David Cullen and Kate Page, researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, have received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. They were recognized for their exceptional research accomplishments in fuel cell materials and nanoparticle properties, respectively.
Researchers at ORNL discovered a specific gene that facilitates the symbiotic relationship between plants and soil fungi, enabling crops to withstand harsh growing conditions, resist pathogens, and require less fertilizer. The breakthrough could lead to the development of bioenergy and food crops that can thrive on marginal lands.
ORNL scientists create porous carbon structures from waste soft drinks to capture CO2 emissions. They also discover a practical way to share secret messages among three parties using laser light for improved cybersecurity. Additionally, researchers develop high-performance polymers for next-generation lithium-ion batteries
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed an online tool to evaluate the moisture durability of a building's envelope, enabling better-informed decisions for energy efficiency. Additionally, the lab has pioneered a new technique using pressure to manipulate magnetism in thin film materials used in electronic devices.
Seven new research fellows have joined Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Innovation Crossroads program, focusing on various energy-related and grid topics. The selected innovators will collaborate with world-class experts and unique capabilities at ORNL to advance their technologies.
The Innovation Network for Fusion Energy (INFUSE) program aims to accelerate fusion energy development through research collaborations between industry and DOE's national laboratory complex. ORNL will manage the program, leveraging its expertise in plasma experimentation, materials development, and computer modeling of fusion systems.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory explored how 2D crystals can grow over 3D objects and found that curvature can stretch and strain the crystals. Conformal growth of perfect 2D crystals over curved objects has the promise to localize strain and create high-fidelity arrays of single photon emitters.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed MiniFuel to test nuclear fuels, detecting performance data faster than conventional methods. The lab also created an auto-surveillance tool to detect healthcare data errors in the Department of Veterans Affairs' system.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory discovered crystalline phases of ice thought to exist beyond Earth's limits, challenging accepted theories about super-cooled water and amorphous, non-crystalline ice. The findings led to better understanding of ice and its various phases found on other planets and moons.
A team developed an integrative model of the transcription preinitiation complex (PIC) using IBM's Summit system. The new model provides superior insights into protein structures and dynamics, revealing how mutations cause genetic diseases.
Researchers developed a novel material inspired by siderophores to selectively bind uranium in seawater, offering an eco-friendly alternative to land-mining. The new adsorbent shows promising performance, increasing storage space for uranium and allowing for recyclable reuse.
Advanced Research Systems has licensed a technology to automatically refill liquid helium used in laboratory equipment, reducing downtime and increasing overall efficiency. The technology, developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, allows for weeks of uninterrupted operation and less helium loss compared to manual filling.
The collaboration aims to increase metal component production by up to 100 pounds per hour, reducing costs and lead times for US manufacturers. By leveraging data analytics and advanced technologies, ORNL and Lincoln Electric aim to showcase American manufacturing capabilities in the global market.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a stretchy plant-derived material with superior adhesion properties, while also advancing additive manufacturing techniques for metal parts. Additionally, they utilized the Summit supercomputer to simulate small modular nuclear reactor designs with improved efficiency.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are exploring the potential of artificial intelligence to analyze data from published medical studies associated with bullying. They also developed a low-cost sensor to monitor electrical loads from household appliances, which could support grid operations and improve power grid efficiency. ...
Scientists at ORNL used computational methods to evaluate 4,600 potential crystal structures of uranium oxide compositions, identifying a potentially stable crystalline phase for U2O7. Their findings could lead to a better understanding of how crystalline and amorphous uranium materials form in the nuclear fuel cycle.
Researchers used neutron crystallography to map the structure and catalytic mechanism of protein kinase A, revealing previously unknown characteristics and enabling enhanced understanding of cellular processes. The discovery paves the way for more precise therapeutics with fewer side effects.
Scientists at ORNL solved a 50-year-old puzzle explaining why beta decays are slower than expected by including subtle effects in theoretical models. The team used ORNL's Titan supercomputer to simulate tin-100 decay into indium-100, demonstrating increased confidence in computing nuclear processes.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are developing techniques to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria using neutron scattering, while also studying the impact of higher CO2 levels on tree growth in temperate forests. These findings could lead to improved antibiotics and better climate modeling.
Researchers improve energy density of supercapacitors using a suitable electrolyte solvent, doubling the charge storage capacity of titanium carbide MXenes. The study reveals that specific solvents can significantly increase charging speed and boost energy storage.
ReactWell has licensed a novel waste-to-fuel technology from Oak Ridge National Laboratory to improve energy conversion methods. The technology converts carbon dioxide directly into ethanol, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional refining techniques.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a novel crystallization method to capture carbon dioxide directly from the air using neutron scattering. Additionally, geospatial scientists have created a classification model that can quickly collect and store large amounts of data from social media platforms to detect power...
Researchers from ORNL and Los Alamos National Laboratories demonstrated the effectiveness of metro-scale quantum key distribution (QKD) as a means of secure communication for the nation's electricity suppliers. QKD harnesses the randomness of quantum mechanics to authenticate and encrypt data.
The laboratory developed a high-resolution map of Arctic vegetation using machine learning methods and satellite imagery. They also created a model to predict home-to-work commuting patterns in East Tennessee, leveraging machine learning to overcome traditional limitations.
Scientists developed an electron microscopy technique to directly identify isotopes in amino acids at the nanoscale without damaging the samples. This allows for real-space observation of dynamic chemistry and creates a foundation for scientific discoveries.
ORNL's automated plutonium-238 production increased annual output from 50g to 400g, moving closer to NASA's goal of 1.5kg/year by 2025. The lab also developed a novel cryogenic memory cell design that may boost storage while using less energy in future computing applications.
The Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory is collaborating with industry on six new projects focused on advancing commercial nuclear energy technologies. These projects aim to improve current nuclear reactors and move new reactor designs closer to deployment.
Researchers isolated and measured the weak force between protons and neutrons for the first time, revealing a mirror-asymmetric component of the force. The experiment used a unique apparatus to control neutron spin direction, detecting gamma rays emitted by interacting particles.
Researchers at ORNL created a lignin-nylon composite with improved printability and mechanical properties. The combination of lignin and nylon appears to have a lubrication or plasticizing effect on the composite, increasing room temperature stiffness while decreasing melt viscosity.
Methane-producing microorganisms in Eastern cottonwood trees emit the greenhouse gas. Neutrons help study natural nanoparticles for medicine improvement. Researchers developed a technique to characterize lithium-ion battery interfaces.
The researchers successfully demonstrated a new level of control over photons encoded with quantum information, performing distinct operations on two qubits in parallel. This breakthrough enables universal quantum computing and improves energy efficiency, stability, and control.
The study found that coordinated CAVs can stabilize traffic flow, reduce fuel use by more than 40 percent, and improve travel time. The team's results also explored the potential of CAVs to indirectly influence human-driven cars' performance. Additionally, researchers at ORNL studied neutron-rich nuclei, improving understanding of nucl...
ORNL scientists created a 20-kilowatt wireless charging system that transfers 120 kilowatts of power with 97 percent efficiency. The system enables faster and more convenient charging, rivaling the speed of gas station fill-ups.
A research team has identified the genetic mechanism responsible for black cottonwood poplars' susceptibility to Septoria, a deadly disease. The study could lead to more successful hybrid poplar varieties for biofuels and forestry production.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are providing critical geospatial data to support first responders in disaster scenarios. They use novel computing techniques to extract meaningful information from satellite images, enabling FEMA to prioritize damage assessments and recovery operations.
Researchers at ORNL demonstrated the reuse of rare earth permanent magnets recovered from used computer hard drives in an electric motor. Additionally, scientists tested radiation effects on human cells using organ-on-a-chip technology and analyzed designer molecules to improve bastnaesite recovery for rare earth elements.
Researchers used multimodal imaging to study a promising photovoltaic material, finding it is ferroelastic and exhibits chemical segregation due to differential strains. This discovery challenges previous assumptions and provides new insights for designing future materials with improved performance.
Researchers have made the first direct observations of water in lipid bilayers used to model cell membrane fusion. The study provides new insights into diseases associated with disrupted cell fusion and could lead to treatments for degenerative diseases.
The Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Eclipse Integrated Computational Environment (ICE) simplifies complex simulations by providing a comprehensive suite of scientific computing tools. Researchers can define problems, run simulations locally or remotely, and analyze results using a user-friendly interface.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers developed modified atmosphere insulation, a viable solution to improve building energy efficiency. Additionally, scientists created an open source software platform allowing quantum programs to run on multiple quantum computers, revolutionizing modern computing. The lab also made breakthroughs ...
Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory induced a 2D material to cannibalize itself, forming new nanostructures. The discovery provides insights into designing 2D materials for fast-charging energy storage and electronic devices.
Researchers developed a novel way to analyze poor urban communities, revealing obstacles between unplanned areas and infrastructure. The models identify distinctions between informal and formal neighborhood structures, enabling the creation of people-centered urban planning solutions.
Akatosh, a new security analysis tool, provides deeper context to existing IT infrastructure, automating the process of sorting through intrusion detection system (IDS) alerts. This reduces the time and cost required to identify the source of a security incident and neutralize threats.
Qrypt has licensed a novel cybersecurity technology from Oak Ridge National Laboratory to fortify encryption methods. The company will incorporate the quantum random number generator into its platform, using unique and unpredictable encryption keys to create virtually impenetrable communications.
The UT-ORNL team conducted the first full characterization measurement of an accelerator beam in six dimensions using a replica of the Spallation Neutron Source's linear accelerator. This achievement advances our understanding of particle accelerator beams and has significant implications for future accelerators.
The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) has reached a record power level of 1.3 megawatts, achieving 94 percent accelerator beam availability. This milestone establishes a new baseline for operation and paves the way for researchers to conduct faster analyses using neutrons on various materials.
A study published in Nature found that warmer temperatures accelerate spring greening and delay fall color change in peatland vegetation. This extends the growing season, which could impact carbon cycles.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory discovered that arid environment residents desire water security, which can benefit entire neighborhoods. They also developed 3D printed molds to reduce concrete production time and engineered nanopores with stable edge structures for ultrathin electronics.
The lab provides datasets to support emergency response in Hawaii following volcanic eruptions, enabling quick identification of vulnerable structures. Researchers also develop super-stretchy polymers with self-healing abilities and create a scalable processing technique for 3D printing plant-based materials.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered a new mechanism for heat transfer in solids, supported by Einstein's 1911 theory. This 'heat-hopping' process occurs in thermal insulators and may be present in other crystalline solids.