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Is your supercomputer stumped? There may be a quantum solution

A Berkeley Lab-led team used quantum annealing to solve a tough math problem that stumps even the world's most powerful supercomputers. The algorithm can evaluate multiple variables simultaneously and return the correct solution, potentially revolutionizing fields like systems engineering and operations research.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 1, 2019

Faint foreshocks foretell California quakes

Researchers found nearly three-fourths of foreshocks preceded mainshocks by days to weeks, significantly higher than previously understood. Advanced signal processing techniques and computing capabilities enabled the detection of small foreshocks with magnitudes less than 1.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 31, 2019
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.

Quantum computers to clarify the connection between the quantum and classical worlds

Los Alamos National Laboratory scientists have developed a new quantum computing algorithm to investigate the quantum-to-classical transition in systems like biological proteins. The algorithm allows for the search for classicality in quantum systems, providing insights into how quantum mechanics applies to large-scale objects.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2019

DOE gives 'green light' to upgrade Argonne's advanced photon source

The U.S. Department of Energy has approved the next phase of the $815M upgrade of the Advanced Photon Source, a premier national research facility that will enable scientists to see things at a scale they have never seen before with storage-ring X-rays. The upgrade positions the APS to be a global leader among the new generation of sto...

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateJul 29, 2019

Two ORNL researchers receive presidential early career award

David Cullen and Kate Page, researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, have received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. They were recognized for their exceptional research accomplishments in fuel cell materials and nanoparticle properties, respectively.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateJul 29, 2019

A sharper focus: New computational technique resolves compressed X-ray data

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a novel method to overcome limitations of high-energy X-rays, enabling sharper imaging of complex materials. This breakthrough allows scientists to gain better information about material interfaces and control the behavior of new materials.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review A·DateJul 18, 2019

Ultra-soft, liquid magnetic droplets could vault technology forward

Scientists at UMass Amherst and Beijing University have developed a way to transform paramagnetic ferrofluids into ferromagnetic liquid droplets, opening up new research areas such as liquid actuators and active-matter delivery. The resulting ultra-soft droplets can be controlled using an external magnetic field.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalScience·DateJul 18, 2019
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

A graphene superconductor that plays more than one tune

Researchers developed a graphene device that can switch between superconducting and insulating states, allowing for the study of exotic quantum physics. The device, made of three atomically thin layers of graphene, exhibits unique properties such as high-temperature superconductivity and Mott insulator behavior.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJul 17, 2019

US DOE awards $4.6 million to Argonne to support collaborations with industry

The US Department of Energy has awarded $4.6 million to Argonne National Laboratory to support collaborations with private industry and deploy promising energy technologies to the market. This funding is made possible through the Technology Commercialization Fund, which aims to maximize the impact of research investment for the nation.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateJul 16, 2019

New sensor could shake up earthquake response efforts

A new optical sensor developed at Berkeley Lab can provide reliable information on building damage immediately after an earthquake. The Discrete Diode Position Sensor (DDPS) measures interstory drift and will speed up efforts to safely assess, repair, and reoccupy buildings post-quake.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateJul 11, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers cast neural nets to simulate molecular motion

A new machine learning approach enables researchers to encode quantum mechanical laws into neural nets, simulating molecular motion billions of times faster than conventional methods. This breakthrough advances research in fields like drug development, protein simulations, and reactive chemistry.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 2, 2019

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, July 2019

ORNL scientists create porous carbon structures from waste soft drinks to capture CO2 emissions. They also discover a practical way to share secret messages among three parties using laser light for improved cybersecurity. Additionally, researchers develop high-performance polymers for next-generation lithium-ion batteries

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review A·DateJul 1, 2019

Practice makes perfect

The Argonne team applied Bayesian methods to quantify uncertainties in the thermodynamic properties of hafnium, a key component in computer electronics. They found that traditional models often lacked error bars or uncertainties, leading to inaccurate predictions.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalInternational Journal of Engineering Science·DateJun 26, 2019

Scientists hit pay dirt with new microbial research technique

A team of scientists from the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory developed a new technique called BONCAT to isolate active microbes in soil samples. This breakthrough could enable researchers to better understand terrestrial ecosystems, improve drought-resistance in crops, and sustainably produce fuels.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 24, 2019
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Crystal with a twist: Scientists grow spiraling new material

Researchers created helical crystals made of stacked layers of germanium sulfide, which may yield unexpected properties. The twisted structure arises from a competition between stored energy and the energy cost of slipping two material layers relative to one another.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateJun 20, 2019

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, June 17, 2019

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed an online tool to evaluate the moisture durability of a building's envelope, enabling better-informed decisions for energy efficiency. Additionally, the lab has pioneered a new technique using pressure to manipulate magnetism in thin film materials used in electronic devices.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 17, 2019

How cryptocurrency discussions spread

Data scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory studied three years of discussions on Reddit from January 2015 to January 2018, analyzing the speed and scale of discussion spread related to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Monero. The findings reveal that Bitcoin discussions grow the fastest, followed by Ethereum and then Monero.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJun 10, 2019

Thwarting oil-pipeline corrosion by identifying a nanoscale villain

Scientists at Sandia National Laboratories discovered a triple junction formed by cementite and ferrite grains as the root cause of unpredictable corrosion in steel pipes. This finding could lead to new methods for forging pipe with reduced nanostructures, minimizing corrosion vulnerability.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·Journalnpj Materials Degradation·DateJun 6, 2019
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

New DOE program connects fusion companies with national labs, taps ORNL to lead

The Innovation Network for Fusion Energy (INFUSE) program aims to accelerate fusion energy development through research collaborations between industry and DOE's national laboratory complex. ORNL will manage the program, leveraging its expertise in plasma experimentation, materials development, and computer modeling of fusion systems.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateJun 4, 2019

Quantum information gets a boost from thin-film breakthrough

Researchers have developed a new method to create thin films that emit single photons at precise locations, enabling the scalability of quantum materials. This breakthrough paves the way for beyond-lab-scale quantum information technologies, including all-optical quantum computing and quantum key distribution.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 29, 2019

Scientists revisit the cold case of cold fusion

A team of scientists from top universities and Google is investigating cold fusion, a type of benign nuclear reaction that could offer an attractive option for decarbonizing the global energy system. The research collaboration has produced promising new insights into metal-hydrogen interactions and has not yet found evidence of the phe...

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature·DateMay 28, 2019
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.

AI and high-performance computing extend evolution to superconductors

Researchers used AI to evolve superconductors by optimizing defect structures, reducing losses and increasing efficiency. By mimicking natural selection, they created materials that can transmit electric current without resistance.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 2019

New research finds unprecedented weakening of Asian summer monsoon

New research using tree ring records reveals a 80-year decline in Asian summer monsoon rainfall, resulting in regional droughts and hardships. The study attributes the decline to man-made atmospheric pollutants, specifically sulfate aerosols, which coincide with industrial development and emissions in China.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 15, 2019

New multi-player game brings out the science of wargames

Researchers developed an online multi-player game called SIGNAL to explore deterrence and decision-making in escalating conflicts. The game allows for large-N data analysis, collecting insights from thousands of games, which can inform policies, strategies, and tactics.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateMay 7, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, May 2019

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a stretchy plant-derived material with superior adhesion properties, while also advancing additive manufacturing techniques for metal parts. Additionally, they utilized the Summit supercomputer to simulate small modular nuclear reactor designs with improved efficiency.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalApplied Sciences·DateMay 1, 2019

Argonne helps provide platform for future advanced nuclear reactor

The Versatile Test Reactor will allow scientists to test various fuels, coolants and reactor components to evaluate new technologies for future generations of advanced nuclear reactors. The reactor's experimental configurations will provide key information to scientists as they work to develop innovative reactor designs.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateApr 30, 2019

Data mining digs up hidden clues to major California earthquake triggers

A comprehensive new earthquake catalog has identified 1.81 million quakes in southern California, 10 times more than previously detected, providing a more precise picture of stress evolution in fault systems. The catalog will help researchers detect and locate quakes more precisely, identifying key physical and geographic details to pr...

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateApr 18, 2019
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.

New quantum material could warn of neurological disease

Researchers have developed a new quantum material that can automatically detect hydrogen levels in the brain, offering potential early detection of neurological diseases like Parkinson's. The material uses ionic currents to identify molecules, such as glucose and dopamine, which serve as indicators of brain health.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 10, 2019

New model accurately predicts harmful space weather

A new space weather model accurately predicts 'killer' electrons in the Earth's outer radiation belt, providing a one-day warning before space storms. The model connects satellite measurements to electron population data, enabling reliable forecasts and protecting vital infrastructure.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalSpace Weather·DateApr 9, 2019

Through machine learning, new model holds water

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory developed a new molecular model of water using machine learning, achieving high accuracy and reducing computational cost. The coarse-grained model replicates the behavior of water at the atomic scale, with applications in fields like materials science and climate modeling.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 2019
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.

Argonne National Laboratory works with AT&T on climate resiliency project

Argonne National Laboratory collaborated with AT&T on a climate resiliency project to develop a Climate Change Analysis Tool, providing high-resolution forecasting insights for anticipating climate change impacts. The tool helps AT&T anticipate potential risks in its network infrastructure and business operations 30 years into the future.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateMar 27, 2019

Optical 'tweezers' combine with X-rays to enable analysis of crystals in liquids

Researchers developed a new technique combining optical tweezers with high-powered X-rays to position and manipulate crystals in solution. This allowed them to observe reactions as they occurred, revealing sub-nanometer scale defects and grain boundaries within the ZnO microcrystal.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 22, 2019

US Department of Energy and Intel to deliver first exascale supercomputer

The Argonne National Laboratory's Aurora supercomputer will revolutionize scientific research and discovery with its exaFLOP performance and ability to handle both HPC and AI. The system is expected to have a significant impact on various fields, including cancer research, climate modeling, and veterans' health treatments.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateMar 19, 2019
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Researchers reverse the flow of time on IBM's quantum computer

An international team of scientists successfully reversed the flow of time on IBM's quantum computer, simulating a particle's scattering and returning it to its initial state. The breakthrough could lead to more efficient quantum computer operation and improved error correction methods.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 14, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Physicists use supercomputers to solve 50-year-old beta decay puzzle

Physicists have solved a 50-year-old mystery in beta decay, a process that drives stellar explosions and synthesizes elements. Using advanced computing power, researchers found that the beta decay rate for an atomic nucleus is more complicated than initially thought.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 11, 2019

New reactor-liner alloy material offers strength, resilience

A new tungsten-based alloy developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory has shown outstanding radiation resistance, retaining mechanical properties after exposure to high levels of radiation. The material's unique composition and structure have been found to be key factors in its exceptional performance.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 5, 2019

How to catch a magnetic monopole in the act

A research team created a nanoscale 'playground' on a chip to simulate the formation of exotic magnetic particles called monopoles. The simulation follows 'ice rules,' allowing north or south poles to move freely, mimicking real-world magnetic behavior.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 4, 2019
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.

Coda waves reveal carbon dioxide storage plume

Scientists have discovered a new way to monitor carbon dioxide storage plumes underground using coda waves, which reveal the location of gases in the ground. This method could enable more frequent and cost-effective tracking of these plumes, allowing for better estimation of total gas reserves.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2019

Finding keyholes in metals 3D printing

New research from Carnegie Mellon University and Argonne National Laboratory has identified how and when gas pockets form in 3D printing, leading to cracks and failures. The study developed a methodology to predict gas pocket formation, which could improve the consistency of finished products.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalScience·DateFeb 22, 2019
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.

Scientists discover new type of magnet

Researchers at New York University have discovered a new type of magnet that exhibits unique properties, including sudden transitions and strong coupling with electric currents. This discovery has the potential to enhance data storage technologies and improve performance bottlenecks.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2019

New measurements of exotic form of magnesium suggest surprising shape-shift

Researchers have reproduced an exotic form of magnesium, magnesium-40, which has led to unexpected findings about its nuclear structure. The study suggests that Mg-40 may be football-shaped, with the added neutrons forming a halo nucleus, and this discovery challenges current theories.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 7, 2019
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.

Simulating meteorite impacts in the lab

Researchers used X-ray diffraction to track dynamic processes in feldspar minerals during simulated meteorite impacts. The results show that structural changes occur at varying pressures depending on the compression rate, highlighting a need for further investigation to understand impact conditions.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateFeb 1, 2019

Superinsulators to become scientists' quark playgrounds

Researchers have created a theory describing the behavior of superinsulators, which shares properties with quarks. The discovery may lead to experiments that provide conclusive evidence for quark confinement and asymptotic freedom, revolutionizing our understanding of fundamental particles.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalCommunications Physics·DateJan 30, 2019

Powerful X-ray beams unlock secrets of nanoscale crystal formation

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.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 7, 2019