|
10 January 2022
|
|
The Early Career Research Program provides financial support that is foundational to early career investigators, enabling them to define and direct independent research in areas important to Department of Energy (DOE) missions. The Early Career Award Winner series provides awardees with an opportunity to explain the results of their research in their own words.
One of the most powerful ways to probe the fundamental structure of nature is to slam together particles and study their collision debris. I am a theoretical particle physicist, so I study virtual collisions -- on my chalkboard, through pen-and-paper calculations, and using software simulations. Through my research, I develop new ways to analyze and interpret real collision data from experiments like the Large Hadron Collider, with the ultimate goal of advancing our knowledge of fundamental physics.
Read more about how Thaler used his Early Career Award to expand our understanding of fundamental physics.
|
|
Some bacteria in the mouth and gut can inactivate a common antidiabetic drug, according to research from Princeton University. Researchers used the National Synchrotron Light Source II Office of Science user facility at DOE’s Brookhaven National Laboratory. They explored how a specific enzyme in the body interacts with the drug and how it is similar to a bacteria found in soil. |
|
A team at DOE’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has developed a new component for an artificial photosynthesis device. It converts sunlight and carbon dioxide into ethylene and hydrogen, which could be used as renewable fuels. Using the Molecular Foundry and Advanced Light Source Office of Science user facilities, they made it more stable and longer-lasting than other versions. |
|
Some photosynthetic microbes called cyanobacteria can use low-energy light in shaded environments. A team led by researchers at Yale University has discovered key features in the microbes’ molecules that enable that ability. The finding could help scientists develop crops that are more tolerant of shade. |
|
The Office of Science posted three new highlights between 12/21/21 and 1/10/22.
|
|
Some microbes can form thin films called biofilms that can protect them from stress and be helpful to host organisms. Scientists know relatively little about how biofilms form on plant roots. Research from DOE’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory found a specific enzyme that bacteria express when they colonize roots and form biofilms. This discovery will help scientists better understand how bacteria colonize root surfaces and what role gene expression plays in that process. |
|
Science: More than a virus: Science’s areas to watch in 2022
This article on areas of research and policy likely to make the news in 2022 includes the launch of the U.S.’s first exascale computer at DOE’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the start of user operations at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams Office of Science user facility at Michigan State University.
|
|
CNET: Building the world's brightest X-ray laser
DOE’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory has almost completed the Linac Coherent Light Source-II (LCLS-II) user facility. It will be 10,000 times brighter than its predecessor, making new scientific experiments possible.
|
|
Using Light Sources to Tackle COVID Variants
|
|
Nearly two years after the first outbreaks of COVID-19, another variant is spreading. Building on previous research into the virus – and decades of research into similar viruses – scientists are tackling these variants using facilities such as the Advanced Photon Source (APS), an Office of Science user facility at Argonne National Laboratory. Previously, researchers used the APS’s ultrabright X-rays to help develop vaccines and treatments against the virus. In fact, scientists have determined more than 100 structures of the virus using the APS. Now, scientists from Scripps Research Institute are examining areas on the virus’s surface that are the least likely to mutate in future versions. This work will help researchers develop treatments that are effective against different variants. Similarly, researchers from Harvard University are using the APS to examine the virus’s response to antibodies and how that can change as it mutates. |
|
Fusion research works to harness the same processes that power the sun for clean energy here on Earth. The DOE’s Office of Science has a long history of investing in fusion research, building the foundations for a potential fusion reactor. Check out this video from DOE’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory about how they are making fusion a reality today. |
|
CommUnique provides a review of recent Office of Science Communications and Public Affairs stories and features. This is only a sample of our recent work promoting research done at universities, national labs, and user facilities throughout the country.
|
|
|
|
|