Opening the Door to a Next-Generation Information Processing Platform
Researchers have developed a novel gate design that provides fast control of the flow of coherent information in electromagnonic devices. The design could be the basis for next-generation classical and quantum circuitry.
New carbon material sets energy-storage record, likely to advance supercapacitors
Guided by machine learning, chemists at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory designed a record-setting carbonaceous supercapacitor material that stores four times more energy than the best commercial material.
Scientists Report Direct Observation of the Dead-Cone Effect in Quantum Chromodynamics
Particle collisions produce quarks and gluons that interact in structured ways. Scientists have for the first time directly observed a predicted "dead cone" in this structure. This finding helps to confirm a feature of the theory of strong interactions, which explains how quarks and gluons form protons and neutrons.
To Study Radioactive Neptunium and Plutonium, Researchers Establish a Novel Chemistry
Neptunium and plutonium are harder to oxidize than uranium, making them more difficult to study. To address this challenge, scientists have designed donor ligands--molecules that contribute electron density to metal centers, stabilizing the metals as they become more electron-poor. This will aid in studies of the structure and behavior of unusual complexes of cerium, uranium, and neptunium.
Three-pronged approach discerns qualities of quantum spin liquids
In 1973, physicist Phil Anderson hypothesized that the quantum spin liquid, or QSL, state existed on some triangular lattices, but he lacked the tools to delve deeper. Fifty years later, a team led by researchers associated with the Quantum Science Center headquartered at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory has confirmed the presence of QSL behavior in a new material with this structure, KYbSe2.
Scientists move closer to long-theorized ultraprecise nuclear clock
For decades, the standard reference tool for ultraprecise timekeeping has been the atomic clock. Scientists have known that an even more precise and reliable timepiece was possible, but technical limitations kept it only a theoretical prospect.Now, researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory, Texas A&M University and several European institutions are turning theory into practice.
Engineers Develop a New Detector System for Quantum Computing
Working laser-powered quantum computers will need a system that can accurately and reliably count and distinguish 50 or more photons every few nanoseconds.
Fusion magnets could lead to improved microchip production
Swooping magnetic fields that confine plasma in fusion facilities known as tokamaks could help improve the efficiency of complex machines that produce microchips. This innovation could lead to more powerful computers and smart phones, near-essential devices that make modern society possible.
How tiny hinges bend the infection-spreading spikes of a coronavirus
Far from being stiff and pointy, a coronavirus's infectious spikes are shaped like chicken drumsticks with the meaty part facing out, and the meaty part can tilt every which way on its slender stalk. A tiny hinge makes that bendiness possible, and scientists say disabling that hinge could be a good way to thwart infection.
The Journey to Frontier: The Story of How the Exascale Era Began
Frontier still holds the title of world's fastest supercomputer after new TOP500 lists came out in November 2022, June 2023, and this week, and OLCF engineers expect further tuning to coax even faster speeds from its processors.
Better Together: New 2D X-ray Multilayer Lens Overcomes Alignment Challenge
Scientists have developed a new type of lens that focuses an X-ray beam to nanometer levels. The monolithic 2D multilayer Laue lenses (MLLs) can focus an X-ray beam to approximately 10 nanometers. The system overcomes the alignment challenges typically associated with these ultra-high resolution focusing optics. This development was recognized with a Microscopy Today Innovation Award in 2022.
Researchers aim to make cheaper fuel cells a reality
The team reduced the amount of expensive platinum group metals needed to make an effective cell and found a new way to test future fuel cell innovations.
Probing the Intricate Structures of 2D Materials at the Nanoscale
The exotic properties of 2D materials can be manipulated by stacking layers of these materials then modifying them by, for example, applying twists. Researchers have developed a novel microscopy technique to study twisted, layered 2D materials at high spatial resolution using interferometric four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM).
Scientists use quantum biology, AI to sharpen genome editing tool
Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory used their expertise in quantum biology, artificial intelligence and bioengineering to improve how CRISPR Cas9 genome editing tools work on organisms like microbes that can be modified to produce renewable fuels and chemicals.
Study probes risks to power plants from electromagnetic pulse
Researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory have been leading a project to understand how a high-altitude electromagnetic pulse, or EMP, could threaten power plants.
Vigorous Exercise, Rigorous Science: What Scientists Learned from Firefighters in Training
PNNL scientists took thousands of measurements of firefighters in training to learn more about how the body responds to vigorous exercise.
To Study Competition and Cross-Feeding, Scientists Build Synthetic Microbiomes
The complexity of microbiomes makes it difficult for scientists to study and predict microbes' interactions. One solution is to use custom assemblies of microbes called synthetic communities. This study used a four-member community involved in the breakdown of cellulose into the greenhouse gases methane and carbon dioxide to study responses to increases in sulfate due to climate change.
Scaling Up Nano for Sustainable Manufacturing
A research team led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has developed a high-performance coating material that self-assembles from 2D nanosheets, and which could significantly extend the shelf life of electronics, energy storage devices, health & safety products, and more. The researchers are the first to successfully scale up nanomaterial synthesis into useful materials for manufacturing and commercial applications.
A Bright Future for Extreme UV Lithography at Brookhaven Lab
As EUV lithography begins paving the way for the future, scientists are faced with the hurdle of identifying the most effective resist materials for this new era of nanofabrication. In an effort to address this need, a team of scientists at the Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN)--a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science User Facility at DOE's Brookhaven National Laboratory--has designed a new light-sensitive, organic-inorganic hybrid material that enables high-performance patternability by EUV lithography.
Researchers Use a Novel Approach to Design a COVID-19 Antiviral Drug
Researchers combined the features of clinical drugs to treat hepatitis C and viruses similar to COVID-19. This allowed them to synthesize BBH-1, a promising inhibitor that targets the breakdown of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The researchers characterized samples using X-ray and neutron diffraction techniques to provide atomic-level insights on the structure of the BBH-1 inhibitor and how it binds to the SARS-CoV-2 protein.
Media Tip: A call for better energy system models to enable a decarbonized future
Leading modeling experts from the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory and other institutions are sounding the alarm about the urgent need for improved energy system models in a recent Nature Energy paper.
Media Tip: First of its kind dataset shows future flooding risk at neighborhood level
Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory used supercomputing resources to develop a new dataset for estimating increased flood risk from climate change during the mid-21st century.
Advanced Computing Brings Autonomous Investigations to Nanostructured Surfaces
Defects in two-dimensional (2D) materials can give these materials special properties, but analyzing defects for useful variants is time consuming. Researchers developed an automated method to analyze these materials that combines scanning tunneling microscopy with artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Physicists ask: Can we make a particle collider more energy efficient?
The future of experimental particle physics is exciting - and energy intensive. SLAC physicists are thinking about how to make one proposal, the Cool Copper Collider, more sustainable.
Machine learning brings faster answers for healthcare providers
When it comes to medical decisions, time is of the essence. In her research, Maria Mahbub applies machine learning to clinical practice guidelines to help reduce time to clinical decisions.