Crystal structure

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In mineralogy and crystallography, a crystal structure is a unique arrangement of atoms in a crystal. A crystal structure is composed of a motif, a set of atoms arranged in a particular way, and a lattice. Motifs are located upon the points of a lattice, which is an array of points repeating periodically in three dimensions. The points can be thought of as forming identical tiny boxes, called unit cells, that fill the space of the lattice. The lengths of the edges of a unit cell and the angles between them are called the lattice parameters. The symmetry properties of the crystal are embodied in its space group. A crystal's structure and symmetry play a role in determining many of its properties, such as cleavage, electronic band structure, and optical properties.

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News tagged with crystal structure


Computational microscope peers into the working ribosome

Computational microscope peers into the working ribosome (w/ Video)

Biology / Cell & Microbiology

created Nov 23, 2009 | popularity 4.9 / 5 (9) | comments 2

Two new studies reveal in unprecedented detail how the ribosome interacts with other molecules to assemble new proteins and guide them toward their destination in biological cells. The studies used molecular ...


A sticky solution for identifying effective probiotics

Chemistry / Biochemistry

created Nov 24, 2009 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

Scientists have crystallised a protein that may help gut bacteria bind to the gastrointestinal tract. The protein could be used by probiotic producers to identify strains that are likely to be of real benefit to people.





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Peptides control crystal growth with 'switches, throttles and brakes'

Peptides control crystal growth with 'switches, throttles and brakes'

Nanotechnology / Bio & Medicine

created Nov 23, 2009 | popularity 4.8 / 5 (5) | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- By producing some of the highest resolution images of peptides attaching to mineral surfaces, scientists have a deeper understanding how biomolecules manipulate the growth crystals. This research ...


New hydrogen-storage method discovered

New hydrogen-storage method discovered

Chemistry / Materials Science

created Nov 22, 2009 | popularity 4.3 / 5 (42) | comments 15

Scientists at the Carnegie Institution have found for the first time that high pressure can be used to make a unique hydrogen-storage material. The discovery paves the way for an entirely new way to approach ...


Research sheds light on workings of anti-cancer drug

Chemistry / Analytical Chemistry

created Nov 26, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- The copper sequestering drug tetrathiomolybdate (TM) has been shown in studies to be effective in the treatment of Wilson disease, a disease caused by an overload of copper, and certain metastatic cancers. ...



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