The Shadow Figment technology uses AI-powered deception to keep attackers engaged in a pretend world, rewarding them with false signals of success while defenders learn about the attackers' methods. This creates a distraction that allows defenders to take action and protect real systems.
The US Department of Energy has awarded $500k in funding to PNNL researchers Marcel Baer, Nathan Tallent, and Ben Loer. Baer will explore protein structures for new materials, while Tallent aims to accelerate data flow between computers and scientific instruments. Loer will focus on reducing radiation impact on quantum computing.
Advanced small modular reactors offer flexible electricity generation and can meet Washington's fluctuating electricity demand. The technology has matured and is economically competitive in a carbon-free electricity sector.
Scientists at PNNL have demonstrated the potential of low-cost organic compounds for storing massive amounts of energy to be fed into the electric grid. The researchers showed that fluorenone, a common compound found in candles, can operate continuously for 120 days and lose less than 3% of its energy capacity after 1,111 full cycles.
A sensor system developed by PNNL can prevent buildup of flammable gases in outdoor battery enclosures, reducing the risk of explosion. The technology, IntelliVent, responds to smoke, heat, or gas alarms and automatically opens cabinet doors.
Scientists at PNNL develop a novel material capable of capturing light energy, displaying high efficiency and programmability, with potential applications in photovoltaics, bioimaging, and beyond. The researchers' bio-inspired approach leverages natural hierarchical structures for exceptional properties.
The patented technology uses magnetic nanoparticles to capture lithium and other critical materials from brines, offering a more efficient and cost-effective process. This innovation has the potential to reduce energy consumption and create new domestic supply chains for these essential elements.
Researchers assess underwater habitat to understand how spawning fish would fare in the river's blocked stretch, finding acres of suitable habitat. The study reveals that hundreds of miles of streams are available to support both adult and juvenile salmon.
Researchers developed a holographic millimeter wave scanning technology that can detect threats concealed under clothing and footwear, reducing false alarms. The new technology allows for shoe scans while passengers wear shoes on, potentially speeding up the screening process by 15-20%.
A modeling study suggests that rapid air exchanges can cause a spike in viral concentrations within 30 minutes and remain elevated for up to 90 minutes. Increasing outdoor air and strong filtration reduce transmission risk, but the effect of increased ventilation rate is less obvious.
Researchers at PNNL are developing explainable AI expertise to tackle national security challenges. They use techniques like feature importance to understand why AI systems make certain decisions, ensuring trust in predictions made with slim and incomplete data.
Scientists at the DOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have successfully demonstrated a biocrude conversion process that can operate continuously for over 2,000 hours without losing effectiveness. The process converts various types of biocrude from wastewater and food waste into high-quality renewable diesel fuel.
A new solvent, EEMPA, has been developed that captures carbon dioxide at a cost of $47.10 per metric ton, surpassing commercial technology's $58.30 per metric ton. The solvent is water-lean and 99% less viscous than previous formulations, allowing it to be easily applied in existing capture systems.
Researchers used advanced transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to observe mesocrystals form in real-time, revealing a new pathway of crystallization by particle attachment. This discovery could help design materials for energy storage and understand natural mineralization.
A new study estimates that methane emissions from coal mines are approximately 50 percent higher than previously calculated. Methane is about 25 times more powerful than carbon dioxide when it comes to warming the planet over a long period.
Researchers at PNNL develop new detection method for ultra-trace elements like uranium and thorium, allowing for precise measurement in valuable metals like gold. The technique enables detection limits as low as 10 parts per trillion in gold, revolutionizing the semiconductor industry and sensitive particle detection.
A new technique developed by researchers at PNNL reveals that e-cigarettes inflict subtle structural changes in proteins, marking the first time such damage has been measured. The study found significant oxidative stress on lung tissue in rats, compromising regulatory proteins and potentially leading to chronic stress.
Researchers found that urban landscapes and human-caused aerosols can start storms sooner and pull them towards cities. In Kansas City, urban land and aerosols amplified large hail by 20%, while in Houston, they led to longer-lasting rainfall that developed earlier.
Researchers found that California's winter precipitation projections are likely to be drier than expected due to a persistent error in climate models known as the double-ITCZ bias. This bias can lead to reduced winter precipitation, less spring runoff, and increased wildfire risk in the state.
Researchers at the DOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a process to grow high-performance single-crystal nickel-rich cathodes, overcoming challenges of polycrystalline materials. The new technology identifies the cause of 'crystal gliding' in batteries, which can lead to microcracks and reduced battery lifespan.
Researchers at PNNL investigate the role of soil moisture and atmospheric conditions in estimating fire risk. Surprisingly, just enough humidity can boost lightning ignition, leading to wildfires. The study reveals a rising wildfire trend, with 'compound case' fires striking more frequently than others.
A new machine learning algorithm, TranSEC, uses traffic datasets from UBER drivers and publicly available sensor data to map street-level traffic flow over time. This creates a big picture of city traffic, allowing for near-real-time analysis and predictive modeling.
Researchers find dust plays a significant role in melting snow in the western Himalayas, with implications for agriculture and human consumption. The study suggests that dust affects snowmelt at high elevations more than soot and other pollutants.
Researchers have made the first-ever measurements of liquid water at extremely cold temperatures, revealing that it exists in two distinct structures that co-exist and vary in proportion dependent on temperature. This discovery provides long-sought experimental data to explain water's bizarre behavior at low temperatures.
A multidisciplinary research team found that low-level ionizing radiation degrades superconducting qubit performance. To maintain coherence and achieve practical quantum computing, radiation shielding will be necessary. Researchers emphasize the need to exclude radiation-emitting materials and consider underground experimental setups.
As electric vehicles accelerate, cities and utilities face the challenge of smoothing out the duck curve and avoiding costly new infrastructure. Smart charging strategies can help reduce demand peaks and fill in the gap.
A new report by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory suggests that marine renewable energy devices are unlikely to cause harm to marine animals or environments. The study found that small numbers of operational devices may not significantly affect marine ecosystems, but further research is needed to confirm this.
A PNNL-led study found that environmental changes are transforming forests worldwide, leading to a dramatic decrease in tree age and stature. Rising temperatures, carbon dioxide, and increased disturbances like wildfire and drought are contributing to this trend.
A new onboard separation technology developed at PNNL can separate ethanol from gasoline, enabling an octane-on-demand system that improves fuel economy. The technology has shown promising results in separating 95% of ethanol from commercial gasoline.
Researchers have confirmed biological hallmarks of survival in tumor cells and identified two processes linked to high-grade serous carcinoma. Proteomics analysis reveals details about protein communication and function in cancerous cells, providing insights into the 'broken' machinery behind ovarian cancer.
Research shows that software vulnerabilities are more likely to be discussed on social media before being reported on official databases, highlighting the potential for early warning systems. The study also found that nearly all commercial codebases contain at least one vulnerability, with an average of 64 vulnerabilities per codebase.
A new study identifies lactate, a molecule produced by a common gut microbe, as a key memory-boosting molecular messenger. The researchers found that mice fed specific probiotics experienced improved memory, with increased levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in their brains.
Scientists developed a unique nanostructure that limits silicon's expansion while fortifying it with carbon, enabling it to hold twice the charge of traditional graphite anodes. The porous silicon structure exhibits remarkable mechanical strength, making it suitable for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.
Researchers are exploring enzymes' essential features to convert abundant raw materials into usable fuel. PNNL scientists designed an artificial enzyme that converts carbon dioxide to formate, a potential kind of fuel.
A new study provides an unprecedented look at the molecular steps of endometrial cancer, offering insights into tumor aggressiveness and patient responses to treatment. The research also suggests potential new roles for already-approved drugs targeting proteins like CDK12, SMARCA4, and PML in other types of cancer.
Researchers used new technology to analyze the self-assembling gateway structure within lithium-ion batteries, revealing its composition and chemical make-up. The study aims to create more energetic, longer-lasting, and safer batteries.
The Mobile Source Transit Security (MSTS) system is a first line of defense against radiological terrorism, providing situational awareness and security for mobile radiological materials. Developed by PNNL, the system consists of detection devices and radiofrequency tags to track radiological material.
Researchers identified growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) as a key player in delaying type 1 diabetes onset in diabetic mice. Treatment with GDF15 reduced development of diabetes by 53% in non-obese diabetic mice, providing a potential target for prevention and treatment.
A team led by Chongmin Wang at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory found that certain compounds in the electrolyte prompt the growth of dendrites and whiskers. By manipulating the battery's ingredients, they hope to prevent their growth and eliminate a major obstacle to widespread use of lithium metal batteries.
Researchers engineered artificial proteins to self-assemble on a crystal surface, creating new biomolecules with customized colors, chemical reactivity or mechanical properties. The design enables the creation of novel materials and filters, such as tiny sensors and electronic circuits.
Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a single-step manufacturing process to produce nanostructured rods and tubes directly from high-performance aluminum alloy powder. The process, called ShAPE, achieves significant improvements in product ductility while eliminating multiple steps required in conventiona...
Data scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory studied three years of discussions on Reddit from January 2015 to January 2018, analyzing the speed and scale of discussion spread related to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Monero. The findings reveal that Bitcoin discussions grow the fastest, followed by Ethereum and then Monero.
A study analyzing air samples from the Amazon rainforest and polluted areas found that human activity increases the production of climate-changing particles by 60-200% compared to natural forest carbon. The researchers developed an advanced computer model to simulate chemical reactions, improving predictive abilities.
Researchers analyzed blood samples from Ebola patients in Sierra Leone to understand the progression of the disease and potential treatments. The study identified a critical role for choline and microvesicles in the virus's progression, with survivors showing higher levels of phosphatidylcholines and healthy individuals having lower PS...
Researchers at PNNL use APT to trace oxidation-reduction reactions and create the first 3D atomic maps of iron oxide crystals. These 'atomic maps' reveal a dynamic iron cycle, showing iron atoms filling in potholes on crystal surfaces and driving growth.
The Sensor Fish technology analyzes physical stressors experienced by fish passing through turbulent waters and turbines at hydroelectric facilities. Licensing to ATS enables dam operators and researchers to gather accurate measurements, improving sustainability.
Researchers at PNNL developed a deep learning model that surpasses current cloud detection algorithms by nearly doubling precision and reducing processing time. The model's performance is promising for global forecasting applications.
Researchers at PNNL and UCLA verify Gibbs' theory for materials forming row by row, bypassing the nucleation barrier. This discovery provides clues for designing microelectronics and bodily tissues with better control and efficiency.
Researchers developed a stick-on sensor that measures vital signs to help first responders quickly triage, treat, and transport injured patients. The VitalTag system provides real-time monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, and other metrics, enabling improved situational awareness and resource management.
A recent study suggests that rising temperatures are causing soil microbes to convert more carbon into carbon dioxide, entering the atmosphere at an increasing rate. This phenomenon is outpacing plant photosynthesis and has significant implications for the planet's carbon cycle.