ORNL's software significantly speeds up microscopy image analysis, allowing researchers to explore how neurons migrate in the brain. The lab also made bioenergy advancements by identifying a bottleneck in breaking down woody plants for biofuels, and developed an ecosystem modeling method that can pinpoint key uncertainties.
The Consortium for Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors (CASL) developed a model of the Watts Bar Unit 2 reactor core before startup and simulated its initial cycle. The simulations confirmed engineers' predictions on safe operation and provided detailed hour-by-hour behavior during power escalation. CASL's high-fidelity code su...
Lenvio Inc. has exclusively licensed Hyperion, a malware behavior detection technology from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), to quickly identify malicious software behavior. This technology improves upon traditional signature detection methods, providing a new class of cyber protection against large-scale cybersecurity threats.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are developing three new approaches to improve deep learning technologies. They are bringing together quantum, high-performance, and neuromorphic computing architectures to optimize complexity in a low-power environment. Additionally, scientists have created an approach to get a better look ...
Scientists at ORNL and NCSU report growing graphene nanoribbons without a metal substrate, enabling controlled creation of interfaces with different electronic properties. This breakthrough addresses limitations in graphene's application in digital electronics.
Using supercomputers, researchers simulate phase transformations in metal surfaces induced by lasers. This helps predict material properties for practical applications such as engineering of new metals.
The Fine-Root Ecology Database (FRED) brings together information on plant root traits and associated data from around the world, containing over 70,000 observations. This centralized online resource aims to predict how plants may change under various conditions, advancing our understanding of below-ground ecology.
Scientists found that small nanoparticles, even those as small as 1.8 nm, can dramatically improve the properties of polymer materials. This is because smaller particles interact with fewer polymer segments, allowing for new properties such as improved temperature resistance and faster viscosity changes.
Researchers at ORNL studied tungsten degradation under reactor-relevant conditions, discovering that lower-energy bombardment produces finer, smoother tendrils. The study aims to engineer robust materials for fusion reactors, which pose significant challenges due to plasma exposure.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed innovative methods for creating complex patterns, accelerating gas separation, and optimizing manufacturing processes. The lab's expertise in additive manufacturing has enabled the rapid prototyping of components, while membrane-based gas separation has shown promising results.
The new automated measurement system at Oak Ridge National Laboratory improves Pu-238 production quality by reducing human handling. The system enables the efficient processing of neptunium-237 feedstock, resulting in high-quality plutonium-238 for NASA's Mars missions.
Researchers used a combination of computational power and experimental data to study magnetism in a real iron-platinum nanoparticle. The team was able to precisely model the atomic structure and simulate its magnetic properties, revealing defects and imperfections that affect performance.
Researchers used neutron crystallography to visualize the positions and movements of hydrogen atoms in a key enzyme from Helicobacter pylori, which causes stomach cancer. The study provides insights into the enzyme's structure and potential targets for new medications that selectively target H. pylori without harming useful bacteria.
Researchers at Caltech used a supercomputer to identify new electrolyte materials that could enhance lithium-ion battery performance. They found polymers with promising properties for lithium-ion conduction, which could lead to more efficient and stable batteries.
Researchers at ORNL have set a new record in superdense coding, transferring 1.67 bits per qubit over fiber optic cable. This achievement brings the technique one step closer to practical use and could lead to more efficient data transfer methods for applications like the Internet and cybersecurity.
The discovery of tennessine, the seventh row's heaviest element, marks Tennessee's significant contribution to nuclear research. The state's institutions, including Vanderbilt University and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, played crucial roles in its creation.
Researchers at ORNL released the largest-ever Populus SNP dataset, comprising over 28 million SNPs, to study genetic variations in poplar trees. The dataset aims to develop plant materials tailored to work with microbes to yield targeted products for biofuels, materials, and chemicals.
Scientists at ORNL have developed a novel crystallization method to capture carbon dioxide directly from ambient air. The method uses a guanidine sorbent that can be heated at relatively low temperatures to release the gas, reducing energy consumption and emissions.
Researchers use neutron diffraction to study high-pressure and high-temperature phases of solid carbon dioxide, shedding light on the Earth's carbon cycle and potential for carbon substitution with silicon dioxide. The study provides new insights into the behavior of carbon dioxide under extreme conditions.
A team of researchers used neutron scattering to study the origins of unusual magnetic behavior in a rare earth metal oxide, revealing three key features: antiferromagnetic interactions, spin space anisotropy, and chemical disorder. These findings provide a better understanding of how quantum spin liquids exhibit exotic behaviors.
The Jefferson Lab-NVIDIA collaboration uses Titan's supercomputer to simulate QCD interactions, achieving speedups of seven- to tenfold for calculations. This enables researchers to explore exotic mesons and advance QCD theory.
ORNL's technologies help in disaster response, urban planning, and energy management. Researchers have developed novel fluorescent air leak detection systems, faster scanning methods for microscopy, and more efficient motors for electric vehicles.
Scientists have uncovered the genetic and metabolic mechanisms that allow certain plants to conserve water and thrive in semi-arid climates. By studying the unique metabolic processes of CAM plants, researchers aim to transfer these traits into bioenergy and food crops.
Researchers discovered four new chemicals that target and disrupt bacterial proteins called efflux pumps, a major cause of antibiotic resistance. The team's approach uses mechanics to revive existing antibiotics' ability to fight infection.
Researchers at ORNL discovered using high pressures to initiate chemical reactions, opening a new pathway for synthesizing novel materials. This process may also help explain the formation of complex carbon structures observed in interstellar space.
Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have created a process to mix unmodified lignin with rubber, producing high-performance renewable thermoplastics containing up to 41% lignin. The researchers also studied methane storage in tight shales using neutron scattering, finding that smaller pores hold twice the amount of methane as l...
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have demonstrated that 3D-printed permanent magnets can outperform conventional bonded magnets while conserving critical materials like neodymium and dysprosium. The additive manufacturing process produces complex shapes with nearly zero material waste.
Researchers used Titan supercomputer to compute nickel-78's nuclear structure and found it to be doubly magic, with greater stability than its neighbors. This confirms a theoretical prediction and may improve our understanding of the origin, organization, and interactions of stable matter.
Scientists at ORNL discovered a chemical reaction that enhances the breakdown of cellulose in lignocellulosic biomass. The THF-water cosolvent phase separates on the faces of crystalline cellulose fibers, allowing certain enzymes to interact and increase hydrolysis.
Researchers at ORNL developed a nanoscale catalyst that converts carbon dioxide directly into ethanol with high selectivity. The process uses low-cost materials and operates at room temperature in water, making it suitable for industrially relevant applications.
A photon-sensing scheme has been conceptualized for a detector that mimics a miniature trampoline, featuring enhanced sensitivity. The sensor utilizes a suspended micro-bridge to detect tiny displacements caused by photons, minimizing movement and overcoming inherent limitations.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered that complex oxide materials can form self-organized circuit elements, which could support new computing architectures. This breakthrough enables the creation of multifunctional chips with tailored inputs and outputs for specific applications.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory develop direct-write technology to create nanoscale patterns in metallic ink, allowing for tailored material properties and customized architectures. The technique uses a scanning transmission electron microscope to control the deposition of metal onto a silicon microchip.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered the key to piezoelectric excellence in relaxor-based ferroelectrics, enabling more detailed electrical signals and better images in medical ultrasound. The findings may provide knowledge needed to accelerate the design of functional materials for diverse applications.
The US Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory has received $39.8M in Exascale Computing Project funding to develop advanced modeling and simulation solutions for key DOE missions in science, clean energy, and national security.
PyFR combines highly accurate numerical methods with flexible code implementation to solve complex fluid flow problems. The software achieves over 50% of Titan's theoretical peak performance, making it ideal for industries like aerospace and wind power.
The US Department of Energy is investing $16 million in two four-year projects to develop software for designing new functional materials. The research teams will use supercomputers to model and simulate material behavior, with the goal of revolutionizing alternative energy, electronics, and other fields.
A novel method has been developed to yield lower-cost, higher-efficiency systems for water heating in residential buildings. The new 'semi-open' natural gas-fired design streamlines traditional closed gas-fired systems by eliminating certain components.
Scientists at ORNL discover the optimal ratio of selenium in cadmium-tellurium solar cells, increasing efficiency from 22% to near-theoretical levels. The alloy composition of 50% cadmium, 25% tellurium and 25% selenium performed best.
The ORNL-led study develops a new method to pinpoint electrical service areas most vulnerable to climate change and predicted population growth, identifying substations at the neighborhood level. The analysis helps decision makers prepare resources needed for population movement in response to extreme weather events.
A novel nontoxic process generates larger ultrathin sheets of 2-D nanosheets, increasing the material's surface area by 20 times, which could expand its commercial applications. The controlled gas exfoliation process separates 2D nanomaterials for use in separation and catalysis.
The Bellerophon Environment for Analysis of Materials (BEAM) platform unites imaging technologies with advanced data analytics and high-performance computing to accelerate materials discovery and design. This innovation enables near-real-time processing, analysis, and visualization of large experimental datasets.
Researchers developed molecular probes to detect genes converting mercury into its highly toxic organic form, with a 94% confirmation rate. The technology can help determine the amount of methylmercury in water and sediment, aiding environmental managers and governments in protecting human health.
Experimentalists discovered calcium-52 had a large charge radius, challenging its status as a magic nucleus. Theoretical research using Titan supercomputer confirmed the trend without kink in charge radius graph, but even advanced models couldn't perfectly match experimental data.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have isolated and cultured the elusive archaeon Nanopusillus acidilobi from a hot spring in Yellowstone National Park. This achievement provides valuable insights into the evolution and mechanisms of complex systems, and has significant implications for understanding microbial diversity.
A recent climate study found a significant correlation between human activity and enhanced vegetation growth in the Northern Hemisphere. The research, led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, used advanced statistical methods to detect the human 'fingerprint' behind this phenomenon.
Scientists simulate cuprates to understand pseudogap phase and superconductivity emergence. A team led by Thomas Maier identified a possible alternative route mediated by magnetic fluctuations, suggesting an alternative mechanism for Cooper pairing in high-temperature superconductors.
Scientists developed a new technique to detect magnetic behavior at the atomic level using aberration correction in electron microscopy. This approach can collect magnetic signals from individual atoms, refining existing methods like x-ray spectroscopy and neutron scattering.
The Precision Oscillation and Spectrum Experiment (PROSPECT) aims to detect neutrinos emitted from the reactor, extracting information about neutrino oscillations over short distances. The experiment may reveal the existence of a fourth neutrino flavor that does not interact via the weak force.
Soil moisture levels in the Arctic play a crucial role in determining carbon emissions as temperatures rise. A recent study found that dry soils release significantly more carbon than wet soils, even accounting for methane production.