Researchers observed complete atomic structure of MnSOD and tracked proton movements using neutron scattering, revealing cyclic proton transfers between amino acids and solvent molecules. The findings open avenue for studying other electron-transfer enzymes.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a refractory metal alloy that can withstand extreme temperatures and is viable for additive manufacturing. The team also created an electrocatalyst that enables the conversion of water and carbon dioxide into higher weight hydrocarbons, set to reduce fuel costs.
Scientists discovered elusive type of spin dynamics in a quantum mechanical system, confirming a previously unproven hypothesis. The findings show that the Kardar-Parisi-Zhang scenario accurately describes changes in time of spin chains in certain quantum materials.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has produced a key radioisotope, actinium-225 nitrate, for pharmaceutical companies developing new cancer treatments. ORNL's production of Ac-225 enables the support of applications without disclosing proprietary information, fulfilling FDA requirements.
Researchers used neutron scattering to investigate interactions between telaprevir and the SARS-CoV-2 main protease, discovering unforeseen changes in electric charges that were not predicted by computer simulations. This finding suggests that assumptions about binding behaviors should be based on individual atom-level observations rat...
Scientists have identified a statistical relationship between city growth and paved surfaces' impact on water cycles and climates. They also demonstrated a method to heal dendrites in solid-state batteries, and created high-performance thermoplastic composites using additive manufacturing and conventional compression molding.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have successfully extracted the rare and valuable isotope promethium-147 from plutonium waste. This process not only reduces disposal costs but also provides a new source of the isotope, which has applications in nuclear batteries, medical imaging, and space exploration.
Scientists demonstrate precise positioning of transition-metal dopants in graphene, opening doors to exotic electronic, magnetic, and topological properties. Meanwhile, a new diamond anvil pressure cell enables high-pressure science not possible elsewhere, revealing insights into super-hydrides and earth-core pressure conditions.
ORNL's Amanzi-ATS model simulates groundwater flow in Arctic ecosystems, revealing the impact of thawing permafrost on stream temperatures. New cobalt and nickel superalloys remain crack-free and defect-resistant in extreme heat, enabling metal-based 3D printing applications.
Researchers used quantum annealing to simulate magnetic materials, matching theoretical predictions and resembling experimental data. The study provides a foundation for future materials science research and demonstrates the potential of quantum computers in tackling complex problems.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a COVID-19 screening whistle that captures aerosols from exhaled breath for easy home testing. Additionally, advancements in welding technology have sped up the process and improved consistency, benefiting NASA's deep space missions.
Researchers analyze molecular dynamics of proposed COVID-19 drug candidates to understand their interactions with target proteins in human cells. They found that certain parts of the molecules can move more easily once hydrated, which could influence how efficiently a drug takes on shapes associated with different biological functions.
The COHERENT experiment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory has established a new kind of neutrino interaction, coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering. The discovery confirms earlier observations and provides constraints on alternative theoretical models, shedding light on the universe's nature.
Scientists discover nearly 300 novel microbial species near a deep-sea volcano, revealing new insights into their extreme environment. Researchers also develop self-healing elastomers with unprecedented adhesion strength, and create a flood mapping tool to visualize water spread for any scenario and terrain.
Researchers have developed a new method for tracking individual molecules in real-time using four-probe scanning tunneling microscopy, enabling unprecedented control over molecular transport. Additionally, Oak Ridge National Laboratory has released guidelines to improve fuel economy by reducing idling and selecting the most fuel-effici...
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have accelerated a research engine that provides an unprecedented view inside the atomic-level workings of combustion engines in real time. The engine, built to run on a neutron beam line, allows investigation of structural changes in new alloys designed for high-temperature, advanced combus...
A new class of nickel-iron-aluminum-based cathodes shows promise as a substitute for cobalt-based cathodes in lithium-ion batteries. The NFA class delivers high specific capacities and can be integrated into existing manufacturing processes, making them potentially cost-effective and sustainable.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are developing innovative technologies to improve transportation, biology, radiation, and climate. Air taxis could significantly reduce fuel consumption while alleviating traffic congestion. Fungi use signaling molecules to communicate with each other and regulate growth. The lab is also vis...
Researchers are using neutron scattering to study how the coronavirus interacts with human cells and develop treatments that target the cell membrane. By understanding how the virus enters cells, scientists hope to create therapies that can slow down viral infection and reduce its harmful effects.
Researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered that several hepatitis C drugs can effectively bind and inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. The study provides promising results for potential repurposing candidates to treat COVID-19, paving the way for further research and clinical trials.
Researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory have made groundbreaking discoveries in climate science, providing unprecedented data to improve global environmental models. Additionally, scientists have uncovered a mechanism that disease-causing bacteria use to anchor their protective outer membranes, which could inform strategies to c...
Researchers at ORNL used neutron scattering to create a three-dimensional map of the SARS-CoV-2 enzyme molecule critical to virus reproduction. The study reveals the location of every atom in the protease enzyme, enabling the design of more specific and effective drug inhibitors.
Researchers have developed an on-surface synthesis method to create graphene nanoribbons with precise electronic properties, advancing quantum devices. The approach uses a titanium dioxide surface and achieves atomic-scale precision, decoupling the material from the substrate and enabling unique quantum properties.
The Membrane Solvent Extraction (MSX) process developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory allows for the recovery of highly pure cobalt, nickel, lithium, and manganese from spent lithium-ion batteries. This technology contributes to a circular economy by recycling end-of-life products without generating hazardous waste.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a novel approach to estimate Nigeria's population using satellite imagery and a national sample survey. They also found that irradiation can slow corrosion of alloys in molten salt, and created a method for making carbon-based materials compatible with semiconductor circuitry.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Tennessee discovered a way to slow phonons, waves that transport heat, in photovoltaic materials. This discovery holds promise for improving novel hot-carrier solar cells, which convert sunlight to electricity more efficiently than conventional solar cells by harnessing...
Researchers have precisely measured the weak interaction between protons and neutrons, yielding the smallest uncertainty in comparable measurements. The experiment uses a novel apparatus to detect subatomic products and overcome background noise, revealing key findings about the Standard Model of Particle Physics.
A new membrane model has shown that proteins can change profoundly in different lipid environments, opening up a new area of research. The team used x-ray and neutron scattering to confirm the artificial membrane's structure and revealed unique information about the lipid-protein relationships.
Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory created a composite material that increases electrical current capacity of copper wires, enabling more efficient electric vehicle traction motors. The new material can be scaled for use in ultra-efficient devices with improved performance and reduced cost.
Researchers at ORNL developed a quantum microscope that measures signals with sensitivity better than classical limits, revealing fine details hidden by noise in microscopy signals. The approach uses squeezed light to reduce noise and achieve higher signal-to-noise ratios.
Researchers developed a smart wall that functions as both a support structure and a cooling system, potentially lowering energy bills. Scientists also discovered a way to control the size of magnetic quasi-particles called skyrmions, which could advance high-density data storage and quantum magnets. Additionally, a new method for gaugi...
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory used a tungsten isotope to study the erosion and contamination of plasma in fusion reactors. The experiments aimed to understand how tungsten can be used to armor the reactor without contaminating the plasma, which is essential for achieving sustainable fusion energy.
Researchers found a new microbial pathway producing ethylene, providing a potential avenue for biomanufacturing a common plastic component. The discovery also sheds light on a long-standing mystery about how ethylene is produced in anaerobic soils and points to potential paths to prevent crop damage from high levels of ethylene.
A team of scientists created a computational model of proteins responsible for transforming mercury to toxic methylmercury, shedding light on how this reaction occurs and its environmental impact. The models suggest that conserved cysteine amino acids in HgcB are involved in shuttling mercury to HgcA during the reaction.
Scientists developed an integrated approach to track energy-transporting ions in ultra-thin materials, potentially leading to faster charging and longer-lasting devices. The study focused on MXenes, a class of two-dimensional materials with promising energy-storing capabilities.
Researchers at ORNL designed a novel, 3D-printed device that captures carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel plants and industrial processes. The device uses additive manufacturing to integrate a heat exchanger and mass-exchanging contactor, enhancing mass transfer and increasing efficiency.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed an AI software named Peregrine for powder bed 3D printers, assessing part quality in real-time. The software uses convolutional neural networks to analyze images and detect anomalies, alerting operators for adjustments.
Researchers developed a machine learning model to predict pandemic impact on fuel demand, analyzing mobility patterns and historical weekly motor travel trends. In another study, scientists found extraordinary fine-root growth with increasing temperatures in northern peatlands, indicating a previously hidden belowground mechanism that ...
Researchers used ultrafast pulsed laser techniques to investigate chemical separations, tracking dynamics of molecules designed to grab cobalt from solutions. The study reveals the essential role of hydrogen bonding in developing new extraction methodologies.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a hybrid inverter platform that connects local energy resources to the utility power grid, enabling autonomous, distributed energy systems. The platform can interact with various control systems and support real-time monitoring for better system stability.
The Oak Ridge National Laboratory's production of ORNL-produced plutonium-238 enables the Perseverance rover to power its journey across Mars. The lab has been consistently increasing its Pu-238 production capabilities, aiming to produce 1.5 kilograms per year by 2026.
A team of researchers found that genes related to blood pressure regulation appear excessively 'turned on' in lung fluid cells of COVID-19 patients, leading to excessive bradykinin production. This overproduction causes leaky blood vessels and increased hyaluronic acid levels, resulting in inflammation and severe symptoms.
A recent study published in AGU Advances reveals that warming peatlands can lead to a rapid release of stored carbon into the atmosphere. The researchers found that even modest temperature increases can trigger significant microbial processes, resulting in faster-than-historical carbon loss rates.
A team of scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory used neutron scattering and supercomputing to understand how an organic solvent and water work together to break down plant biomass. They identified optimal temperatures for the process, which can aid in the rational design of even more efficient technologies.
Researchers developed a machine learning approach to predict seasonal fire risk in Africa, using data on ocean temperatures and land surface changes. Additionally, scientists found that charge loss in lithium-ion batteries is related to the inherent structural instability of the cathode's crystalline structure. A new microscope tool pr...
Researchers have developed a novel fluorinated gas membrane material that exceeds the Robeson upper limit, surpassing current bottlenecks in selectivity and permeability. This breakthrough enhances carbon-capture performance in real environments, offering a promising solution for reducing industrial carbon emissions.
Climate researchers projected changes in nine monsoon regions across five continents, revealing delayed onset and intensified seasonal fluctuation. The study found that reduced greenhouse gas emissions under RCP2.6 scenario could minimize long-term shifts, while RCP8.5 scenario predicts significant changes.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a method to implant atoms precisely into ultra-thin crystals, yielding Janus structures with different chemical compositions. This technique may improve the abilities of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) to separate charge and catalyze chemical reactions.
A team of researchers has performed the first room-temperature X-ray measurements on the SARS-CoV-2 main protease, enabling the creation of a comprehensive 3D model. This model will be used to advance supercomputing simulations aimed at finding drug inhibitors to block the virus's replication mechanism.
A novel method for 3D printing components used in neutron instruments has been licensed to ExOne Company. The collaboration will help develop patent-pending techniques to create lightweight, metal-infused composites ideal for neutron scattering applications.