News Feed - Canadian Light Source

Stopping infections before they can start

Researchers from Queen's University identify promising approach to prevent bacteria from binding to cells

Closing the door on colds and flu

First-of-its-kind structural data about protein family is key for drug discovery

Arctic fossils reveal world’s oldest salmon and carp relatives

Western researchers uncover an ancient polar ecosystem – and surprising birthplace for familiar fish

Optimizing gold nanoparticles for better medical imaging, drug delivery, and cancer therapy

Researchers from Western University find smallest nanoparticles tend to perform best.

Plant leaves inspire design of improved fuel cell

University of Toronto researchers look to nature to overcome challenge of water management in hydrogen fuel cells.

USask Board of Governors appoints Martha Crago to CLS Board of Directors

Dr. Crago will serve as Chair of the CLS Board of Directors

New strategy for targeting cancer-causing protein previously considered “undruggable”

Quebec researchers discover weak spot in Ras protein that may be ideal target for molecular drug treatment.

Improving steel pipelines for safe transport of hydrogen

USask researchers use synchrotron light to capture 3D images of cracks that form inside steel.

New material moves seawater batteries step closer to primetime

New anodes are thicker than previous ones, so they can store a lot of energy, last a long time, and operate under extreme conditions.

Molecule’s “fingerprint” may help explain formation of life on earth

Ultrabright synchrotron light critical for analyzing faint signal emitted by new sulfur-based molecule.

Dried veggies, legumes could be key to improving plant-based meat alternatives

University of Guelph researchers use synchrotron light to develop two new approaches that better mimic real meat.

Canadian Light Source acquiring new state-of-the-art equipment thanks to PrairiesCan funding

$3 million for solid state amplifier will help ensure reliable, sustainable operation

Scientists invent "slime" that could be used in new medical, green energy, and robot applications

Material made from natural ingredients generates electricity when squeezed.

Organic material can convert toxic heavy metal to harmless form

Researchers from University of Waterloo show biochar is promising tool for cleaning up chromium pollution at industrial sites.

Developing new drugs to battle resurgence of malaria

International research team uses CMCF beamline to study treatments targeting P. vivax parasite

Advancing hydrogen as a replacement for carbon fuels

University of Toronto researchers seek to improve device used for splitting the water molecule

Discovery paves way for next-generation medications

McGill researchers "crack the code" on how molecular machinery inside microbes builds antibiotics

New type of battery could outlast EVs and still be used for grid energy storage

Inside of battery with single crystal electrode still like new after 20,000 cycles -- the equivalent of powering an EV 8 million kms

Making solar cells more weatherproof

USask researchers discover why humidity causes perovskite cells to fail; findings point to solutions for protecting them from moisture

Detecting osteoarthritis before patients need joint replacement

USask research suggests imaging technique currently available only at synchrotrons could one day be used in clinical setting

Recovering in-demand metals for new electronics

Researchers from Toronto Metropolitan University find industrial-strength adsorbents soak up lanthanum from contaminated water

Finetuning fertilizers to boost crop yields

Working with industry partner Mosaic, researchers from University of Adelaide find lowering fertilizer pH increases solubility, availability of zinc.

Improving pulse flours for consumer use

UManitoba researchers use synchrotron light to determine optimal particle size for milling chickpeas, lentils, beans, and peas

Protecting northern water supplies from toxic metals in thawing permafrost

Water released by permafrost contains uranium, arsenic in levels unsafe for drinking

New research on gut bacteria could lead to helpful new probiotics

UBC researchers deepen our understanding of how bacterium breaks down dietary fibre

New compounds to combat antibiotic resistance

U of T team develops promising new form of antibiotic that makes bacterial cells self-destruct

Better monitoring of mining remediation

Waterloo researchers show selenium isotopes are good gauge of clean-up efforts

Novel drug molecule could help treat Parkinson’s disease in young patients

Research by McGill's Kalle Gehring lab could pave way for new treatments for this incurable, degenerative disease

Freshwater oysters key to developing stronger, "greener" adhesives

Unique glue made of mineral that oyster arranges so it's soft on outside, progressively harder on inside

Recovering rare earth elements from coal ash for clean energy technologies

Findings can help inform development of efficient, environmentally friendly process for recovering REEs

Reducing risk of bone fracture in people with rare genetic disorder

McGill researchers use synchrotron to determine mechanics, structure of bones in Marfan syndrome

New insight into how farming practices can help mitigate climate change

Researchers from Kansas State University determine mechanism by which soils treated with organic fertilizers store more carbon

AI finds a cheaper way to make green hydrogen

Researchers use SM beamline to test alloy identified as "clear winner" by artificial intelligence

Got sour milk? Printed electronics will tell you

Researchers from Simon Fraser, USask develop new material that stores up to 1,000 times more charge than current generation materials

Canadian Light Source appoints leading researcher as Chief Science Officer

Dr. Ingrid Pickering a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Molecular Environmental Science

Newly discovered protein stops DNA damage

Research could lead to cancer vaccines and drought-resistant crops

Adding thin layer of tin prevents short-circuiting in lithium-ion batteries

UAlberta researchers use HXMA beamline to develop fix to formation of dendrites

Finding solutions to problem of clumping in potash

USask researchers use BMIT-BM beamline to generate detailed 3D images of tiny bridges that form between potash particles

Using sodium to make more sustainable batteries

McGill team used HXMA beamline, machine learning to identify elements that -- when combined with sodium -- keep battery stable

Using copper to convert CO2 to methane could be game changer in mitigating climate change

New catalyst creates closed "carbon loop" that recycles any CO2 that's produced back into methane.

Researchers develop tuneable anticounterfeiting material

New material continues to glow after UV light removed, can be programmed to disappear in stages

New process makes battery production more eco friendly

A step-change in the production of battery materials should result in lower-cost batteries overall with a substantially lower global warming footprint.

Hacking genetics could improve cancer treatment

Scientists at Quebec's National Institute of Scientific Research (INRS) discover how to modify function of common enzymes.

Unlocking the future of sustainable mining through carbon sequestration

University of Alberta researchers identify optimal conditions for trapping atmospheric carbon in mining waste.

Ensuring we have safe eggs to eat

USask researchers use synchrotron light to study emerging, green technology for decontaminating eggs

Researchers develop reusable “sponge” for soaking up marine oil spills – even in chilly northern waters

Material has unique ‘switchable’ property that allows it to alternate between oil-sorbent and oil-repellent

Canadian Light Source goes dark for more stable light over the long haul

New linear accelerator will replace aging infrastructure and enhance the facility’s efficiency and reliability.

Addressing hidden hunger in developing countries

Researchers from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, India gain better understanding of why millet packs major nutritional punch

Researchers establish commercially viable process for manufacturing with promising new class of metals

Researchers from University of Toronto find cheaper, easier way to produce high-entropy alloys for use in aerospace, automotive industries

Researchers uncover structure of key protein to target in antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Breakthrough by researchers at UBC, McMaster paves way for new drugs to treat infections resistant to traditional antibiotics

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.