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[Science News Home]
Oak Ridge National Laboratory News
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CO2 emissions booming, shifting east, researchers report
[23 Sep 2008 at 11:00pm]
Despite widespread concern about climate change, annual carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels and manufacturing cement have grown 38 percent since 1992, from 6.1 billion metric tons of carbon to 8.5 billion metric tons in 2007.
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Miller named TMS fellow
[27 Aug 2008 at 11:00pm]
Oak Ridge National Laboratory researcher Mike Miller has been elected a fellow of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society (TMS) for his leadership in developing and utilizing the atom probe tomography a process that characterizes the composition of materials.
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Scraps of ORNL history now downtown
[27 Aug 2008 at 11:00pm]
Oak Ridge National Laboratory's history room recently donated a scrapbook from the lab's earliest days to the Oak Ridge Public Library.
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October 2008 Story Tips
[2 Oct 2008 at 12:26pm]
Story ideas from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The latest tips include:
"Materials - Cool cookware ," "Materials - Stressed out," "Sensors - Highway to safety," "Materials - SEQUOIA stands tall"
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Miraculous Coatings
[16 Jun 2008 at 9:27am]
Novel surface treatments are greatly increasing the durability of industrial tools.
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Maximum Strength
[16 Jun 2008 at 9:27am]
Studying the theoretical strength of materials takes researchers down a new path.
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Extremely Waterproof
[16 Jun 2008 at 9:27am]
Making some of the world's most water-repellent surfaces has become an ORNL niche.
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Molecules in Jail
[16 Jun 2008 at 9:27am]
Confining catalysts in a particle's nanopores changes their behavior.
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Under Extreme Pressure
[16 Jun 2008 at 9:27am]
Achieving the pressure at Earth's core-mantle boundary is now plausible.
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Extremely Strong
[16 Jun 2008 at 9:27am]
Scientists seek to recreate the strength of diamonds in artificial materials.
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Extreme Imaging
[16 Jun 2008 at 9:27am]
Frontier methods reveal the workings of nanocatalysts.
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Where It All Began
[16 Jun 2008 at 9:27am]
Researchers seek answers to universal questions.
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The Universe Is Us
[16 Jun 2008 at 9:27am]
The "Multidimensional Simulations of Core Collapse Supernovae" project was awarded 16 million processor hours in 2008.
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Extreme Light Sources
[16 Jun 2008 at 9:27am]
Atomic physicists are using laser pulses to create conditions found in stars and planets.
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Under the Bright Lights
[16 Jun 2008 at 9:27am]
In Oak Ridge, researchers have the capability to produce and control intense lighting in the lab coming from the world's most powerful plasma arc-based lamp.
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Extreme Science
[16 Jun 2008 at 9:27am]
Today policymakers ask for assurance that containers storing spent nuclear fuel can resist corrosion for thousands of years. An automotive industry demands new materials that are lighter and stronger but at the same time cheaper than steel or aluminum. Meanwhile, scientists must respond to the growing demand for electricity with rapidly accelerated efforts to harness the sun's energy for generating electricity for transportation, industrial and residential applications while addressing concurrent challenges in electrical storage and grid infrastructure.
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Global Venture Challenge Marks Second-year Success
[16 Jun 2008 at 9:27am]
An event combining a venture capital forum and a business competition for university students attracted participants worldwide who shared business ideas to help solve global energy problems.
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SNS in Guinness Book of World Records
[16 Jun 2008 at 9:27am]
The SNS at ORNL has been officially confirmed by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's most powerful pulsed neutron spallation source.
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Michelle Buchanan
[16 Jun 2008 at 9:27am]
From being the first woman to graduate from the University of Wisconsin with a doctorate in analytical chemistry to serving as the first female associate lab director at ORNL, Michelle Buchanan has surpassed her own early career aspirations and helped pave the way for the growing number of women who follow in her footsteps.
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Feeling the Heat
[16 Jun 2008 at 9:27am]
Two interacting proteins move differently as they heat up.
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Reference Desk:
[16 Jun 2008 at 9:27am]
View videos, guides, and papers associated with the various research projects mentioned in this issue of the ORNL Review.
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ORNL raises more than $1M for United Way
[7 Oct 2008 at 5:30am]
(Knoxville News Sentinel) Oak Ridge National Laboratory raised more than $1 million in its annual United Way campaign... 10/04
New material could speed development of hydrogen powered vehicles
(PhysOrg.com) Researchers have designed a material made of graphene sheets for hydrogen storage that could advance development of hydrogen powered vehicles... 10/06
New appliances promise to reduce energy use in big ways and small
(Wall Street Journal) Household efficiency is the biggest potential we have to reduce energy use in the U.S., says Jeff Christian, a researcher at Oak Ridge National Laboratory... 10/06
Tennessee: Energy summit aimed at technology
(Chattanooga Times Free Press) The aim of the Governor's Summit on Clean Energy Technology, slated for Oct. 14-15 in Knoxville, is to develop strategies to make Tennessee a leader in the sector... 10/04
Nanosensors to protect world food supply
(Knoxville News Sentinel) [opinion] I've been a strategic consultant to Oak Ridge National Laboratory in East Tennessee, a Department of Energy-sponsored facility that's done a lot of pioneering work in nanosensors... 10/05
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(no title)
[7 Oct 2008 at 5:30am]
(Knoxville News Sentinel) Oak Ridge National Laboratory raised more than $1 million in its annual United Way campaign... 10/04
New material could speed development of hydrogen powered vehicles
(PhysOrg.com) Researchers have designed a material made of graphene sheets for hydrogen storage that could advance development of hydrogen powered vehicles... 10/06
New appliances promise to reduce energy use in big ways and small
(Wall Street Journal) Household efficiency is the biggest potential we have to reduce energy use in the U.S., says Jeff Christian, a researcher at Oak Ridge National Laboratory... 10/06
Tennessee: Energy summit aimed at technology
(Chattanooga Times Free Press) The aim of the Governor's Summit on Clean Energy Technology, slated for Oct. 14-15 in Knoxville, is to develop strategies to make Tennessee a leader in the sector... 10/04
Nanosensors to protect world food supply
(Knoxville News Sentinel) [opinion] I've been a strategic consultant to Oak Ridge National Laboratory in East Tennessee, a Department of Energy-sponsored facility that's done a lot of pioneering work in nanosensors... 10/05
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New material could speed development of hydrogen powered vehicles
[7 Oct 2008 at 5:30am]
(PhysOrg.com) Researchers have designed a material made of graphene sheets for hydrogen storage that could advance development of hydrogen powered vehicles... 10/06
New appliances promise to reduce energy use in big ways and small
(Wall Street Journal) Household efficiency is the biggest potential we have to reduce energy use in the U.S., says Jeff Christian, a researcher at Oak Ridge National Laboratory... 10/06
Tennessee: Energy summit aimed at technology
(Chattanooga Times Free Press) The aim of the Governor's Summit on Clean Energy Technology, slated for Oct. 14-15 in Knoxville, is to develop strategies to make Tennessee a leader in the sector... 10/04
Nanosensors to protect world food supply
(Knoxville News Sentinel) [opinion] I've been a strategic consultant to Oak Ridge National Laboratory in East Tennessee, a Department of Energy-sponsored facility that's done a lot of pioneering work in nanosensors... 10/05
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New appliances promise to reduce energy use in big ways and small
[7 Oct 2008 at 5:30am]
(Wall Street Journal) Household efficiency is the biggest potential we have to reduce energy use in the U.S., says Jeff Christian, a researcher at Oak Ridge National Laboratory... 10/06
Tennessee: Energy summit aimed at technology
(Chattanooga Times Free Press) The aim of the Governor's Summit on Clean Energy Technology, slated for Oct. 14-15 in Knoxville, is to develop strategies to make Tennessee a leader in the sector... 10/04
Nanosensors to protect world food supply
(Knoxville News Sentinel) [opinion] I've been a strategic consultant to Oak Ridge National Laboratory in East Tennessee, a Department of Energy-sponsored facility that's done a lot of pioneering work in nanosensors... 10/05
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Tennessee: Energy summit aimed at technology
[7 Oct 2008 at 5:30am]
(Chattanooga Times Free Press) The aim of the Governor's Summit on Clean Energy Technology, slated for Oct. 14-15 in Knoxville, is to develop strategies to make Tennessee a leader in the sector... 10/04
Nanosensors to protect world food supply
(Knoxville News Sentinel) [opinion] I've been a strategic consultant to Oak Ridge National Laboratory in East Tennessee, a Department of Energy-sponsored facility that's done a lot of pioneering work in nanosensors... 10/05
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Nanosensors to protect world food supply
[7 Oct 2008 at 5:30am]
(Knoxville News Sentinel) [opinion] I've been a strategic consultant to Oak Ridge National Laboratory in East Tennessee, a Department of Energy-sponsored facility that's done a lot of pioneering work in nanosensors... 10/05
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Nuclear renewal: Students at UT, other schools eye engineering careers
[7 Oct 2008 at 5:30am]
(Maryville Daily Times) Jackie Young was always good at math and science, but when she started college she never figured she'd end up pursuing a career in nuclear energy. Then professors at the University of Tennessee's nuclear engineering department briefed her and other undeclared freshmen about what they call a "nuclear renaissance"... 10/06
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One Way Up: U.S. Space Plan Relies on Russia
[7 Oct 2008 at 5:30am]
(NY Times) This place was once no place, a secret military base northeast of Moscow that did not show up on maps. The Soviet Union trained its astronauts here to fight on the highest battlefield of the cold war: space... 10/05
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Behind big job losses, a tighter credit squeeze
[7 Oct 2008 at 5:30am]
(CS Monitor) Pink slips are now being handed out at the fastest pace since 2003 - an economic event that may have ramifications from the ballot box to the Christmas tree... 10/06
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Ruling due on import of nuclear waste
[7 Oct 2008 at 5:30am]
(Tennessean) The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is expected to announce today what it intends to do about a request by the company EnergySolutions to ship Italy's low-level nuclear waste to Tennessee for processing... 10/06
Scientist takes job at LSU, blasts UT, ORNL
(Knoxville News Sentinel)
Distinguished scientist Ward Plummer is leaving Tennessee for a faculty position at Louisiana State University, where he'll lead a new research effort to support development of alternative energy sources... 10/04
New knee-replacement technology finding a better fit with patients
(Knoxville New Sentinel) After more than seven decades of bending and flexing, the knees of Wanda Bowling of Elgin, Tenn., were feeling the effects of time... 10/06
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Scientist takes job at LSU, blasts UT, ORNL
[7 Oct 2008 at 5:30am]
(Knoxville News Sentinel) Distinguished scientist Ward Plummer is leaving Tennessee for a faculty position at Louisiana State University, where he'll lead a new research effort to support development of alternative energy sources... 10/04
New knee-replacement technology finding a better fit with patients
(Knoxville New Sentinel) After more than seven decades of bending and flexing, the knees of Wanda Bowling of Elgin, Tenn., were feeling the effects of time... 10/06
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New management team takes charge at NREL
[7 Oct 2008 at 5:30am]
(Electric, Light and Power) The new equally-owned management entity pairs two non-profit organizations -- Midwest Research Institute (MRI) and Battelle -- in a partnership that will enhance NREL's leadership and provide greater, more innovative impact... 10/03
U.S. Department of Energy to Extend Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Management and Operating Contract
(DOE Press Release) Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman today announced his decision to authorize a four-year contract extension for the management and operation of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)... 10/03
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Experts agree: Environmental standards needed for biofuels
[7 Oct 2008 at 5:30am]
(Media Newswire) The United States lacks the standards to ensure that producing biofuels from cellulose won't cause environmental harm, says a distinguished group of international scientists... 10/06
Statement from DOE's Chief Spokesperson Andrew Beck Regarding Delivery of Strategic Petroleum Reserve Oil
(DOE Press Release) The U.S. Department of Energy is delivering 300,000 barrels of emergency exchange oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve... 10/06
Inside
Energy Extra - 10/03 A daily report on U.S. energy policy [pdf file; ORNL subscription - internal use]
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U.S. Science Faces a Flat 2009 (Science Now, 9/29)
U.S. science agencies will receive no budget increases until March 2009 at the earliest after Congress voted over the weekend to freeze spending for every federal program outside of national security and veterans affairs. For many agencies, that means a second year of little or no growth...Oak Ridge National Laboratory director Thom Mason says the flat budget keeps his lab at a "survival level" until next March...The funding doldrums is also slowing the scaling-up of the lab's 2-year-old Spallation Neutron Source to meet its targeted operating level of 1.4 megawatts. "It makes experiments more difficult as well as more lengthy," he says...9/29
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The Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge Laboratory (ILC Newsline, 9/18)
A few weeks ago, while at Oak Ridge National Laboratory as a panelist at the National Science and Technology Summit, I had the opportunity to visit the recently completed Spallation Neutron Source (SNS). The US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science has funded the construction of this new 1.4-billion-dollar accelerator-based neutron source, which provides the world's most intense pulsed neutron beams for scientific research and industrial development. This project promises to move neutron science into a new era and both the execution of the project and some key technologies are of important to our efforts towards the International Linear Collider.
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Keeping up with the neutron crowd (Knoxville News Sentinel, 9/11)
In today's column, I mentioned that a delegation from Sweden was at ORNL last week to learn a bit more about SNS and its impacts, etc. Well, a delegation from Denmark apparently was in before them, for much the same. The Scandinavian folks are teaming in hopes of acquiring a European version of the SNS known as ESS (European Spallation Source).Earlier this week, I talked on the phone with Ian Anderson, ORNL's neutron sciences chief, to try to catch up on a few things, including the European activity and the latest with SNS. The other competitors for the ESS, by the way, are Spain and Hungary. Anderson said the goings-on in Europe won't negatively affect the Oak Ridge science center. It seems there's plenty of demand for neutrons to do experiments.
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The future is now for SNS watchers (Knoxville News Sentinel, 8/27)
The folks at the Spallation Neutron Source are trying to predict failure. In fact, they've got a betting pool going, although I've been assured there's no money involved. It's just a friendly professional challenge. Let me explain. One of the key components at the SNS - OK, probably the key component - is the 20-ton mercury target, which is pounded 60 times a second by a powerful proton beam. Each pulse results in hundreds of trillions of neutrons being released from the liquid heavy metal. Those neutrons are then diverted to a series of research instruments, where they are used for experiments with materials.
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Laboratory collaborates with Oak Ridge on spallation experient (Los Alamos D...
Los Alamos Neutron Science Center researchers are collaborating with colleagues from Oak Ridge National Laboratory to study and mitigate target erosion problems that could affect the success of Oak Ridge's Spallation Neutron Source. "It's a very nice example of labs working together on an experiment," said Steve Wender of Neutron and Nuclear Science (LANSCE-NS).
Oak Ridge scientist Bernie Riemer agreed. "This is a wonderful collaboration," he said.
The SNS is the world's most powerful pulsed accelerator-based neutron source for materials and biological research. One of the greatest collaborative efforts in U.S scientific history involving six Department of Energy national laboratories -- Los Alamos, Argonne, Brookhaven, Jefferson, Lawrence Berkeley, and Oak Ridge -- the project accelerates a proton beam at more than 1 megawatt to produce intense pulsed neutron beams for scientific research, Wender said.
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The Really good Stuff is on the left (Knoxville News Sentinel), 7/28)
Concrete is concrete, right? Oh, no, no, no. When constructing the Spallation Neutron Source, the Oak Ridge folks imported some really special aggregate materials from Brazil to make the concrete walls super protective in high-rad areas of the Target Building. And it wasn't cheap, either. Frank Kornegay, operations manager at SNS, said the heavy-duty concrete with aggregate from Brazil cost about $1,200 per cubic yard delivered at the time of the construction. That compared with $59 a yard for the regular stuff, he said.It's a good thing that SNS was built when it was. The high-density concrete now costs about $1,800 per cubic yard, Kornegay said. During a visit to the earlier this year, yours truly got a chance to check out monolith samples of the two types of concrete (see above photo). The rosy one on the left weighs almost twice at much as the one on the right. It's a pretty dramatic difference.
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Busy, busy summer at ORNL reactor (Knoxville News Sentinel), 7/16)
The High Flux Isotope Reactor was restarted this a.m. following an outage for maintenance and refueling, and it achieved full power (85 megawatts) sometime around noon. Ron Crone, the division director, said the research programs at HFIR are going gang-busters, with scientific users flocking to Oak Ridge to perform neutron-scattering experiments. The goal for the entire year was to have 225 users at the reactor, and by the end of the last fuel cycle that number had already reached 192, he said. "At the beginning of the year, we thought that number was an ambitious goal," Crone said, noting that it now appear the target will be surpassed within the next month.
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Mid-year money for Spallation Neutron Source (Knoxville News Sentinel), 7/9)
The Dept. of Energy confirmed last week that about $2 milliion of the Office of Science's supplemental appropriation would go to the SNS. According to ORNL's neutron boss, Ian Anderson, that money "will be used to ensure that we don't have to curtail operations due to the rising utility costs within a flat-funding scenario. This just covers more or less our projected increased utility costs."
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GE Energy to Market SNS-developed Detector Electronics System (EurekAlert), 6/3)
GE Energy, manufacturer of Reuter Stokes radiation detection equipment, has signed a technology transfer agreement to market the electronics and software associated with the SNS 8Pack neutron detector system, an award-winning design for a system of sensitive neutron detectors developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The SNS 8Pack is a compact neutron detection system that was developed for the Department of Energy's Spallation Neutron Source, a record-setting neutron science facility located at ORNL. The SNS electronics can determine both the time and position of the neutron captured, enabling very accurate neutron time-of-flight measurements. It has large-area detector coverage, extremely low power requirements and digital communication capability.
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Getting warmer: UT Knoxville researchers uncover information on new supercond...
The world of physics is on fire about a new kind of superconductor, and a group of researchers at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory led by physicist Pengcheng Dai are in the middle of the heat. The excitement centers around a new class of high-temperature superconductors -- initially discovered in February and March by Japanese and Chinese researchers -- and the effort to learn more about them. Dai and his team published major new findings about the materials in this week's online edition of the leading scientific journal Nature.
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