Diamond Lightsource Podcast

This month, we dig deep into the world of archaeology to learn how scientists at Diamond are investigating our cultural heritage. We find out how scanning samples of the Dead Sea Scrolls can help decipher them, how probing timber from the Mary Rose can improve its conservation and how studying pigments in paintings could protect major pieces of art!

This month we peer into the nanoworld to find out how synchotrons can assist in the development of a new way to store data and revolutionise computer memory. We also hear how the chemical by-products of bacteria can be used to make industry good deal greener and we bring you a round-up of the latest news from the light source, including the launch of 2 new beamlines.

This month we find out how the Diamond synchrotron is revolutionising research in the life sciences. We hear how the synchrotron's beamlines are helping to identify potential treatments for foot and mouth disease as well as uncovering the causes and new ways to diagnose Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease. We also touch on the latest news from Diamond, including the announcements made at this year's AAAS conference in Chicago.

Welcome to the first Diamond Light Source podcast! This month we introduce the Diamond Synchrotron: what is it, what can it do, and how does it work? Plus we also catch up with some of the key research that took place in 2008, including revelations about the composition of comets and the secret soil-cleaning powers of the humble earthworm.