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Tiny microbes could brew big benefits for green biomanufacturing

Researchers have engineered bacteria to combine natural enzymatic reactions with the carbene transfer reaction, producing new-to-nature carbon products that can be used in biochemicals and advanced biofuels. This breakthrough could reduce industrial emissions by providing sustainable alternatives to chemical manufacturing processes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2023

New metric allows researchers to better understand soft material behavior

A new metric called a correlation ratio has been developed to correlate microscopic-level processes with macroscopic-level behavior in soft materials. This breakthrough allows for the design of new soft materials by tweaking microscale parameters to achieve desired macroscale properties.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Researchers team up with national lab for innovative look at copper reactions

A team of researchers at Binghamton University partnered with Brookhaven National Laboratory to investigate copper oxide peroxides and their effects on oxidation reactions. They used two spectroscopy methods to observe changes in the surface of copper oxide and found that peroxides enhance H2 oxidation but inhibit CO oxidation.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2023

X-rays reveal electronic details of nickel-based superconductors

Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory used x-rays to study the electrons in nickel-based superconducting materials, revealing substantial similarities with cuprate superconductors. The research could help scientists zero in on key features essential for these materials' remarkable ability to carry electrical current.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review X·DateApr 17, 2023

PPPL hosts workshop on fusion energy and nonproliferation

A two-day workshop hosted by PPPL discussed the risks and benefits of fusion energy, including concerns about nuclear proliferation and energy justice. Experts emphasized the need for open discussion and regulation to ensure safe and equitable deployment of fusion power.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·DateApr 13, 2023

A new quantum approach to solve electronic structures of complex materials

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory and University of Chicago developed a hybrid simulation process using IBM quantum computers to solve electronic structure problems. The new method uses classical processing to mitigate noise generated by the quantum computer, paving the way for future improvements.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Chemical Theory and Computation·DateApr 7, 2023
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

More frequent hurricanes raise risk to US East and Gulf coasts

Researchers find that changes in wind patterns caused by warmer tropical waters are steering storms closer to the US East and Gulf coasts, increasing risk for residents. The study reveals that this phenomenon is linked to stronger hurricane frequency due to climate change.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 7, 2023

Ultrasmall swirling magnetic vortices detected in iron-containing material

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered ultrasmall swirling magnetic vortices, known as merons and skyrmions, in an iron-containing material. These tiny magnetic structures show promise for future computer memory storage and high-efficiency microelectronics due to their stability and adaptability to binary code.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 30, 2023

What can we do about all the plastic waste?

Scientists at US national laboratories are developing new chemical recycling methods to make sustainable, high-quality plastic materials. They aim to transform plastic waste into valuable chemicals and reduce plastic pollution, paving the way for a circular economy.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Catalysis·DateMar 29, 2023
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

ORNL-led team designs molecule to disrupt SARS-CoV-2 infection

A team of scientists has designed a molecule that targets the PLpro enzyme in SARS-CoV-2, limiting its replication and hampering the host's immune response. The covalent inhibitor shows promise as a new treatment for COVID-19 and other viral diseases.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 28, 2023

Visualization of electron dynamics on liquid helium for the first time

An international team has discovered how electrons can move rapidly on a quantum surface driven by external forces, visualizing the motion of electrons on liquid helium for the first time. The research revealed unusual oscillations with varying frequencies and a combination of quantum and classical dynamics.

SourceLancaster University·JournalPhysical Review B·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2023
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

STAR physicists track sequential 'melting' of upsilons

Physicists at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider detect sequential dissociation of three distinct upsilon variations in a hot quark-gluon plasma, offering evidence for 'deconfinement.' The findings help scientists better understand the properties of the QGP and its temperature.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 14, 2023

Magnetism fosters unusual electronic order in quantum material

Physicists at Rice University have found that magnetism subtly modifies the landscape of electron energy states in iron-germanium crystals, promoting and preparing for the formation of a charge density wave. This is one of the few known examples of a kagome material where magnetism forms first, leading to charges lining up.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Electric vehicle batteries could get big boost with new polymer coating

Scientists have developed a conductive polymer coating called HOS-PFM that can significantly enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. The coating ensures battery stability and high charge/discharge rates while extending battery life by up to 15 years.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 7, 2023

New “camera” with shutter speed of 1 trillionth of a second sees through dynamic disorder of atoms

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a new 'camera' that can see atomic structures in real-time, revealing the dynamic disorder of materials. This breakthrough enables better understanding of thermoelectric devices and waste heat conversion, leading to more efficient sustainable energy applications.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 7, 2023

Clear sign that QGP production 'turns off' at low energy

At the lowest collision energy, QGP production is found to be absent, with a dramatic shift in data characteristics. Higher-order statistical analysis reveals a clear absence of QGP at low energies, providing new insights into nuclear matter phases.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 27, 2023

On the road to better solid-state batteries

A Berkeley Lab-led team has designed a new type of solid electrolyte consisting of a mix of various metal elements, resulting in a more conductive and less dependent material. The new design could advance solid-state batteries with high energy density and superior safety, potentially overcoming long-standing challenges.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateFeb 23, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Study finds sinking tundra surface unlikely to trigger runaway permafrost thaw

Researchers used a high-performance computer simulation to study the impact of soil subsidence on permafrost thawing in the Arctic tundra. They found that uneven land subsidence leads to a drier landscape, which limits the process's acceleration through the end of the century.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 21, 2023

How a record-breaking copper catalyst converts CO2 into liquid fuels

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a new technique that captures real-time movies of copper nanoparticles as they convert carbon dioxide into renewable fuels and chemicals. The study reveals that metallic copper nanograins serve as active sites for CO2 reduction, paving the way for advanced solar fuel technology.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 16, 2023
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Add-on device makes home furnaces cleaner, safer and longer-lasting

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed an affordable technology that removes over 99.9% of acidic gases from natural gas furnaces, producing an ultraclean furnace. This technology can also be applied to other natural gas-driven equipment, reducing emissions and pollution.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Putting particle accelerator cavities to the test

The Vertical Test Area at Jefferson Lab achieved a record-breaking 470 superconducting radiofrequency accelerator cavity tests in 2022, driven by improvements made by operations engineer Justin Kent. This milestone demonstrates the facility's versatility and commitment to supporting cutting-edge research.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateFeb 15, 2023

Securing supply chains with quantum computing

A new programming technique in quantum computing could help solve complex optimization problems in global supply chains. The FALQON framework uses feedback to adapt the structure of the algorithm, allowing the quantum computer to efficiently reroute shipping fleets and manage logistics.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalPhysical Review A·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2023

Controllable ‘defects’ improve performance of lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at North Carolina State University used a new laser technique to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries. The technique creates tiny defects in graphite material, which can enhance battery performance, increase current capacity by up to 20%, and reduce the risk of fires. However, excessive defects can lead to probl...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalCarbon·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2023
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Lifestyles of the fast and slow (bacteria): in the wild, most live in the slow lane

A recent study published in The ISME Journal reveals that the majority of bacteria living in wild soil are slow growers, contrary to previous lab-based frameworks that suggested a dichotomy between fast and slow growing microbes. This finding highlights the importance of testing field-based ideas with data from nature.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalThe ISME Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2023

Ionic liquids' good vibrations change laser colors with ease

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory demonstrate a new color-shifting strategy that relies on interactions between lasers and vibrational energy in ionic liquids. The method offers an efficient and customizable approach to shift laser colors, with applications in science, industry, and medicine.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJan 19, 2023

Data reveal a surprising preference in particle spin alignment

Researchers find phi mesons exhibit a clear preference for global spin alignment, contradicting conventional explanations. The results hint at the presence of local fluctuations in the strong force, which could be measured and provide new insights into this fundamental force.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJan 18, 2023
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Revealing the thermal heat dance of magnetic domains

Researchers use coherent correlation imaging to image the evolution of magnetic domains in time and space without prior knowledge. The study reveals thermal motion and pinning effects on domain boundaries, unlocking new insights into magnetism's microcosm.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2023

Climate change likely to uproot more Amazon trees

Researchers link extreme thunderstorms to Amazon tree deaths, predicting 43% increase in large windthrow events by the end of the century. The tropics will see a 50% increase in areas susceptible to extreme storms triggering windthrows.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 17, 2023

AI discovers new nanostructures

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have successfully discovered new materials using artificial intelligence and self-assembly. The AI-driven technique led to the discovery of three new nanostructures, expanding the scope of self-assembly's applications in microelectronics and catalysis.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 13, 2023

Study identifies new levers for controlling plant biochemistry

Plant biochemists have discovered a new level of regulation in the biochemical machinery that plants use to convert organic carbon into aromatic compounds. The research reveals new strategies for controlling plant biochemistry, including genetic tools to precisely control which compounds get produced in different parts of a plant.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 11, 2023
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Berkeley Lab scientists develop a cool new method of refrigeration

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a new method of heating and cooling called ionocaloric cooling, which could provide efficient and safe cooling for homes. The technique uses ions to drive solid-to-liquid phase changes, making it potentially more efficient than current refrigerants.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJan 3, 2023

Media Tip: Scientists enhance recyclability of post-consumer plastic

Researchers have developed a new method for recycling high-density polyethylene (HDPE) into fully recyclable and biodegradable material. The approach uses catalysts to cleave polymer chains, reducing carbon emissions and pollution associated with HDPE.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 22, 2022

Making the unimaginable possible in materials discovery

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory develop a new method to create crystalline materials with two or more elements, yielding previously unknown compounds with exotic properties. The discovery has potential applications in superconductors, energy transmission, high-speed transportation, and energy-efficient microelectronics.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateDec 20, 2022
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

What triggers flow fluctuations in heavy-ion collision debris?

Scientists study flow patterns from heavy-ion collisions to understand fluctuations in particle behavior, aiming to calculate the properties of quark-gluon plasma. The results point to initial state influences as the primary trigger for these fluctuations, with collision energy and nucleus size also playing a role.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 19, 2022

Designing better battery electrolytes

Scientists are rethinking electrolyte design for future battery generations, considering factors like interphases and solid-state electrolytes. They're using AI and automated laboratories to identify optimal electrolyte characteristics and reduce human error.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateDec 19, 2022

Particles of light may create fluid flow, data-theory comparison suggests

Theoretical calculations and experimental data from the ATLAS detector suggest that photons can create a fluid of strongly interacting particles in collisions with heavy ions. This is supported by observations of particle flow patterns similar to those seen in lead-lead and proton-lead collisions.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 13, 2022

Biomembrane research findings could advance understanding of computing and human memory

Scientists discovered that an artificial cell membrane can exhibit long-term potentiation, a hallmark of biological learning and memory, persisting for many hours. This finding has the potential to revolutionize next-generation computing materials and architectures by merging functions of processing and memory in neuromorphic computers.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2022

Nuclear theorists collaborate to explore 'heavy flavor' particles

Scientists at Brookhaven Lab will develop a comprehensive theoretical framework for describing the interaction of heavy-flavor particles with quark-gluon plasma. The Heavy-Flavor Theory Collaboration aims to provide insights into the properties of quark-gluon plasma and its precursors in nuclear matter.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateDec 7, 2022
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Nuclear physics gets a boost for high-performance computing

The US Department of Energy has awarded $35 million in grants to three joint projects between Nuclear Physics and Advanced Scientific Computing Research programs. These projects aim to optimize software tools for calculations of quantum chromodynamics, which describes the structure of protons and neutrons, using powerful supercomputers...

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateDec 6, 2022

NSF funds sixth annual tissue engineering solicitation for research leveraging the ISS National Lab

The NSF is funding projects that utilize the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory to advance tissue engineering and mechanobiology research. This solicitation aims to further drug discovery and therapeutic development through space-based research, with potential impacts on regenerative medicine and disease diagnosis.

SourceInternational Space Station U.S. National Laboratory·DateDec 5, 2022

Nuclear popcorn: Heavy nucleus changes shapes at different energies

Researchers studied the strong nuclear force using nickel-64 nuclei, discovering that they change shapes under high-energy conditions. The team used advanced detectors to analyze gamma rays and particle direction, revealing two possible shapes for the nucleus: oblate and prolate.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review C·DateNov 30, 2022
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Fertilizing the ocean to store carbon dioxide

An international research team proposes using engineered nanoparticles to fertilize ocean plankton, encouraging growth and carbon dioxide uptake. The approach has been shown to be safe and effective in enhancing plankton growth through controlled release of nutrients.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 29, 2022

A radical new approach in synthetic chemistry

Researchers use pulse radiolysis experiments to measure how unpaired electrons can drive chemical reactivity on a molecule's opposite side, enabling the creation of novel synthetic methodologies. The study demonstrates the potential for free radicals to influence reactivity beyond their site of origin.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2022

Limiting global warming now can preserve valuable freshwater resource

Researchers warn of impending 35-60 year droughts in western US unless greenhouse gas emissions are curbed to limit warming to 2.5 degrees Celsius. Mountain snowpack is shrinking due to global warming, threatening agriculture, ecosystem support, and urban water supplies.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 22, 2022

A possible game changer for next generation microelectronics

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered tiny magnetic vortices called skyrmions that could store data in computers, promising 100-1000 times better energy efficiency than current memory. The team used AI and a high-power electron microscope to visualize and study the behavior of these micro-scale magnetic structures.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 21, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Scientists build nanoscale parapets, aqueducts, and other shapes

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory create a new way to guide the self-assembly of novel nanoscale structures using simple polymers as starting materials. The team describes their approach in a paper published in Nature Communications, which shows that different shapes have dramatically different electrical conductivity.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 2022

FRIB experiment pushes elements to the limit

Researchers measured the half-lives of five exotic isotopes at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB), a DOE Office of Science user facility. The study provides fundamental information about nuclei near their limits of existence, testing models of the atomic world and advancing research in astrophysics and nuclear physics.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 14, 2022

Biofuel on the road to energy, cost savings

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have identified promising new biofuels that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 60% while improving fuel efficiency or reducing tailpipe emissions. The biofuels, developed using advanced engine design, can be blended with conventional fuels to improve engine performance and meet more ...

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateNov 10, 2022
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

The world will probably warm beyond the 1.5-degree limit. But peak warming can be curbed

New research suggests that the world will probably warm beyond the 1.5-degree limit set by the 2015 Paris Agreement, but peak warming can be minimized by adopting more ambitious climate pledges and decarbonizing faster. The study models scenarios to explore what degree of warming would likely follow different courses of action, highlig...

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 10, 2022

ASU leads $25M project to develop Southwest urban integrated field laboratory

The ASU-led SW-IFL aims to understand complex relationships between extreme heat, atmospheric pollutants, and limited water supply on vulnerable urban subpopulations. The integrated field laboratory will combine high-resolution data, advanced computer modeling, and community engagement to create regionally specific predictive tools.

SourceArizona State University·DateNov 7, 2022