Feature Articles

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

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Updates every hour. Last Updated: 29-May-2026 22:15 ET (30-May-2026 02:15 GMT/UTC)

Breaking through the noise: WSComm’s revolution in spectrum sharing

DOE/Idaho National Laboratory

In today’s hyperconnected world, wireless communication faces a critical challenge known as the “spectrum crunch.” Spectrum crunch results from more devices vying for limited frequencies, creating an overcrowded radio frequency spectrum — a bottleneck that disrupts communication. Spectrum crunch threatens not only everyday conveniences like cellphone connectivity but also essential services, such as emergency response times, global positioning systems and military operations.

Idaho researchers collaborate with US company to develop novel nuclear fuel to preserve, improve today’s reactors

DOE/Idaho National Laboratory

Father and son entrepreneurs Mehul and Milan Shah have patented a new nuclear fuel design that could reduce nuclear waste, enhance safety and lower costs for today’s pressurized heavy water reactors.

Exploring materials for fusion energy with ORNL's Yan-Ru Lin

DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory

As the focus on energy resiliency and competitiveness increases, the development of advanced materials for next-generation, commercial fusion reactors is gaining attention. A recent paper examines a promising candidate for these reactors: ultra-high-temperature ceramics, or UHTCs.

Journal: Current Opinion in Solid State and Materials Science

3D-printed metal molds poised to accelerate US auto manufacturing

DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Recent advancements at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory show that 3D-printed metal molds offer a faster, more cost-effective and flexible approach to producing large composite components for mass-produced vehicles than traditional tooling methods.

The research, conducted at the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility, or MDF, at ORNL, confirms that large-scale additive manufacturing is well-suited for creating complex metal molds, with efficiencies that could accelerate the adoption of lightweight composite materials in the automotive sector.

Funder: U.S. Department of Energy

Novel biosensor illuminates plant RNA in real time

DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory

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.

Researchers simulate tens of thousands of electrons in real time

DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory

A research team from the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, in collaboration with North Carolina State University, has developed a simulation capable of predicting how tens of thousands of electrons move in materials in real time, or natural time rather than compute time.

Licensing evolves 30-year partnership, expanding ORNL innovation in security

DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory

The Heartbeat Detector, which utilizes an algorithm developed by researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, detects individuals attempting to hide in vehicles at security checkpoints. The technology has become the industry standard since it was first licensed by Geovox Security Inc. from ORNL nearly 30 years ago and it continues to evolve.

Hardening the grid: Research team focuses on quake proofing transformer bushings

DOE/Idaho National Laboratory

Keeping the nation’s lights on is no small job. The grid we take for granted involves large, expensive equipment, most notably power transformers. If one goes down, it can take more than a year to replace and at massive costs. In heavily populated, seismically active areas like California or the Pacific Northwest, time is not a luxury.

Jesse Labbé: Innovating biotechnology for energy, security and health

DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Microbiologist and entrepreneur Jesse Labbé excels at cultivating discovery and innovation. As the new director of the Biosciences Division at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, he’s leading a team focused on science and technologies to boost U.S. competitiveness, strengthen national and energy security and advance human health.

Funder: U.S. Department of Energy

Water resiliency at Camp Buehring: INL's innovative water reclamation system

DOE/Idaho National Laboratory

Camp Buehring, a United States military base nestled in northern Kuwait just 20 miles from the Iraqi border, faces a challenge: there are no wells, rivers or other easily accessible sources of water.

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