Researchers developed a nanowire-based optical probe for single-cell endoscopy, overcoming the diffraction barrier in visible light microscopy. The endoscope can deliver genes, proteins, or therapeutic drugs into cells without damaging them.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab found evidence of non-linear DNA damage response to low dose radiation, suggesting a non-proportional relationship between dose and cancer risk. The study used time-lapse live imaging to observe the formation of DNA repair centers, which may be an optimal way for cells to deal with sparse damage.
Astronomers have observed the closest Type Ia supernova in decades, providing direct evidence for what a carbon-oxygen white dwarf looks like before it explodes. The study reveals that the supernova's progenitor was likely a binary system with a small white-dwarf star orbiting a companion.
Researchers develop cost-effective technique for fabricating flexible and stretchable backplanes using semiconductor-enriched carbon nanotube solutions. The technology enables the creation of artificial electronic skin capable of detecting and responding to touch.
By using diamonds and dust to simulate extreme pressures, researchers gained new insights into calcium-silicate-hydrate, a critical binder in concrete. The study aims to reduce carbon emissions and create stronger, more efficient cements.
Berkeley researchers are exploring a co-design approach to scientific computing, which brings together scientists and computer engineers to create purpose-built systems for specific applications. This could lead to increased code efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and faster modeling of complex problems like clouds.
Researchers at the Joint BioEnergy Institute have successfully engineered E. coli bacteria to digest switchgrass biomass and synthesize its sugars into all three major transportation fuels: gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. This breakthrough reduces fuel production costs by consolidating two steps into one, enabling a single-step operation.
A study by Berkeley Lab scientists reveals the technological steps needed to achieve California's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. The findings emphasize the importance of energy efficiency, decarbonization of electricity generation, and electrification of transportation.
Researchers have discovered a way to self-assemble uniform polyhedral silver nanocrystals into densest packings and exotic superlattices, opening the door to simpler fabrication of plasmonic materials. The technique uses gravity-driven sedimentation and allows for precise control over superlattice dimensions.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab introduce a maize gene to switchgrass, doubling starch content and making it easier to extract fermentable sugars. The results offer a promising new approach for improving dedicated bioenergy crops.
Researchers have provided the first ever map of the genes that determine how bacteria interact with their surrounding environment. The study reveals critical genetic secrets of a bacterium that holds potential for removing toxic and radioactive waste from the environment.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a new technique for fabricating nanoscale structures by controlling the temperature of a tiny soldering iron. This method, called thermal dip-pen nanolithography, allows for precise control over feature size and shape on various substrates.
The Materials Project, a Google-like search engine for materials research, uses supercomputers to characterize material properties and organize them into a database. This accelerates the discovery process, enabling researchers to develop novel materials for industries such as energy, transportation, and food packaging.
Researchers have created a genome-scale model called RiceNet to predict the functions of genes and gene networks in rice, accelerating the development of biofuel crops. The model, which encompasses nearly half of all rice genes, was developed using publicly available data sets and validated through experiments.
Researchers developed a new tool to study the impact of spatial patterns on living cells, allowing them to control protein placement and study their behavior. The technique enabled them to test breast cancer cells and demonstrate the importance of cell adhesion molecules.
Saul Perlmutter, along with Brian Schmidt and Adam Riess, discovered the accelerating expansion of the universe through distant supernovae observations. This discovery implies the existence of dark energy, a mysterious force opposing gravity and increasing galaxy distances.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab create a new device called the SheetRocker to study how shaking affects sheet formation in peptoid monolayers. They find that compression on the air-water interface produces free-floating, stable nanosheets in 95% yield, enabling scalable sensing and filtration applications.
Researchers at JBEI have identified a potential new advanced biofuel, bisabolane, that could replace diesel fuel with lower freezing and cloud points. The biofuel was produced using synthetic biology tools and engineered microbes to create a precursor, bisabolene.
Christian Bauer and Feng Wang are among 13 DOE PECASE winners, recognized for pioneering research on ultrafast optical characterization of carbon nanostructures. They were awarded the prestigious award for their contributions to advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe.
Researchers have identified key areas for improving artificial photosynthesis, including developing chromophores with large absorption strengths and studying the role of quantum coherence. The goal is to create an efficient and sustainable energy source that can be produced on a commercial scale within the next 20 years.
Researchers have designed a new conducting polymer that enables the use of silicon as a next-generation lithium-ion battery anode, storing eight times more energy than current designs. The material maintains its capacity after over a year of testing, with potential applications in electric cars and consumer electronics.
Berkeley lab researchers have discovered a complex protein structure in E.coli that plays a critical role in defending against viruses and other invaders. The 'Cascade' complex acts as a surveillance system, detecting and inactivating invading pathogens using RNA-guided target binding.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a PCR-free technique using the PhyloChip to identify the most metabolically active microbes in a sample. This allows for reliable and affordable analysis of microbial communities in various environments.
Researchers have identified a critical link between p63 and Satb1 genes in regulating skin development. The study found that Satb1 plays an essential role in chromatin remodeling, which is necessary for gene expression and cell differentiation.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab create high-voltage photovoltaic effects in ferroelectric materials using an electronic bucket brigade. The study reveals a simple, periodic domain structure that enables efficient charge transport and increased voltage output.
The average installed cost of residential and commercial PV systems fell by 17% and 11%, respectively, between 2009 and 2010. Non-module costs also decreased, with a 18% drop from 2009 to 2010. Large utility-scale PV projects showed even lower costs, ranging from $3.80/W to $4.40/W.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab have demonstrated a microscale device made of graphene that can tune its response to light at terahertz frequencies with exquisite precision. The device uses an array of graphene ribbons to control collective oscillations of electrons, or plasmons, which absorb different frequencies of light.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have demonstrated a promising approach to creating high-efficiency nanowire solar cells using solution-based cation-exchange chemistry. The new technique produces core/shell nanowires with superior open-circuit voltage and fill factor values compared to conventional planar solar cells.
Research reveals age-related degradation of bone's intrinsic and extrinsic toughness. Biological aging increases collagen cross-linking, osteonal density, and micro cracking, compromising fracture resistance.
Astronomers caught the PTF 11kly supernova within hours of its explosion, observing it with multiple telescopes and making it one of the most-studied supernovae in history. The early detection allows researchers to study the outer layers of the supernova and gain new insights into its origin.
Researchers develop new X-ray technique HARPES to study electronic structures below material surfaces, enabling better performance in nanoscale devices. The technique uses hard x-rays to probe deeper into materials than current ARPES methods.
A new computer modeling study suggests that permafrost could release between 25 and 85 petagrams of carbon into the atmosphere by 2100, with a best estimate of 62 petagrams. This release would be equivalent to an additional 7.5 years of global anthropogenic emissions.
Researchers achieve stable, high-energy electron beams by controlling wave velocity and intensity using a two-stage process. This innovation enables compact, cost-effective colliders for fundamental physics and new ultrafast light sources.
A new report from Berkeley Lab scientist shows that oil-degrading microorganisms played a significant role in both the Exxon Valdez and BP Deepwater Horizon spills. The study found that mobilizing these microorganisms rapidly can minimize the risk and impact of future oil spills.
A new DNA construction software, j5, streamlines the process by identifying cost-effective strategies and automating protocols. This enables researchers to focus on primary interests while reducing labor-intensive tasks.
The Daya Bay Reactor Neutrino Experiment has begun taking data to establish the last known mixing angle, θ13, with unprecedented precision. This breakthrough could explain why there is more matter than antimatter in the universe.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have demonstrated a technique to control the curved trajectories of Airy beams in real-time, enabling fast-as-light communication systems and optoelectronic devices. This breakthrough uses plasmonic Airy beams to manipulate surface plasmon polaritons, opening doors to new technologies in nano-photonics, biol...
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have discovered a way to create strong, heat-resistant aluminum alloys by controlling nanoparticle size and shape. The alloy's properties are highly dependent on the uniformity of the nanoparticles and their stability when heated.
Researchers found that uneven temperatures in semiconductors can create electronic whirlpools and sideways magnetic fields, leading to a new effect on thermopower efficiency. The discovery could improve the efficiency of commercial semiconductor devices
Berkeley Lab researchers have created a graphene and tin nanoscale composite material for high-capacity energy storage. The new material, dubbed a 'sandwich' structure, bolsters battery performance and enables quick charging and repeated cycling without degradation.
Researchers have developed a copper-catalyzed click chemistry reaction that is safe for use in living organisms, achieving effective labeling of glycans within 3-5 minutes. The new formulation offers improved target specificity and can be used for enriching glycoproteins for identification.
KamLAND collaboration measures radioactive decay of uranium, thorium, and potassium in Earth's crust and mantle to estimate heat energy. The new estimate is precise enough to aid in refining accepted geophysical models, suggesting that radioactive decay supplies only about half the Earth's heat.
Researchers used ARPES to study graphene's behavior near the Dirac point, observing unusual electronic interactions and renormalization. This discovery confirms graphene's semimetal properties and provides insight into its unique electronic structure.
A team of researchers has uncovered a startling new feature of lanthanum strontium manganese oxide, which can change its stripes from fluctuating to static and back. At the right temperature, it switches from a metallic state to an insulator, exhibiting colossal conductivity changes.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab observed structural transformations within a single copper sulfide nanocrystal, revealing dynamics influenced by defects. The study provides new insights into phase transitions and their relevance to battery performance and solar energy harvesting.
In June 2010, Berkeley Lab scientists quickly developed a simplified conceptual model and a coupled numerical model to estimate oil flow from the damaged wellhead. Their simulations predicted an oil flow rate of 60,000 to 100,000 barrels per day, which was later confirmed by a final estimate in August 2010.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a portable system for highly sensitive multi-dimensional chemical analysis by pairing NMR/MRI technology with microfluidic chromatography. This breakthrough enables real-time peak detection and chemical shift information for small molecules, demonstrating the unique power of magnetic resonance...
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have discovered a unique luminescence property in tetrapod nanocrystals that breaks Kasha's rule. The cadmium-selenide/cadmium-sulfide core/shell tetrapods emit light from multiple excited states, showing promising potential for optical sensing and LED applications.
Scientists have developed a technique to mass-produce high-quality boron nitride nanoribbons with uniform lengths and thickness, opening doors for various electronic and magnetic properties. The ribbons display unique edge orientations, such as zigzag or armchair shapes, which are crucial determinants of their properties.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab have devised a nanoscale testing technique for irradiated materials that provides macroscale materials-strength properties. This technique could help accelerate the development of new materials for nuclear applications, reduce material requirements, and extend the lifetime of nuclear reactors.