Front End Mask replacement
The BioXAS beamline had been experiencing vacuum issues during the previous cycle. The source of the problem was identified and the Front End mask was replaced during the spring shut-down. Conditioning of the FE mask has been successful and we are looking forward to your project at the beamline.
New workspace at the beamline
Users now have access to a new workspace at the beamline where they can inspect/investigate their samples using various microscopes and mount the samples on specifically designed workbench.
XRF-imaging of whole body mouse section
The researh team is using XRF-imaging to understand distribution of key elements and biomarkers change in the brain after a stroke. XRF-imaging data of whole body mouse (model organism) section were collected in Macro-mode at 100 micron resolution and 60 ms dwell time.
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)
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BioXAS-Imaging Macro and Micro resolution modes have recently entered General User phase and will be accepting proposals for the upcoming cycle.
- Call for proposals for cycle 36 is now open
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Beamtime will be allocated based on competitive peer review emphasizing the excellence of science with the intent to publish scientific results
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Information about Call for Proposal deadlines
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Submit proposals through CLS User Portal
- Covid-19 restrictions are being lifted gradually as the transmission is reduced in our area, more information can be found at general information