UNESCO Secretary-General introduces the International Year of Crystallography 2014

This is the French-language version of the message from UNESCO Secretary General Irina Bokova contributed to the virtual press conference launching IYCr2014.

A century ago, it was discovered that X-rays could be used to 'see' the structure of matter in a non-intrusive manner. Today, X-ray crystallography has become the leading technique for studying the structure of matter at the atomic or molecular level.

The International Year commemorates the centennial of the discovery of X-ray crystallography, thanks to the work of William Henry Bragg, William Lawrence Bragg and Max von Laue.

Today, crystallography underpins all the sciences. It forms the backbone of a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, agri-foodstuffs, aeronautics, computing, mining and space sciences. It is essential for the development of almost all new materials.

Throughout the year, UNESCO and the International Union of Crystallography will be providing interested governments with guidance on curricular and research development. We shall be organizing a number of open labs in developing countries, in order to show how crystallography works, in partnership with private companies. I wish to invite all governments to join us in raising the flag for crystallography throughout 2014 and beyond.

Category: Science & Technology. Duration: 2m 3s
Licence: Standard YouTube Licence

Understanding crystallography: Part One

From protein to crystal

How can you determine the structure of a complex molecule from a single crystal?

Professor Elspeth Garman take us on a journey into the world of crystallography - from protein production and purification to growing the right type of crystals.

In her laboratory at the University of Oxford Elspeth introduces us to some of the tricks of the trade, key techniques and the machines that help her team grow crystals ready for X-ray analysis at specialist facilities like Diamond Light Source.

This film was supported by the Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC).

Published: 2014
Filmed: 2013. Duration: 7m 45s
Credits: Ed Prosser / Royal Institution

 License: Creative Commons

The Mystery of the Giant Crystals

The Cave of the Crystals (Cueva de los Cristales) in the Naica Mine, Chihuahua, Mexico, houses some of the largest natural crystals ever found. They are selenite, a form of the mineral gypsum (CaSO₄.2H₂O). Juan Manuel Garcíia Ruiz and his colleagues investigate the conditions under which these huge crystals have grown over the course of thousands of years. The temperatures in the subterranean caverns are over 50°C, and the caves are filled with water containing a variety of minerals leached from the surrounding rocks.

Duration: 50m 53s

© 2014 Trianatech.com - All rights reserved

El Misterio de los Cristales Gigantes

La Cueva de los Cristales en la mina de Naica, Chihuahua, México, alberga algunos de los más grandes cristales naturales que se han encontrado. Son selenito, una forma del yeso mineral (CaSO₄.2H₂O). Juan Manuel García Ruiz y sus colegas investigan las condiciones en que estos enormes cristales han crecido a lo largo de miles de años. Las temperaturas en las cavernas subterráneas son más de 50° C, y las cuevas están llenas de agua que contiene una variedad de minerales lixiviados de las rocas circundantes.

Duration: 50m 54s

© 2014 Trianatech.com - All rights reserved

Il Mistero dei Cristalli Giganti

La Grotta dei Cristalli (Cueva de los Cristales) nella miniera di Naica, Chihuahua, Messico, ospita alcuni dei più grandi cristalli naturali mai trovati. Si tratta di cristalli di selenite, una particolare forma di gesso (CaSO₄.2H₂O). Juan Manuel García Ruiz e i suoi colleghi indagano sulle condizioni in cui questi enormi cristalli sono cresciuti nel corso di migliaia di anni. La temperatura nelle caverne sotterranee è oltre 50° C, e le grotte sono riempite con acqua contenente una varietà di minerali lisciviati dalle rocce circostanti.

Duration: 50m 58s

© 2014 Trianatech.com - All rights reserved

Le Mystère des Cristaux Géants

La Grotte des Cristaux (Cueva de los Cristales) dans la mine de Naica, Chihuahua, Mexique, abrite quelques-uns des plus grands cristaux naturels jamais trouvés. Ils sont sélénite, une forme de gypse minéral (CaSO₄.2H₂O). Juan Manuel García Ruiz et ses collègues enquêtent sur les conditions dans lesquelles ces énormes cristaux ont grandi au cours de milliers d'années. Les températures dans les cavernes souterraines sont plus de 50° C, et les grottes sont remplis avec de l'eau contenant une variété de minéraux lessivés des roches environnantes.

Duration: 50m 58s

© 2014 Trianatech.com - All rights reserved

Georgina Ferry on X-ray crystallography

Georgina Ferry is a freelance science writer, editor and broadcaster. In this video she discusses the fascinating history of X-ray crystallography as well as why it is so important today.

Created in support of 'From Atoms to Patterns' at Wellcome Collection.
http://www.wellcomecollection.org/whats-on/exhibitions/from-atoms-to-patterns.aspx

Category: Science & Technology. Duration: 6m 54s
Licence: Standard YouTube Licence

Nobel winners honoured in Adelaide

The Bragg Centenary Symposium occurred at the University of Adelaide on Thursday 6 December 2012, to celebrate the centenary of the first crystal structure determination by X-ray diffraction. Present at the Symposium was Mrs Patience Thomson, daughter of W. L. Bragg. Click on the photograph to see the news item broadcast by the Australian Broadcasting Commission featuring Mrs Thomson and her relationship with her father.

Broadcast on ABC News on November 30, 2012. Duration: 5m 51s