stanford synchrotron radiation Archives

Strange discovery: Bacteria built with arsenic

Menlo Park, Calif. — In a study that could rewrite biology textbooks, scientists have found the first known living organism that incorporates arsenic into the working parts of its cells. What’s more, the arsenic replaces phosphorus, an elem…

X-rays offer first detailed look at hotspots for calcium-related disease

Menlo Park, Calif. — Calcium regulates many critical processes within the body, including muscle contraction, the heartbeat, and the release of hormones. But too much calcium can be a bad thing. In excess, it can lead to a host of diseases, suc…