Wireless tracking for synchrotron samples
Wireless tracking technology developed by Victorian company Bluechiip is being used to track protein and chemical samples mounted on pins for crystal screening and data collection on AS crystallography beamlines. The bluechiip tags reduce the risk of dislodgement and can withstand low temperatures encountered during crystal storage and data collection. The technology may be extended to samples on other beamlines. The initial work is funded through the Victorian Government’s STIUP Voucher Program.
http://www.lifescientist.com.au/article/424741/australian_synchrotron_use_bluechiip_tracking_tech/
http://www.proactiveinvestors.com.au/companies/news/28955/bluechiip-technology-in-use-to-automate-sample-tracking-at-world-leading-science-and-research-facility-28955.html
Turning carbon dioxide into fuel a step closer
International researchers have revealed key features of the surface structure of industrial catalysts for producing methanol from syngas (a mixture of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen). Their findings could help make it possible to transform carbon dioxide from a major waste management problem into a valuable fuel.
https://news.slac.stanford.edu/features/study-cracks-secret-methanol-production
Research infrastructure at risk
Les Field, deputy vice-chancellor research at the University of NSW, comments on the end of funding for the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy program and the need to provide long-term support for the nation’s investment in the synchrotron and other major research facilities.
“We simply must manage [the synchrotron] and make it work properly and sustainably to gain maximum benefit from our investment.”
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/opinion/research-infrastructure-missed-opportunity/story-e6frgcko-1226355997487
A thrip back in time
The earliest known example of pollen grains trapped in the hairs of an insect has been revealed by synchrotron x-ray tomography of Cretaceous amber samples from 115 million years ago.
http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2012/05/amber-reveals-earliest-example.html
http://www.pnas.org/content/109/22/8623