exploring how bacteria target weak points in the connective ligaments in your mouth.

Modifying water’s structure as low-energy method for removing pollutants

Fresh water is a finite resource vulnerable to contamination.

Better understanding of viral protein could lead to more effective COVID drug treatments with fewer side effects

Although the COVID-19 pandemic may feel like it is winding down for many people, there is still much to be learned about the virus that could help us to keep it at bay in the future.

Brain differences in men and women could affect post-stroke outcomes

Strokes are the third leading cause of death in Canada and have impacted close to 880,000 Canadians over the age of 20.

Unlocking the doors to effective COVID-19 treatments

Developing therapeutics for COVID-19 should lessen the length and severity of the illness, keeping more people out of the hospital and improving patient outcomes.

Scientists invent new material to improve drug delivery to patients

New glow-in-the-dark material can track path of drugs through the human body

Producing hydrogen from seawater

McGill scientists have identified potential method for producing hydrogen from the oceans.

Renewable energy solutions that don’t break the bank

Finding sustainable sources of renewable energy will help combat climate change and offer consumers access to reliable sources of fuel.

New research on the risks of lead exposure from bullets used in big game hunting

For the first time, researchers have used synchrotron imaging to study both the size and spread of bullet fragments in big game shot by hunters.

USask major scientific centres awarded $170M of MSI funding

Four flagship research centres at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) uniquely equipped to keep Canada at the forefront internationally in vaccine development, imaging science, sustainable water management and monitoring space weather have been awarded nearly $170 million.

New insights into a dynamic protein targeted in cancer therapy

New structural information about an enzyme target in cancer medicine could help the development of next generation inhibitors.

Understanding how motor proteins shape our cells

Tiny motors play large roles in our cells and are targets for new therapies.

X-rays allow us to quickly develop high-strength steels

Synchrotron analyses could be used to fast-track the development of novel high-strength steel designs.

Bacteria could help to capture greenhouse gases

Research may help advance human and environmental health.

Disentangling superconductors

Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute researchers investigate intricacies in superconductors with hopes to support quantum computer development

How to store more carbon in soil during climate change

Using a synchrotron to study how soil can reduce greenhouse gases, retain more moisture during droughts, and hold more soil organic carbon for greater crop resilience.

Pandemic reveals need for stricter glove disposal methods

Tested gloves released microparticles, organic matter, and heavy metals into water after weathering.

Researchers work to reduce failures in hip implants

Using light brighter than the sun to help identify the cause of hip implant failure.

Cutting-edge imaging yields new insights into stroke

Synchrotron’s “superhuman vision” made it easy to detect markers of brain damage.

Bacteria could transform paper industry waste into useful products

Getting more useful products out of renewable resources like wood is the goal of scientists who are using Canada’s only synchrotron.

New insights into HIV virus help to understand how it evades immune surveillance

About 38 million people globally are living with HIV.

Former provincial minister Rob Norris departs Canadian Light Source

After successfully completing his three-year term as senior government relations officer at the University of Saskatchewan’s Canadian Light Source, former provincial cabinet minister Rob Norris is leaving that role and retiring from the University of Saskatchewan.