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Erica Prates is presenting to a group of attendees at Vandy workshop in a table conference room, standing next to a screen glowing in white

Scientists at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory recently welcomed Vanderbilt University colleagues for a symposium on basic science research, with a focus on potential collaborations in the biomedical and biotechnology spaces.

Research scientist Daniel Jacobson is standing with his arms crossed with a dark black backdrop

Daniel Jacobson, distinguished research scientist in the Biosciences Division at ORNL, has been elected a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, or AIMBE, for his achievements in computational biology. 

A dark amber photo of a leaf with close up photos layered over top shown in lime green

Scientists at ORNL have developed a first-ever method of detecting ribonucleic acid, or RNA, inside plant cells using a technique that results in a visible fluorescent signal. The technology can help researchers detect and track changes in RNA and gene expression in real time, providing a powerful tool for the development of hardier bioenergy and food crops and for detection of unwanted plant modifications, pathogens and pests.  

Four researchers are standing next to a research rector that is glowing blue

A team from ORNL, joined by university students, recently traveled to the Ohio State University Research Reactor to conduct a novel experiment on nuclear thermal rocket fuel coatings — one that could help propel NASA’s astronauts to Mars faster and more efficiently. 

A deep look inside a cell membrane showing the production of materials from plant biomass, shown with shapes that consist of four green balls connected with a red ball on one end, dotted with smaller white balls on each surface.

Scientists at ORNL and the University of Cincinnati achieved a breakthrough in understanding the vulnerability of microbes to the butanol they produce during fermentation of plant biomass. The discovery could pave the way for more efficient production of domestic fuels, chemicals and materials.

A cargo ship to the left of the seaport with bright blue metal surrounding it

In collaboration with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate, researchers at ORNL are evaluating technology to detect compounds emitted by pathogens and pests in agricultural products at the nation’s border. 

Secretary Wright leans over red computer door, signing with silver sharpie as ORNL Director Stephen Streiffer looks on

During his first visit to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Energy Secretary Chris Wright compared the urgency of the Lab’s World War II beginnings to today’s global race to lead in artificial intelligence, calling for a “Manhattan Project 2.”

Six images fanned out across the right side of the page with the first page showcasing the report cover. To the right hand side is a green oak leaf.

A workshop led by scientists at ORNL sketched a road map toward a longtime goal: development of autonomous, or self-driving, next-generation research laboratories. 

Hugh O'Neil, director or ORNL's Center for Structural Molecular Biology is sitting in the lab on a stool, hand on desk with glasses on. There are lab related items blurred in the foreground.

Hugh O’Neill’s lifelong fascination with the complexities of the natural world drives his research at ORNL, where he’s using powerful neutron beams to dive deep into the microscopic realm of biological materials and unlock secrets for better production of domestic biofuels and bioproducts.

Emrullah Aydin, an ORNL research is posing for a headshot in a black suit with black tie
Emrullah Aydin, an R&D staff associate in the Vehicle Power Electronics Research group at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, has been elevated to senior member status in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.