Category: SOLARIS

Universal vaccine of the future

Universal vaccine of the future

Researchers from the Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology have developed an innovative, modular nanoparticle that could become the foundation of a universal vaccine. By using a phage capsid and antigens derived from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, along with immune response-enhancing elements, the new technology allows for rapid adaptation of the vaccine to emerging pathogens. The structural part of the project was carried out at the Cryo-Electron Microscopy Laboratory at the National Synchrotron Radiation Centre SOLARIS.

Researchers have developed a nanoparticle is based on a phage capsid that has been devoid of its own genetic material and instead equipped with antigens derived from the SARS-CoV-2 virus: specifically, the RBD (Receptor Binding Domain) protein. The research team, led by Dr. Antonina Naskalska, enhanced the nanoparticles with elements that could potentially boost the immune response: short, single-stranded DNA fragments or longer, coding mRNA sequences. The nanoparticle was designed in a modular fashion, allowing for the replacement of antigens displayed on its surface or molecules packed inside the capsid. The advantage of such a vaccine design lies in its ability to be rapidly adapted to an emerging pathogen or a new virus variant.


One of the key aspects of the presented vaccine prototype is the trimeric form of the RBD protein—identical to the form found in the SARS-CoV-2 virus. An organism vaccinated with such an antigen has a greater chance of producing effective antibodies that, in the event of exposure to the virus, will protect it from infection. Demonstrating the trimeric form of the RBD antigen on the surface of the presented nanoparticles was made possible through structural studies using cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), conducted at the National Synchrotron Radiation Centre SOLARIS.

Read more on SOLARIS website

Studying tRNAs by cryo-EM, biophysics, and computational modeling

Studying tRNAs by cryo-EM, biophysics, and computational modeling

In a pioneering study entitled “Determining the effects of pseudouridine incorporation on human tRNAs” published in EMBO Journal (Link 1), researchers from Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology (Link2) of the Jagiellonian University in Krakow (Link 3), in collaboration with scientists from the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IIMCB) in Warsaw (Link 4) and institutions from the United Kingdom and France, have significantly advanced our understanding of how specific modifications in transfer RNAs (tRNAs) affect their structure and stability.

tRNAs are essential molecules decoding genetic information into proteins, fundamental to all living organisms. We know tRNAs as long as we know DNA, but historically structural studies of tRNAs have been challenging due to their small size and complexity. The published work shows the structure of four human tRNAs before and after the enzyme-mediated introduction of pseudouridine (Ψ), linking these modifications to enhanced stability and certain structural changes. The findings reveal that the incorporation of Ψ, which is also incorporated in recent mRNA vaccines, not only stabilizes tRNAs, but also induces significant local structural changes. In detail, interactions between the D- and T-arms of the tRNA were identified as critical for maintaining their overall tertiary structure.

“This study demonstrates the profound impact of RNA modifications on tRNA stability and function,” said prof. Sebastian Glatt (Link 5), the leader of this study. “Our findings not only enhance our understanding of tRNA biogenesis but also highlight the potential applications of engineered tRNAs for therapeutic purposes.” adds Anna Biela, the first author of the work.

Key results from the study include:

• The first cryo-EM structures of multiple unmodified and pseudouridylated human tRNAs.

• Clear evidence that specific pseudouridine modifications significantly increase the stability of tRNAs.

• Context-dependent impact of modifications, indicating that not all pseudouridine modifications are equally beneficial.

The study was possible owing to the interdisciplinary combination of experimental and computational analyses. It utilized the advanced single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) infrastructure at the Solaris Synchrotron in Krakow (Link 6), the Structural Biology Core Fcaility (SBCF, Link 7) at MCB, novel biophysical techniques developed by Jakub Novak, and computational modeling and simulations.

Read more on SOLARIS website

Caught in the frame: the birth of nanostructures

Caught in the frame: the birth of nanostructures

A team led by prof. Magdalena Parlińska-Wojtan from the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences conducted advanced research on the process of electrodeposition of metallic nanostructures, using unique microscopic techniques in a liquid environment. International cooperation, including the Silesian University of Technology, the University of Warsaw, the SOLARIS Center, ETH Zurich, and the Fritz Haber Institute in Berlin, resulted in a publication in the prestigious journal Nano Letters.

Modern microscopes and a special electrochemical flow cell allowed scientists from the IFJ PAN to observe the process of creating metal nanoparticles with unprecedented precision. This is a step towards better design of future materials – from fuel cells to advanced sensors. 

Electrodeposition is the process of depositing a metal layer on the surface of an electrode immersed in an electrolyte under the influence of voltage. Although known for a long time, until now it has been difficult to observe its course in detail in real time. Thanks to a special flow cell, in which a microscopic volume is separated by two very thin membranes (and one of them is additionally equipped with electrodes), it became possible to track the formation of a platinum-nickel (PtNi) nanolayer. 

The experiment recorded two mechanisms: direct growth of the PtNi layer on the electrode and the formation of nanoparticles in solution and their deposition on the electrode surface, especially where the electron beam reached. More detailed observations showed that the nanostructures have a spherical shape and a dendritic surface. 
In the next stage of the experiment, carried out in cooperation with the Fritz Haber Institute (Max Planck Gesellschaft), the reaction parameters were modified, which allowed for the recording of nucleation and the growth and dissolution cycles of nanoparticles. Observations showed that the growth rate prevailed over dissolution, thanks to which a durable layer was created. 

Further studies were conducted in the STXM microscope at the SOLARIS center in Krakow. Although the resolution of STXM is lower than TEM, the STXM microscope allows for more precise chemical analysis. It was determined that the PtNi layer consists of metallic platinum and nickel(II) oxide. 

The research opens up new possibilities for controlled synthesis of nanostructures that can be used in energy, electronics and medicine. The recognition of the importance of the work was the inclusion of a graphic from the publication on the cover of the 40th issue of Nano Letters.

Read more on SOLARIS website

Structure of next-generation catalysts

Structure of next-generation catalysts

In a study published in Molecular Catalysis researchers from West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Warsaw University of Technology, Graz University of Technology, and National Synchrotron Radiation Centre SOLARIS explored the structure of next-generation catalysts for ammonia synthesis. Only the combination of standard laboratory measurements with possibilities of synchrotron XANES/EXAFS allowed understanding mechanisms leading to the active form of the synthesised material.

To meet the demand from agriculture, the ammonia industry consumes ca. 2% of world energy production, which is a consequence of the high temperature (400-500°C) and high pressure (10-30 MPa) required for the Haber-Bosch process ongoing on widely used iron-based catalysts. The development of new-generation catalysts is essential to lower the operating costs and reduce the CO2 emission of this process. Ammonia is also positioned as a potential form of synthetic fuel of the future. As a result, research and development initiatives focusing on the production of so-called green ammonia, which is produced using hydrogen from water electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources, are gaining momentum.


Development of the new catalyst is high-throughput work, based on screening tests, which allow for the selection of e.g. the optimal carrier, deposition method of the active phase, and load of the active phase. After several dozens of tests, we have designed a promising new catalyst, obtained by impregnation of the γ-Al2O3 with the cobalt and molybdenum compounds, followed by the activation process. The catalytic activity and stability of the obtained catalysts, tested in a laboratory fixed bed reactor under atmospheric pressure at 500 °C, were promising compared to the reference state-of-art Co3Mo3N and the commercial iron-based catalyst. However, the determination of the active phase structure, necessary to fully understand the nature of the catalyst, with standard laboratory methods was ambiguous. Thus, selected obtained catalysts were examined with the help of powerful synchrotron XANES/EXAFS measurements at the ASTRA beamline. 

Read more on SOLARIS website

Image: Scheme of the catalyst synthesis protocol including wet impregnation of support and activation of precursor in ammonia, resulting in highly active and stable catalyst.

Advancing Polarization-Sensitive Photodetection: The Potential of Naturally Anisotropic Tin Monochalcogenides

Advancing Polarization-Sensitive Photodetection: The Potential of Naturally Anisotropic Tin Monochalcogenides

A team of scientists from Wrocław University of Science and Technology, in cooperation with researchers from the URANOS beamline, conducted a series of experiments on layered semiconductors SnS and SnSe using photoemission spectroscopy. Their investigation revealed characteristic features of the electronic band structure, which influence the optical properties of these materials and their potential for near-infrared polarization-sensitive photodetectors.

Polarization-sensitive photodetectors play a crucial role in detecting changes in light polarization, which has applications ranging from liquid crystal technology to biological studies. Existing designs rely on complex optical components, but this study demonstrates that the natural anisotropy of tin monochalcogenides can significantly simplify device construction. This could lead to more efficient and compact photodetectors with polarization resolution.

The unique properties of SnS and SnSe stem from their distorted orthorhombic crystal structure, which introduces directionality in electronic band dispersion. This, in turn, affects their optical characteristics, enabling selective absorption of polarized light. The study also highlights the impact of lone electron pairs on the energy levels of these materials (determining parameters such as work function and ionization potential), which is crucial for the design of heterostructures and metal contacts. Compared to black phosphorus (BP), another anisotropic vdW crystal, SnS and SnSe offer superior stability in ambient conditions, making them more practical for real-world applications.


Read more on SOLARIS website

Dynamic protein nanotubes for advanced applications

Dynamic protein nanotubes for advanced applications

A collaborative research team from Jagiellonian University in Poland and the universities of Leeds, York, and Durham in the UK have made a significant nanotech breakthrough by developing dynamic, pentamer-based protein nanotubes. The study, published in ACS Nano, reveals how an engineered enzyme can assemble into various hollow spherical and cylindrical structures in response to stimuli.

By leveraging the power of electron microscopy and mathematical modeling, the research led by the Azuma group at Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology (MCB) JU has unlocked the ability of a modified enzyme, called lumazine synthase, to form versatile and adaptive nanostructures. The protein shows an extraordinary capacity to morph between hollow spherical shapes and elongated, fiber-like nanotubes, all in response to salt contents in solution. Unlike conventional nanotubes that rely on hexameric or other subunit arrangements, these newly discovered assemblies consist entirely of pentamers. 
Thanks to the state-of-the-art Titan Krios G3i cryo-electron microscope, housed at the National Synchrotron Radiation Centre SOLARIS JU and the Polish high-performance computing infrastructure PLGrid (HPC Centers: ACK Cyfronet AGH), scientists have mapped the structures of these innovative nanocage complexes with remarkable precision.

This pioneering research provides invaluable insights into the molecular mechanics and geometric principles of protein assembly. The findings offer a fresh blueprint for designing nanoarchitectures with customizable shapes and functions, potentially revolutionizing fields such as drug delivery, catalysis, and the creation of advanced nanomaterials.

This discovery is thrilling, as it allows us to see and comprehend the various ways pentamers bind within these nanocages – says Dr. Łukasz Koziej, a leading researcher of the study.
Dr. Yusuke Azuma adds, This work is a promising step forward to pave the way for developing new biomimetic devices and materials with bespoke properties, marking a significant advancement in the field of nanotechnology.

Read more on SOLARIS website


Image: Electron microscopic structures of ball- and tube-shaped assemblies made from an engineered enzyme, lumazine synthase. Unlike many other cases found before, these structures are built entirely with pentameric (pentagonal) units. By simply changing the amount of salt in the solution, they can switch between forming balls or tubes.

Cu2Ge: A New 2D Topological Semimetal

Cu2Ge: A New 2D Topological Semimetal

Members of the “Spectroscopy of Novel Quantum States” team from the Paris Institute of Nanosciences, Sorbonne University, came to the URANOS beamline (synchrotron Solaris) to study the electronic properties of a recently synthetized material: Cu2Ge which is a so-called “nodal line” topological semi-metal. More generally, their scientific objectives are focused on understanding the electronic and magnetic properties of low-dimensional systems such as superconductors, topological and magnetic materials, or Mott insulators.

Among various metal/semiconductor systems, copper/germanium alloys have been studied since the 1990s to understand the formation mechanisms of Schottky barriers, fundamental to diodes of the same name. This Cu2Ge system has attracted renewed interest due to recent predictions of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Indeed, these calculations predict that the 2D alloy Cu2Ge has a band structure with a 1D intersection of valence and conduction bands, characteristic of a topological semimetal with a Dirac nodal line. In this work, we have experimentally demonstrated for the first time that it is possible to synthesize Cu2Ge on a surface of a copper crystal and that its electronic structure exhibits the expected characteristics of the purely 2D case. Its properties make this alloy a promising candidate for high-frequency electronic applications and an ideal system for studying exotic properties that can emerge in nodal line materials.
Two-dimensional materials are widely studied for their exceptional properties, which allow for potential applications in various fields such as photovoltaics, catalysis, microelectronics, and biomedicine. Additionally, some of these 2D systems exhibit topological properties, further increasing the possibility of discovering new electronic behaviors without a bulk equivalent. Such is the case for Cu2Ge, an alloy consisting of an atomic plane of copper and germanium. Although Cu/Ge alloys were studied several decades ago for Schottky barrier formation, more recent DFT calculations shed new light on these systems. They reveal that, in the case of a 2D Cu2Ge layer, the band structure should exhibit cones intersecting along two closed loops. These “loops” are known as Dirac lines. When these lines are close to the Fermi level, the material noteworthy properties: the potential for higher carrier densities than graphene while maintaining very high carrier velocity.

Read more on SOLARIS website

Perovskite phase symmetry influence the cobalt modifier position

Perovskite phase symmetry influence the cobalt modifier position

A research group from the AGH University of Krakow, specializing in material chemistry, in collaboration with the SOLARIS Center, has published findings on the impact of phase symmetry in the CaTiO3 – SrTiO3 perovskite system on the incorporation of cobalt into the perovskite structure. These cobalt-modified materials are promising for applications in energy conversion technologies and environmental catalysis. The findings, published in Materials Chemistry and Physics, revealed distinct behaviors between calcium-rich (Ca-rich) and strontium-rich (Sr-rich) perovskite materials. The study also examined the impact of non-stoichiometry on both, the position occupied by cobalt in the structure and its oxidation state. A comprehensive understanding of the structural changes in the system was achieved through an innovative approach combining X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) analysis, conducted at the ASTRA beamline, with results from temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) studies.

Ca-rich materials, characterized by orthorhombic symmetry, more effectively incorporate cobalt into the perovskite structure but also tend to form a secondary phase – CoTiO3. In contrast, Sr-rich materials with tetragonal symmetry predominantly lead to the formation of cobalt oxides, particularly Co3O4. The  slight deviations from stoichiometry (a deficiency of atoms in the Ca/Sr sublattice) intensify these effects: in Ca-rich materials, they increase the proportion of the CoTiO3 phase in the system, while in Sr-rich materials, they result in a higher content of cobalt oxides. Additionally, XAS and TPR results revealed that Ca-rich materials contain more cobalt in the +II oxidation state, while Sr-rich materials contain more cobalt in the +III oxidation state.

These findings open new possibilities for designing materials and optimizing their properties for potential applications in catalysis and electrochemical devices. At the same time, they significantly enhance the understanding of solid-state chemistry, particularly the chemistry of materials with a perovskite-type structure.

Read more on SOLARIS website

Designed, pH-reversible synthetic protein cage

Designed, pH-reversible synthetic protein cage

In this study published in Macromolecular Rapid Communications, a team of researchers from Centre for Programmable Biological Matter (Durham University), Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology and NSRC SOLARIS lead by prof. Jonathan Heddle designed a programmable artificial protein cage build from TRAP protein, that is sensitive to pH and can be disassembled on demand.

The rational design and production of a novel series of engineered protein cages are presented, which have emerged as versatile and adaptable platforms with significant applications in biomedicine. These protein cages are assembled from multiple protein subunits, and precise control over their interactions is crucial for regulating assembly and disassembly, such as the on-demand release of encapsulated therapeutic agents. 

This approach employs a homo-undecameric, ring-shaped protein scaffold with strategically positioned metal binding sites. These engineered proteins can self-assemble into highly stable cages in the presence of cobalt or zinc ions. Furthermore, the cages can be disassembled on demand by employing external triggers such as chelating agents and changes in pH. Interestingly, for certain triggers, the disassembly process is reversible, allowing the cages to reassemble upon reversal or outcompeting of triggering conditions/agents. 

This work offers a promising platform for the development of advanced drug delivery systems and other biomedical applications.

Read more on SOLARIS website

Image: Artistic representation of the designed protein cage geometry

Credit: Izabela Czernecka

Striking structural similarities in RNA of four Betacoronaviruses

Striking structural similarities in RNA of four Betacoronaviruses

In a study published in Nucleic Acids Research, a team from the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw (IIMCB), led by Prof. Janusz Bujnicki, in collaboration with the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) in Madrid and the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, made a significant discovery regarding the four main types of betacoronaviruses, including the deadly viruses SARS-CoV-2 and MERS, as well as the OC43 virus that causes colds. The research was carried out using the research infrastructure of the SOLARIS National Synchrotron Radiation Centre.

The scientists analyzed the ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules – the genetic material of betacoronaviruses. The RNA nucleotide sequences of coronaviruses, which are about 30,000 nucleotides long, differ significantly from each other. In this work, detailed analyses focused on examining the spatial structure and dynamics of about 500 nucleotides at the very beginning of the viral RNA (the “5′ end”), which plays a crucial role in the replication of viruses in infected cells.

The 5′ ends of the genomic RNA of four different coronaviruses were examined using advanced biochemical, biophysical, and bioinformatics techniques, including chemical probing, cryo-electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and computer modeling. The results revealed the presence of very similar structural elements, despite being formed by different nucleotide sequences in the RNA of various betacoronaviruses.

“This discovery is fundamental for understanding the similarities in the functioning of betacoronaviruses,” says Prof. Janusz Bujnicki from the IIMCB, the project leader. “The spatial structures we have identified in the RNA molecules of viruses may contribute to the development of new antiviral drugs in the future.”

The significance of the published discovery goes beyond understanding the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic and sheds new light on the molecular mechanisms of how all coronaviruses function.

This research was possible thanks to the international collaboration of scientists from Warsaw, Krakow, and Madrid. The project was initiated as part of the COVID-19 research program, funded by the National Science Centre (grant 2020/01/0/NZ1/00232), and then continued with support from other national and international sources. Key to success was the effective cooperation of experts from various fields of science.

Read more on SOLARIS website

Image: Evolutionarily conserved structures of SL5 regulatory elements in Betacoronavirus RNA genomes

MCB JU researchers discovered a mechanism regulating the essential process of hypusination

MCB JU researchers discovered a mechanism regulating the essential process of hypusination

A research team from the Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology at Jagiellonian University (MCB UJ), led by dr hab. Przemysław Grudnik, in collaboration with scientists from the Medical College of Wisconsin, has uncovered an unusual role of the ERK1/2 kinases in the regulation of a unique post translational modification, hypusination. This breakthrough not only bridges a gap in our understanding of the mechanisms controlling hypusination, an essential process for the human body, but also reveals a surprising function of ERK1/2. These findings have recently been published in the scientific journal “Cell Reports”.

Hypusination is a highly specific modification of eukaryotic translation factor 5A (eIF5A), and deoxyhypusine synthase (DHPS)  is responsible for catalyzing the first and limiting step of this process. Hypusination enables eIF5A to facilitate the synthesis of other proteins in the cells, which is a fundamental process. Despite its critical function in cellular homeostasis, the regulation of hypusination remains elusive. Researchers at MCB have started to unravel the mechanisms controlling hypusination and have shown the new unexpected finding that the extracellular signal regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) perform a non kinase function by directly interacting with DHPS to regulate hypusination. ERK1/2 are key enzymes in a signaling pathway, which is crucial in regulating cell growth, differentiation, and cell survival in human bodies. Until now, these proteins have been studied for their enzymatic (kinase) activity, which allows them to activate other proteins through phosphorylation (adding phosphate groups).

Researchers at MCB employed cryo-electron microscopy (cryo EM) to study the structure of the DHPS ERK2 complex. The data revealed that ERK2 binds to DHPS at the entrance to its active site, effectively blocking access for eIF5A. The findings also highlight how cellular signaling via the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway modulates ERK1/2 association with DHPS. When this pathway is activated, the interaction between ERK1/2 and DHPS decreases, allowing eIF5A to be hypusinated. Moreover, ERK1/2’s kinase activity controls how much DHPS and eIF5A the cell produces. This discovery provides fresh insights into how cells regulate essential processes such as protein synthesis in response to external signals.

Read more on the SOLARIS website

Image: Dr hab. Przemysław Grudnik (on the right) and Paweł Kochanowski (on the left) are holding a model of the DHPS-ERK2 complex.

Study Unveils Local Geometry of Copper Cations inside the channels of Mesoporous Silica

Study Unveils Local Geometry of Copper Cations inside the channels of Mesoporous Silica

A group of researchers from the Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences and the University of Lorraine, CNRS in France, conducted studies on the ASTRA line at the SOLARIS Centre. In their publication “Revealing the molecular structure of copper phosphonate groups anchored inside SBA-15 silica channels: Theoretical and experimental study,” they described the local geometry of copper cations immobilized by phosphonate groups in the mesoporous silica pores.

Mesoporous silica provides a versatile platform for creating a new generation  hybrid inorganic organic mesoporous materials with pores accommodate distinct organometallic moieties,SBA-15 with propyl phosphonic acid, which serves as anchoring units for two-valent metal ions like copper can be considered a potential candidate in many industrial applications. Rerearchers have demonstrated previously that SBA-propyl-Cu can exhibit quite good Non-linear optical (NLO) response that can be tuned by changing the concentration of the functional unit inside the silica scaffold more over the same material exhibits strong biocidal properties which can be explained by the catalytic action of the copper ion that  effectively converts O2 into the O2* radical,this radical promotes oxidative damage to biomolecules.

Read more on the SOLARIS website

Image: Magnitude of Fourier transform of the EXAFS plotted vs radial distance of the central copper atom to other elements (R). The presented experimental spectrum was juxtaposed with the theoretical fit draw based on two theoretical models (presented at the right) with the assumed contribution and the signals typical for the assumed paths (a).

The search for the optimal anode material for Na-ion batteries

The search for the optimal anode material for Na-ion batteries

One of the most demanding challenges for Na-ion batteries is finding a suitable anode material that will provide high capacity, while at the same time its structure will not degrade during repeated sodiation and desodiation (processes that occur during the operation of cells). A group of researchers from the AGH University of Science and Technology and the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland, conducting research on the ASTRA line, undertook an attempt to find a suitable material, and their studies were published in the journal “Energy Storage Materials”.

Among the many proposed anode materials, antimony attracts the attention of scientists because of its high theoretical capacity and good electrical conductivity. However, at the same time, its significant volume changes during operation can lead to the destruction of the material’s microstructure. A solution to the problem of volume changes can be the application of composite materials, where the matrix alleviates stresses. A research team has obtained a composite material Sb/Sb4O5Cl2/C in which the Sb grains are characterized by a unique shape, branches. This morphology is advantageous for materials characterized by large volume changes when voids between branches are filled during operation. Electrochemical characterization results indicate that the composite material works in a more stable manner than individual phases that work separately. 


Through measurements by multiple techniques, it was possible to determine the exact mechanism of sodiation and desodiation of this composite material. Unique operando XAS measurements during cell operation with the proposed anode material and metallic sodium were carried out on the ASTRA line. Measurements at the SOLARIS synchrotron made it possible to observe and understand the incomplete reversibility of the reaction in the first cycle of the material and to identify the source of the additional capacitance observed in sodiation below 0.4 V and in desodiation above 1.0 V.


The activity of three phases was observed in the proposed composite material: Sb, Sb4O5Cl2, and C, and demonstrated high mechanical integrity of the electrode by providing space for volume changes in the branch-like shape. At the same time, the presence of an amorphous matrix (originating from the products of the sodiated Sb4O5Cl2 phase) allowed for buffer expansion and contraction of the material during operation.

Read more on SOLARIS website

Image: SEM picture of examined material.

SOLARIS International Projects – NEPHEWS

SOLARIS International Projects – NEPHEWS

NEPHEWS (NEutrons and PHotons Elevating Worldwide Science), led by SOLARIS, is a project designed to provide scientists with access to world-class European research infrastructures.

The NEPHEWS project integrate two European Users Organisations: ESUO (European Synchrotron and Free Electron Laser User Organisation) and ENSA (European Neutron Scattering Association), with two largest and most advanced consortia, LEAPS (League of European Accelerator-based Photon Sources) and LENS (League of advanced European Neutron Sources). This initiative aims to develop a new way of cooperation, where neutron facilities work side by side with LEAPS Infrastructures. Additionally, NEPHEWS empowers users through an innovative User-to-User approach, granting ESUO and ENSA a pivotal role in project development.

The NEPHEWS project offers:

  • Experienced Users: Access to 38,290 hours of beamtime for conducting experiments on project-provided beamlines (TNA Programme);
  • New Users: Opportunities to join experienced user groups, allowing them to collaborate on measurements and enhance their knowledge (Twinning Programme);
  • Young Scientists: Week-long internships at large-scale research centres affiliated with the project, providing essential scientific and research training (ESR Programme);
  • Training Courses: Covering topics such as:
  • Implementing research using synchrotron facilities, neutron facilities, and free electron lasers, along with their complementary roles;
  • Infrastructure access procedures, including guidelines for successful beamtime applications.
  • Training for African Scientists: Selected scientists will receive training and attend the HERCULES school to advance their scientific expertise.

Furthermore, the project aims to establish collaboration with ministries and national funding agencies in developing countries. The objectives include raising awareness about the importance of research funding and fostering cooperation with user communities.

Read more here

Dirac dispersions and Fermi surface nesting in LaCuSb2

Dirac dispersions and Fermi surface nesting in LaCuSb2

A team composed of scientists from the National Synchrotron Radiation Centre SOLARIS, the Institute of Physics of the Jagiellonian University, the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN), and the Institute of Low Temperature and Structure Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN), has published the results of their research on the superconducting compound LaCuSb2. The experiment was conducted using the URANOS beamline at the SOLARIS synchrotron.

In the studies conducted on LaCuSb2, a material from the RTSb2 family (where R is a rare earth metal and T is a transition metal), interesting properties of its electronic structure were identified. This material is a superconductor with a transition temperature of approximately 0.9 K. To investigate its electronic structure, angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were employed.

The analysis of the Fermi surface and energy bands of LaCuSb2 revealed the presence of linear dispersion relations corresponding to Dirac dispersions and nodal lines along the M–A and X–R directions. The Fermi surface of LaCuSb2 is composed of four branches, with two inner branches having a more three-dimensional character. A significant finding was that the Fermi surface nesting in LaCuSb2 is stronger than in the related material LaAgSb2. Despite this, no charge density waves (CDW) were observed in LaCuSb2, but they are present in LaAgSb2, what makes an interesting contrast between these two compounds.

Read more on SOLARIS website

Image: Electronic structure of LaCuSb2 along the “X”  ̅”-” “Γ”  ̅”-” “X”  ̅ direction, collected using 66 and 54 eV with LH and LV light polarizations. Green arrows indicate linear bands, and red arrows indicate Dirac-like band crossings. Calculated surface spectra for La-Sb and Sb terminations, using the surface Green function technique, are presented for comparison.

Structure and Mechanism of Human Elongator revealed

Structure and Mechanism of Human Elongator revealed

Scientists from the Max Planck Research Group at the MCB of the Jagiellonian University in Krakow fulfilled their longtime goal of understanding how human Elongator works. The research of dr hab. Sebastian Glatt’s team was performed in collaboration with the scientists from Kassel University and Berlin Technical University.
The multi-subunit Elongator complex is composed of two distinct subcomplexes, namely Elp123 and Elp456. The carboxymethyl group (cm5) introduced by Elongator serves as the basis for other enzymes for the synthesis of subsequent modifications. tRNAs with fully modified wobble uridines bind to translating ribosomes in an optimal manner and thus facilitate effective co-translational folding of emerging proteins. Structural biology and in vitro experiments were performed at MCB, with the assistance of the Structural Biology and Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core Facilities at MCB. Cryo-EM data was collected on the Titan Krios G3i, a high-end cryo-electron microscope located at SOLARIS National Synchrotron Radiation Centre. The team from Kassel conducted in vivo analyses, while the team from Berlin performed crosslinking mass spectrometry experiments. 
The MCB team resolved the structure of the human Elongator complex at the highest resolution among all Elongator structures (2.9 Å), which is published so far. The structure shows human ELP123, in complex with tRNA and acetyl-CoA molecule. It precisely depicts the organization of the active site together with the tRNA anticodon stem loop, and modification target, namely the wobble uridine. The structure allowed to identify the unforeseen role of another universally conserved uridine adjacent to the wobble position which is important for the activity of ELP123. This collaborative work presents structural snapshots of the complex during intermediate stages of modification reaction. The authors also identified a series of conserved amino acid residues located in the active site of the catalytic subunit, which are necessary for the chemical reaction. All these findings were verified and supported by in vivo and in vitro experiments.

Read more on SOLARIS website

Image: Cryo-EM density map (left) and atomic model (right) of ELP123 subcomplex bound to tRNA and acetyl-CoA at a resolution of 2.87 Å