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Livermore researchers find tie between global precipitation and global warming

A new study by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory scientists shows that global precipitation changes are directly affected by human activities and cannot be explained by natural variability alone. The research found that thermodynamic changes and shifts in atmospheric circulation patterns are contributing to the observed changes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 11, 2013

Lawrence Livermore researchers unveil carbon nanotube jungles to better detect molecules

Researchers from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and ETH Zurich develop a new method of using carbon nanotubes to detect molecules, enabling trace detection of biological threats, explosives and drugs. The use of metal-coated nanotubes creates a 'jungle canopy' that amplifies the detection capabilities in surface-enhanced Raman ...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 6, 2013

The reins of Casimir: Engineered nanostructures could offer way to control quantum effect

Scientists at NIST have observed that patterning one surface with nanoscale structures increases or decreases the Casimir effect, which is necessary for making small mechanical parts and studying gravity at the microscale. The discovery challenges existing theory and opens a new path for tuning these effects.

Fusion, anyone?

Researchers at National Ignition Facility have made significant progress in creating a self-sustained fusion reaction, but still face challenges to overcome before achieving the highly stable and precisely directed implosion required for ignition.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateSep 24, 2013

Lawrence Livermore study finds human activity affects vertical structure of atmospheric temperature

A recent study by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and six other institutions found that human activity has a discernible impact on the thermal structure of the atmosphere. The research compared satellite records with simulations and revealed a unique pattern of global-scale tropospheric warming and stratospheric cooling.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 17, 2013

Radiation detection to go

The Mobile Radiation Detection and Identification System (MRDIS) enables scanning of transshipped containers, making it difficult for terrorists to smuggle radioactive materials. Eight MRDIS units have been deployed worldwide, with plans to expand to two international airports next year.

Purple sunlight eaters

A protein found in ancient microorganisms that live in desert salt flats has been combined with semiconducting nanoparticles to create a system that uses light to spark a catalytic process creating hydrogen fuel. This bio-assisted hybrid photocatalyst outperforms many other similar systems in hydrogen generation.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 19, 2013