2014 | U.S. DOE Office of Science (SC)

From Human Genome to Materials “Genome”

Government initiative seeks to speed the pace of materials discovery and innovation.

Consider the ‘Anticrystal’

Physicists at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Chicago have evidence that a new concept should undergird our understanding of most materials: the anticrystal, a theoretical solid that is completely disordered.

Up in Flames: Evidence Confirms Combustion Theory

Berkeley Lab and University of Hawaii research outlines the story of soot, with implications for cleaner-burning fuels.

Advanced Light Source Provides New Look at Skyrmions

Skyrmions, subatomic quasiparticles that could play a key role in future spintronic technologies, have been observed for the first time using x-rays at Berkeley Lab’s Advanced Light Source.

Scientists Use X-rays to Look at How DNA Protects Itself from UV Light

SLAC research reveals rapid DNA changes that act as molecular sunscreen.

Scientists Take First Dip into Water’s Mysterious ‘No Man’s Land’

Observations of the strange state of liquid water in frozen conditions made by scientists at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory will improve our understanding of the ubiquitous but unusual H2O.

Composition of Earth’s Mantle Revisited

Research at Argonne’s Advanced Photon Source recently suggested that the makeup of the Earth’s mantle is significantly different from what was previously thought.

DNA-Linked Nanoparticles Form Switchable "Thin Films" on a Liquid Surface

Possible pathway to adjustable filters, surfaces with variable mechanical response, or even new ways to deliver genes for biomedical applications.

Ames Laboratory Breaks Ground on Sensitive Instrument Facility

13,300 square-foot facility will house state-of-the-art instruments which advance the Lab’s role in materials characterization and support the Department of Energy’s science mission.

Surprisingly Strong Magnetic Fields Challenge Black Holes’ Pull

Analysis of radio waves from black holes shows long-neglected magnetic fields have an unexpected presence.

Neutrons and X-rays Reveal Structure of High-temperature Liquid Metal Oxides

Research on ceramics by scientists at Oak Ridge and Argonne national laboratories could lead to insights in everything from the formation of glasses to the evolution of planets.

Scientists Pinpoint the Creeping Nanocrystals Behind Lithium-Ion Battery Degradation

Two breakthrough studies track the nanoscale structural changes that degrade battery performance during cycles of charge and discharge.