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Underground acoustic signals reveal hidden tunnels

DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Once a tunnel is constructed, it can be difficult to locate from the surface. Traditionally, researchers have used sensing technologies such as seismic surveys, ground-penetrating radar, and electrical resistivity, but these methods can be limited, especially in clay-rich soils or complex subsurface environments. ORNL scientists have demonstrated a new method to reveal hidden underground structures using acoustic signals generated below ground.

Funder: ORNL SEED

ORNL’s tSAGE fast-tracks microbial design for high-temp manufacturing

DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Scientists at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a platform that engineers heat-loving microbes for industrial-scale manufacturing in a matter of weeks compared with previous approaches that can take months to years. This biotechnology tool strengthens American manufacturing capacity, supporting long-term energy security and global competitiveness.

Journal: Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology
Funder: U.S. Department of Energy

ORNL's Cait Clarkson earns SAMPE leadership award

DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Grant and Award Announcement

Cait Clarkson, an R&D staff scientist in Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Manufacturing Science Division, has received the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) Young Professional Emerging Leadership Award, which recognizes outstanding early-career leadership in materials and process engineering.

Innovation Crossroads celebrates 10 years of entrepreneurship at LEEP Demo Day

DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Business Announcement

Entrepreneurs, researchers and program participants gathered on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 for the Department of Energy’s Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Program (LEEP) Demo Day, hosted by Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Innovation Crossroads at Covenant Health Park in Knoxville.

Sana Elyas elected SAMPE North America president

DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Grant and Award Announcement

The Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering North America has elected Sana Elyas as president of the 2026-2027 North America Executive Cabinet. Her term will officially begin on July 1, 2026.

Advincula earns Frank Tiller award for filtration advances

DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Grant and Award Announcement

Rigoberto Advincula, a polymer researcher at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory and a Governor’s Chair Professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has received the American Filtration and Separations Society’s Frank Tiller Award at FILTCON26 in Pittsburgh. The honor recognizes his lifetime leadership and scientific impact in fluid-particle separation, citing advances in new materials, 3D-printed membranes, and smart separation surfaces. A highly decorated fellow of multiple scientific societies, Advincula has authored 513 publications and holds 15 issued patents, with additional patents pending.

Error correction tech boosts the 3D printing of big composite parts

DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have created a new tool that can catch and correct potential mistakes in real time while 3D printing large plastic parts. The automated system could help U.S. manufacturers produce large, custom parts with fewer defects, potentially reducing waste, lowering costs, and strengthening domestic competitiveness in additive manufacturing.

New semiconductor building blocks make power converters smaller, more affordable

DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory incorporated gallium nitride semiconductors to create a high-efficiency power converter that is more compact, affordable and efficient.

Grejtak earns STLE Early Career Award

DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Grant and Award Announcement

Oak Ridge National Laboratory scientist Tomas Grejtak has received STLE’s Early Career Award, honoring high-impact research in tribology (friction, wear, and lubrication), and will be recognized at the society’s May 18–21 annual meeting in New Orleans. His work focuses on wear, friction, deformation, and contact mechanics in materials used in nuclear, biomass, and automotive systems.

3D printing lowers costs, expands hydropower opportunities

DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Additive manufacturing enables rapid, customized and affordable production of components for low-head micro-hydropower systems, significantly reducing barriers to harnessing energy.

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