Researchers discovered novel enzymes in microorganisms called archaea that break down organic matter into carbon dioxide, with implications for climate change. The study found that an increase in ocean temperature accelerates this process, releasing more carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere.
Researchers developed a new map of dark matter distribution using DES data, providing valuable tool for cosmology to answer questions about dark energy and dark matter. The mass map allows scientists to check their work and verify the relationship between galaxy distribution and dark matter density.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory design a multifunctional landscape that balances economic feasibility, bioenergy, and environmental health. By analyzing subareas of a cornfield, they found that planting bioenergy crops like willows or switchgrass can provide biomass feedstock while limiting nitrogen fertilizer runoff.
The study found that fuel extracted and refined from Canadian oil sands releases approximately 20% more carbon into the atmosphere over its lifetime. This is due to energy-intensive extraction and refining processes, as well as methane emissions and land disturbance.
The US Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory has successfully demonstrated the production, separation and purification of molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) using a process developed in cooperation with SHINE Medical Technologies. The new method uses fast neutrons to create Mo-99 from an aqueous solution of uranium.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have successfully created magnetic skyrmion bubbles at room temperature, a breakthrough that could lead to more energy-efficient computer memory. The method uses a geometric structure to generate the bubbles, which can be moved using electric currents.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory develop a new way of manipulating high-intensity X-rays using a small microelectromechanical system (MEMS) mirror. The device acts as an ultrafast mirror reflecting X-rays at precise times and specific angles, allowing for the selection of extremely brief but precise X-ray bursts.
Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have found a way to create a material combination that demonstrates superlubricity, a highly-desirable property in which friction drops to near zero. The team used graphene and diamond nanoparticles to create a nanoscale phenomenon, but found that humidity inhibited the effect.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have optimized CONVERGE code to achieve a three-fold increase in engine simulation speed, enabling faster design of better engines and reduced product development time. This breakthrough uses high-performance computing and load balancing techniques to maximize efficiency.
A study led by Argonne National Laboratory emphasizes the significance of land management practices in retaining carbon, especially under cellulosic biofuel production scenarios. Effective management can increase soil organic carbon storage by up to 2.6% when 90% of harvest residue is returned.
Using synchotron X-rays, scientists visualize the dynamics of explosions within a bombardier beetle's body, discovering a self-repairing valve that saves energy. This breakthrough could provide new design principles for technologies related to blast mitigation and propulsion.
Scientists have developed a new approach combining ptychographic X-ray imaging and fluorescence microscopy to study the role of trace elements in biological functions. This technique demonstrates unparalleled sensitivity for measuring trace element distribution in thicker specimens at cryogenic temperatures.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have gained a clearer understanding of the origin recognition complex (ORC), a protein complex that directs DNA replication. The crystal structure shows how ORC's main body has five subunits, including one that protrudes from the core to contact another subunit.
A team of researchers used various techniques to study niobium diselenide, a material that exhibits short-range charge density wave order and pseudogap behavior across large temperature ranges. They found that increasing temperature or doping leads to the loss of coherent electronic excitations and the emergence of an energy gap.
Researchers will create tools using Argonne's POLARIS system to model and simulate the movement of people via mass transportation during emergencies. The tools will provide complex modeling, simulation, and real-time assistance for officials during emergencies.
The new version of Argonne's WATER tool predicts water consumption associated with use of cellulosic feedstocks. The tool provides analysis down to the county level for the first time, supporting biofuel industry development and planning.
The U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory is partnering with three leading nuclear companies to address technical challenges in advanced reactor design. The partnership aims to create next-generation reactors with improved safety and efficiency.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a method to capture images of the molecular fireworks that occur when an egg and sperm meet. The study, published in Nature Chemistry, provides unprecedented quantitative information on the role of zinc in regulating biochemical processes during fertilization.
Scientists developed an extended Monte Carlo computational scheme to improve ionization rates and electron stripping, enabling the study of ionization dynamics on ultrafast timescales. This breakthrough enables ultrafast imaging of complex systems in 3D at near atomic resolution using XFEL pulses.
Researchers have identified Bridgmanite, a high-density magnesium iron silicate mineral, as the most abundant mineral in Earth. The discovery was made possible by non-destructive micro-focused X-rays and novel fast-readout area-detector techniques, which allowed for the characterization of natural Bridgmanite for the first time.
A team of researchers at Argonne National Laboratory has developed an integrated modeling approach to understand the fluid dynamics of fuel injectors in modern engines. The study aims to improve engine design and simulation, reducing trial and error and increasing efficiency.
Researchers have devised a powerful technique that simultaneously determines nanoscale materials' chemical makeup and topography, improving spatial resolution to 2 nm. This breakthrough enables chemically imaging of nanoscale materials with direct chemical sensitivity.
Researchers from Argonne National Laboratory and Brookhaven National Laboratory discovered the atomic structure of uranium dioxide changes significantly when it melts. The study enhances understanding of reactor safety during meltdown scenarios.
A new model developed by Argonne National Laboratory scientists predicts that peatlands in the Arctic will release more methane and less carbon dioxide as they warm, significantly affecting climate change forecasts. The research aims to improve greenhouse gas emission models and address concerns about accelerated warming in the Arctic.
A team of researchers has developed a novel capability to simulate extreme turbine engine conditions, allowing scientists to study the microstructure and internal strain in coated test blades during real operating conditions. This breakthrough could lead to improved material lifespan estimates and coatings for energy-efficient turbines.
Researchers at Stanford University have unlocked the structure of SWEETs, proteins that enable sugar molecules to cross cell membranes. The discovery, made possible by X-ray analysis, could lead to breakthroughs in diabetes treatment and crop improvement.
Researchers analyzed space dust collected by NASA's Stardust mission, finding complex composition and structure, and potentially originating from beyond our solar system. The study provides a first glimpse into the diversity and complexity of interstellar dust.
Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine identified how Ebola dodges antiviral defenses by hijacking a host protein's ability to carry an important immune signal. This finding could lead to new therapies targeting the virus's deadliness.
Raloxifene increases bone toughness by altering the physical properties of the bone matrix, rather than just suppressing bone loss or altering cellular activity. This novel mechanism provides a new class of osteoporosis treatments that target bone's intrinsic strength.
Researchers developed a new approach combining in situ X-ray scattering with computational theory to design and synthesize new materials. They found that layer exchange is not unique to strontium and titanium, but expected for many different materials systems.
Researchers analyzed samples from seven families over six weeks to understand how people influence the microbial communities in their homes. The study found that hands were the most likely to have similar microbes, while noses showed more individual variation.
Scientists have obtained an atomic-level picture of the intact NMDA receptor, a massive multi-subunit complex that integrates chemical and electrical signals in the brain. The structure reveals how the receptor is regulated and offers new insight into its function, which is tightly controlled and associated with neurological diseases.
Scientists have discovered two separate phases of ferromagnesian silicate in the lower mantle, one containing nearly no iron and the other rich in iron. This finding has significant implications for seismology and the study of earthquakes, highlighting the need to reconsider existing models.
A new study found that solar panels made in China have a higher overall carbon footprint and require more energy during manufacturing compared to those made in Europe. The difference is largely due to China's lower environmental and efficiency standards, as well as its reliance on coal-based electricity.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered a previously unknown phase in iron arsenides, which could resolve a long-standing debate about the origin of nematic order. The new magnetic phase exhibits four-fold symmetry near the onset of superconductivity, contradicting orbital theories and supporting a magnetic explanation.
A study published in Science finds a previously unknown step in the biogeochemical process that occurs in aquifers, affecting groundwater quality and contaminant fate. Microbes breathe solid iron and sulfur, transforming them into reactive ions that impact the makeup of rocks, soil, and water.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory developed a hard X-ray fluorescence nanoprobe that preserves the natural state of cells and trace elements by rapidly cooling them to -260°F. This enables the creation of high-resolution images with unprecedented detail, solving long-standing issues in biological imaging.
Researchers develop method to create long, twisting fibers that assemble themselves at the microscale, growing complex shapes and exhibiting unique properties. The new technique uses epoxy and can be instantly reversible, making it a promising technology for applications like batteries, photovoltaic cells, and sensors.
Research shows that China's export of air pollution reaches the western United States, tied to consumer goods production. A study in India reveals a 60% increase in sulfur dioxide emissions from 2005 to 2012, shifting India into the No. 2 spot as the biggest emitter after China.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have found a more efficient way to link a synthetic cobalt-containing catalyst to an organic light-sensitive molecule, increasing hydrogen generation from sunlight and water. The discovery uses a new mechanism that allows the reaction to continue significantly longer.
A team of researchers has pinpointed a critical intermediate step in the chemical pathway that leads to amyloid fibril formation, which is implicated in type 2 diabetes and other diseases. The findings provide a new target for potential treatment, such as designing an inhibitor drug to block the harmful pathway.
Researchers from Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Washington have identified a method to minimize radiation damage in protein crystals using submicrometer line focusing. This technique enables scientists to collect better data while reducing time and cost associated with repeated experiments.
Researchers have created a new ceramic material that can harness energy from visible and infrared light, not just ultraviolet light. The material has shown significant improvement over today's classic ferroelectric material, absorbing six times more energy and transferring a photocurrent 50 times denser.
Scientists will analyze river samples using DNA sequencing to identify and count microbes, tracking changes over seven years. The study aims to improve understanding of microbial health and sources in Chicago-area waterways.
Researchers use X-ray facility to replicate high-pressure conditions, finding fractures nucleate at the onset of olivine-to-spinel transition. This discovery confirms earlier experimental work and provides strongest evidence yet that phase transformations trigger deep earthquakes.
The Air Force Research Laboratory partnered with national laboratories to develop a novel capability for nondestructively mapping material substructure and grain level stresses. This capability has been applied to nickel and titanium alloys, providing insight into deformation and forming the basis for modeling tools.
Scientists tap into bug biology to design new materials, such as artificial ligaments and chemical-free pest control methods. The study of caddisfly silk reveals its unique properties, including water resistance and collagen-like behavior. Additionally, researchers use X-ray technology to better understand human muscle mechanics and po...
A protein found in ancient microorganisms that live in desert salt flats has been combined with semiconducting nanoparticles to create a system that uses light to spark a catalytic process creating hydrogen fuel. This bio-assisted hybrid photocatalyst outperforms many other similar systems in hydrogen generation.
Researchers have redefined the understanding of how muscles generate power, expanding the scope of disease treatments. High-energy X-rays and cloud computing facilitated this breakthrough, revealing that muscle force comes from both filament overlap and lattice work.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have found a way to make a material expand instead of compress under pressure. This counterintuitive discovery could lead to the creation of new porous framework materials with unique properties.