Air conditioning system installed
During the fall shutdown air conditioning system was installed in the BioXAS primary and secondary optics enclosures. The optimum temperature in the enclosures will aid beam stability over time.
A new wall for quieter user area
During the fall shutdown the BioXAS-Imaging beamline user area received an important upgrade to ensure a quieter workspace area during the beamline operation and data collection.The Imaging beamline received an additional space (setup still in progress), where scientists can inspect/investigate their samples using various microscopes and mount the samples on specifically designed workbench.
XRF imaging of bumble bees in Macro-mode
Researchers were interested to localize Se contaminant in bumble bees. XRF images were collected with bi-directional fly scanning at 40 μm resolution and 250 ms dwell time. .
Students from Halifax Grammar School at the beamline
Students were interested in how metals/metalloids are distributed within soft tissue of blue mussels (Mytilus edulis).
First user at the beamline
Our first user at the beamline collected data in micro-mode to investigate phytoremediation potential of plants grown at mining impacted site.
First XRF images collected in Micro-mode
XRF images representing Ca, Zn, Hg and S distribution in zebrafish. Data were collected as fly scan in micro-mode at 5 μm resolution.
More XRF images collected in Macro-mode
Distribution of Ca, Fe and Zn in fern leaves. XRF images collected with bi-directional fly scanning at 100 μm resolution and 50 ms dwell time.
More XRF images collected in Macro-mode
Distribution of Mn and Zn in dry leaves at different resolution. XRF images were collected using the macro-mode setup with bi-directional fly scanning and three different beam size defining apertures (20, 50, 150 microns).
Students at the beamline
Curiosity driven highschool students investigated Cu mine drainage impact on the surrounding environment. Copper uptake in brown algae (Fucus gardneri) were studied using fly scan XRF imaging in Macro-mode.
First XRF images collected in Macro-mode
Although dry leaves could depict an end, but for us this image meant a beginning, a start to contribute to science and knowledge.
BioXAS Imaging
Multi-mode X-ray fluorescence imaging beamline.
Disciplines
- Biological Science
- Environmental Science
- Cultural Heritage
Examples of research areas
- Bio-distribution of essential/toxic elements
- Metals in various brain diseases
- Metal-based compounds
- Metals interaction with organisms in the environment
- Accumulation, biotransformation, bioremediation
Techniques
- X-ray fluorescence imaging (XFI)
- X-ray absorption spectroscopy imaging (XAS Imaging)
- X-ray absorption spectroscopy experiments in situ (μ-XAS)
-
BioXAS-Imaging Macro and Micro resolution modes have recenlty entered General User phase and will be accepting proposals for the upcoming cycle.
-
Call for proposals for cycle 34 starts January 27, 2021
-
Beamtime will be allocated based on competitive peer review emphasizing the excellence of science
-
Infomation about Call for Proposal deadlines
-
Submit proposals through CLS User Portal
-
Due to the COVID19 pandemic beamline operation is shifting towards remote access and samples will be accepted through mail-in or drop-in in the futur as preventative measures