Researchers have pinpointed the source of acoustic signals emitted by stressed faults in a numerical model, which could lead to more accurate earthquake predictions. The study reveals that the collapse of stress chains inside an earthquake gouge emits these signals.
A recent DNA analysis revealed surprising genetic diversity in a bacterium that targets commercial algae, posing a persistent threat to the biofuels industry. The discovery suggests that treatment for one algae pest might not work for another, complicating large-scale algae cultivation.
A new machine learning approach enables researchers to encode quantum mechanical laws into neural nets, simulating molecular motion billions of times faster than conventional methods. This breakthrough advances research in fields like drug development, protein simulations, and reactive chemistry.
Researchers have developed a new method to create thin films that emit single photons at precise locations, enabling the scalability of quantum materials. This breakthrough paves the way for beyond-lab-scale quantum information technologies, including all-optical quantum computing and quantum key distribution.
A comprehensive new earthquake catalog has identified 1.81 million quakes in southern California, 10 times more than previously detected, providing a more precise picture of stress evolution in fault systems. The catalog will help researchers detect and locate quakes more precisely, identifying key physical and geographic details to pr...
A new space weather model accurately predicts 'killer' electrons in the Earth's outer radiation belt, providing a one-day warning before space storms. The model connects satellite measurements to electron population data, enabling reliable forecasts and protecting vital infrastructure.
A new tungsten-based alloy developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory has shown outstanding radiation resistance, retaining mechanical properties after exposure to high levels of radiation. The material's unique composition and structure have been found to be key factors in its exceptional performance.
A new computational model accurately predicts fracture mechanics, allowing for optimized pumping rates and fracturing fluid properties. This could lead to a greater percentage of gas extraction from deep shale strata, increasing industry efficiency and profitability.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory developed a new method to intentionally 'squash' colloidal quantum dots, creating dots capable of stable, blink-free light emission. This approach suppresses spectral fluctuations in single-dot emission and results in spectrally narrow light with highly stable intensity.
Researchers applied machine learning to analyze Cascadia data, discovering a constant tremor that predicts slow slippage and fault failure. The study found a direct parallel between the loudness of the signal and the physical changes, allowing for more accurate predictions of megaquakes.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory use laser-based optical tweezers to levitate uranium and plutonium particles, allowing for accurate measurement of nuclear recoil during radioactive decay. This technique enables the detection of isotopes in nanometer and micrometer-sized particles, crucial for nuclear forensics.
A new study found that Arctic shrubs can lead to significant degradation of the permafrost layer, creating pathways for increased water and carbon flow. The interactions between shrubs and snow are driving increases in discharges of fresh water into rivers, lakes, and oceans.
A team of scientists has detected highly energetic radiation from a microquasar, shedding light on extreme particle acceleration and jet physics. The findings improve our understanding of particle acceleration in jets of microquasars, offering insights into more extreme events at the centers of distant galaxies.
Research reveals a 73% decrease in bird abundance and 45% drop in species diversity at nine sites surveyed on the Pajarito Plateau. The decline may signal early effects of drought, hotter temperatures, and bark beetle outbreaks on piñon pine trees.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory used computer simulations to accurately predict HIV transmission patterns and track the disease's spread. The study found that genetic signatures can be used to determine the origin and time frame of an infection, allowing for targeted prevention campaigns.
Researchers discovered that a freshwater algae strain can degrade and utilize non-food plant substrates, leading to improved cell growth and lipid productivity. This breakthrough has the potential to boost algal biofuel production by utilizing waste plant material, such as switchgrass and corn stover.
A new study confirms that increasing winter temperatures allow beetles to expand their range, but also reveals that overcrowding can limit population growth. Resource competition is a stronger factor than cold temperatures in beetle mortality.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed carbon nanotube optics for optical-based quantum cryptography and quantum computing. The team's work involves integrating nanotubes into photonic cavities to manipulate light-emission properties and creating single-photon emitters for quantum info-processing.
Scientists have developed a novel explosive material with improved performance, replacing toxic TNT. The new molecule, bis-oxadiazole, boasts increased energy and has been shown to be melt-castable.
A team of scientists successfully measures the average neutron lifetime using an asymmetric magneto-gravitational trap and in situ detection. This breakthrough overcomes decades-long uncertainties, providing valuable insights into fundamental parameters in particle physics.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory used computer modeling and novel molecule design techniques to study the detonation process of explosives. By replacing parts of a common explosive molecule, they were able to change its sensitivity properties.
A multi-institutional project has provided new understanding of how GPCRs regulate in response to physiological ions like sodium, calcium, and magnesium. This research could lead to more effective drugs for controlling pain, hunger, and other conditions by targeting the receptors' function.
Physicists have identified a new state of matter in artificial spin ice that exhibits topological ordered phases, previously found only in quantum conditions. The material appears disordered but is actually ordered in a topological form.
Researchers have created double-pane solar windows that generate electricity with greater efficiency, using two types of engineered quantum dots. The new technology utilizes a window architecture with two layers of low-cost materials, allowing for better sunlight collection and reduced energy losses.
Researchers used computer simulations to study the dynamics of efflux pumps in bacteria, which create drug resistance. Understanding how these pumps work could lead to finding ways to deactivate them, potentially making antibiotics effective again against life-threatening diseases.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have successfully amplified light using electrically excited films of quantum dots. The team developed a novel approach to eliminate heat loss and achieve optical gain, paving the way for highly flexible, electrically pumped lasers that can complement or displace existing laser diodes.
A new system using thousands of Raspberry Pi nodes brings a powerful HPC testbed to system-software developers and researchers, enabling them to work on large supercomputers without dedicating expensive machine time. The scalable clusters have applications in education, internet of things, and HPC network topology research.
Researchers used time-resolved small-angle x-ray scattering to observe ultra-fast carbon clustering and graphite production in PBX 9502, leading to improved computer models of explosive performance. The study found a higher percentage of graphite than previously expected.
The Los Alamos team used supercomputers to analyze gravitational wave data from a neutron star merger, confirming the formation of heavy elements beyond iron. The observation also provided the first direct detection of gravitational waves in gamma rays, confirming Einstein's prediction.
Los Alamos National Laboratory researchers have developed a new method to create quantum dots that emit laser light more efficiently, using less power. The treatment involves adding extra electrons to the dots, allowing them to produce laser light without external stimulation.
Researchers characterized a mysterious fungus found in North Carolina's pine forests and discovered its home in the fungal tree of life. The study highlights the potential value of environmental sequencing to guide taxonomic and ecological discovery.
Scientists discovered borates in a Martian crater, indicating that ancient conditions were favorable for RNA synthesis and potentially life. The presence of boron on Mars adds to evidence for habitability, opening possibilities for life's origins.
A computer science approach using machine learning predicts the time remaining before a fault fails by analyzing acoustic signals emitted during laboratory-created earthquakes. The technique identifies new signals, previously thought to be low-amplitude noise, that provide forecasting information throughout the earthquake cycle.
New research at Los Alamos National Laboratory develops a DNA detection method that can accurately distinguish virulent bacteria from harmless look-alikes. The study identifies specific plasmid features in environmental species that differentiate pathogenic Francisella tularensis strains from non-threat agents.
Researchers report finding similarities among classes of materials with phenomena like electronic symmetry breaking, which helps establish essential ingredients for novel functionalities. A new nematic-like state is observed in heavy-fermion superconductor CeRhIn5, correlating with unconventional superconductivity.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have discovered a new class of low-cost fuel cell catalysts that match the performance of precious metal-based catalysts. Direct atomic-level observations have provided unique insights into their efficiency potential.
Researchers have produced single-photon emitters at room temperature using carbon nanotubes, enabling optically-based quantum information processing. The emitters can be tuned to telecommunications wavelengths, making them suitable for ultrasensitive sensing, metrology, and imaging applications.
Researchers have performed a quantum-mechanical simulation of an ultracold chemical reaction, revealing the underlying chaotic dynamics of the system. The study's findings have important implications for controlled chemistry experiments and technological applications in quantum computing and sensing.
The Curiosity rover mission has provided insights into a long-lasting lake on ancient Mars, which was stratified with distinct chemical and physical differences between its deep and shallow waters. The study found that the shallow water carried more oxygen at certain times, affecting mineral deposits and life's potential.
Scientists have discovered 'halos' on Mars that indicate the planet had liquid water much longer than previously believed. The finding reveals substantial amounts of groundwater were present for a longer period than thought, further expanding the window for when life might have existed on Mars.
A Los Alamos research team used neutron crystallography to determine the three-dimensional structure of a protein that breaks down cellulose, a key step in creating biofuels. The findings suggest that understanding the mechanism of this enzyme could lead to more efficient and cost-effective production of ethanol.
The study explores disease-control measures using a simplified SIR model with low computational requirements, and proposes a platform for public-health collaborators to use and provide feedback on models. The research aims to improve disease-related decision making by providing quantitative estimates of outbreak trajectories.
A new assay allows for direct measurement of pathogen biomarkers in bovine blood, enabling discrimination between exposure and infection. This breakthrough supports the global One Health strategy and has potential applications for diagnosing diseases in cattle, elephants, and other species.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have made breakthrough discoveries on quantum dot materials using ultrafast electro-optical spectroscopy. The study reveals the cause of a significant voltage drop in quantum dots, allowing for potential improvements in device efficiency.
Researchers demonstrated steady state lasing with colloidal quantum dots, a crucial step towards practical laser technology. The unique shape of the quantum dots, resembling a flying saucer, overcame limitations in previous lasers.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory and University of California - Irvine have identified a new chemical attribute of plutonium, the +2 oxidation state in a molecular system. This finding expands our knowledge of actinide chemistry and paves the way for further exploration of transuranic molecules.
Researchers have developed layered 2D hybrid perovskites with nanometer thickness, improving optoelectronic performance for efficient devices. The discovery of layer-edge-states at the edges of perovskite layers enables uninhibited charge transport and enhances photovoltaic and light-emitting properties.
A new study uses condensed matter theory to investigate the role of personal initiative in overcoming inequality. The researchers find that, under certain conditions, sufficient individual initiative can lead to reduced inequality, but this effect is short-lived due to the disappearance of frustration.
A global research team led by Professor Mike Stratton will study genetic samples from five continents to understand the causes of cancer. The project aims to identify unknown causes, determine environmental factors, and figure out how they lead to cancer.
Researchers now have unprecedented access to space-weather data from 23 GPS satellites, measuring charged particles and their impact on satellite operation. This data helps answer key questions about space weather events, enabling improved forecasting models.