Add BrightSurf on Google Email

DOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory


Aging and breast cancer

Researchers have identified changes in adult stem cells and tumor suppressors that contribute to age-related breast cancer vulnerability. The 'HMEC Aging Resource' provides a valuable resource for studying cellular aging, allowing researchers to explore potential preventative measures.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalCancer Research·DateJun 4, 2012

Microbe that can handle ionic liquids

Researchers at JBEI have identified a tropical rainforest microbe that can endure relatively high concentrations of an ionic liquid used to dissolve cellulosic biomass. The discovery holds broad implications beyond the production of advanced biofuels, offering a potential solution to reduce biofuel production costs.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2012

Beyond the high-speed hard drive: Topological insulators open a path to room-temperature spintronics

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have demonstrated unique new materials for innovative electronic and magnetic applications. Bismuth selenide's surface electrons flow at room temperature, making it an attractive candidate for spintronics devices and quantum computers. The material's low electron-phonon coupling also underlines its practical...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 14, 2012

New findings in breast cancer

A recent study published in PNAS contradicts the prevailing belief that basal-like cells are responsible for invasive tumors. Luminal-like cells, previously thought to lack stem cell properties, have been found to be highly tumorigenic and capable of generating larger tumors than their basal-like counterparts.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 18, 2012

Better organic electronics

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have provided the first experimental determination of the pathways by which electrical charge is transported in organic thin films. By chemically modifying these films, they show improved conductance and pave the way for future organic electronic devices with better performance.

New research suggests cap and trade programs do not provide sufficient incentives for innovation

A new study by Margaret Taylor of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory finds that successful cap and trade programs often reduce incentives for innovation, as low-cost emissions reductions lead to lower allowance prices. This has significant implications for developing more effective pollution control targets.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 15, 2012

A fragrant new biofuel

JBEI researchers have engineered Escherichia coli bacteria to generate significant quantities of methyl ketone compounds from glucose, which yielded high cetane numbers comparable to gasoline. The findings add flexibility and options for the biofuels industry, with potential applications in producing advanced biofuels.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMar 13, 2012

Solving a spintronic mystery

Researchers at Berkeley Lab and Notre Dame have determined the origin of charge-carriers in gallium manganese arsenide, a material promising for spintronic devices. The study reveals that holes controlling Curie temperature are located in an impurity band, opening possibilities to expand its width and boost performance.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 27, 2012

Correct protein folding

Researchers determined the crystal structure of a critical control element within chaperonin, which promotes correct protein folding. The discovery sheds light on how proteins fold correctly and may lead to engineering modified protein-folding activities to combat diseases.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateFeb 24, 2012

Berkeley Lab researchers at AAAS

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory presented advancements in artificial photosynthesis, CAT scans for biological cells, and diagnostic microscopy with a cell phone. These discoveries aim to improve our understanding of quantum mechanics, analyze cellular structures, and develop new diagnostic tools for cancer patients.

Hydrogen from acidic water

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a technique to create molecular analogs of the active part of molybdenite, a widely used industrial catalyst. This method holds promise for creating catalytic materials that can generate hydrogen gas from acidic water at lower costs and with greater efficiency.

Self-assembling nanorods: Berkeley Lab researchers obtain 1-, 2- and 3-D nanorod arrays and networks

Researchers at Berkeley Lab developed a technique for inducing nanorods to self-assemble into complex one-, two- and three-dimensional macroscopic structures. The technique uses block copolymers as a platform for guiding the self-assembly of nanorods, enabling more effective use in solar cells, magnetic storage devices and sensors.

CAD for RNA

Joint BioEnergy Institute researchers have developed CAD-type models and simulations for RNA molecules, enabling the design of complex RNA-based control systems. These systems can process cellular information and program gene expression, holding enormous potential for microbial-based sustainable production of advanced biofuels.