All News Highlights
News of related EMSL research and announcements of events are listed in the links provided below.
Choose a Year: | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 |
2012
Staff Awards & Honors
Bioinformaticist receives early career research award
Released: May 14, 2012
EMSL user, Sam Payne, receives Early Career Research Award totaling $2.5 million over five years.
Proteomics identifies targets of ionizing radiation in a human skin model
Found unique phosphopeptides showing changes in response to dose
Released: May 03, 2012
Researchers revealed new knowledge about the effects ionizing radiation has on human skin by using mass spectrometry tools at EMSL to study a reconstituted human skin tissue model. The team’s results suggest that even very low doses of ionizing radiation activate cell-signaling pathways, resulting in altered protein phosphorylation and possibly altered protein function.
NWChem: A team approach
Teamwork and collaboration create a premier product
Released: April 26, 2012
An international consortium uses teamwork and collaboration to enhance EMSL’s NWChem, the Department of Energy’s premier open-source computational chemistry software package. A worldwide team of users have contributed many improvements to NWChem to give it unique capabilities no other software system offers.
EMSL's Molecular Bond Quarterly Newsletter
User spotlight, glass from the past informs decisions for the future
Released: April 26, 2012
In this issue, new instruments available at EMSL, ARRA funds support new discoveries, fiscal year 2011 peer reviewers recognized and EMSL science highlights. Read these stories and more in the spring issue of The Molecular Bond.
Redox ready
Cu-BTC proves redox capable, opens new doors for catalysis and gas storage
Released: April 24, 2012
The metal organic framework, Cu-BTC, is redox capable, and its ratio of Cu2+ to Cu+ can be controlled via atmosphere and temperature conditions. This new finding by an EMSL research team will open doors for gas storage and catalysis applications.
New metal alloy electrode designed for plus-sized ions
Tin, antimony, and carbon material increases sodium battery's capacity
Released: April 19, 2012
Working at EMSL, a PNNL research team studied a new battery anode made from a tin and antimony alloy that could be used to develop large-scale energy storage systems that will meet the demand requirements for storing and releasing electricity generated by wind farms.
Study dusts sugar coating off little-known regulation in cells
O-GlcNAc regulatory system adds complexity in cell regulation, could eventually provide new drug targets
Released: April 16, 2012
A team of researchers used instruments developed at EMSL to see tiny, tangled brain proteins. Their findings have dramatically increased what researchers know about a protein regulatory system linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Federal Stimulus Funds Amounted to a Shot in the Arm for Science
Released: April 12, 2012
The Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, as well as others, were mention in a Seattle Times April 10th story on the federal stimulus funds. Of the nearly $900 million since 2009 in federal stimulus funds researchers in Washington State received, EMSL received $60 million of that to buy state-of-the-art microscopes, spectrometers and other instruments.
Annotating Plague
Proteogenomic strategies help refine annotations of three Yersinia strains
Released: April 11, 2012
Strains of bacteria from the genus Yersinia are pathogenic with a wide virulence range. To better understand and potentially design ways to mitigate the effects of Yersinia on human health, EMSL users leveraged proteome and transcriptome data to refine the genome maps of three Yersinia strains.
Tasting carbon with WAFT'ed light
New instrument analyzes tiny samples at low pressure and temperature
Released: April 06, 2012
Scientists working at EMSL developed a technique, WAFTing, to measure the ratio of different types of carbon in tiny samples to understand how microbial communities convert materials like cellulose into energy-dense compounds for use as sustainable energy sources.
Team Science at EMSL
EMSL announces team science projects to accelerate discovery
Released: April 02, 2012
The Department of Energy's EMSL today announced it has selected three research efforts for its new classification of user proposals called Team Science Projects. These projects will address major scientific challenges related to oil recovery, carbon sequestration, biofuels, and energy storage and production.
Staff Awards & Honors
Two scientific articles on graphene-based sensors prove popular in the research community
Released: March 30, 2012
Doing some of their work at EMSL, PNNL and Princeton University scientists studied graphene-base biosensors, and their findings are being widely cited.
Mass Spectrometry Offers New Clues to Treat Dengue Infection
Released: March 28, 2012
High cholesterol medication to fight dengue infection? Potentially. Mass spectrometry resources at EMSL helped researchers analyze dengue-infected mosquito cells and discover how the virus induces lipid changes in the mosquito cell membrane. Their findings indicate that high cholesterol medication might inhibit the virus's replication.
C&E News Features Li-Ion Battery Research at EMSL
Released: March 28, 2012
Researchers have their sights set on longer lived Li-ion batteries, using EMSL’s TEM resources to help look for ways to counter anode capacity fade. Their work is featured in the March 26, 2012 issue of C&E News.
Diatom Biosensor Could Shine Light on Future Nanomaterials
Discovery could lead to new methods for environmental remediation and speeding up chemical reactions
Released: March 27, 2012
Mass spectrometry resources at EMSL helped researchers develop a new biosensor that includes fluorescent proteins embedded in a diatom shell that alter their glow when they are exposed to a particular substance.
Angling for Answers
EMSL's novel spectroscopy device pairs visual clarity with sub-monolayer sensitivity
Released: March 27, 2012
EMSL staff and users from the Chinese Academy of Sciences analyzed polarization-dependent SFG vibrational spectra of the monovalent -CN groups buried in the C18CN (organic cyanide) insoluble Langmuir monolayer at the air-water interface.
Not Fade Away
Transmission electron microscopy transforms how we see lithium-ion batteries
Released: March 27, 2012
Generating longer-life lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries could be part of the remedy for overdependence on fossil fuels, affecting everything from vehicles to manufacturing. Using EMSL's in situ TEM capabilities, scientists are edging closer to pinpointing the atomic-level changes that lead to anode failure in Li-ion batteries.
New Research Fellows Named to EMSL
New 2012 Research Fellows Named to EMSL
Released: March 23, 2012
The Department of Energy’s EMSL has selected well-known biology and materials physics researchers as Wiley Research Fellows in recognition of their strong contributions to the user facility. Wiley Research Fellows are expected to actively contribute to the success of EMSL as a user facility including support of EMSL and the user program beyond their own specific research projects.
New Instruments Available
New Instruments Available for EMSL’s 2012 Call for Proposals
Released: March 22, 2012
EMSL is making several new instruments available in its 2012 Call for Proposals. The new offerings include a mass spectrometer, an electron microscope, three spectrometers and custom-designed micromodels.
EMSL 2012 User Meeting Focused on Biology
The EMSL User Meeting is scheduled for Aug. 14 and 15, 2012, in Richland, Wash.
Released: March 22, 2012
The meeting will feature a keynote science presentation by Jay Keasling, CEO of the Joint BioEnergy Institute, and include multiple science lectures. The second day’s agenda is expected to include workshops related to microscopy, mass spectrometry, and cell isolation and systems analysis.
Taming Uncertainty in Climate Prediction
Using the uncertainty quantification method in precipitation modeling
Released: March 22, 2012
Computational resources at EMSL and other locations allow PNNL researchers to test a new scientific approach to improve simulated precipitation modeling for more reliability in projecting future climate change.
Water, Sun, Energy
Novel method yields highly reactive, highly hydroxylated TiO2 surface
Released: March 21, 2012
EMSL users created a novel method to produce a highly reactive, OH-rich TiO2 surface and characterized it at the atomic level. Their work, featured on the cover of the March 7, 2012 issue of PCCP, puts us one step closer to using H2O and TiO2 to make energy-rich hydrogen.
How Nitric Acid Overcame Its Fear of Water with a Little Help from Its Friends
High concentrations result in acid forming hydrogen bonds and more structure, reducing dissociation
Released: March 19, 2012
Researchers gained molecular-level insight into the dissociation of nitric acid in water from combined studies using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and first-principles molecular dynamics simulations run at EMSL and other facilities.
A Path Forward
ARRA-enabled ‘Barracuda’ Computing Cluster Allows Scientists to Team Up on Larger Problems
Released: March 19, 2012
Scientist use Barracuda, which is part of EMSL's Molecular Science Computing capability to predict the properties and structures of molecules involved in the most societally important chemical reactions—those related to energy innovations, environmental protection, national security and human health.
Studying Slimy Substances for a Cleaner Environment
Scientists uncover an unknown actor’s role using ARRA-funded imaging tools
Released: March 19, 2012
Extracellular polymeric substances, or EPS, are the slimy material that bacteria excrete and surround themselves with as they form biofilms. In recent years, scientist we have learned much about EPS, they also contain macromolecular complexes capable of metal reduction.
Shedding Light on Photosynthesis
Dynamic proteome analysis of Cyanothece 51142
Released: March 15, 2012
EMSL users measured dynamic changes within Cyanothece when it performed photosynthesis, using a metabolic labeling approach that goes a step beyond static, traditional proteomics studies and provides greater insight into how proteins are expressed as a function of time.
Glass From the Past
Glass From the Past Informs Decisions for the Future
Released: March 15, 2012
Scientists are using EMSL’s local electrode atom probe, known commercially as LEAP, to study pieces of ancient Roman glass to better understand how glass corrodes over time. Insight from the international study could be used to improve the long-term safety of radioactive waste stored in glass.
Visit the "EMSL at ACS" webpage
Know Before You Go
Released: March 14, 2012
Discover what EMSL staff and users are doing at "Chemistry of Life," ACS' Spring Meeting 2012 in San Diego March 25-29. Find out why you don't want to miss EMSL's new Science Dialogues and the EMSL-related presentations and poster sessions.
Sticking Around
New data may explain why models underestimate organic aerosols
Released: March 01, 2012
Airborne particles impact human health, cause haze, and influence climate. New findings reported by an EMSL user team in PNAS may explain why the abundance of secondary organic aerosols, which make up more than half of the mass of airborne particles, has been significantly underestimated by currently accepted air quality and climate models.
Bacteria Tend Leafcutter Ants’ Gardens
Microbes turn leaves into nutrients; knowledge could improve biofuel production
Released: March 01, 2012
Supported by work at EMSL, researchers studied the symbiotic roles bacteria play in keeping leafcutter ant colonies alive. This study's findings were published March 1 in The ISME Journal and could improve how scientists make biofuel from plants.
Attention to Detail
Unparalleled time, spectral resolution benefit surface science studies at EMSL
Released: February 29, 2012
Femtosecond time resolution and sub-wavenumber spectral resolution are now available in EMSL's unique, in-house designed and custom-built high-resolution broadband sum-frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy capability. Ideal for characterizing surfaces and interfaces, details about HR-BB-SFG-VS are reported in the December issue of JCP.
Toppling Raman Sift in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Vibrational mix shines new light on carbon sequestration measurements
Released: February 28, 2012
PNNL researchers used EMSL computing resources to study geologic carbon storage and discovered more about the nature of carbon dioxide. They reported their findings in the cover article of the Feb. 28 issue of Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics.
Using Graphene Oxide to Examine Molecules in Living Cells Proves Popular
Released: February 23, 2012
An article in the June 2010 Journal of the American Chemical Society featuring research done at EMSL has been cited more than 70 times. The article highlights a new method of tracking molecules inside live cells using graphene oxide.
EMSL-Generated Image Featured on President’s Budget Document
Released: February 21, 2012
The cover of "The National Nanotechnology Initiative Supplement to the President’s 2013 Budget" features an image of a magnified metal-organic framework captured using EMSL’s focused ion beam scanning electron microscope.
Annual Call for Proposals Open Until April 2
Released: February 17, 2012
EMSL's 2012 Call for User Proposals is now open. Researcher may submit proposals until April 2 at 11 p.m. PDT. Award decisions will be made by Sept. 1, and approved proposals will be granted access to EMSL resources beginning Oct. 1.
Studying the Chemistry as it Happens in Catalytic Reactions
New probe shows the in-between stages of a reaction under realistic conditions
Released: February 06, 2012
Scientists working at EMSL have developed a new probe for use in a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, or NMR. With it, scientists can flow a gaseous reaction mixture through a solid catalyst and collect NMR data on the intermediates and products generated during the reaction. In addition, the NMR data can provide structural information about the catalyst itself during the reaction.
User Spotlight: The Escape Potential of CO2
EMSL user studies CO2 mobility in carbon sequestration
Released: February 02, 2012
EMSL user studies if sequestered carbon dioxide will leak from geological formations similar to the bubbles escaping an opened soft drink.
A Familiar Face
Dr. Edo Apra returns to EMSL
Released: February 02, 2012
Bringing a wealth of experience, Edoardo Aprà returns to EMSL as a scientist to study chemical applications and high performance quantum chemistry software development.
EMSL's Molecular Bond Quarterly Newsletter
User spotlight, the escape potential of CO2 in sequestration
Released: February 02, 2012
In this issue, EMSL welcomes back Scientist Edoardo Aprà to study chemical applications and high performance quantum chemistry software development. Also, learn about EMSL’s a new high-resolution mass spectrometer. Read these stories and more in the Winter issue of The Molecular Bond.
Never Say Never
The Scientist: Novel observations can sometimes be correct for unexpected reasons
Released: February 01, 2012
In his column in The Scientist, EMSL lead biologist Steven Wiley uses a personal experience to illustrate why researchers should not to let disagreements over data interpretation degenerate into personal attacks on scientific competence.
EMSL Scientist Part of Team Earning Technology Transfer Award
Released: January 30, 2012
EMSL Scientist Ryan Kelly was a member of a PNNL team to secure a 2012 award for Excellence in Technology Transfer from the Federal Laboratory Consortium for developing a new process for manufacturing highly reliable emitters, the tiny tubes used in the ionization process in mass spectrometers.
Interview with EMSL user Lin Zuo
Released: January 26, 2012
Lin Zuo studies CO2 mobility in carbon sequestration and came to EMSL to work with scientists and use EMSL's instruments to assist him in his research. > Watch the Video
When Atoms Collide
Method that can validate nuclear collision models benefits IAEA
Released: January 26, 2012
Researchers working at EMSL developed a novel analytical technique for materials research that also is contributing to the nuclear safety efforts of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
A Pop Quiz for Cells
Scientists devise new imaging technique for analysis of biological samples
Released: January 23, 2012
Experiments at EMSL proved a new ionization technique known as nanospray desorption electrospray ionization, or nano-DESI, can locate proteins, amino acids and other chemicals in cells that make up tissues or microbial communities using mass spectrometry. The technique allows scientists to efficiently determine which molecules reside in a precise spot on a sample.
Helping Hydrogen Move Back Home
Scientists study the potential of inexpensive hydrogen activation catalysts to recharge chemical hydrogen storage materials
Released: January 12, 2012
It's a challenge to safely, quickly and affordably recharge hydrogen fuel cells. Using EMSL's NWChem software system and computing facilities, PNNL scientists discovered cobalt and nickel complexes that could allow hydrogen fuel cells to be recycled efficiently and affordably.
Reaching New Heights
C60 SIMS FTICR MS raises bar for mass accuracy, resolving power
Released: January 10, 2012
A new high-resolution mass spectrometer developed by EMSL users now allows the biological research community to identify and map the location of biomolecules on a sample with higher mass accuracy and mass resolving power than ever before.
iDirector interview with James Gaynor
EMSL Director discusses SULI intern experience with James Gaynor
Released: January 09, 2012
EMSL Director, Allison Campbell interviews SULI intern James Gaynor about his experience at EMSL. > Watch the Video
Mock Atoms Prove Attractive
Researchers added first pseudo atoms to electronegativity scale
Released: January 06, 2012
EMSL computer resources help scientists establish the electronegativity, an atom's ability to attract nearby electrons, of tetrahedral ammonium, helping researchers better understand its behaviors.
Congratulations! Futrell Named "Pioneer in His Field"
Released: January 04, 2012
The Board of Directors of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry has named former EMSL Director Jean Futrell a pioneer in his field.
EMSL Scientists Receive INCITE Award to Continue Study of Catalysts
Released: January 04, 2012
DOE's INCITE program recently awarded a team with EMSL scientists 46 million hours of computing time to better understand energy-related catalytic chemical processes.
