News Feed - Canadian Light Source

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.

Using corals to study our oceans’ past

Researchers are examining the history of our oceans to better protect us from climate change.

X-rays capture ageing process in EV batteries

Canadian researchers capture x-ray images of electric vehicle batteries as they degrade over time

Tiny machines in bacteria could help make new medicines

Scientists work to unlock the full potential of biological machines that can have a huge impact on human health.

Peeling onions to help crops withstand drought and disease

Researchers are using synchrotron light to literally peel back the onion on cell walls to help plants better withstand the stresses caused by climate change and disease.

Studying the world’s largest T. rex to learn about evolution

Saskatchewan researchers may have uncovered unprecedented details in dinosaur fossils.

Creating an arsenal of COVID-19 therapeutics

Using the CLS, McGill researchers have discovered a small molecule that may help combat COVID-19 and could contribute to a new arsenal of treatments slowly making their way to market.

Studying toxic chemicals from medical implants and leather

Researchers analyze chemicals that present health concerns as materials degrade.

A promising treatment for ovarian cancer

Scientists are looking to harness the immune system to fight cancer.

Using light to develop vegan alternatives to meat and cheese

University of Guelph researchers are using the CLS to help develop sustainable, plant-based versions of popular foods.

Using pancake stacks to make better electronics

Scientists are working to develop advanced electronics by taking inspiration from a breakfast favourite and stacking molecules like pancakes.

Reducing potholes in cold climates

Could recycled materials help to build durable roads in areas with significant temperature swings like Saskatchewan?

An algorithm to improve processing of lentils

Infrared and microwave treatments for milled lentils are being optimized for the Saskatchewan market

Recreating outer space on earth

USask professor John Tse is using our BXDS beamlines for insight into ice formation in extreme environments

Unlocking the secrets of healthier rice

Swinburne scientists are using the CLS to examine grains of black rice, helping identify and produce safer and more nutritious varieties

Promising new approach to rebuild bone tissue

McGill University researchers used the CLS to advance a novel method for growing synthetic bone tissue.

Canadian and Brazilian synchrotrons sign MOU to advance agricultural research

New agreement will strengthen ties, enhance agricultural research, and encourage new technology development.

Research to keep ageing brains lightning-fast

Dr. Kendra Furber uses Mid-IR to focus in on specialized brain cells

New research paves way for tools to target superbug

A. baumannii is a WHO-recognized critical priority pathogen for research, due to antibiotic resistance

Developing new alloys for hydrogen fuel and catalysis

Canadian researchers are using synchrotron light to help develop new alloys with helpful properties.

Scientists develop new coating to protect kidney failure patients on dialysis

One in every ten Canadians has kidney disease, according to the Kidney Foundation.

Understanding sex differences in heart disease to improve outcomes for women

Heart valve calcification is one of the leading causes of death in Canada.

Blowing in the wind

Monitoring dust from legacy mine tailings to keep communities safe

Heating our homes with leftover canola

After years of meticulous research, Dr. Ajay Dalai’s exploration of canola meal pellets as an eco-friendly alternative to coal and natural gas for both heat and energy is poised to move into its next phases – scaled-up pellet production and commercialization.

New method uses waste to clean arsenic from lake contaminated by gold mine

Levels of arsenic in Northern Ontario’s Long Lake are so high that some local residents can no longer drink the water.

Developing pain medication with fewer side effects

Pain relief is a critical issue in medicine, but effective pain management is often overlooked.

Designing the future of accelerator physics

Memorandum of Understanding for the Future of Circular Collider Feasibility Study signed

Developing new drugs for superbugs like MRSA

Scientists are designing better versions of the drugs used to fight antimicrobial-resistant germs like the deadly hospital-acquired superbug MRSA.

USask and CLS announce Herzberg Experimental Hall in honour of Nobel Laureate Gerhard Herzberg

As part of a national initiative to mark the 50th anniversary of Gerhard Herzberg’s Nobel Prize, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is naming the main experimental hall of the Canadian Light Source (CLS) and a prominent physics lecture theatre on campus after the renowned scientist.

Protecting our bones after diabetes and hypertension

Researchers used the CLS to identify a potential bone health therapy.

Using agricultural waste to remove arsenic from drinking water

Over 200 million people in more than 70 countries, including some in Canada, are drinking water with a high concentration of arsenic.

Understanding how a key antibody targets cancer cells

Important molecular insights for designing improved cancer therapies.

Indigenous education programs

Bernie Petit leads programs that engage Indigenous students in synchrotron science.

Bats: Insights from bone microstructure

Bats are the only mammals to have achieved powered flight. Their bones reflect this novel ability among mammals, with long flexible wing bones. Dr. Janna Andronowski of the Memorial University of Newfoundland uses our BMIT beamline to see inside these bones to better understand the blood vessels and bone microstructure that gives bats their unique ability to fly.

Alfalfa stress tolerance for better forage crops

Alfalfa is an important forage crop in Canada, both as a feed for cattle and as a cover crop which protects from erosion and builds nitrogen levels in soils. University of Saskatchewan associate professor Bill Biligetu explains the importance of understanding salt tolerance in this crop.