PNNL scientists Scott Chambers, Yuehe Lin, Moe Khaleel, Philip Rasch, John Wacker, and Sotiris Xantheas recognized for their groundbreaking research in semiconductors, nanotechnology, computational engineering, climate modeling, nuclear signature analysis, and aqueous systems.
Research reveals how aerosols from pollution contribute to isolated thunderstorm clouds, improving climate scientists' understanding of the interaction between aerosols and clouds. Wind shear plays a crucial role in determining whether pollution swells or saps storms, with strong wind shear conditions hindering thunderhead formation.
A pilot project in Sequim, Wash., uses NASA satellites and sensors to predict daily river flow with higher accuracy. This helps regional natural resource managers assess the abundance of water resources.
Researchers have found that the protein ERK cycles between the nucleus and cell proper in breast tissue cells, affecting cell growth and response to growth factors. The oscillations were regular and robust, providing a new insight into the internal signals controlling cell behavior.
A feasibility study on new carbon capture and storage technology has been funded for the $140 billion pulp, paper and paperboard industry. The study aims to assess the potential for safely storing CO2 in deep underground basalt formations.
Dick Smith, a PNNL scientist, received the Human Proteome Organization's Discovery Award for his pioneering work in developing proteomics tools. His breakthroughs have enabled faster analysis of samples and improved detection of diseases, paving the way for better cures.
The pilot demonstration evaluated radiation detection sensors and protocols for small vessel maritime environment. Small vessels, including recreational boats and commercial vessels, are screened for radiological materials using portable hand-held sensors and boat-mounted systems.
The study shows that aluminum atoms in the supporting material anchor platinum atoms, allowing them to group into rafts that provide ample space for catalytic reactions. Increasing the number of penta sites by raising the temperature during catalyst synthesis can lead to better dispersion of the platinum atoms.
Wei-Jun Qian, a PNNL analytical chemist, has been awarded $1.5 million to develop more sensitive and reliable biomarker research and clinical diagnostic tools. His goal is to create a single test for 20 diseases using mass spectrometry instruments.
Researchers from PNNL have developed a DNA-graphene nanostructure that can detect diseases, toxins, and pathogens. The biosensor has potential applications in cancer diagnosis, food safety, and biodefense due to its stability and high sensitivity.
Researchers found that adding graphene to titanium dioxide-based batteries enhances their performance, with electrodes containing graphene charging and discharging faster than those without. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient lithium-ion batteries using inexpensive materials.
Migration '09 conference presents new approaches to imaging mineral-water interfaces and controlling actinide migration. Researchers discuss stabilization of intermediate uranium oxidation states and manipulation of plutonium colloids to control its movement.
Researchers studying Idaho's Clearwater River have found that temperature differences and slow-moving water can delay the migration of juvenile salmon, allowing them to grow larger before reaching the Pacific Ocean. This delayed migration could help the fish survive better when they finish their ocean-bound trek.
Scientists use a unique instrument to probe the dynamics of ions in water, revealing that water zips around ions more than expected. The findings improve understanding of chemical interactions important in environmental and atmospheric sciences.
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory will lead a $6.8 million study to examine the environmental impacts of marine and hydrokinetic power. The project will investigate risks to wildlife and habitats, conduct laboratory and field experiments, and predict long-term effects.
A new scrubbing process developed by PNNL uses acid gas-binding organic liquids to capture sulfur dioxide, CO2, and other acid gases. This process requires less energy than current methods and can capture double the amount of harmful gases.
Air pollution in eastern China has reduced the amount of light rainfall and decreased days of light rain by 23 percent, affecting crop growth and health. Researchers found that smaller water droplets created by aerosols impede rain cloud formation.
Researchers at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have identified key characteristics of a rhodium-based catalyst that efficiently releases hydrogen from ammonia borane. The study provides new insights into the catalytic reaction, shedding light on the hardest part of the process and suggesting ways to improve the catalyst.
The Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has received over $5 million to advance climate research and analyze smart power grids. The new initiatives will provide vital funding and tools for researchers, integrating climate and power grid analyses to inform science-informed decisions.
The EMSL's Chinook supercomputer, commissioned for research, can perform over 160 trillion calculations per second, ranking it among the world's top 40 fastest computers. It will aid in understanding complex biological, chemical, and physical processes to address environmental and energy challenges.
Researchers at PNNL developed acoustic tags to measure salmon survival rates and a hydro model to direct fish away from predators. These technologies aid in improving salmon passage at Columbia Basin's hydroelectric dams.
PNNL has won two R&D 100 Awards for its PowerPuck technology, which harnesses environmental heat to create sustainable electrical power. The laboratory also developed an ultrasensitive ESI-MS Source & Interface, increasing sensitivity in human health studies and enabling precise measurements of chemical compounds.
Scientists at PNNL have developed a new method for capturing more heat from low-temperature geothermal resources, enabling virtually pollution-free electrical energy generation. The approach uses biphasic fluid and nanostructured metal-organic heat carriers to boost power generation capacity.
Alexandre Tartakovsky's research on subsurface flow aims to clean up buried nuclear or toxic contaminants and store carbon dioxide from fossil fuels underground. His models help researchers trap contaminants and transform them into harmless minerals.
Researchers have developed a new crosslinking method called TRAP to study protein interactions in living cells. The method uses small crosslinkers that can be controlled with light to identify proteins working together, revealing new details about RNA polymerase in bacteria.
Researchers at PNNL have developed a one-step process to convert cellulose into a chemical feedstock for fuels and plastics. This simplified method avoids the multi-step approaches currently used in biofuel production, potentially making it more cost-effective.
A new study suggests that including land use changes in greenhouse gas control strategies can lead to lower costs and preserved forests. The study found that valuing terrestrial carbon emissions can reduce the cost of reducing global emissions by half compared to only taxing industrial and fossil fuel emissions.
Scientists have successfully converted cellulose from plants directly into the building block HMF in one step, bypassing an earlier sugar-forming step. The single-step process generates a high yield of HMF and allows the use of raw cellulose as feed material.
The Smart Charger Controller automatically recharges electric vehicles during times of least cost to the consumer and lower demand for power. Widespread use of these devices could help advance a smart power grid and reduce the nation's dependency on oil.
A study by PNNL researchers found that smoldering fires produce more toxins than wildfires, which can affect aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The discovery also suggests that smoke may play a role in transporting biologically useful nitrogen through the environment.
The Department of Energy has established a new Energy Frontier Research Center at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to study catalysis for solar energy and fuel cells. The center will be led by chemist Morris Bullock and will focus on grand challenges in converting electrical energy into chemical bonds and back again.
Lead from human activities causes clouds to form at warmer temperatures with less water, altering rain and snow patterns. The presence of lead also changes the distribution and density of clouds, affecting the amount of earth's heat that escapes into space.
Researchers from PNNL found that nitrogen-doped anatase titanium dioxide can split water using visible light, while rutile cannot. This discovery could lead to more efficient hydrogen fuel production and environmental cleanup methods.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory scientists have developed new materials that improve the power efficiency of blue OLEDs by at least 25 percent. These advancements aim to overcome major research challenges and provide a solution for large-scale applications in rooms and buildings.
Chemists have visualized a chemical reaction that splits water into oxygen and hydrogen, improving our understanding of processes like hydrogen production and pollution cleanup. The discovery reveals that water can act as a catalyst, enabling the movement of adatoms on a metal oxide slab.
Researchers found that nanoparticle size doesn't affect biological responses for most genes, as measured by total surface area. The study suggests a better understanding of nanoscale effects on cells and tissues.
Incorporating native, perennial plants into biofuels production can significantly reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and improve water quality. The research aims to make biofuels economically and environmentally sustainable, with potential applications in other regions.
Research shows that putting a price on carbon dioxide emitted by different land use practices can significantly change how land is used. The study found that addressing the land-based carbon is essential for stabilizing greenhouse gases at low levels.
A team of researchers has discovered a new enzyme in Shewanella that works together to oxidize lactate, a food and energy source for many microbes. The discovery suggests that dozens of bacteria use this multi-protein enzyme instead of the single-protein version, which could help clean up toxic pollutants.
The Department of Homeland Security has accepted PNNL to test and evaluate commercially available radiation detectors through its new GRaDER program. This will ensure emergency responders have the best tools available to detect radiation.
A new study finds that soot on snow warms the snow and air by up to 1.2 degrees Fahrenheit, causing snowmelt weeks earlier in spring. This can lead to reduced water supply, aggravate winter flooding and summer droughts.
Researchers warn that 10-30 year delay in predicted cleanup date may occur due to increased urban growth and non-point sources. Despite regulations, pollutants have returned to pre-industrial concentration levels, while stormwater discharges pose a significant threat to coastal systems.
Researchers developed an interactive program to analyze genome sequences, allowing them to find hidden relationships in massive amounts of data. The program uses visualization technology and computational approaches to display results in a user-friendly manner, helping scientists uncover new insights into biological processes.
Subhash Singhal, PNNL's fuel cell director, received the 2008 Grove Medal for his sustained contributions to fuel cell technology. The award honors achievements in fuel cell science & technology, recognizing Singhal's leadership and research.
Scientists developed a new method to control and image individual fluorescent electron transfer molecules, revealing mavericks that shine when they shouldn't. This study aims to better understand electron transfer reactions central to photosynthesis and biofuel production.
Researchers have installed a sophisticated monitoring array near the Hanford Site to investigate uranium plume contamination. The array will enable comprehensive characterization of the subsurface and provide insights into the processes contributing to persistent groundwater contamination.
Scientists have found a novel linear chromosome in cyanobacterium Cyanothece 51142, containing genes important for producing biofuels. The discovery was made possible by simultaneous DNA sequencing and protein analysis, which revealed more genes on the linear and circular chromosomes than previously thought.
PNNL scientists are harnessing the power of catalysis to address real-world energy problems, including hydrogen oxidation and production for fuel cells. Researchers are also exploring alternative catalysts using inexpensive metals like nickel and cobalt to reduce costs.
Researchers create thin films of helical peptides with high purity and stability using the soft-landing method. The technique allowed them to control the structure of the molecules, which is essential for developing new materials and understanding protein biology.
Researchers have been awarded $4 million to develop software for multithreaded supercomputers, enabling faster analysis of complex problems like power grid stability and biological networks. The new machines can handle large, random datasets more efficiently than traditional systems.