Proteins in Motion: Mapping the Landscape of Structure

Understanding protein motion—not just structure—is key to revealing function. In a recent Structural Dynamics study, Joseph I. J. Ellaway, Stephen Anyango, Sreenath Nair, Hossam A. Zaki, Nurul Nadzirin, Harold R. Powell, Aleksandras Gutmanas, Mihaly Varadi, and Sameer Velankar introduce a novel approach to identifying distinct protein conformational states across the Protein Data Bank.

By integrating experimental data with advanced computational clustering, their method captures how proteins shift between biologically important shapes—moving beyond static models toward a more dynamic view of structure. This work opens new avenues for understanding disease mechanisms and advancing drug discovery.

IUCr2026: Early Registration Deadline Extended!  

You now have until April 17 to register for IUCr 2026 at discounted rates. Don’t miss your chance to save and secure your spot in Calgary.

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Small-Angle Scattering Resource Collection

Help shape the future of Small-Angle Scattering education. The ACA SAS community is building a curated, community-driven resource hub to support learning, training, and data analysis—and we want your input.

Share tutorials, guides, software recommendations, and practical tips that have made a difference in your work. Submissions will be reviewed by SAS SIG leadership and featured on the ACA website to support researchers at all stages.

Submit your resources by May 1 and contribute to the SAS knowledge hub.

Submit a Resource

 


April’s Birthstone: The Diamond—A Crystal Masterpiece

April’s birthstone, the diamond (featured in our banner above), is a symbol of strength and brilliance—and a remarkable example of crystallography in nature. Formed deep within the Earth, diamonds are made of carbon atoms arranged in a precise, repeating structure that gives them their exceptional hardness and signature sparkle.

Crystallography, the study of crystal structures, helps scientists understand these properties at the atomic level. Using techniques like X-ray diffraction, researchers can examine how diamonds interact with light and even engineer synthetic diamonds for advanced uses, from cutting tools to quantum technologies.

Through crystallography, diamonds are more than beautiful gemstones—they are a window into the power of atomic structure.

Join Us in Calgary for the 27th IUCr Congress & General Assembly

Be part of the IUCr 2026 Congress in Calgary, Canada, where the international crystallography community will gather to share breakthroughs, exchange ideas, and build new collaborations. From world-class scientific sessions to networking opportunities, IUCr2026 is the place to connect and engage with the future of the field.

Learn more and start planning your journey to Calgary at www.iucr2026.org.

 

 


Join the ACA Community

Advance your career and connect with leaders in structural science by joining the American Crystallographic Association (ACA). Gain access to a dynamic professional network, exclusive resources, and opportunities to engage through meetings and Special Interest Groups.

Become a member today and be part of the structural science community.