ISIS Offspec Science Highlights

Offspec Science Highlights

Our Science Highlight articles cover the diverse research that takes place at our facility. Read all our Science Highlight articles using OFFSPEC below:

Protecting farmers’ eyes from pesticides
Researchers from University of Manchester and Syngenta visited our OFFSPEC beamline to investigate the interaction between pesticides and corneal cell membrane which results in irritation of the eye. 
Neutron reflectometry uncovers how proteins stabilise interactions between cell membranes
A collaborative effort from the Universities of Birmingham, Oxford and ISIS has revealed that the PqiC lipoprotein helps to stabilise interactions between cell membranes, paving the way for future discoveries in membrane biochemistry.
Understanding programmed cell death – crucial to the body’s prevention of cancer
Through both static and time-resolved neutron reflectometry at ISIS, a Swedish/UK research collaboration have been able to reveal the molecular mechanism of the first stage of cell death.
Maximising beamtime using applied statistics
An industrial placement student working in the reflectometry group has created a framework that will help users make the most of their neutron beam time.
Can nanomagnetism be exploited for AI tasks?
Emergent properties of a nanomagnetic system have potential to be harnessed for artificial intelligence tasks, like speech recognition.
Offspec searches for spin-gravity coupling
A research collaboration has used a unique set up on Offspec to look for any spin-gravity interaction experienced by the neutron beam.
Developing efficient organic solar cells
Magnetic sandwiches transferring information through their filling
Layered magnetic materials have been studied at ISIS to determine the influence of layer thickness on an effect known as exchange bias. This effect was discovered in the mid 1950s and remains essential for our modern data storage and microelectronics.
One small step for sensors one giant leap for the hydrogen economy?
Scientists have used neutrons to help develop an extremely sensitive hydrogen sensor that can detect even the smallest of leaks. This discovery brings us one step closer to safely utilising hydrogen as a low carbon emission energy carrier.
Breakthrough for babies born with severe cleft palates after experiments at ISIS
Scientists working on a treatment for babies born with cleft palates have made a promising breakthrough and the first clinical trials are planned for early next year.