Scientists found that rain and wind contributed significantly to reducing pollution levels in Beijing during the 2008 Summer Olympics. Emission controls implemented by Chinese officials were complemented by natural factors, highlighting the importance of regional-scale controls to achieve long-term reductions.
PNNL scientists are developing a framework to understand regional climate and economic interactions. They also estimate global on-shore wind energy potential and investigate the uncertainties surrounding it.
Researchers propose a new explanation for electrical conductivity at polar-nonpolar oxides, suggesting that atomic mixing and rearrangement occurs at the interface. They found that lanthanum and chromium crossed over to the nonpolar side in equal amounts, making conduction impossible.
Researchers have discovered a panel of proteins shed by breast cancer that can distinguish between real cancer and benign lumps. The biomarker panel outperforms mammograms and single biomarkers in distinguishing between breast cancer and benign lumps, with some panels ranking above 0.95.
Researchers designed a material that can make energy-storing hydrogen gas 10 times faster than natural enzyme, using inexpensive metals. The synthetic material works at 100,000 molecules of hydrogen gas every second and has potential applications in fuel cells.
Researchers have introduced a scenario that assumes action will be taken to limit emissions, showing a lowest cost option to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to less than 40% higher than today. The RCP 4.5 scenario includes nuclear and renewable energy, carbon capture and storage, and forest preservation to achieve this goal.
A new study provides a detailed account of the natural carbon cycle in agriculture, revealing that regions dependent on others for food release more carbon than they take in. The researchers developed a national crop carbon budget, finding that the crops absorb and return about 37% of the US's total annual carbon dioxide emissions.
Researchers developed a new catalyst material that converts bio-ethanol into isobutene in one step, reducing costs. This process enables the creation of valuable chemicals such as tire rubber and safer solvents, expanding the applications for sustainably produced bio-ethanol.
A new model predicts which cyanobacterial genes are central to capturing energy from sunlight and other critical processes. The model identifies key bottleneck genes that control the expression of essential proteins.
Researchers at DOE's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory developed a new method to make sodium ion-based battery cells, which could lead to better, cheaper batteries for the electrical grid. The team found that treating manganese oxide with heat improved the electrical capacity and recharging lifetime of the batteries.
Two PNNL researchers, Matthew Marshall and Alexandre Tartakovsky, have been awarded Early Career Research Awards to study microbial biofilms and develop new computer models. The grants will support their research in underground contamination and complex molecular processes.
Researchers found that clouds cool the earth's surface by several percent, but scattered light can warm it. The effect depends on the measured visible-spectrum wavelength and whether light is direct or scattered.
A new study shows that optimal algal biofuel growth locations can significantly reduce water use, potentially replacing up to 48% of the country's transportation oil imports. Algae-derived oils could also meet congressionally mandated renewable fuel targets and provide a carbon-neutral energy source.
Researchers from the Belle Collaboration observed h b (pronounced h-sub-b) and h b (2P) particles in Japan's KEK particle accelerator data. This discovery will help test theories describing the strong force and provide a better understanding of the universe.
Researchers have improved the performance of vanadium redox batteries by modifying their electrolyte solution, increasing energy storage capacity by 70 percent. The upgraded battery can now operate in a wider temperature range and reduce cooling costs, making it more suitable for grid reliability and renewable power sources.
A new method called Antisolvent Swing Regeneration reduces the amount of heat needed during processing, potentially saving at least 10% of energy. This process uses a recyclable binding organic liquid to remove hydrogen sulfide from natural gas.
A comprehensive review of electrochemical energy storage systems reveals promising technologies like vanadium redox flow, sodium-beta alumina membrane, lithium-ion, and lead-carbon batteries. These systems can store electrical energy in chemicals and release it upon demand, but affordability is key to widespread deployment.
Soot on snow accelerates glacier melt, altering snowmelt and monsoon patterns in Asia. The Tibetan Plateau's surface temperature increased by over 2 degrees Fahrenheit due to soot on snow, leading to stronger monsoons.
A new analysis of sulfur emissions found global emissions rose after a decade of decline, driven by international shipping and China's growing economy. The study also estimated the accuracy of emissions data, with regional values potentially off by up to 30%.
The article highlights the importance of soil in addressing societal and ecological pressures. Soil scientists recommend refocusing research on urgent issues, broadening their vision to entire ecosystems, and improving communication to protect the planet's fragile home.
Researchers created a new catalytic material that is harder, more chemically active, and provides stability for fuel cells. The material combines graphene with metal oxide nanoparticles, resulting in improved performance and durability.
A new analytical technique makes it easier to analyze rocks and soils on Mars, possibly indicating signs of life. The tool combines mass spectrometry with laser ablation and an ion funnel, allowing for in-situ analysis without sample handling.
Researchers have re-examined the assumption that organic molecules in the air evaporate quickly, discovering that they actually evaporate much slower than expected. This finding could significantly impact climate and air quality models, suggesting that there may be no missing source of atmospheric organics.
PNNL has developed power-delivery devices to improve trace gas analysis and create propylene glycol from renewable sources. The lab's IncubATRTM technology enables real-time monitoring of live cells, accelerating scientific discovery and reducing animal testing.
Researchers at PNNL have developed a system to measure winds high up into the air, providing more accurate wind predictions and improving wind power forecasts. This study has the potential to improve how sites are chosen for wind farms and how those farms are operated.
Scientists developed an instrument that measures individual particle sizes and compositions, revealing a complex landscape of aerosol particles. The research improved computer models of the atmosphere by accounting for the varying effects of different chemistries on climate.
Researchers observed electrode wires made from materials used in rechargeable lithium ion batteries contorting and fatten as they become charged with electricity. This study suggests how rechargeable batteries eventually give out and might offer insights for improving battery performance.
A team of atmospheric scientists will gather data from clouds at four different elevations on Mount Werner for five months. The data will help improve climate models by verifying the accuracy of measurements used in computer simulations.
The Himalayan region's glaciers are retreating, but the impacts of climate change will still be felt, with programs integrating health, education, and social organizations needed to address these effects. The report highlights the need for international collaboration to gather more information on glacier ice balance.
A recent study suggests that the monkeypox virus can cause significant lung damage by decreasing production of proteins involved in maintaining lung tissue structure and lubrication. This finding may lead to new approaches for treating conditions such as bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases.
Researchers found new mechanisms of protease activation, which helps spread cancer. The loss of protease inhibitors antiplasmin and antithrombin occur more in blood from cancer patients compared to healthy persons' blood.
Researchers at PNNL have redesigned sodium-nickel chloride batteries to deliver 30% more power at lower temperatures, making them safer and cheaper to manufacture than lithium-ion batteries. The planar design enables compact stacking, improving the battery's performance for large-scale energy storage.
A region-wide study found that toxic pollution falling onto Puget Sound's waters has significantly decreased since 1991, with some pollutants decreasing by as much as 99%. However, industrial areas like Tacoma still have high air-deposited contamination levels, with the Port of Tacoma site recording the highest deposition rates.
A new study finds that crop productivity improvements and carbon emission limits can work together to prevent tropical deforestation over the next 100 years. The research suggests that increasing crop yields while implementing economic incentives to store carbon in forests can help preserve tropical forests and even increase their extent.
Researchers are studying whether electromagnetic fields from marine power devices affect the behavior of various aquatic animals, including fish and invertebrates. The study uses specially designed coils to create a magnetic field similar to those produced by ocean waves, tides, currents, and rivers.
The study aims to find a difference in how a susceptible person responds to hydrocodone compared to a nonsusceptible one. The researchers hope to discover an indicator of susceptibility to dependence on painkillers like hydrocodone.
Researchers at PNNL developed a simple one-step method to create high-capacity lithium manganese phosphate electrodes using paraffin wax and soap. The new process enables the exploration of cheaper alternatives to current lithium-ion-metal oxide batteries, with potential applications in electric vehicles and consumer electronics.
Researchers demonstrate how rain causes air movement that breaks down and builds up cloud walls, forming honeycomb clouds with self-organizing patterns. These clouds cycle regularly due to the interaction between rising and falling air, resulting in shifting showers over time.
A study suggests that biochar, a charcoal-like substance made from plants and organic materials, can sustainably offset up to 12% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Biochar holds onto its carbon for hundreds or thousands of years, keeping greenhouse gases out of the air longer.
Researchers will collect data on aerosol particles in the Sacramento Valley from June 2-28, using airplanes, ground instruments, and weather balloons. The goal is to improve computer models simulating climate change by understanding aerosols' role in scattering and absorbing sunlight.
Researchers can now analyze smaller concentrations of gases with improved precision using PNNL's low-noise current controller technology. This device reduces noise in laser power sources, allowing scientists to detect smaller levels of trace gases and enabling more accurate atmospheric gas concentration measurements.
Researchers have developed silica cages that can package anti-cancer antibodies, which significantly slow the growth of tumors and prolong the lives of mice. The treatment also reduces side effects compared to traditional intravenous drips.
The US Army has deployed Hellfire II missiles equipped with a health-monitoring device to Iraq and Afghanistan, providing troops with an added measure of assurance that the missiles will perform without failure. The Captive Carry Health Monitoring system automatically monitors environmental conditions that can affect missile reliability.
Researchers at PNNL present new insights into carbon capture and storage, highlighting potential deployment scenarios in the US and cost-effective opportunities in China. The technology has significant promise for mitigating climate change, with potential to reduce emissions from coal-fired power plants.
Jerry Posakony, scientist at PNNL, received the AAES John Fritz Medal for his groundbreaking work in ultrasonics and medical diagnostics. His research enabled physicians to visualize internal body structures, significantly advancing medical diagnosis.
Researchers analyzed 439 soil respiration studies and found that the total amount of carbon dioxide flowing from soils has increased by about 1-2 percent per year since 1989. The study suggests that higher temperatures are unlocking old carbon, but more boreal data is needed to reach statistical relevance.
Researchers found that introducing aerosols into the model made clouds significantly more reflective, but only in certain situations. The team also tested when to spray seawater aerosols to maximize brightness.
Researchers develop new climate modeling process that considers greenhouse gas emissions, projections of the Earth's climate, impacts of climate change, and human decision-making. The approach will influence the next international scientific assessment and provide tools for policymakers to deal with a shifting climate.
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has been recognized for its partnerships with outside companies to develop new technologies. The lab's partnership with Pressure BioSciences led to the development of a pressurized process that quickly digests proteins, speeding up protein analysis by minutes. Additionally, PNNL partnere...
A new acoustic telemetry system, JSATS, detects 98% of tagged fish in juvenile salmon migration studies, allowing for more precise survival estimates and reducing the number of fish needed. The system's smaller tag size and flexible receiver placement capabilities also improve conservation efforts.