Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory isolated an important intermediate in a catalyst using reverse reactions, enabling the study of reaction mechanisms and potentially improving catalytic efficiency. The goal is to design new catalysts with enhanced reactivity and selectivity.
An imaging study has revealed that smoking significantly reduces MAO-B activity in the hearts, lungs, kidneys, and spleens of smokers, impacting overall organ health. The study used radiotracers to track enzyme levels in peripheral organs.
Brookhaven National Laboratory researchers have developed counterterror technologies to detect radioactive materials, chemical and biological agents, and explosives. These sensor technologies can be deployed at ports, bridges, tunnels, and transportation hubs to intercept dangerous materials before a terrorist attack.
Researchers observe differences in jet production and particle energy between Deuteron-Gold and Gold-Gold collisions, hinting at the existence of quark-gluon plasma. These findings open up new avenues for studying the strong nuclear force.
Researchers from Brookhaven and Argonne labs develop a non-destructive plasma valve to quickly contain air breaches in high-energy electron beams. The valve uses ionized gas to separate atmospheric pressure from a vacuum, allowing for faster vacuum-air separation and reduced damage to machinery.
Researchers aim to develop anti-microbial drugs by targeting enzymes in microbial pathways that synthesize essential amino acids. Structural information of these enzymes will be obtained using x-ray crystallography, paving the way for designing candidate inhibitors.
Researchers have created a new x-ray technique called DEI that enables the visualization of soft tissues such as skin, cartilage, and blood vessels. This technique has potential applications in diagnosis and could enhance mammography and the detection of other soft tissue pathologies.
Researchers at Brookhaven Lab and NREL developed a polyphenylenesulfide (PPS) coating system to address corrosion issues in geothermal power plants. The coating system has shown dramatic improvements in bonding, durability, and service lifetime compared to competitive coatings.
Willis developed liquid argon calorimetry, electron identification by detection of transition radiation, and hyperon beams. These innovations are now widely adopted in particle physics.
The award recognizes the researchers' contributions to developing a viable alternative to neutrons for studying magnetic structure in rare earths and actinides. Resonant magnetic x-ray scattering complements neutron magnetic scattering, opening new possibilities for research in condensed matter physics.
Scientists at Brookhaven Lab are developing a promising radiation therapy technique called microbeam radiation therapy (MRT) that effectively destroys tumors in animal models while sparing normal brain tissue. Researchers have also made advancements in computer calculations and molecular electronics.
Researchers have developed a technology that uses gold nanoparticles to attach enzymes to electrodes, improving the measurement of biological molecules. The technique enables more sensitive and specific glucose monitoring in diabetic patients, with higher flow rates detected than with traditional methods.
Researchers found that a virus uses a protein called actin to destroy its own cells, allowing it to escape and infect other cells. The discovery provides new insights into viral infections and could lead to the development of antiviral agents.
Researchers grew a molecular film on liquid mercury, discovering four distinct patterns as molecules assemble. The study paves the way for controlling film growth and tailoring materials for nanoelectronics and nanosensor technology.
Scientists have developed a new, non-invasive method to study neurochemistry and behavior in animal models of neurological and psychiatric diseases. The microPET technique allows researchers to measure dopamine receptor levels in living animals, providing insights into disease progression.
Researchers identified Ski's role in disrupting nuclear signaling proteins, preventing cells from slowing down and stopping division. This finding provides crucial insight into the development of cancerous tumors and offers a potential target for new anticancer drugs.
Scientists have developed a new technique called COBRA to study the structure of thin films at an atomic level, revealing surprising alignment between film and substrate atoms. The technique provides precise information on atomic positions within films and their interactions with substrates.
Researchers observe temporary structure during membrane fusion, forming hourglass-shaped stalk connecting two membranes. This discovery may lead to understanding of viral infection and designing new drug delivery methods.
Researchers have isolated polyoxomolybdate molecules from molybdenum blue solutions and used laser light scattering to decipher their structure. The findings reveal hundreds of individual POM molecules forming stable, hollow spheres that remain suspended in solution.
Researchers have found that adding gold to titanium dioxide creates a highly reactive catalyst for sulfur dioxide, which can help clean air pollutants. Additionally, ionic liquids may be used as solvents for cleaning up radioactive waste due to their stability and ability to block neutrons.
The PPS coating system, developed by Brookhaven Lab chemist Toshifumi Sugama, shows dramatic improvements in bonding durability, resistance to wear and abrasion, and service lifetime compared to competitive coatings. The coating's self-healing properties make it suitable for use in geothermal power plants and other harsh environments.
The latest muon g-2 measurement provides a unique and unusually sensitive test of the validity of the general theory of electromagnetism or, equivalently, the Standard Model of particle physics. The result confirms earlier measurements with twice the precision, making this new measurement a much more sensitive test of the Standard Model.
Researchers used carbon-dating technology to confirm the authenticity of the Vinland Map, dating it to approximately 1434 A.D. The map, if authentic, is believed to be the first known cartographic representation of North America. Its date would establish the history of European knowledge of the lands bordering the western Atlantic Ocean.
Researchers used non-traditional techniques to determine nanoscale structures, revealing cesium ions arranged in short-range order zigzag chains. This verifies CsxSi32O64 as a room-temperature stable inorganic electride with potential useful electronic properties.
Researchers developed a new material by attaching gold nanoparticles to a sticky molecule gradient, enabling efficient processing and high-throughput testing. The material can be used as a filter, sensor or catalyst with potential applications in electronics, chemistry and life sciences.
Lee's research found that zeolites expand as fluid from the surrounding medium is squeezed into their tiny pores under great pressure, leading to potential applications as 'molecular sponges'. The discovery was made possible by using a technique called powder diffraction at Brookhaven's National Synchrotron Light Source.
A brain-imaging study found that obese individuals have enhanced metabolic activity in specific regions involved in sensory processing of food. This suggests a heightened sensitivity to food palatability, potentially driving overeating in obese individuals.
Researchers used two techniques to examine the electronic structure of magnesium diboride, revealing interactions between electron holes that contribute to its superconductivity. The findings provide new insight into the material's properties and may lead to improved magnetic resonance imaging and electric power transmission.
Researchers have discovered that electrons in conducting-insulating materials interact strongly when excited, allowing them to move between planes and exhibit metal-like behavior. The critical temperature for this change ranges from -100 to -300 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the material.
Researchers from Brookhaven National Laboratory found that high concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the Houston Ship Channel region contribute to excessive ozone production. The study's findings may lead to more effective regulations for protecting public health.
Researchers found that mere sight or smell of food spikes levels of dopamine in the brain, a key player in addiction. The study also showed that certain medications can amplify weak dopamine signals, potentially helping with weight management.
Researchers have found that highly connected proteins are unlikely to interact with each other, a phenomenon that helps reduce interference and increase stability in protein networks. This discovery was made possible by computer modeling of protein interactions in yeast cells, which revealed an
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a new method for producing electrodes, allowing for the creation of novel alloy compositions and improving electrochemical reaction rates. The method uses hydrogen to form nanocomposite materials, making it more effective and practical than traditional methods.
Richard Setlow, a Brookhaven Lab scientist, is being honored for his discovery of nucleotide excision repair and its application to understanding genetic diseases and cancer. His work has led to significant advancements in the field of environmental mutagenesis.
A brain-imaging study has shed light on the reasons behind inhalant abuse by revealing how toluene moves into the brain rapidly and affects reward centers. The study shows that toluene spreads more generally to the entire brain before clearing the body, which may explain its addictive potential.
A cognitive psychologist at Brookhaven Lab provides guidance on designing voting systems that minimize human error and facilitate accurate understanding. The expert's recommendations include organizing information in a consistent manner, providing clear instructions, and allowing voters to control the pace of their use.
Scientists at the NSLS have made significant discoveries, including the structure of anthrax's edema factor protein and a mechanism for high-temperature superconductivity. Researchers are also developing more efficient compounds to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions and creating new methods for examining protein structures.
Joanna Fowler has made significant contributions to positron emission tomography (PET), including the development of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and radiotracers for monoamine oxidase (MAO). Her work has improved our understanding of biochemical processes in addiction, aging, and drug action.
A study by Brookhaven National Laboratory found that individual variation in dopamine release affects Ritalin's efficacy in treating attention/hyperactivity disorder. The study suggests that patients with low dopamine cell activity may not respond to the drug, even if it blocks dopamine transporters.
Scientists have combined satellite measurements with model calculations to demonstrate that atmospheric aerosols increase cloud brightness, leading to greater reflection of sunlight and potential cooling of the climate. This effect should be accounted for in assessing global climate change.
Researchers confirm rare kaon decay through 6 trillion decays, shedding light on fundamental forces and building blocks of the universe. The discovery is a significant confirmation of earlier findings and paves the way for further study of exotic aspects of the Standard Model.
Physicists at RHIC are investigating how gluons contribute to proton spin by colliding polarized protons. The experiment aims to tease apart the individual contributions of quarks and gluons to the proton's spin.
Researchers have created a zeolite material that expands when subjected to increasing pressure, allowing it to trap larger molecules and pollutants. This unusual property has potential applications in controlling chemical or radioactive pollutants by locking them inside the expanded pores.
Brookhaven National Laboratory scientists have developed strains of bacteria that can live in harsh environments and convert ordinary coal to a cleaner resource. These microbes remove sulfur and heavy-metal contaminants from coal, producing fewer environmentally undesirable by-products when burned or converted into fuel.
Acceleron Electron Beam has secured a $525,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop and commercialize a new non-vacuum electron-beam welding technique that can make welds deeper and narrower than conventional techniques, while increasing production rates and reducing costs.
Researchers at Brookhaven Lab have identified a new approach to developing antiviral agents by targeting the protease enzyme used by adenoviruses. The three-pronged therapy approach may overcome drug resistance, as mutations affecting one site are less likely to affect others.
A study found that dopamine transporter levels improved in methamphetamine abusers after prolonged abstinence, suggesting potential for recovery. However, cognitive and motor function did not show significant improvement, highlighting the need for further research.
A new study finds that methamphetamine abusers have fewer dopamine receptors, leading to reduced motivation and drive. The study suggests that the drug's high dopamine release overactivates the brain's reward system, making it hard for addicts to resist.
Researchers found that topiramate, an anticonvulsant drug, can block nicotine-triggered changes in brain chemistry. The study suggests that topiramate has potential for treating nicotine addiction by reducing the neurochemical activity associated with pleasure and reward.
Researchers at Brookhaven Lab and DuPont have developed a new class of catalysts that can accelerate the removal of oxygen from plant-derived compounds, converting them into alcohols for industrial use. The goal is to produce 25% of DuPont's revenues in 2010 from renewable raw materials.