ISIS Loq science highlights

Loq science highlights

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

Using SANS to study super duplex stainless steel
A study of phase separation in super duplex stainless steel could help to develop future alloys that are less susceptible to long-term thermal degradation.
The development of new supercapacitor devices making electrified transport more affordable
Scientists from the University of the West of Scotland have used ISIS to investigate the electrolytes present in supercapacitors to help develop safer, cheaper and more environmentally friendly versions.
Nanostructures formed by self-assembling peptides
Scientists investigate helical peptides to observe their self-assembly behaviour.
A simpler, more effective, route to cleaner water
Researchers have devised a simple method to remove dyes from wastewater using newly developed graphene-based nanocomposites.
Self-assembling surfactants organise into fractal formations
A research collaboration with the University of Bristol and GlaxoSmithKline has investigated surfactant self-assembly in a ‘green’ solvent, finding that counter-ion condensation causes the formation of fractal dendrites.
Neutron science helps tackle antibiotic resistance
Two different studies conducted using small angle neutron scattering reveal novel methods to kill bacteria.
ISIS beamlines help Unilever develop biodegradable products
Using a range of scattering techniques at ISIS to investigate how naturally occurring surfactants interact with their synthetic analogues, Unilever scientists have gained an insight into developing more eco-friendly products.
Cryo-SANS used for characterizing micellar structures at sub-zero temperatures
Hierarchical biomechanics: dictating hydrogel network properties from a single folded protein building block
Researchers from the University of Leeds have designed a protein hydrogel that can translate the properties of the individual protein-ligand interaction to that of the whole protein network.
Secrets of Peptide Assembly unzipped at ISIS
Uncovering the effect of pesticides on the waxy layer of plants
A team from the University of Manchester, ISIS and Syngenta, have been using a combination of analytical techniques in order to study the efficiency of pesticides in the development of agri-sprays, which are commonly used in the agricultural industry.
Scientists develop a well-good way to extract oil
Scientists from Swansea University have used ISIS Neutron and Muon Source to investigate a new and, potentially, ‘greener’ way to extract oil that might otherwise remain trapped deep within rocks.
Secrets of Peptide Assembly unzipped at ISIS
Researchers from China, Manchester and ISIS have used neutrons to gain new insights into peptide self-assembly and the ‘polar zipper’ mechanism, which could improve the development of future peptide-based materials.
Using neutron scattering to address complex additive challenges
Understanding the mechanism by which detergent particles are formed is crucial for their improved development and design.
LOQ instrument aids in structural characterisation of key bacterial protein
Small-angle neutron scattering allowed scientists to probe the conformation of KorB, an intrinsically-disordered protein required for DNA partitioning and transcriptional repression in bacteria, in the presence of both DNA and the partner protein KorA.
Perfectly imperfect: why it pays to mix it up with nanoparticles
The discovery of bucky balls (the spherical molecules of Buckminsterfullerene, C60) in 1985 led to a Nobel Prize (in 1996) and the development of a new branch of chemistry.
Scientists gather to discuss the future of tackling infectious diseases
World-leading neutron scientists gathered last week to discuss the latest findings in the development of drugs to tackle infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance.
Solving the structure of fundamental bacterial protein
Scientists have discovered the much debated structure of a fundamental bacterial protein, through a combination of neutron and x-ray studies, and computational modelling.
Anthrax toxin: a new tool in the fight against cancer?
For the first time, scientists have disarmed the anthrax toxin and converted it into a positive tool for delivering drugs for a specific form of gene therapy, an experimental technique that treats disease by replacing or inactivating faulty genes.
ISIS and exploding bubbles in the fight against cancer
ISIS is playing an increasingly important role in cancer research.
New oral delivery system for vaccines could help to combat infectious diseases.
Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) or Gumboro’s disease is caused by the highly contagious Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV) and is widespread in commercial chicken flocks.
Opposites attract - Building cationic nanocarriers for anionic drugs.
Nanotechnology is all about little things with a big impact.
ISIS research into nuclear graphite could ‘keep the UK’s lights on’
Uncertainty over the future integrity of graphite moderators in Advanced Gas-cooled nuclear Reactors (AGRs) could result in their premature shutdown before sufficient new nuclear or gas power stations come on-stream.
Passing the Electron Baton.
Scientists have used to neutrons to discover how an enzyme involved in drug metabolism, Cytochrome P450 Reductase (CPR), performs like a runner in a relay race.
Unravelling elastin, nature’s ‘nanospring’
Using neutron experiments and other state-of-the-art techniques, scientists have revealed the shape of the protein that gives human tissues their elastic properties. This discovery might lead to the development of new synthetic ‘elastin-like’ materials.
Searching for a cure for Cryptococcal Meningitis
Scientists are making progress in their quest to find an improved antibiotic for a strain of meningitis that results in over half a million deaths a year worldwide.
ISIS helps extend the life of oil reserves
A research team led by the University of Bristol has used STFC’s ISIS Neutron Source to come up with a new way to treat carbon dioxide (CO2), so that it can be used in efficient and environmentally friendly methods for extracting oil.
Exploring membrane activity of plant seed defence proteins
Plants are constantly exposed to pathogens and, in response, have developed multiple defence mechanisms that include the expression of antimicrobial proteins.
Optimising polymer solutions for printed electronics
The development of polymer-based optoelectronic devices (or ‘plastic solar cells’) that could deliver electricity at a competitive cost is a key area of research. Solutions of conjugated polymers can be ‘printed’ to produce the active layer of low-cost s
Characterisation of nickel-based superalloys as used in aero-engine turbine disc
Nickel-based superalloys are a family of materials designed to exhibit both exceptional mechanical properties and superior corrosion resistance at very high temperatures.
Managing nanoparticle waste in sewage
A new discovery about nanoparticle behaviour in sewage treatment plants could improve the environmental management of nanoparticle wastes from foods, cosmetics, medicines, cleaners and personal care products.
A clear view through muddy water
In recent years water quality scientists have become increasingly aware of the significance of nanoparticles (defined as <100 nm in size) in the transport of pollutants and their potential impacts on the ecology and health of streams and rivers.
Nanoreactors formed from self-assembled protein cages
Developing new biological materials