Physicists Move Closer to Listening in on Sub-Atomic Conversation
Calculations of a subatomic particle called the sigma provide insight into the communication between subatomic particles deep inside the heart of matter.
Meet the Director: Chuck Black
This is a continuing profile series on the directors of the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science User Facilities. These scientists lead a variety of research institutions that provide researchers with the most advanced tools of modern science including accelerators, colliders, supercomputers, light sources and neutron sources, as well as facilities for studying the nano world, the environment, and the atmosphere.
Making an Ultra-small Silicon "Chip"
A new polymer, created with a structure inspired by crystalline silicon, may make it easier to build better computers and solar cells.
How to Keep a Vital Diagnostic Isotope in Stock
Researchers succeed in producing larger quantities of a long-lived radioisotope, titanium-44, that generates a needed isotope, scandium-44g, on demand.
When Strontium Is Away, Iridium Comes Out to Play
Developing a highly active and acid-stable catalyst for water splitting could significantly impact solar energy technologies.
On Track Towards a Zika Virus Vaccine
Antibody's molecular structure reveals how it recognizes the Zika virus
Quantum Computing Building Blocks
Scientists invented an approach to creating ordered patterns of nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamonds, a promising approach to storing and computing quantum data.
Loosening of Lignocellulose: Switchgrass and Success in Sugar Release
Using a genetically modified line of switchgrass, scientists reduced plant cell wall recalcitrance while increasing sugar release over three generations.
Extending the Life of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Scientists offer new insights into how the source of electrons in batteries fails.
Speeding Up Catalysts for Energy Storage
Researchers develop the fastest synthetic catalyst for producing hydrogen gas, potentially leading to a new environmentally friendly, affordable fuel.
Watching Neutrons Flow
Like water, neutrons seek their own level, and watching how they flow may teach us about how the chemical elements were made.
FIONA to Take on the Periodic Table's Heavyweights
FIONA (For the Identification Of Nuclide A) is a newly installed device designed to measure the mass numbers of individual atoms of heavy and superheavy elements. FIONA will let researchers learn about the shape and structure of heavy nuclei, guide the search for new elements, and offer better measurements for nuclear fission and related processes.
Graphene Ribbons Result in 100-Fold Increase in Gold Catalyst's Performance
Bottom-up synthesis of tunable carbon nanoribbons provides a new route to enhance industrial, automotive reactions.
Breaking the Rules to Make Electricity from Waste Heat
More atomic bonds is the key for performance in a newly discovered family of cage-structured compounds.
New Class of Porous Materials Better Separates Carbon Dioxide from Other Gases
Enhanced stability in the presence of water could help reduce smokestack emissions of greenhouse gases.
Oxygen: The Jekyll and Hyde of Biofuels
Scientists are devising ways to protect plants, biofuels and, ultimately, the atmosphere itself from damage caused by an element that sustains life on earth.
Electrifying Magnetism
Researchers create materials with controllable electrical and magnetic properties, even at room temperature.
One Step Closer to Practical Fast Charging Batteries
Novel electrode materials have designed pathways for electrons and ions during the charge/discharge cycle.
Discovering the Ultimate Limit of Heat Transport: Measurements across a Single-Atom Junction
First observation of "quantum" heat transport uncovers the ultimate limits for nanoscale devices.
Nothing Boring About the Thinnest Boron Ever
Researchers made a sheet of boron only one atom thick with the potential to change solar panels, computers, and more.
Glass for Solar Cells and Phone Screens Resists Light Degradation
New well-packed organic glass better resists changes when exposed to light.
Shining Light on Antimatter
Researchers perform first spectroscopic measurements on antihydrogen in pursuit of one of our biggest scientific mysteries: why is there so little antimatter in the universe?
Understanding Tungsten "Fuzz"
New work seeks to explain a strange phenomenon occurring in fusion reactor materials.
An X-Ray Laser's New Corrective "Eyeglasses"
A new type of lens improves the focusing precision at the world's most powerful X-ray light sources.
Seeing Below the Surface of Solar Cells
Scientists devised method that could help scientists learn new ways to boost photovoltaic efficiency.