The researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory observed the final step of photosynthesis in atomic detail, discovering an extra oxygen atom being produced.

The team used extremely high-resolution images to observe the process, and their discoveries could help provide a roadmap for optimizing clean energy sources. They hope to use the same principles of photosynthesis to develop artificial systems that convert carbon dioxide into hydrogen and carbon-based fuels.

An X-ray upgrade will be used to further understand the process, and understand more about photosynthesis.