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The vision of the Life Sciences Division is to advance basic knowledge, and the health of humans and the biosphere, by elucidating the 4-Dimensional dynamics of complex biological systems -- ranging from molecules to microbes to humans.

Research Highlights

Comparing Proteins at a Glance
A revolutionary X-ray technique enables researchers to identify, at a glance, structural similarities and differences between multiple proteins under a variety of conditions. The technique has already been used to gain valuable insight into a prime protein target for cancer chemotherapy. More » 

 

Reading the Human Genome
Berkeley Lab researchers led by Eva Nogales used a combination of cryo-electron microscopy and reconstituted versions of the protein machinery that transcribes genetic information from DNA to RNA to produce the first step-by-step visualization of how this machinery is able to read the human genome one gene at a time. More » 

 

SAXS

 

Bold Move Forward in Molecular Analyses
Lab researchers have made a dramatic leap forward in the ability of scientists to study the structural states of macromolecules such as proteins and nanoparticles in solution. Using a new set of metrics for analyzing data, they have reduced the time required to collect data by up to 20 times. More »