Feature Articles
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
.
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 30-May-2025 00:09 ET (30-May-2025 04:09 GMT/UTC)
22-May-2025
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.
21-May-2025
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.
20-May-2025
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.
8-May-2025
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
6-May-2025
Research reveals hidden gifts of the ‘black box’ for modeling grid behavior
DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory
To create a more resilient electric grid that meets the nation’s increasing power demands, utilities are incorporating a wider array of energy sources. But this shift requires the ability to predict how the grid will react to fluctuations in the flow of electricity from new sources of power. Researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a dynamic modeling method that uses machine learning to provide accurate simulations of grid behavior while maintaining what is called a “black box” approach. This technique does not require details about the proprietary technology inside the equipment — in this case, a type of power electronics called an inverter.
16-Apr-2025
Creating the lab of the future
DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory
ORNL has developed a network of autonomous science laboratories outfitted with state-of-the-art artificial intelligence and robotic systems and connected to the lab’s world-class user facilities. The goal is to supercharge the research process while producing scientific breakthroughs that would be unachievable in a traditional setting.
25-Mar-2025
Solving a molecular mystery for better bioproducts
DOE/Oak Ridge National LaboratoryScientists at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory 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.
- Journal
- Langmuir
- Funder
- U.S. Department of Energy
12-Mar-2025
Summit Supercomputer Draws Molecular Blueprint for Repairing Damaged DNA
DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Researchers at Georgia State University used the Summit supercomputer to study an elaborate molecular pathway called nucleotide excision repair, or NER. They built a computer model of a critical NER component called the pre-incision complex, or PInC, which plays a key role in regulating DNA repair processes in the latter stages of the NER pathway. Decoding NER’s sophisticated sequence of events and the role of PInC in the pathway could provide key insights into developing novel treatments and preventing conditions that lead to premature aging and certain types of cancer.
- Journal
- Nature Communications
- Funder
- Advanced Scientific Computing Research
26-Feb-2025
Scientists lay out vision for AI-based ‘labs of the future’
DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory
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.