![Wavy photo representing high performance computing](/sites/default/files/styles/featured_square_large/public/2024-09/ORNL%20BG03%5B84%5D.jpg?h=50f775af&itok=2RkMJksc)
Filter News
Area of Research
News Topics
- (-) Molten Salt (1)
- (-) Nanotechnology (2)
- (-) Neutron Science (14)
- 3-D Printing/Advanced Manufacturing (18)
- Advanced Reactors (3)
- Artificial Intelligence (31)
- Big Data (15)
- Bioenergy (11)
- Biology (14)
- Biomedical (7)
- Biotechnology (7)
- Buildings (20)
- Chemical Sciences (21)
- Clean Water (5)
- Climate Change (24)
- Composites (8)
- Computer Science (28)
- Critical Materials (7)
- Decarbonization (25)
- Education (1)
- Emergency (1)
- Energy Storage (12)
- Environment (23)
- Exascale Computing (10)
- Fossil Energy (3)
- Frontier (9)
- Fusion (9)
- Grid (10)
- High-Performance Computing (22)
- Isotopes (14)
- ITER (1)
- Machine Learning (11)
- Materials (17)
- Materials Science (20)
- Mathematics (4)
- Microelectronics (2)
- Microscopy (2)
- National Security (24)
- Net Zero (6)
- Nuclear Energy (12)
- Partnerships (18)
- Physics (7)
- Polymers (5)
- Quantum Computing (13)
- Quantum Science (14)
- Security (3)
- Simulation (16)
- Space Exploration (3)
- Statistics (2)
- Summit (6)
- Sustainable Energy (21)
- Transportation (12)
Media Contacts
![Scientists used neutrons to study the role of ergosterol (green), a cholesterol-like lipid found in the lipid bilayer (yellow) of fungi, which could help in combatting fungal infections that each year cause almost 1.7 million fatalities globally.](/sites/default/files/styles/list_page_thumbnail/public/2024-09/Ergosterol_02%20%28002%29_approved.png?h=e5aec6c8&itok=0DLJt29F)
A group of scientists at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have conducted neutron scattering research to reveal key information about fungus cell membranes that could aid in developing new antifungal treatments.
![Illustration of oscillating UCI3 bonds](/sites/default/files/styles/list_page_thumbnail/public/2024-09/Picture6dgf.jpg?h=67788074&itok=n5RASOUW)
Researchers for the first time documented the specific chemistry dynamics and structure of high-temperature liquid uranium trichloride salt, a potential nuclear fuel source for next-generation reactors.
![VENUS, slated for user beamtime next fall, dons ORNL green to symbolize involvement from scientists and researchers across ORNL.](/sites/default/files/styles/list_page_thumbnail/public/2024-08/VENUS%20from%20above%20with%20punch_0.jpg?h=6f8e8448&itok=jqIbvtLF)
DOE commissioned a neutron imaging instrument, VENUS, at the Spallation Neutron Source in July. VENUS instrument scientists will use AI to deliver 3D models to researchers in half the time it typically takes.
![Weyl semimetal](/sites/default/files/styles/list_page_thumbnail/public/2024-08/Picture4.jpg?h=b38bf506&itok=dUHD6CQU)
At ORNL, a group of scientists used neutron scattering techniques to investigate a relatively new functional material called a Weyl semimetal. These Weyl fermions move very quickly in a material and can carry electrical charge at room temperature. Scientists think that Weyl semimetals, if used in future electronics, could allow electricity to flow more efficiently and enable more energy-efficient computers and other electronic devices.
![Students listen as ORNL instrument scientist Hanyu Wang explains the intricacies of the LIQREF instrument at the Spallation Neutron Source](/sites/default/files/styles/list_page_thumbnail/public/2024-08/2024-P14425.jpg?h=c6980913&itok=4mINtyca)
The 26th annual National School on Neutron and X-ray Scattering School concluded on August 9, 2024. Each year, more than 200 graduate students in North America studying physics, chemistry, engineering, biological matter and more compete to participate in NXS. However, given limited space, only 60 can be accepted. The school exposes graduate students to neutron and X-ray scattering techniques through lectures, experiments, and tutorials.
![Woman is standing at podium holding a gavel in the air.](/sites/default/files/styles/list_page_thumbnail/public/2024-06/pilat%20gavel.jpg?h=be858193&itok=pRQmFpBz)
In May, the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge and Brookhaven national laboratories co-hosted the 15th annual International Particle Accelerator Conference, or IPAC, at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
![Man in a beard holding tweezers, showing a bead if space glass closer to the screen.](/sites/default/files/styles/list_page_thumbnail/public/2024-05/SpaceGlass_pp02.jpg?h=e5aec6c8&itok=xSv_KLxF)
Researchers set a new benchmark for future experiments making materials in space rather than for space. They discovered that many kinds of glass have similar atomic structure and arrangements and can successfully be made in space. Scientists from nine institutions in government, academia and industry participated in this 5-year study.
![ORNL researcher Felicia Gilliland loads experiment samples into position for the newly installed UR5E robotic arm at the BIO-SANS instrument. The industrial-grade robot changes samples automatically, reducing the need for human assistance and improving sample throughput. Credit: Jeremy Rumsey/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy](/sites/default/files/styles/list_page_thumbnail/public/2024-05/Picture3.jpg?h=d83e8acc&itok=toBATwfl)
The BIO-SANS instrument, located at Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s High Flux Isotope Reactor, is the latest neutron scattering instrument to be retrofitted with state-of-the-art robotics and custom software. The sophisticated upgrade quadruples the number of samples the instrument can measure automatically and significantly reduces the need for human assistance.
![A newly completed tunnel section will provide the turning and connecting point for the Spallation Neutron Source particle accelerator and the planned Second Target Station. Credit: ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy](/sites/default/files/styles/list_page_thumbnail/public/2024-05/thumbnail_Tunnel%20extension%20for%20main%20image--needs%20cropping.jpg?h=e5aec6c8&itok=keUV4vqa)
The new section of tunnel will provide the turning and connecting point for the accelerator beamline between the existing particle accelerator at ORNL’s Spallation Neutron Source and the planned Second Target Station, or STS. When complete, the PPU project will increase accelerator power up to 2.8 megawatts from its current record-breaking 1.7 megawatts of beam power.
![ORNL’s Thomas Proffen, mentee recognized by National Center for Women & Information Technology](/sites/default/files/styles/list_page_thumbnail/public/2024-04/220629_ogr_0009.jpg?h=fb5fb322&itok=cObSWWMz)
Thomas Proffen, a neutron scattering scientist at ORNL and founder of Oak Ridge Computer Science Girls, was recognized with an award from the National Center for Women & Information Technology, or NCWIT. In addition, one of his students received a national honor from the organization.