Prof. Andreas Meyer will become the new scientific director of the FRM II research neutron source at the Technical University of Munich (TUM).

A technical update of the Becker–Coppens [Acta Cryst. (1974), A30, 129–147] recipe for estimating extinction factors in spherical crystallites or grains is provided, addressing limitations in scenarios with higher Bragg angles or stronger extinction effects, as well as providing improved precision in general. The work utilizes modern computing capabilities and improved recipes are provided for easy community adoption.

We describe an optimized gas-delivery stick for use with top-loading cryostats for neutron scattering measurements.

Incorporating a size-exclusion chromatography–small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) system for a SANS instrument with medium neutron flux has resulted in the successful observation of the scattering profiles of target components in complexes.

Confidence that fluids have completely exchanged in flow cells is crucial for data interpretation and reproducibility. Using a neutron reflectometry liquid flow cell as an example, this article presents a method for harnessing buoyancy effects to fill flow cells that minimizes required sample volume and ensures complete fluid exchange.

Data reduction and analysis approaches targeting whole-nanoparticle atomistic refinements from neutron total-scattering data are discussed. Refinements performed using the reverse Monte Carlo method are illustrated with the structural characterization of doped ceria nanoparticles.

Water is the difference between a temporary visit and a permanent home. If humanity is serious about building a lasting presence on the Moon, finding usable ice near the lunar south pole isn't just a scientific curiosity, it's a practical necessity. Now NASA is sending a clever instrument that hunts for water without digging a single hole, using the behaviour of subatomic particles to sniff out hidden ice deposits up to three feet underground.