News Feed - Canadian Light Source

Improving heart disease outcomes for all patients

McGill researchers used the CLS to get one step closer to understanding the origins of arterial calcification, a process that contributes to heart disease.

Addressing algal blooms and lake toxins | Video

Adam Gillespie with the University of Guelph is using the Canadian Light Source to look at phosphorus chemistry. This research could help with phosphorus-related problems such as algal blooms and toxins in lakes.

Preparing for the next generation of batteries

University of Manitoba researchers identified the potential to use polymer composites as electrode matrices in lithium-ion batteries.

International research team uncovers the structure of two arsenic-containing compounds 100 years after discovery

Using the Brockhouse beamline at the CLS, an international team of researchers was able to visualize for the first time how atoms are structured in samples of arseniosiderite and yukonite.

Bright light and powerful math leading the way to better LED lighting

University of Saskatchewan scientists have worked at the Canadian Light Source develop deep insight into two types of light emitting crystals for next-generation LEDS.

Turning straw into gold?

University of Calgary researchers have made advances towards using the power of the sun to convert biomass like wheat straw into hydrogen fuel and value-added biochemicals.

Scientists discover potential method to starve the bacteria that cause Tuberculosis

By deepening our understanding of how Tuberculosis bacteria feed themselves, University of Guelph researchers have identified a potential target for drug treatment.

CLS Bison Project first collaborators announced

The Canadian Light Source is launching The Bison Project, a research experience built with a reconciliation action framework, in collaboration with several organizations beginning to the East of the facility.

Hummus for Cows?

The savory dish has gained popularity amongst a new fan base: herds of cows. University of Saskatchewan scientists use synchrotron light to identify the best chickpea crops for cattle feed.

Uncovering the secrets of a mystical Himalayan Dzi bead

Western University researchers used the Canadian Light Source to study a mystical object treasured by peoples of the Himalayan regions.

Dust travelled thousands of miles to enrich Hawaiian soils

Researchers used the rich soils of Hawaii to study the critical movement of phosphorous, which can help crops become more successful and maintain the health of our ecosystems.

Extending the lifespan of N95 masks

Researchers are working to better understand how decontamination procedures might affect the structure and potential reuse of N95 masks.

Get out your vacuum: Scientists find harmful chemicals in household dust

A team of researchers from the CLS and Memorial University set out to determine whether bromine could be found in household dust.

In search of the perfect system

Streptavidin and biotin form a strong bond invaluable for many biotechnological applications. Researchers have taken a new approach to improve these widely used biotechnology tools.

Powering the future of clean energy

Canadian researchers work towards harnessing the potential of hydrogen as an energy source for everyday use.

Studying historical and cultural artifacts

Students and faculty at the University of Saskatchewan highlight how synchrotron science can provide new information about historical and cultural artifacts.

Protecting Saskatchewan lakes from contamination

Using the CLS synchrotron, a University of Saskatchewan-led research team has developed a method for monitoring uranium contaminants in mine tailings using samples from McClean Lake, SK.

Studying how to damage the COVID-19 virus

A University of Nevada researcher is using our Mid-IR beamline to study how nucleic acids get damaged under X-ray irradiation.

A World of Difference: Shining a Light on Indigenous Women in Science

How Indigenous students and mentors are working to increase representation in STEM. Julia Doucette-Garr, a USask student, and Bernie Petit, with the CLS, share their experiences.

Protecting our food from mercury contamination

One size does not fit all when it comes to using biochar for soil remediation, according to researchers who used the CLS.

Innovative testing

Researchers from the CLS and Université Laval are trying to create a device that would make healthcare testing more efficient

Water contaminant could have neurotoxic effects on children

Are those relying on private well water potentially at greater risk? Manganese isn’t considered a major water contaminant in America, but a new study is taking a closer look at whether it should be.

Creating the best TV screen yet

A breakthrough in blue quantum dot technology could make the colours on our TVs and screens more pristine. University of Toronto researchers used the CLS to bring this technology closer to our homes.

Longer-lasting cell phone batteries

Phosphorene is attracting a lot of attention lately in the energy and electronics industries, and for good reason. Western University researchers are using the material to help batteries last longer.

Stopping infection in its tracks

University of Calgary researchers are developing therapeutics for COVID-19.

Finding new therapies

Dr. Jiang Yin is using the CLS to find new therapies that will help treat COVID-19.

How cellular proteins control cancer spread

A new insight into cell signals that control cancer growth and migration could help in the search for effective anti-cancer drugs, according to McGill University researchers who used the CLS.

Conserving Rita Letendre’s famous artworks

Researchers use synchrotron light to understand how to conserve experimental oil paintings by Rita Letendre, one of Canada’s most respected living abstract artists.

Converting emissions into valuable fuel

Researchers worked improve their technique for converting CO2 into ethanol, a valuable chemical for industrial applications that also reduces emissions.

CFI awards CLS $76.9M to stay on the leading edge of research

Minister Navdeep Bains announces $76.9 million of funding for the CLS synchrotron through the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s (CFI) Major Science Initiatives (MSI) Fund.

Promising new drug carrier could improve bone repair and cancer treatments

Western University and Shanghai Institute of Ceramics researchers used the CLS to explore a promising drug carrier that could be used to deliver cancer treatments and therapeutics for severe injuries.

Helping to neutralize greenhouse gases

Researchers from the University of Waterloo used the CLS to create an affordable and efficient electrocatalyst that can transform carbon dioxide into valuable chemicals and could help businesses.

Doing things differently: deaf, blind and resilient

In honour of National Deafblind Awareness Month, get to know Darren Gilchrist, our Network Analyst. He wants others to know that blind, deafblind and deaf people are just like anybody else.

Helping our immune systems bypass antibiotic resistance

As the search continues for new antibiotics to treat drug-resistant infections, researchers used the CLS to try to weaken the ability of bacteria to develop resistance in the first place.

A highly promising sustainable battery for electric vehicles

McGill University researchers show that affordable materials could prove key for improving the batteries used in electric vehicles.

Wearing his heart on his wrist

In honour of Pride month, read about our Canadian Light Source colleague Allan McPherson’s journey and his rainbow bracelet.

Gay, proud and loving it

In honour of Pride week, get to know Jesse Parenteau and his experiences as an openly gay man working for the Canadian Light Source.

Protecting chickens from heart disease

The health and welfare of broiler chickens may improve thanks to University of Saskatchewan researcher Andrew Olkowski and colleagues.

Discovery could lead to stronger dental fillings … and less time at the dentist

Researchers used the CLS to discover how to create stronger dental fillings. This is great news for the 96% of Canadians who will have to contend with at least one cavity during their adult lives.

Human waste could help combat global food insecurity

Cornell researchers used the CLS synchrotron to prove it is possible to create nitrogen-rich fertilizer from human waste. The discovery could help increase agriculture yields in developing countries.

Developing microbeam radiation therapy for inoperable cancer

An innovative radiation treatment that could one day be a valuable addition to conventional radiation therapy for inoperable brain and spinal tumors is a step closer, thanks to new research led by researchers at the CLS.

Preventing hospital-acquired pneumonia

Researchers used the CLS to identify a previously unrecognized family of enzymes that put us at risk for deadly diseases.

Visualizing the bionanomachines that create potent antibiotics and other modern drugs

Researchers from McGill University and Yale University used the CLS to make a discovery that could help design future therapeutic drugs.

Mapping metals in feathers

University of Saskatchewan and Environment and Climate Change Canada researchers have mapped metals in bird feathers, a technique that could help make environmental monitoring less destructive.

Helping to protect California farms from drought

Researchers used the CLS to look at where carbon ends up in soil and are contributing to an effort to mitigate the effects of drought for California farmers.

Helping to grow more food in Africa

Scientists used the CLS synchrotron to help farmers in Nigeria and the Republic of Benin to grow vegetables less expensively and more sustainably.

Discovery shows men and women develop heart disease differently

Scientists from McGill University used the CLS to uncover that different minerals block heart valves in men versus women. This discovery could impact how heart disease is diagnosed and treated for the different sexes.

Helping crops to withstand drought and climate change

The changing climate brings many environmental challenges for the agricultural sector. In order to mitigate risks to crop yields and food security, we need to better understand the impact of environmental stress on plants.

Enhanced tandem solar cells set new standard in converting light into electricity

A collaboration between U of T Engineering and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology has created two-layered solar cells that successfully combine traditional silicon with new perovskite technology.

Cycling rice and shrimp farming in Vietnam important for food security

A German-Vietnamese research team has used the CLS to show that cycling rice and shrimp cultivation is a viable, reversible option for rice farmers affected by climate change in Vietnam's coastal Mekong Delta.

The future of electronics is bendy

Scientists used the Canadian Light Source to discover new materials that could help make electronics stretchable.

Using crystal materials to improve electronic devices and artificial intelligence

Certain types of rare earth materials can be manipulated to either conduct or resist electricity, a trait that could make it easier to manufacture electronics or even emulate nerve cells, according to research from an international team of scientists using the CLS.