Articles tagged with National Laboratories
Researchers have developed heat-actuated lightweight and compact cooling technology capable of sustaining manageable temperatures for several hours. The system can weigh as little as three to four pounds, providing relief from extreme conditions, and is expected to benefit both military and commercial applications.
Los Alamos is leading reactor design for the JIMO mission, which would orbit icy moons to study their makeup and potential for sustaining life. The lab is developing key technologies such as nuclear fuel, beryllium components, and diagnostic instruments for a safe and reliable space reactor.
The Finuda experiment is studying the formation and decay of hypernuclei to explore the weak interaction. By analyzing the localization of lambda particles within nucleus, scientists can gain insights into the strong nuclear force.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory used a specialized instrument to analyze stardust from a meteorite, confirming the theory that stars form atoms through nucleosynthesis. The discovery provides precise confirmation of how atoms are made inside stars.
The lab recognized for FRAMES, a software system for understanding industrial impact on people and environment; a testing chamber that identifies hard-to-measure chemical emissions; and a test bed for developing fish-friendly designs for roadway culverts.
Researchers used advanced imaging and modeling techniques to study near-field behavior in metal nanoparticles. They found that arrays of nanoparticles scatter light at much smaller angles, making them suitable for two-dimensional devices such as optical chips.
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and NASA's Glenn Research Center have partnered to develop new sealing technologies for solid oxide fuel cells. The goal is to improve the strength and fracture toughness of composite glass and glass-ceramic-based seals, enabling long-term stable operation of SOFCs.
Developed at Argonne National Laboratory, the new catalyst is one of a family of related catalysts that also shows promise for reducing NOx emissions. It converts NOx into nitrogen, making it a safer and more energy-efficient alternative to current standards.
Researchers at Brookhaven Lab help create new form of carbon by studying its bonding under high pressure. They propose a distorted graphite-like structure that challenges current understanding of carbon's intermediate forms.
PNNL scientists create a device that detects sarin and other nerve agents using infrared spectrometry. They also mimic the mineralization process to produce replicas with pores and channels, which could increase industrial yields. Additionally, researchers use midge genomes to identify pollutants in water and develop an integrated mode...
The Department of Energy's national laboratories have received a total of 35 R&D awards, recognizing their cutting-edge technologies. The awards are shared among 11 laboratories and partner businesses and universities.
Sandia's new cluster features a combination of Intel Xeon and Itanium processors, utilizing InfiniBand Host Channel Adapters for low-latency and high-bandwidth connections. The 128-node machine is expected to be one of the world's top systems, powered by Mellanox and Linux Networx hardware.
Customs agents receive comprehensive training to identify and halt smuggling of weapons of mass destruction. The training covers materials, components, and dual-use items associated with WMD development and deployment.
The award recognizes the vision and leadership of Francis Collins and Ari Patrinos in completing the human DNA sequence. Their collaboration between the Department of Health and Human Services' National Institutes of Health and the Department of Energy's Office of Science led to a groundbreaking biotechnology revolution.
A new quick screening methodology developed by Los Alamos scientists can identify isotopes in dirty bomb debris in as little as six hours. The procedure uses standard chemical analysis and can characterize Plutonium-239, Uranium-238, Americium-241, Curium-244 and Neptunium-237.
The Tensor Contraction Engine (TCE) is a new software that automatically generates computer code for complex molecules, reducing the workload for researchers. By generating efficient parallel programs, TCE can save time and computational resources for projects in computational chemistry and physics.
PNNL's new supercomputer is the US' fastest operational unclassified system, featuring an 11.8T HP Integrity system with Intel Itanium2 processors running Linux. The machine will enable novel studies in atmospheric chemistry, systems biology, and materials science.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has developed a culvert test bed to assess hydraulic conditions and fish behavior in various culvert designs. The system enables controlled experiments to address ESA issues and inform improved stream crossing designs, benefiting the well-being of fish runs in Washington State.
Researchers from Scripps Institution of Oceanography have sequenced the genomes of Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus, tiny organisms that account for up to two-thirds of carbon dioxide fixation in the oceans. The discoveries shed light on how these organisms process carbon and adapt to specific habitats, offering insights into global c...
A new underground lab design has been completed by a collaborative project between the University of Washington and other institutions. The proposal establishes a main laboratory 7,400 feet deep and includes important operations on lower levels, with a focus on earth science and homeland security activities.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have made accurate measurements of waiting-point nuclei masses, confirming theories of how X-ray bursts are produced. The unique ATLAS facility enabled precise determination of the selenium-68 nucleus mass, with a precision 30 times higher than previous measurements.
Matson's work on ultra-barrier coatings has the potential to replace glass in electronic displays, enabling flexible and cheaper alternatives for cell phones, TVs, laptops, and digital watches. The American Chemical Society's Industrial Innovation Awards recognize his contributions to commercial success and improved quality of life.
Researchers at NC State and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have successfully tuned the atomic-level zone between substances, opening the way for smaller, faster and smarter computers. By manipulating the electronic dipole charge at the interface, they've found a way to overcome the limitations of Schottky barriers.
Researchers from Brookhaven and Argonne labs develop a non-destructive plasma valve to quickly contain air breaches in high-energy electron beams. The valve uses ionized gas to separate atmospheric pressure from a vacuum, allowing for faster vacuum-air separation and reduced damage to machinery.
The XMM-Newton satellite has discovered a faint X-ray glow from a very hot gas in the disk of the Andromeda Galaxy, suggesting recent star formation. Additionally, the team detected an accreting X-ray pulsar, a strongly magnetized neutron star drawing in material from its neighbor.
The award recognizes the researchers' contributions to developing a viable alternative to neutrons for studying magnetic structure in rare earths and actinides. Resonant magnetic x-ray scattering complements neutron magnetic scattering, opening new possibilities for research in condensed matter physics.
Sandia scientists confirm Z produces fusion neutrons, a crucial step towards self-sustaining fusion reactions. The experiment demonstrates that high-yield fusion is achievable through the application of huge pulses of electricity.
Researchers used an electrostatic field to control the self-assembly of fine granular material, creating regularly spaced arrays and complex patterns. The ability to manipulate these patterns could lead to new materials with unique properties.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory present a new technology that can practically erase mercury from laboratories, reducing environmental and health hazards. The approach involves replacing mercury-containing devices with alternative instruments, which are less expensive and safer to use.
Los Alamos scientists have developed a new method to produce high-purity plutonium sources, which will be used as primary analytical chemistry standards. The new extrusion method produces 99.99% pure plutonium with minimal contaminants and surface oxidation.
Argonne researchers have created powerful stem cells that can morph into various cell types, offering a practical alternative to embryonic stem cells. The breakthrough allows for the production of pluripotent stem cells from adult blood cells, which can potentially treat diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
A staged development concept for Yucca Mountain aims to allow decisions based on latest available information, avoiding rigid timelines. A pilot stage will study performance before storing large amounts of radioactive waste.
Computer simulations can examine the performance of representative structures under blast loadings, exploring design alternatives. Researchers aim to distribute blast resistance capabilities more broadly across infrastructure, addressing technology areas through component testing and simulation.
The US government's efforts to declassify historic records have been met with frustration from historians and researchers, who face security restrictions and lengthy review processes. Despite these challenges, Meade emphasizes the need for thoughtful declassification to balance secrecy and scholarship.
A Los Alamos researcher has calculated the frequency of meteor encounters with the atmosphere, finding that individual monitoring stations would see about five meteor signals a year. This research will help improve the accuracy and reliability of nuclear test detection systems.
A study of 97 healthy men found that semen quality decreased with age, particularly in sperm motility. The researchers discovered a 0.7% decrease in sperm motility per year, impacting fertility from age 22 to 80.
The patented SnifferSTAR device can analyze gases immediately, detecting nerve gases and blister agents with rapid analysis capabilities. It offers small, lightweight, low power, and fast analysis, making it ideal for use in various applications, including drone aircraft and building ventilation systems.
The TAOS Project will search for comets by monitoring the brief eclipses of background stars as these objects pass between the telescopes and their light source. This innovative method allows scientists to detect small, faint objects that are too far away to be seen in reflected sunlight.
The Sandia hardware allows large data sets to be viewed and manipulated interactively without needing to send copies to separate locations. The technology, which leverages advances in 3D commercial rendering, enables users to experience sitting at a supercomputer from thousands of miles away.
The DOE grant aims to economically derive high-value chemicals and oils from lower value corn fiber, opening new markets for corn growers. The project will develop purification and characterization techniques and design a pilot plant to recover high-value carbohydrates.
Scientists have discovered an unusual protein structure, known as a 'knot', which defies traditional understanding of protein folding. The newly found knot may stabilize amino acid subunits in the protein, shedding light on its mysterious function and potential applications in disease diagnosis and drug development.
The US Department of Energy is supporting a project to develop an artificial retina that can capture visual signals and send them to the brain, restoring vision to patients with age-related macular degeneration or retinitis pigmentosa. The next-generation device aims to have 1,000 electrodes, allowing users to see images.
The projects will investigate low dose radiation effects on human cells, DNA repair, and respiratory cells. Funding is provided by the DOE Office of Science's Office of Biological and Environmental Research and NASA's Space Radiation Health Program.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed a computer model of the E-coli ribosome, a cellular structure responsible for protein creation. This model has applications in developing new and powerful antibiotics against a range of pathogens, including those used in bioweapons agents.
Perlmutter's discovery of the universe's accelerating expansion using supernovae as standard candles revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos. His work, done through the Supernova Cosmology Project, has far-reaching implications for our knowledge of the fundamental nature of the universe.
This year's winners include C. Jeffrey Brinker, Claire M. Fraser, Bruce T. Goodwin, Keith O. Hodgson, Saul Perlmutter, Benjamin D. Santer, and Paul J. Turinsky for their groundbreaking work in materials research, genome analysis, nuclear physics, environmental science, and more.
Researchers tracked water molecule movement on palladium surface, discovering clusters of two to six molecules exhibiting high mobility when bound together. The formation of hexamers led to stable honeycomb structures, which spread out and interacted with the substrate's lattice.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory are developing an ice slurry procedure to cool the blood and brain cells after cardiac arrests, with the goal of improving survival rates. The ice slurry cools the brain by 2-5 degrees Celsius quickly, giving medics more time to revive normal blood flow and brain activity.
Researchers aim to create partial vision for the blind using 1,000 MEMs electrodes attached to the retina. The system, backed by a $9 million grant, promises to enable basic household chores and reading, but not driving.
The US Department of Energy approved funding for the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies, which will serve as a gateway to Los Alamos and Sandia national labs. The CINT collaboration aims to integrate nanotechnology into the macroscopic world, with potential applications in sensor development, security measures, and nuclear deterrence.
The Vinland Map's date has been determined to be around 1434, indicating a strong connection to the Catholic Church's Council of Basel. The parchment analysis provides new evidence supporting the map's authenticity and sheds light on European knowledge of North America during this period.
Researchers used non-traditional techniques to determine nanoscale structures, revealing cesium ions arranged in short-range order zigzag chains. This verifies CsxSi32O64 as a room-temperature stable inorganic electride with potential useful electronic properties.
Lee's research found that zeolites expand as fluid from the surrounding medium is squeezed into their tiny pores under great pressure, leading to potential applications as 'molecular sponges'. The discovery was made possible by using a technique called powder diffraction at Brookhaven's National Synchrotron Light Source.
The US Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory has developed a small, portable neutron detector that can detect hidden nuclear weapons and materials. The device uses a wafer of gallium arsenide coated with boron or lithium to detect neutrons, producing a cascade of charged particles that is easy to detect.
Scientists at PNNL and the Institute of Immunological Engineering have created unique humanized antibodies to gamma interferon, a protein that triggers autoimmune conditions. These fully humanized antibodies may provide long-term treatment for autoimmune diseases.
Richard Setlow, a Brookhaven Lab scientist, is being honored for his discovery of nucleotide excision repair and its application to understanding genetic diseases and cancer. His work has led to significant advancements in the field of environmental mutagenesis.
The new HP supercomputer will have an expected total peak performance of over 8.3 teraflops, 8,300 times faster than a current personal computer. Scientists will use it to study complex chemical problems in areas like life sciences and environmental research.
PARSL's suite of instruments measures key elements contributing to climate change, including solar energy and atmospheric conditions. The system provides immediate access to data, enabling researchers to gain insights into the earth's climate and climate change.
A cognitive psychologist at Brookhaven Lab provides guidance on designing voting systems that minimize human error and facilitate accurate understanding. The expert's recommendations include organizing information in a consistent manner, providing clear instructions, and allowing voters to control the pace of their use.
A new laser ultrasonic sensor streamlines the papermaking process by measuring flexibility in real-time, allowing for improved quality control and reduced energy consumption. The sensor's non-contact technology enables accurate measurements without damaging the paper, paving the way for increased efficiency and productivity.