Using the X-ray free electron laser facility (XFEL) of the center, researchers achieved continuous protein structure analysis in femtosecond intervals, allowing the analysis of, e. g., enzyme mechanisms. As only 1 mg of protein sample is required, and small crystals of 30 μm size can be analyzed, the method can also be used to study membrane proteins, using a high-viscosity medium.

RIKEN news release, Nov. 11, 2014