Neutron scattering allowed direct observation of how aurein induces lateral segregation in the bacteria membranes, which creates instability in the membrane structure.
Neutrons—Fighting superbugs
A LandScan image of population distributions.
Technologies win FLC awards
First-principles calculations show that strong correlations and interactions between two nucleons slow down beta decays in atomic nuclei compared to what’s expected from the beta decays of free neutrons. This impacts the synthesis of heavy elements and the search for neutrinoless double beta decay. Credit: Andy Sproles/Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy
Solving a beta-decay puzzle

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Illustration of the intricate organization of the PKA structure, wherein different parts of the protein are connected through elaborate hydrogen bonding networks (dashed yellow lines), glued together by the hydrophobic assemblies (light blue and orange volumes)—all working together to build the functional active site. Insert shows protonation of the transferred phosphoryl group (cyan mesh) and its many interactions with water and the active site amino acid residues. Credit: Jill Hemman/ORNL

Neutrons paint atomic portrait of prototypical cell signaling enzyme

OAK RIDGE, Tenn., March 20, 2019—Direct observations of the structure and catalytic mechanism of a prototypical kinase enzyme—protein kinase A or PKA—will provide researchers and drug developers with significantly enhanced abilities to understand and treat fatal diseases and neurological disorders such as cancer, diabetes, and cystic fibrosis.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory entrance sign

Verónica Melesse Vergara: Troubleshooting the world’s smartest and fastest supercomputer

The unique process of accepting a new supercomputer is one of the most challenging projects a programmer may take on during a career. When the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility’s (OLCF’s) Verónica Melesse Vergara came to the United States from Ecuador in 2005, she never would have dreamed of being part of such an endeavor. But just last fall, she was.

The concrete parts are installed in a residential and commercial tower (above center and below) on the site of the Domino Sugar Factory along the waterfront in Brooklyn. Windows in the tower resemble sugar crystals. Image credit: Gate Precast

3D printing shapes building industry, creates rapid construction potential

A residential and commercial tower under development in Brooklyn that is changing the New York City skyline has its roots in research at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

A LandScan image of population distributions. The ORNL-developed LandScan/LandCast Population Datasets and the Quantum Random Number Generator received national Excellence in Technology Transfer awards from the Federal Laboratory Consortium.

Two ORNL technologies win Federal Laboratory Consortium awards

OAK RIDGE, Tenn., March 13, 2019 – Two technologies from the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have received national Excellence in Technology Transfer awards from the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer: “Qrypt Licensing of Quantum Random Number Generator from ORNL” and “Strategic Licensing of the LandScan/LandCast Population Datasets.”

ORNL-led collaboration solves a beta-decay puzzle with advanced nuclear models

ORNL-led collaboration solves a beta-decay puzzle with advanced nuclear models

An international collaboration including scientists at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory solved a 50-year-old puzzle that explains why beta decays of atomic nuclei are slower than what is expected based on the beta decays of free neutrons. The findings were published in Nature Physics.

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