Scientists tune X-rays with tiny mirrors

The secret of X-ray science - like so much else - is in the timing. Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory have created a new way of manipulating high-intensity X-rays, which will allow researchers to select extremely brief but precise X-ray bursts for their experiments (, "X-ray photonic microsystems for the...

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Working at the interface for future energy

RIKEN researchers have demonstrated the importance of the interface between two organic materials in maximizing the generation of useful current, providing new insight that could help improve the efficiency of polymer solar cells ("Dominant Effects of First Monolayer Energetics at Donor/Acceptor Interfaces on Organic Photovoltaics"). The interface...

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Multicolored nano-lanterns light up cells

Fluorescent proteins are invaluable tools for studying biological processes, but they only glow when stimulated with an external light source, which can damage cells or trigger unwanted biochemical reactions. A RIKEN-led research team has now developed an alternative imaging technique using luminescent proteins called ‘nano-lanterns’ that are powered...

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