Articles tagged with National Laboratories
ORNL's automated plutonium-238 production increased annual output from 50g to 400g, moving closer to NASA's goal of 1.5kg/year by 2025. The lab also developed a novel cryogenic memory cell design that may boost storage while using less energy in future computing applications.
A new technique allows continuous study of cobalt nanoparticles as they grow, producing 'nanometric phase diagrams' showing the conditions that control their structure. This method has potential applications for other materials, including alloys and oxides.
The Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory is collaborating with industry on six new projects focused on advancing commercial nuclear energy technologies. These projects aim to improve current nuclear reactors and move new reactor designs closer to deployment.
Researchers applied machine learning to analyze Cascadia data, discovering a constant tremor that predicts slow slippage and fault failure. The study found a direct parallel between the loudness of the signal and the physical changes, allowing for more accurate predictions of megaquakes.
Scientists successfully induce a 'charge-stripe' crystal phase in an insulating cuprate material, resolving long-standing controversy in the field. The discovery reveals a unidirectional charge-stripe order with a wavelength of exactly 4 atomic lattice constants.
The U.S. Department of Energy has approved the technical scope, cost estimate and plan of work for an upgrade of the Advanced Photon Source (APS), a major storage-ring X-ray source at Argonne National Laboratory. The resulting facility will allow researchers to view matter at the atomic scale in three dimensions, opening new frontiers ...
A 'friendly' EMP generator has been used to test various electronic devices, including military equipment and civilian products, for their ability to withstand an electromagnetic pulse. Preliminary results show that some devices can be protected with additional shielding.
Researchers use newly connected tools to map out previously inaccessible details of a high-temperature superconductor's phase diagram. The study reveals interesting characteristics on the 'far side' of the dome, including simpler quirkiness that disappears on the overdoped far side.
Researchers at SRNL have developed an electrochemical technique to monitor microbial growth and energy levels, improving cost-effectiveness and automating bioprocesses. This technology uses electrodes to detect changes in electrical current, providing early warnings for optimal conditions.
Methane-producing microorganisms in Eastern cottonwood trees emit the greenhouse gas. Neutrons help study natural nanoparticles for medicine improvement. Researchers developed a technique to characterize lithium-ion battery interfaces.
A set of immune system tissue chips is scheduled to launch on SpaceX's 16th commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station, where they will simulate the aging process of the immune system. The goal is to gain new insights into the molecular basis for many human conditions and develop novel therapies.
FIONA's first results confirm predictions for the mass numbers of moscovium and nihonium, two superheavy elements. The tool provides a reliable way to measure these numbers with experiments, addressing potential issues with nuclear mass models.
Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory discovered a way to make superalloys more resistant to heat-related failures, allowing them to withstand high temperatures six times longer than untreated counterparts. This breakthrough could improve materials performance in electricity generators and nuclear reactors.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed an algorithm that uses supercomputers to analyze genetic data, identifying genes linked to pain and opioid addiction. Meanwhile, a team from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory used deep learning methods to improve weather forecasting, leveraging high-performance computing and in...
Min Si, an assistant computer scientist at Argonne National Laboratory, has received the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Award for Excellence in High Performance Computing. Her research focuses on dynamic communication models and runtime systems for heterogeneous environments.
The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science has awarded 62 projects under the Innovative and Novel Computational Impact on Theory and Experiment (INCITE) program for 2019. These projects aim to tackle some of the world's most challenging science problems using cutting-edge computational methods and resources.
Researchers used XPCS to study magnetite's electrical conductivity transition from insulator to metallic, finding it occurs in two steps. The technique revealed that the fast phase is one step and the slowing down is the second step, suggesting that metallic and insulating properties coexist during the phase change.
Scientists capture four stable states of photosynthesis and fleeting steps in between, revealing the process of oxygen production. The results provide a detailed view of Photosystem II, a key protein complex responsible for splitting water and producing oxygen.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory use laser-based optical tweezers to levitate uranium and plutonium particles, allowing for accurate measurement of nuclear recoil during radioactive decay. This technique enables the detection of isotopes in nanometer and micrometer-sized particles, crucial for nuclear forensics.
Maria Goeppert Mayer's groundbreaking nuclear physics research at Argonne earned the lab a historic physics site designation. The 'shell' model of the atomic nucleus she developed remains the basis for modern understanding of nuclear structure.
The study found that coordinated CAVs can stabilize traffic flow, reduce fuel use by more than 40 percent, and improve travel time. The team's results also explored the potential of CAVs to indirectly influence human-driven cars' performance. Additionally, researchers at ORNL studied neutron-rich nuclei, improving understanding of nucl...
A collaboration between industry and science aims to improve the longevity of lead batteries by understanding complex chemical interactions. The research will focus on improving the performance of lead batteries using advanced tools and techniques.
The High Performance Computing for Manufacturing (HPC4Mfg) Program aims to optimize production processes, enhance product quality and speed up design and testing cycles using supercomputers. Argonne researchers will work with industry partners and scientists at the ALCF to develop advanced manufacturing technologies.
A team of scientists has detected highly energetic radiation from a microquasar, shedding light on extreme particle acceleration and jet physics. The findings improve our understanding of particle acceleration in jets of microquasars, offering insights into more extreme events at the centers of distant galaxies.
Researchers at ORNL demonstrated the reuse of rare earth permanent magnets recovered from used computer hard drives in an electric motor. Additionally, scientists tested radiation effects on human cells using organ-on-a-chip technology and analyzed designer molecules to improve bastnaesite recovery for rare earth elements.
The Energy Secretary has recognized researchers from Argonne National Laboratory for converting a Ghana Research Reactor-1 Miniature Neutron Source Reactor to low-enriched fuel, eliminating a nuclear threat. The team's collaborative efforts reduced the risk of nuclear proliferation while maintaining scientific capability.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory identified a key molecular signal that helps plant cells decide when to produce oil. The study found that trehalose 6-phosphate interacts with the sugar-sensing complex, inhibiting the shutdown of oil production and leading to increased oil synthesis.
Lei Cheng, an assistant chemist at Argonne National Laboratory, receives the Midwest Energy News' 40 Under 40 Award for her work on developing next-generation batteries for a cleaner energy future. Her computer simulations allow for efficient selection and synthesis of battery materials.
The Joint Center for Energy Storage Research (JCESR) has been renewed by the DOE for another five years, with a total of $120 million in annual funding. The center aims to create next-generation energy storage technologies that will transform transportation and the electric grid.
Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a new method using neural networks to identify the structural signatures of molecular gases. This breakthrough enables researchers to accurately sense unidentified chemicals or scan samples for impurities in a much smaller period of time.
Researchers are assessing six types of low-permeable rock formations as potential barriers to isolate nuclear wastes. The goal is to understand how radioactive atoms and liquids move through these rock formations to enhance isolation.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers developed modified atmosphere insulation, a viable solution to improve building energy efficiency. Additionally, scientists created an open source software platform allowing quantum programs to run on multiple quantum computers, revolutionizing modern computing. The lab also made breakthroughs ...
The US Department of Energy has awarded $4.3 million to Argonne National Laboratory to support industry collaborations and accelerate the development of promising energy technologies. The funding will be used to mature energy technologies with high impact, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the private sector.
The Joint Center for Energy Storage Research (JCESR) has received the Secretary of Energy's Achievement Award for its significant achievements in developing high-performance, low-cost energy storage technologies. The award recognizes the contributions of 29 individuals across multiple JCESR institutions.
Virginia Tech researchers have developed a new method to 3D print complex graphene structures with high resolution, unlocking possibilities for applications in various industries. The breakthrough enables the creation of any size or shape of graphene, preserving its strength and conductivity.
Four low-cost indoor air quality monitors reliably detect high levels of particulate matter in the air, enabling use of ventilation systems or air cleaners to reduce pollutant exposure. However, all monitors faltered for ultrafine particles smaller than 0.3 micrometers, which pose significant health risks.
Sandia National Laboratories engineers a platinum-gold alloy that surpasses diamond and sapphire in wear resistance, making it ideal for high-friction applications. The new alloy could save the electronics industry over $100 million annually by reducing material costs and improving durability.
Researchers studied hydrogen's transition from a gas to a liquid metal under high pressure, shedding light on the interiors of giant planets. They found that deuterium became opaque and metallic at nearly 2 million times normal atmospheric pressure.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab developed a low-cost method for real-time monitoring of pollutants using commonly available sensors. The Kalman filter-based approach allows continuous monitoring in situ, enabling the detection of sudden changes in contaminant levels and providing an early warning system.
The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) has reached a record power level of 1.3 megawatts, achieving 94 percent accelerator beam availability. This milestone establishes a new baseline for operation and paves the way for researchers to conduct faster analyses using neutrons on various materials.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory discovered that arid environment residents desire water security, which can benefit entire neighborhoods. They also developed 3D printed molds to reduce concrete production time and engineered nanopores with stable edge structures for ultrathin electronics.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed large supercrystals that can detect chemicals with improved sensitivity, like a dog's nose. The cost-effective sensors use only 0.012 grams of gold, making them a promising technology for security applications.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory used computer simulations to accurately predict HIV transmission patterns and track the disease's spread. The study found that genetic signatures can be used to determine the origin and time frame of an infection, allowing for targeted prevention campaigns.
New research from Idaho National Laboratory found that cold temperatures significantly impact EV charging efficiency, leading to longer charging times. The study analyzed data from a fleet of electric vehicles in New York City, revealing a decrease in battery state of charge with lower temperatures.
Researchers discovered that a freshwater algae strain can degrade and utilize non-food plant substrates, leading to improved cell growth and lipid productivity. This breakthrough has the potential to boost algal biofuel production by utilizing waste plant material, such as switchgrass and corn stover.
Researchers tested Oleo Sponge, a reusable technology to clean oil spills, in a real-world setting off the California coast. The results showed that it effectively removed oil sheen without leaving any visible trace.
The Center for the Advancement of Topological Semimetals (CATS) will bring together researchers from top institutions to explore the potential impact of topological semimetals in mid-infrared photodetection and spintronics. The center will train young researchers to lead the discovery and development of quantum properties of matter.
A Texas A&M University-led consortium has been awarded a five-year, $10 million grant to establish the Center for Excellence in Nuclear Training And University-based Research (CENTAUR). The center aims to develop next-generation leaders in low-energy nuclear science. CENTAUR will pursue basic research using accelerators at various inst...
The Department of Energy has selected Argonne National Laboratory to lead an Energy Frontier Research Center focused on advanced materials for energy-water systems. Researchers will explore interface phenomena, fouling, reactivity, and the interconnectedness of water and energy to develop innovative solutions.
The lab provides datasets to support emergency response in Hawaii following volcanic eruptions, enabling quick identification of vulnerable structures. Researchers also develop super-stretchy polymers with self-healing abilities and create a scalable processing technique for 3D printing plant-based materials.
Researchers conducted an international survey to assess the importance of variables in climate models. They found consensus on certain variables like rainfall and evaporation but disagreement on others like surface winds. The study highlights the need for more systematic approaches to model assessment, which will aid in evaluating new ...
A new study confirms that increasing winter temperatures allow beetles to expand their range, but also reveals that overcrowding can limit population growth. Resource competition is a stronger factor than cold temperatures in beetle mortality.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed carbon nanotube optics for optical-based quantum cryptography and quantum computing. The team's work involves integrating nanotubes into photonic cavities to manipulate light-emission properties and creating single-photon emitters for quantum info-processing.
Scientists have developed a novel explosive material with improved performance, replacing toxic TNT. The new molecule, bis-oxadiazole, boasts increased energy and has been shown to be melt-castable.
Researchers analyzed data from the MiniBooNE experiment and found thousands of neutrino-nucleus collisions with the same energy, shedding light on neutrino interactions with matter. The discovery could help solve long-standing problems in experimental design and potentially reveal new physics processes.
A team of researchers used powerful supercomputers to calculate the nucleon axial coupling, which is central to understanding a neutron's lifetime. Their method offers a clear path to resolving the experimental discrepancy and provides new insights into fundamental forces of nature.
Physicists use powerful supercomputers to solve quantum chromodynamics equations, which governs how quarks and gluons interact within neutrons. The new calculation yields the highest-ever precision of nucleon axial coupling, a property that determines the strength of neutron decay into protons.
A review of 40 studies from 16 countries found that models differed in their assumptions about market conditions, vehicle prices, and other factors. This led to vastly different projections of future electric vehicle market shares, ranging from a few percent to over 50% by 2030.
The US Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a direct-current detector technology to aid emergency responders in detecting high voltages from electric vehicles and homes. The handheld device can accurately detect DC voltages, enabling safer rescue efforts.
A team of scientists successfully measures the average neutron lifetime using an asymmetric magneto-gravitational trap and in situ detection. This breakthrough overcomes decades-long uncertainties, providing valuable insights into fundamental parameters in particle physics.