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Dark brown powder that is a rare earth element that has been refined into powder

United Rare Earths has licensed two innovative technologies from Oak Ridge National Laboratory aimed at reducing dependence on critical rare earth elements.

ORNL researcher Priya Ranjan standing outside in front of brick pillars

From decoding plant genomes to modeling microbial behavior, computational biologist Priya Ranjan builds computational tools that turn extensive biological datasets into real-world insights. These tools transform the way scientists ask and answer complex biological questions that advance biotechnology breakthroughs and support cultivation of better crops for energy and food security. 

Three profile photos of ORNL researchers are cut out into one image representing three new members of leadership for the Center for Bioenergy Innovation

The Center for Bioenergy Innovation, or CBI, at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory has promoted Melissa Cregger and Carrie Eckert to serve as chief science officers, advancing the center’s mission of innovations for new domestic biofuels, chemicals and materials.

ORNL researcher Van Graves examines a transparent cylindrical device he developed and tested at CERN in 2007 to demonstrate that a jet of liquid mercury could serve as a target for a neutrino factory or muon collider.

Van Graves, an engineering manager at ORNL, is celebrating 40 years of dedicated service leading a diverse range of prominent engineering projects at ORNL and internationally. 

Graphic depiction of a neutron star, which looks like orange beans inside a cage

Using the Frontier supercomputer, a team of researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology conducted large-scale calculations to chart the isospin density of a neutron star across a range of conditions. Their work provides new insights into how pressure and density interact within neutron stars, offering important predictions about their inner workings.

The heartbeat Detector is pictured here, which is a black rectangular box with a heartbeat line and wording on the top to reflect its name

The Heartbeat Detector, developed at ORNL and licensed by Geovox Security Inc., detects hidden individuals in vehicles by measuring suspension vibrations. Now using a compact black box and cloud software, the system is more affordable and easier to use, while remaining the industry standard worldwide.

ORNL researcher Jesse Labbe is working with plants in a greenhouse. He is framed on all sides with bright green leaves

Jesse Labbé aims to leverage biology, computation and engineering to address societal challenges related to energy, national security and health, while enhancing U.S. competitiveness. Labbé emphasizes the importance of translating groundbreaking research into practical applications that have real-world impact.

A 3D rendering of a large, white protein complex bound to a purple strand of guide RNA, which is aligned with a blue double-helix DNA strand. The background is a soft gray with scattered, blurred molecular shapes.

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Colorado Boulder used a gene-silencing tool and a large library of molecular guides to understand how photosynthetic bacteria adapt to light and temperature changes. They found that even partial suppression of certain genes yielded big benefits in modifying the stress response of wild microbes. 

Close up photo of components for jet engines, fanned out in a spiral from the center

Inspired by a visit to ORNL’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility, Jonaaron Jones launched a career in additive manufacturing that led to founding Volunteer Aerospace and now leading Beehive Industries’ external parts business. Through close collaboration with MDF, Jones has helped drive innovation in defense, aviation and energy, while growing high-tech jobs and strengthening the U.S. manufacturing base.

Scientist Vilmos Kertesz poses for a photo in front of a grey cloudy backdrop

Vilmos Kertesz, senior staff in the Biosciences Division at ORNL, has received a 2025 Al Yergey Mass Spectrometry Scientist Award from the American Society for Mass Spectrometry. The award recognizes his contributions to the fields of analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry.