Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have successfully petrified wood in days, replicating the natural process that occurs over millions of years. The team used a novel method involving acid and silica to create a silicon carbide ceramic that retains the wood's architecture.
Researchers discovered a large class of airborne particles that react with nitric acid to form calcium nitrate, altering sunlight reflection and cloud-altering properties. The newly formed particles can absorb water, scattering and absorbing sunlight, posing a new challenge for climate modelers.
Research on the Columbia River and estuary focuses on dredge entrainment, toxic compounds, and ecological impacts from Hanford nuclear materials production. Studies reveal loss estimates for Dungeness crab, elevated levels of toxic compounds in sediments, and effects on fall Chinook salmon survival and development.
A team from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Oregon Health & Science University has discovered a record number of proteins for the highly infectious human cytomegalovirus, doubling the previously identified amount. The study reveals that HCMV may express as many as 200 proteins at various points in its life cycle.
A team from PNNL and USC has identified the region of a protein that interacts with crystals to form enamel, a material with entirely different properties from bone. The discovery explains how proteins can control crystal structure, enabling nano-patterning and nano-building.
Researchers develop 'slow MAS' technique to study metabolism, diagnose diseases and observe cell physiology without harming animals. The non-invasive method uses pulsed radio waves to separate signals from unwanted spinning side bands.
The 5-year project aims to determine which microbial proteins interact with human host cells, pointing the way to new drugs. Researchers will use advanced proteomics instruments to analyze these interactions, accelerating treatment development during outbreaks.
The PNNL lab will develop a 'pulmonary physiome', a web-based model that provides predictive tools to understand the impact of airborne contaminants on human health. This project aims to improve treatments for asthma and other respiratory ailments.
A team of scientists at PNNL has observed real-time interactions between single proteins, supporting the 'fly-fishing mechanism' theory. The technique used, single-molecule photon stamping spectroscopy, allows for dynamic measurements of protein dynamics.
A new research program will focus on improving evidence acquisition and analysis for weapons of mass destruction in marine environments. The program aims to develop sensors and technologies to detect signs of WMDs, enhancing coastal security and national infrastructure protection.
A recent simulation study revealed that damaged DNA becomes more susceptible to bending due to a reorganization of its sugar-phosphate backbone. This change allows the molecule to bend easily, which is recognized by enzymes as a damaged site.
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is conducting a marathon testing regime to ensure personal radiation detection equipment meets new standards for identifying potential threats. The tests will evaluate the electrical systems, mechanical operations, environmental susceptibilities, and radiological sensitivities of over 100 instr...
The Eastern Interconnection Phasor Project provides real-time system-wide data to utilities and transmission operators, potentially preventing cascading loss of power. The project uses satellite-based time clocks and sophisticated signal processing to enable more accurate monitoring and analysis.
The National Visual Analytics Center aims to improve terrorist threat detection and analysis of vast information streams using visual analytics techniques, protecting individual privacy in the process. The center will develop tools for evaluating new technologies and support information sharing in a secure environment.
PNNL's compact steam reformer can produce large amounts of hydrogen-rich gas from a liquid fuel in just 12 seconds, significantly reducing the delay time for hydrogen fueling. The reformer's design features microchannels that provide high rates of heat and mass transport, allowing for faster reactions and reduced system size.
The joint program aims to expand technical capabilities in systems biology by combining ISB's instrumentation expertise with PNNL's computational powers. Current collaborations include protein structure prediction and whole proteome analysis, with potential applications in disease diagnosis and prevention.
Chemists at PNNL have found that maintaining alkalinity and frequent wetting and drying cycles can increase soil's natural ability to soak up carbon dioxide. This approach could help slow global warming by utilizing the soil's potential reservoir of four times more carbon than the atmosphere.
Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory create single-enzyme nanoparticles (SENs) that remain active for up to 143 days, thanks to their protective caging. The nanostructure preserves the enzyme's shape and allows it to interact with substrates, enabling applications in toxic waste cleanup, biosensing, and medicine.
The PNNL team has developed a synthetic material that can absorb 99.9% of mercury from waste water, surpassing expectations and meeting regulatory limits. The technology, known as SAMMS, is tailored for specific tasks and can be adapted to target other toxins.
Researchers at PNNL accelerate soil aging using supercritical fluid, simulating decades of contaminant exposure in just a few hours. The technique enables monitoring of soil-absorption rates and trapping of volatile organic compounds.
PNNL scientists have found a new way to see beyond the 'diffraction limit' of optical microscopes, revealing the structure of DNA molecules. By combining FLIM with AFM techniques, they've produced sharp images of DNA and nanobeads.
Researchers developed a disposable sensor using carbon nanotubes and enzymes to detect OP nerve agents. The sensor can detect traces of up to 5 parts per billion, making it a promising tool for identifying toxin exposure.
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has been awarded three Excellence in Technology Transfer Awards for its innovative technologies. The Electrodynamic Ion Funnel significantly improves the sensitivity of mass spectrometers, enabling the detection of new proteins and biomarkers for cancer early detection. Additionally, alp...
A new study predicts that global warming will diminish Western US mountain snow cover by up to 70% by 2050, leading to increased flooding and drought. The loss of snowpack will disrupt the region's agriculture, fisheries, and hydropower industries.
The US Department of Energy allocates $318 million for fuel cell and hydrogen research, focusing on efficient production and storage. New technologies aim to reduce emissions and enhance energy security.
Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have identified a vast array of 4,000 distinctive proteins in human blood plasma, surpassing previous reports by 10 times. This significant advance paves the way for the early detection of cancer and other diseases.
The US will need to invest $450 billion in conventional electric infrastructure to meet growing demand by 20 years, but a smart energy approach can reduce this cost. By leveraging info tech, PNNL engineers aim to minimize new infrastructure, lower rates, and enhance grid security.
Researchers have developed heat-actuated lightweight and compact cooling technology capable of sustaining manageable temperatures for several hours. The system can weigh as little as three to four pounds, providing relief from extreme conditions, and is expected to benefit both military and commercial applications.
A new study links high-voltage electromagnetic fields to the production of ozone in the air surrounding animals, potentially posing a health risk. The researchers found that rats exposed to corona discharge produced significantly higher levels of ozone than those without exposure.
The lab recognized for FRAMES, a software system for understanding industrial impact on people and environment; a testing chamber that identifies hard-to-measure chemical emissions; and a test bed for developing fish-friendly designs for roadway culverts.
H. Steven Wiley and colleagues use systems biology to analyze the EGFR receptor network, revealing surprising complexities. They predict that lower-affinity ligands can bind longer, allowing for more effective cancer treatments.
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and NASA's Glenn Research Center have partnered to develop new sealing technologies for solid oxide fuel cells. The goal is to improve the strength and fracture toughness of composite glass and glass-ceramic-based seals, enabling long-term stable operation of SOFCs.
Researchers found that glacial icebergs carried boulders, known as erratics, from the Rocky Mountains to Rattlesnake Mountain in south-central Washington. The rocks were deposited along northeast-running gullies and show signs of weathering, suggesting they were carried by older Ice Age floods.
PNNL scientists create a device that detects sarin and other nerve agents using infrared spectrometry. They also mimic the mineralization process to produce replicas with pores and channels, which could increase industrial yields. Additionally, researchers use midge genomes to identify pollutants in water and develop an integrated mode...
Researchers have developed a technology that can detect chemical contaminants in saliva, enabling rapid diagnosis of pesticide exposure and potential nerve gas poisoning. The innovation could be used to monitor farm workers and diagnose accidents or terrorist attacks.
The PNNL proteomics resource center will utilize automated ultra-high resolution mass spectrometers to study proteins in even a single cell, shedding light on cellular function and disease progression. The center aims to develop new biomarkers for early cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Customs agents receive comprehensive training to identify and halt smuggling of weapons of mass destruction. The training covers materials, components, and dual-use items associated with WMD development and deployment.
PNNL's new supercomputer is the US' fastest operational unclassified system, featuring an 11.8T HP Integrity system with Intel Itanium2 processors running Linux. The machine will enable novel studies in atmospheric chemistry, systems biology, and materials science.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has developed a culvert test bed to assess hydraulic conditions and fish behavior in various culvert designs. The system enables controlled experiments to address ESA issues and inform improved stream crossing designs, benefiting the well-being of fish runs in Washington State.
Researchers at PNNL and UCLA have discovered six times more proteins in NAF than previously identified, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for breast cancer. The study aims to develop a more accurate, non-invasive method for early diagnosis.
A study by scientists at PNNL and UC-Irvine clarifies the role of sea salt in sulfur chemistry, enabling more accurate predictions of acid deposition and global climate. Sea salt particles can absorb substantial amounts of sulfur dioxide, converting it to sulfuric acid.
Research found that short-term exposure to ethynylestradiol reduces sperm fertilization capacity in adult male trout. The study showed a 50% decrease in fertility with 10 nanogram per liter of ethynylestradiol, highlighting the potential impact on fish populations.
The System Assessment Capability (SAC) is an integrated system of computer models and databases that predicts the movement and fate of contaminants through the vadose zone, groundwater, and Columbia River. SAC assesses the impact of contaminants on human health, animals, and the environment, providing a comprehensive understanding of c...
The PNNL-developed microscale fuel processor, the smallest integrated catalytic fuel reformer in the world, provides a low-watt power source for hand-held devices. This compact system enables soldiers to operate essential electronic equipment without added weight or bulk.
A new antibody library developed by PNNL scientists can identify antibodies in days, reducing labor costs and improving the design of medical treatments. The library, which contains 1 billion human antibodies, uses a yeast surface display method to quickly screen for useful antibodies.
Researchers at PNNL have identified nearly twice as many proteins in human blood serum as previously known, including low-abundance proteins that play crucial roles in cell signaling. The study provides a significant advance in understanding the proteome of blood serum and its potential applications in disease diagnosis.
The DOE grant aims to economically derive high-value chemicals and oils from lower value corn fiber, opening new markets for corn growers. The project will develop purification and characterization techniques and design a pilot plant to recover high-value carbohydrates.
Climate change is expected to exacerbate existing water problems in the West, impacting hydroelectric power, salmon runs, and water supply deliveries. The region's water resources are already stretched to their limits, with little room for changes in current allocations.
Researchers successfully immobilized an enzyme called organophosphorus hydrolase, nearly doubling its activity levels. The breakthrough could lead to the development of novel sensor and decontamination systems for homeland security and environmental protection.
A new, high-throughput mass spectrometer has been developed at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, providing unparalleled sensitivity and accuracy. This system enables the thorough identification and characterization of proteins, which is crucial for understanding cellular function, disease progression, and treatment options.