Tribute to Sine Larsen

It is with sadness that we have learnt that Sine Larsen passed away on the 2nd of January 2025. Sine was a great friend, colleague and scientist who made significant contributions to Crystallography, Synchrotron Radiation and Science in general. 

Altermagnetism imaged for the first time at MAX IV 

The domain structure of a new type of magnet, called altermagnet, has been imaged for the first time at the MAXPEEM beamline. The study opens the way for controlling the properties of these materials at the nanoscale and could contribute to faster and more energy efficient memory devices.

Looking for clues in stroke-causing plaques with X-rays and machine learning

Stroke affects around 15 million people globally every year according to the WHO. Stroke can lead to significant health consequences or even death, and further knowledge of causes for prevention is a priority. Atherosclerotic plaques that can rupture and cause stroke has been investigated by a combination of X-ray imaging and machine learning to understand more about stability and risks.

Forging designer supramolecular hydrogels

A research group from the University of Glasgow in the United Kingdom reports in the journal Nature Synthesis that dynamic supramolecular hydrogels can be designed with desired structures using a new ‘forging’ technique. The out-of-equilibrium system was tested using MAX IV’s Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) beamline, CoSAXS.

Multitasking microalgae fight pollution

Microalgae for pollution removal is the topic of two recent studies by MAX IV users. The storage mechanism of phosphorous in the algae was investigated in detail contributing to method development for pollution removal from wastewater. The phosphorous-containing algae can, in turn, be used to soak up metal pollutants.

Effects of salt particles on climate studied at MAX IV

Clouds have a large effect on the climate. They form around tiny aerosol particles present in the atmosphere. Salt aerosol particles can originate from both sea and inland sources such as desert and playa areas. A unique set-up for studying salt aerosol particles at MAX IV will give insights that can inform climate models.

X-ray Coherence techniques in focus for poster prize awardees

Experimental techniques that build on the coherence property of light attract a lot of interest in Sweden and internationally. MAX IV, as the first fourth-generation lightsource, is very coherent and offers plenty of opportunities for development. Recently, the Coherence Conference was held in Helsingborg, and two early career scientists were awarded the poster prize.

Acoustofluidic Crystallography: The next leap in serial crystallography at MAX IV

The innovative project “Acoustofluidic Crystallography” (AFX) is set to revolutionize the field of serial crystallography (SX) by introducing a novel sample delivery method that promises to enhance the efficiency and reliability of experiments conducted at synchrotrons and X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs). This cutting-edge research is a collaborative effort involving KTH Royal Institute of Technology, DESY, and MAX IV, funded by the LEAPS-INNOV initiative (GA: 101004728).