The Gibson Group are developing mimetics of anitfreeze proteins for various biomedical applications. In this work, they explore the use of X-ray scattering as a tool to help discover new materials and understand existing antifreeze proteins. Traditional tests of antifreeze function use microscopy and end-point assays, or require extensive image analysis of a relatively small number of crystals. Here, low-temperature x-ray scattering was used (with superb assistance from the X-Ray RTP at Warwick) to enable real-time profiling of ice growth rates, probing 100’s of crystals simultaneously. This work will help develop new more active antifreeze protein mimetics for biomedical and biotechnological applications. https://doi.org/10.1039/C9AN02141H