Scientists at Berkeley Lab have devised an ultra-thin invisibility 'skin' cloak that can conform to the shape of an object and conceal it from detection with visible light. The cloak, made of gold nanoantennas, reroutes reflected light waves to render the object invisible to optical detection.
The Daya Bay Collaboration has made the most precise neutrino measurements to date, tracking neutrino oscillations and confirming that the experiment is a key player in advancing our understanding of fundamental physics. The new findings will aid in unraveling the mysteries of matter and antimatter asymmetry in the universe.
Celeste is a hierarchical model designed to catalog stars, galaxies and light sources in the universe, enabling astronomers to identify promising galaxies for spectrograph targeting and better understand Dark Energy. The model aims to improve data analysis methods, significantly reducing the time and effort spent working with image data.
A team of scientists from Berkeley Lab and the University of Illinois created a solar cell that absorbs high-energy light at a 30-fold higher concentration than conventional cells. This breakthrough uses quantum dot light-emitters with spectrally matched photonic mirrors to efficiently utilize the high-energy part of the solar spectrum.
A new study from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that gaming computers consume 20% of global PC energy use, but can be optimized for up to 75% energy savings through setting changes and component swaps. By doing so, gamers can improve reliability and performance while reducing their carbon footprint.
Researchers find siderocalin protein facilitates uptake of radioactive toxic metal ions in cells, opening new avenues for remedial action. The protein's structure has been characterized, revealing a possible target for treatment strategies.
A team of researchers at Berkeley Lab has achieved another milestone in hybrid artificial photosynthesis by generating renewable molecular hydrogen and synthesizing carbon dioxide into methane. The new system uses solar energy to split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen, which is then used by microbes to produce methane.
A comprehensive analysis of electricity reliability trends found that increasingly severe weather is linked to longer-lasting power outages. The study analyzed reports for nearly 70% of U.S. electricity customers spanning 13 years and found a 5-10% increase in the total number of minutes customers are without power each year.
A new technology, SR-STORM, enables high-resolution imaging of multiple components and local chemical environments inside a cell. It allows scientists to examine cell structures and study diseases using unprecedented spectral and spatial resolution.
The team used the Campanile probe to spectroscopically map nanoscale excited-state/relaxation processes in monolayer crystals of molybdenum disulfide, revealing significant optoelectronic heterogeneity. The discovery of an unexpected edge region with sulfur deficiency holds implications for future optoelectronic applications.
The installed price of US distributed solar PV systems fell 10-20% in 2014 and 6-13% in early 2015, with significant reductions attributed to decreases in solar soft costs. The 'Tracking the Sun' report highlights progress in lowering solar system prices, with substantial variability observed across different market segments.
Wind energy pricing has reached new lows in the US, with turbines becoming economically viable in more locations. The report highlights improvements in turbine scaling and manufacturing costs, making wind power a credible source of new electricity generation.
A new mathematical theory and algorithm, Multi-tiered iterative phasing (M-TIP), solves the reconstruction problem for fluctuation X-ray scattering data. This approach enables quick determination of general structure in minutes on a desktop computer, unlocking new advances in biophysics.
Researchers visualize the atomic view of microtubules, revealing the crucial role of end-binding proteins in regulating their dynamic instability. This understanding could lead to improved potency and selectivity of anticancer drugs targeting microtubule dynamics.
Researchers create high-performing single-molecule diode by controlling electrostatic environment, increasing rectification ratio to 200, and enabling faster electronics. The breakthrough enables new routes to charge and energy flow at the nanoscale.
Berkeley Lab researchers have generated and detected plasmons with one of the strongest confinement factors ever, confining photon energy to a spatial dimension smaller than its wavelength. This breakthrough enables novel plasmonic devices with extraordinary sub-wavelength confinement.
Researchers at Joint BioEnergy Institute have identified a bacterial protein called RaxX that activates rice plant's immune response to Xanthomonas oryzaepv.oryzae, the pathogen causing bacterial blight. This discovery has important implications for future grass-type biofuel feedstocks and the worldwide supply of rice.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab developed a new technique called SINGLE that provides 3D images of individual platinum nanoparticles in solution. This allows for the study of their structures and properties, which is crucial for applications in renewable energy, catalysis, and more.
The coffee berry borer beetle relies on its gut microbiota to break down and detoxify caffeine, a toxic compound that harms most insects. Researchers discovered 14 bacterial species in the beetles' digestive tracts that degrade caffeine, with one species possessing a gene that enables this process.
The study explores how retail rate design affects PV deployment, finding dramatic impacts from -14% to -61%. Increased solar deployment can lead to changes in compensation levels that accelerate or dampen further deployment.
Researchers developed a novel diffraction spectroscopy technique to probe chemical processes at the electrode/electrolyte interface, offering enhanced sensitivity and specificity. The method uses graphene gratings to detect molecular vibrations with sub-monolayer sensitivity.
A new study from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that autonomous taxis could significantly reduce per-mile greenhouse gas emissions, with savings ranging from 63-82% compared to hybrid vehicles and 90% compared to gasoline-powered cars. The use of right-sizing, where the size of the taxi is tailored to each trip's occupancy...
Researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have discovered a new route to ultrahigh density, ultracompact integrated photonic circuitry. By applying mathematical concept 'adiabatic elimination' to optical nanowaveguides, they can effectively control pulses of light in closely packed waveguides, eliminating the crosstalk p...
Researchers discovered a key event in cyanobacterial photoprotection, where the carotenoid protein shifts from orange to red state through a large-scale movement. This mechanism triggers nonphotochemical-quenching, safely dissipating excess solar energy as heat.
A new analytical method using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) has resolved the unique atomic structure at the surface of a material for the first time. This breakthrough enables direct information on both surface and bulk atoms, improving understanding of critical reactions such as catalysis and corrosion.
Researchers with Berkeley Lab have characterized the hydration structure of carbon dioxide gas dissolved in water, revealing its role in forming carbonic acid and bicarbonate. The study uses X-ray absorption spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations to provide a detailed understanding of this critical chemistry.
Researchers at EBI create a new process to produce drop-in aviation biofuels with superior cold-flow properties, density and viscosity. The process yields jet fuel or lubricant base oils with up to 80-percent net life-cycle greenhouse gas savings.
Scientists will measure trace gas concentrations, aerosols, and cloud properties in Alaska's North Slope to improve estimates of carbon emissions. The goal is to reduce uncertainty in global climate simulations and projections.
Researchers have developed a method to create custom nanoscale structures that mimic nature's designs using robotic chemical-synthesizing machines. The peptoids, synthetic versions of peptides, show promise as durable antimicrobials that can target bacteria without harming red blood cells.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab developed a technique called PSB-KAC, which provides full control of single X-ray pulses without affecting beams for other users. This allows for timed experiments with optimized signal-to-noise ratios and reduced radiation damage.
A new technique uses high-energy alpha particles to transform thermoelectric materials into more efficient versions, even improving electrical conductivity and thermopower. The research could lead to significant advancements in clean energy and device cooling applications.
Using supercomputer simulations, astronomers observed a flash of light caused by a supernova slamming into a nearby star, determining the stellar system from which it was born. This finding confirms one of two competing theories about the birth of Type Ia supernovae and suggests two distinct populations of these objects.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab develop CLAIRE, a technique for noninvasive nanoscale imaging of soft matter. This allows for high-resolution observation of dynamics behind nano-sized components in biomolecules, accelerating the development of technologies such as artificial photosynthesis and photovoltaic cells.
A multi-institutional team has discovered that statistical analysis of DNA from natural microbial communities can accurately identify environmental contaminants. The study, sponsored by the US Department of Energy, found that changes in microbial community structure persist long after contaminants are undetectable.
Berkeley Lab researchers have discovered topologically protected one-dimensional electron conducting channels at the domain walls of bilayer graphene. These conducting channels feature a ballistic length of about 400 nanometers at 4 kelvin, making them suitable for applications such as quantum computing.
Scientists from Berkeley Lab and University of Hawaii at Manoa recreated conditions around carbon-rich stars to find formation pathways of nitrogen-containing molecules. They successfully synthesized quinolone and isoquinoline in hot environments, which could lead to the creation of biorelevant molecules such as nucleobases.
Researchers analyzed data from 20 states to determine the average cost of saving electricity through utility customer-funded energy efficiency programs. The study found that efficiency programs and participants split the cost almost equally, with home lighting programs driving costs down.
Berkeley Lab researchers develop a system that captures carbon dioxide and converts it into biodegradable plastics, pharmaceutical drugs, and liquid fuels using solar energy. The technology mimics natural photosynthesis, offering a win/win situation for the environment by producing chemicals in a renewable way.
A new method to simulate soiling and weathering processes has been approved by ASTM International, reducing product rating time from three years to just three days. This allows for the introduction of high-performance cool roofs worldwide.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab found a technique to switch magnetic domain wall chirality, paving the way for desired electronic memory and logic functions. This breakthrough could lead to smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient devices through solid-state magnetic memory.
The team has calculated the complete elastic properties for 1,181 inorganic compounds, increasing data availability by almost ten-fold. This new dataset is expected to aid materials scientists in developing new materials with specific mechanical properties.
A multi-institutional effort led by Berkeley Lab will develop a new ecosystem model to explore how tropical forests respond to climate change. The project, NGEE-Tropics, will carry out experiments in tropical forests around the globe to reduce uncertainty and improve future climate projections.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab's Advanced Light Source observed the micro-scale mechanisms behind skin's remarkable tear resistance. The study identified four synergistic mechanisms in collagen that act to diminish stress concentrations associated with tears.
A Berkeley Lab study finds that electric vehicle batteries can meet daily travel needs beyond 20% capacity loss. Most drivers will still have their needs met even after substantial degradation.
New computer simulations suggest that thawing permafrost will release more carbon into the atmosphere than plants can absorb, leading to potential acceleration of climate change. The models also indicate a large range of uncertainty in the outcomes, highlighting the need for further research.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have discovered a way to improve the cost-effectiveness of CO2 scrubbing using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). By appending diamine molecules, they were able to more than triple the CO2-scrubbing capacity and reduce parasitic energy.
Berkeley Lab scientists discovered that genetic makeup affects cancer risk from low-dose radiation, identifying key regions in the genome and tumor microenvironment. The findings could lead to genetic screening tests to identify people at high risk of cancer after exposure.
Researchers at Joint BioEnergy Institute used proteomics to analyze switchgrass, a promising fuel crop candidate, and identified 1,750 unique proteins. This study demonstrates the potential of proteomics in optimizing biofuel production from switchgrass.
Researchers introduced new metabolic pathways into yeast to efficiently ferment xylose and hemicellulose from plant cell walls. This allows for biofuel production without harsh pre-treatments or expensive enzymes, overcoming existing bottlenecks in fermentation of lignocellulosic feedstocks.
Researchers studied stress fields along the San Andreas fault at the microscopic scale, revealing heterogeneous and high-stress areas in rock samples. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of earthquake events and advance seismicity research.