University Research | U.S. DOE Office of Science (SC)

Study of Quark Speeds Finds a Solution for a 35-year Physics Mystery

MIT physicists now have an answer to a question in nuclear physics that has puzzled scientists for three decades: Why do quarks move more slowly inside larger atoms?

UK Physics Contributes to Groundbreaking Experiment

In an experiment carried out at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, experimental physicists were able for the first time to measure the weak interaction between protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.

Surface Effect

Boston College physicist Ilija Zeljkovic and a team of researchers have succeeded in modifying a cuprate high-temperature superconductor material into an insulating state, where they found an exotic liquid crystal phase.

Researchers Aim to Develop Radiation Therapy with Short Exposure Times

New accelerator-based technology being developed by the Department of Energy’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Stanford University aims to reduce the side effects of cancer radiation therapy by shrinking its duration from minutes to under a second.

Cornell Researchers Quantify Photocurrent Loss in Particle Interface

A group led by Peng Chen, a professor of chemistry and chemical biology at Cornell, has, for the first time, quantified the current loss that occurs in particle-to-particle interfaces in solar panels, which could inform future designs.

From Iowa Farm to UI Physics Faculty

Jan Nachtman, the associate professor in the University of Iowa Department of Physics and Astronomy has become a leading figure in her field, is working with scientists at the world’s largest particle collider, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in Geneva, Switzerland, to search for clues to how the universe was created.

Droughts Boost Emissions as Hydropower Dries Up

Recent droughts caused increases in emissions of carbon dioxide and harmful air pollutants from power generation in several western states as fossil fuels came online to replace hampered hydroelectric power. A new study quantifies the impact.

Pore Size Influences Nature of Complex Nanostructures

In new research that could help inform development of new materials, Cornell chemists have found that the empty space (“pores”) present in two-dimensional molecular building blocks fundamentally changes the strength of these van der Waals forces, and can potentially alter the assembly of sophisticated nanostructures.

Researchers Capture an Image of Negative Capacitance in Action

For the first time ever, an international team of researchers imaged the microscopic state of negative capacitance. This novel result provides researchers with fundamental, atomistic insight into the physics of negative capacitance, which could have far-reaching consequences for energy-efficient electronics.

Drug Sponge Could Minimize Side Effects of Cancer Treatment

To treat cancer in organs like the liver, doctors are able to deliver drugs via catheter directly to the tumor, but leftover drug can escape and affect healthy organs elsewhere in the body. A drug sponge developed by UC Berkeley chemical engineers could sop up the residual drug, lessening side effects.

Discovery of Single Atom Structure Leads to More Efficient Catalyst

Ayman M. Karim, associate professor of chemical engineering and Hongliang Xin, assistant professor of chemical engineering, both in the Virginia Tech College of Engineering, have identified the structure of iridium single-atom catalysts for carbon monoxide oxidation. The identification of the structure and reaction mechanism will help in the design of better and more cost-efficient catalysts.

Making Ammonia 'Greener'

Chemical engineers at Case Western Reserve create ammonia from nitrogen, water; that could lead to smaller ammonia processing plants powered by alternative energy.

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