Science Shorts
Curious about what kind of science can be done with ultrabright x-rays at the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II)? You've come to the right place. NSLS-II Science Shorts explore the wide range of research conducted with synchrotron light, from brains to batteries to biofuels. Each Short is presented by an NSLS-II scientist in just 10 minutes. Get started with our latest video below.
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13:33
Metals Under Pressure
Matt Whitaker, a physicist at Stony Brook University, describes how scientists use high-energy x-ray beams to "see" the forging process used to strengthen metals for structures such as bridges and skyscrapers. In this installment of NSLS-II Science Shorts, learn how scientists use x-rays, combined with a unique hydraulic press, to examine metals at high pressures and temperatures and understand and improve the forging process.
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9:14
Staying in Shape and Connected with 3D Printing
Lutz Wiegart, a physicist at Brookhaven Lab, describes how modern 3D printing can be used to make life-changing products, from heart valves to houses. In this installment of NSLS-II Science Shorts, learn how scientists can watch and improve additive manufacturing—the process by which many objects are 3D printed—in real time using synchrotron x-ray beams.
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15:27
Making Fuel from Greenhouse Gases
Adrian Hunt, a physicist at Brookhaven Lab, discusses how scientists can use catalysts to produce methanol from greenhouse gasses such as carbon dioxide. In this installment of NSLS-II Science Shorts, learn how scientists can shine x-rays onto catalysts to see how these reactions happen and improve their productivity.
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10:56
Preventing COVID-19 Replication
Wuxian Shi, a structural biologist at Brookhaven Lab, discusses how scientists can block an important step of the COVID-19 virus's replication process. In this installment of NSLS-II Science Shorts, learn how the facility's beamlines enable scientists to view COVID-19 protein crystals up-close and identify potential drugs to stop the spread.
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13:30
How Rats Help Us Understand Alzheimer's Disease
Lisa Miller, a biophysical chemist at Brookhaven Lab, discusses how rats help researchers study a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease. In this installment of NSLS-II Science Shorts, learn how scientists used x-rays to image rat brain tissue and determine if a molecule called TTM is a suitable therapy.
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17:59
Blues, Hues, and Synchrotron Views
Eric Dooryhee, a physicist at Brookhaven Lab, discusses the beautiful "Maya blue" pigment that is used in ancient artwork. In this installment of NSLS-II Science Shorts, learn how scientists can use chemistry and synchrotron light to recreate this ancient pigment in a lab.
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10:34
X-Ray Eyes for Science Discovery
Guimei Wang, an accelerator physicist at Brookhaven Lab, describes new methods for stabilizing a synchrotron's electron beam motion. In this installment of NSLS-II Science Shorts, learn how this technical advancement helps produce x-ray images with crisp, fine details at the nanoscale for scientific discoveries across a variety of fields.
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9:44
Toxic Metals Found in Soldier Lungs
Juergen Thieme, a physicist at Brookhaven Lab, reveals that dust found in the lungs of post-deployment soldiers contains toxic metals. In this installment of NSLS-II Science Shorts, watch how ultrabright x-rays can identify the chemical states of these metals and help scientists determine how the dust may lead to severe lung inflammation.
