Researchers found that adding pressure early in their protocol dramatically speeds up proteomic analysis, reducing the time-consuming first step from four hours to just one minute. This breakthrough increases the number of samples that can be analyzed, with the pressure method generating about 10% more unique peptides.
Julia Laskin, a PNNL chemist, has received the Biemann Medal for her groundbreaking research on mass spectrometry. Her work advances biomaterials and biological processes for clean energy production and creates biologically inspired systems.
Scientists have determined the structure of a catalytic material that can convert methane into benzene, laying the foundation for converting excess methane into various useful fuels and chemicals. The breakthrough was achieved using an ultra-high field nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer to analyze the active catalyst.
Scientists at PNNL developed a way to reduce cloud-induced glare when satellites measure blue skies on cloudy days, allowing for more accurate estimates of sunlight penetration. The new approach improves visibility by as much as ten-fold in some cases, enabling better climate modeling.
Researchers found that oxygen atoms in yttria-stabilized zirconia can heal radiation-induced damage by moving into pre-existing vacancies. This self-healing behavior could lead to the development of radiation-resistant materials, improving durability and reducing replacement costs. The simulation results also suggest that this ceramic ...
Scientists are developing a new proteomics project to identify biomarkers for chronic liver disease, which could help predict the progression of the disease and lead to early interventions. The technology aims to detect liver disease via blood test, with potential applications in other diseases and commercialization.
Researchers are developing a blood test to detect aggressive breast cancer using a comprehensive tissue collection and advanced proteomics technology. The project aims to identify proteins that indicate aggressive cancer and can be detected in blood, adding to the tools available to fight the disease.
Scientists have discovered that a chunk of hematite can conduct electrons when exposed to the right chemical conditions. This phenomenon, linked to mineral surfaces, has important implications for understanding soil evolution and environmental cleanup. The discovery challenges long-held assumptions about electron conduction in minerals.
Researchers at PNNL have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how barium oxide attaches to gamma-alumina, a crucial step in reducing toxic nitrogen oxide emissions. The discovery has the potential to improve the efficiency of lean burn engines, which offer up to 35% better fuel economy.
Experts emphasize the need for global solutions to manage carbon emissions, considering the global energy system's shift and technological advancements. Accurate modeling of Earth's systems, capturing and storing CO2 are critical challenges.
Researchers are seeking new materials for efficient radiation detection due to limitations in current primary materials. They aim to improve understanding of radiation physics to make informed choices about material properties.
Researchers at PNNL present advances in coal gasification technology that could increase efficiency and safety, enabling carbon capture and sequestration technologies. The technology has the potential to play a critical role in securing domestic sources of transportation fuels and meeting growing demand for clean energy.
Researchers have discovered that supplying or removing an extra electron can make the reaction go from acid and base to neutral molecule or back again, opening up possibilities for precisely controlling chemistry in systems ranging from biology to energy technology. The findings may help illuminate biological reactions as well.
A new portable detection system developed by PNNL can accurately detect toxic lead and other heavy metals in blood, urine, and saliva samples. The device is field-deployable, battery-operated, and provides quicker results than current state-of-the-art mass spectrometry systems.
Scientists from PNNL found that split oxygen atoms exhibit unexpected chemical behavior on reduced titanium oxide surfaces. The team discovered that one oxygen atom stays in place while the other shimmies away, likely stealing energy from the stationary one.
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's GridWise Demonstration Project found that advanced technologies enable consumers to actively participate in improving grid efficiency and reliability. Homeowners who participated saved approximately 10 percent on their electricity bills by adjusting their energy use based on price signals.
Richard D. Smith, Battelle Fellow at PNNL, has been named to the prestigious Scientific American 50 list for his contributions in developing a new approach to neurological diagnostics. His research may help identify early stages of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases by analyzing biochemical biomarkers.
Researchers developed a portable fuel cell system using JP-8 military jet fuel, reducing sulfur content and emissions. The system successfully powered area lights and a commercial refrigerator, offering cleaner, quieter, and more efficient energy generation.
Scientists will create biomarkers for environmental risk factors in human disease, including cigarette smoke and obesity. The research aims to understand the interaction between genes and environment, using wearable sensors and advanced technologies.
Recent progress enables interpretation and prediction of actinide compounds' properties using first principle theory. Researchers are identifying molecules that can extract uranium from its natural environment, improving nuclear energy systems and environmental remediation technologies.
A new method to safely store, dispense and easily 'refuel' hydrogen using small AB pellets is being developed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory scientists. The pellets hold promise in meeting long-term targets for transportation use, occupying less space and weight than systems using pressurized hydrogen gas.
Scientists at PNNL have developed a portable biosensor that can distinguish between individuals exposed to nerve agents and those who are simply scared. The sensor uses nano-based technology to amplify biomarker signals, enabling precise readings and faster detection.
Researchers are using combined experimental and computational methods to understand the structural and bonding parameters of uranyl, a common oxidation state of uranium. The insights gained will contribute to predicting the chemical and physical properties of heavy transition metal and actinide complexes.
Researchers at PNNL have successfully converted glucose and fructose into a promising chemical precursor for fuels, polyesters, and other industrial chemicals. The breakthrough uses a novel non-acidic catalytic system and an ionic liquid solvent to achieve high yields with minimal impurities.
Scientists at PNNL will receive $1.98 million to study enzymes that convert chemicals to energy, potentially leading to new, affordable materials for hydrogen fuel cells. The goal is to replace expensive platinum with abundant, inexpensive metals like iron and molybdenum.
Geologists at PNNL have identified 62 sites with known or suspected mammoth finds, verifying and collecting material from eight locations, including two this spring. Preliminary results suggest most mammoths were buried in the Lake Lewis area at elevations of 600-1,000 feet.
The Department of Energy has awarded $27.5 million for two field research studies to investigate contaminated groundwater at the Hanford Site in Washington and a uranium mill tailings site in Colorado. The studies aim to identify new approaches to resolve questions about subsurface contaminant movement.
The device developed by PNNL scientists provides a fully automated prototype process monitor with microwave-assisted sample pretreatment and flexible chemical separations capabilities. It enables fast analysis of alpha- and beta-emitting radionuclides in liquid solutions, providing near real-time feedback on process performance.
Researchers have developed a new method to form tiny, uniform metal crystals with novel chemical and physical properties. These crystals, grown on acid-treated cellulose fibers from cotton, show promise as components in biosensors, biological imaging, drug delivery, and catalytic converters.
Researchers at PNNL have developed QPAS, a technique using lasers and tuning forks to detect gaseous nerve agent surrogates with extreme sensitivity. The instrument can be miniaturized for field environments and operates unattended for long periods.
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has awarded its first-ever early site permit for a new nuclear power reactor, marking a significant step in the country's nuclear renaissance. PNNL researchers are assisting NRC with environmental and safety reviews, and document preparation.
Experts warn of energy insecurity's impact on US national security, driven by heavy oil and gas imports from hostile regions. The US needs to diversify its energy resources and invest in research and development to improve energy efficiency and reduce dependence on foreign sources.
Scientists at PNNL and UCLA developed a new proteome map, enabling comparisons of healthy brains with those affected by Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other neurological diseases. The study uses quantitative proteomics and imaging to generate detailed information on brain proteins.
A one-year, $1 million dollar grant supports research on enhancing agricultural soils' role in climate change mitigation. PNNL experts contribute basic research, biophysical modeling, and economic analysis to identify carbon sequestration strategies.
A team from the University of Cambridge and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory reported that minerals intended to entrap nuclear waste may break down within 1,400 years due to radiation. The study used NMR to show that plutonium incorporation into mineral zircon rapidly degrades its crystal structure.
A new partnership between a Russian Institute and a US firm has led to the development of improved hydrogen gas sensors with increased reliability and response time. This technology is expected to enhance safety, detection capability, and efficiency in various industrial applications.
A new study by DOE's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory finds that idle electric power system capacity can generate electricity for 84% of the country's plug-in hybrid vehicles. This would reduce reliance on foreign oil and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at PNNL discovered that entombed enzymes in silica nanochambers can regain their activity, mimicking cellular crowding. The team developed a method to functionalize the pores with compounds tailored to specific enzymes, allowing for potent catalysis and efficient production of desired products.
Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have discovered 176 proteins associated with plague virulence, offering promising leads for improved disease detection and treatment. The study's findings may also guide the development of new vaccines and therapies to combat the deadly disease.
Researchers at PNNL have successfully measured electrical charge shuttled by proteins removed from living cells, opening up possibilities for miniaturized bioreactors. The breakthrough could lead to the development of portable biofuel cells for powering small electronic devices.
Researchers have identified a protein, STM3117, that helps Salmonella evade immune cells, allowing the bacteria to multiply inside macrophages. The discovery presents a promising target for developing new drugs, vaccines, and rapid diagnostics to combat food poisoning caused by Salmonella.
Researchers developed uniform tungsten trimers on titanium dioxide, offering insights into metal oxide catalysts. The nanostructures reveal consistent alignment and uniform size, making them ideal for fundamental reactivity studies.
Researchers investigate chitosan, a natural and safe biomaterial found in crab and prawn exoskeletons, as a potential chelator to reduce radiation dose. Chitosan's ability to bind and remove radionuclides like cobalt, strontium, and radium is being tested in laboratory rats.
Jean Futrell, a Battelle Fellow at PNNL, receives the American Chemical Society's Frank H. Field and Joe L. Franklin Award for his contributions to mass spectrometry theory and practice. His work addresses fundamental questions in the field through innovative instrumentation development.
PNNL researchers have developed a continuous monitoring system that quickly generates real-time data and analysis of high-level radioactive waste. The system can quantify levels of various anions and is adaptable to harsh environments.
Scientists have developed a new technique to detect uranium in contaminated soil by freezing the sample and blasting it with an ultraviolet laser. This method, known as cryogenic fluorescence spectroscopy, allows for sharper resolution of spectral fingerprints and detection of different forms of uranium.
Researchers develop a sophisticated computer model to combine individual, small-scale simulations and analyze real-world problems on the pore scale. This advancement enables more accurate predictions of contaminant movement and fate in groundwater.
Researchers have found that Shewanella oneidensis bacteria produce an extracellular polymeric substance that converts soluble uranium into solid, insoluble uraninite nanoparticles, which can bind to soil and prevent migration.
Researchers have found that various bacterial species can form electrically conductive wires under different environmental conditions, leading to a new understanding of microbial energy distribution. The discovery, made by microbiologist Yuri Gorby, suggests that the planet may be 'hard-wired' with electricity-producing bacteria.
A study published in Biochemistry reveals that damage to proteins caused by oxidative stress is linked to a natural byproduct called nitration, which could be used to predict the earliest stages of brain impairment. The research uses the most detailed proteomic analysis of a mammalian brain to date.