2004 Argonne News Releases and Features
Glass gives up secrets under pressure
ARGONNE, Ill. (Dec. 10, 2004) — Glass is a mysterious material, but
when researchers apply pressure, it reveals secrets. Using a variety
of techniques, researchers at Argonne National Laboratory saw for the first
time ever, the atomic structure of a dense, purely octahedral glass that
has eluded scientists for decades. More...
New method for studying protein structure could advance drug development
ARGONNE, Ill. (Dec. 10, 2004)—Structural changes in proteins can now be
seen in increased detail, using a new application of an existing technique.
The application, developed at the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne
National Laboratory, could help produce lead drugs for disease therapy.
More...
Research opportunities expand at nation's premier X-ray facility
ARGONNE, Ill. (Nov. 26, 2004) — The Advanced
Photon Source (APS), located at Argonne National Laboratory and the
premier hard X-ray research facility in the nation, each year hosts
thousands of experimenters who carry out research that impacts nearly
every aspect of our lives. Now, the outlook for this essential U.S.
Department
of Energy(DOE)-funded program is even brighter as changes in the
way scientists access the APS are significantly increasing opportunities
for experimentation. More...
Argonne realigns top management
ARGONNE, Ill. (Nov. 22, 2004) — Argonne National Laboratory has modified
its organization to address changing national research priorities as well
as to address the upcoming transition of Argonne's Idaho component – Argonne-West – to
the newly formed Idaho National Laboratory. More...
TEAM designs world's highest resolution microscope
ARGONNE, Ill. (Nov. 12, 2004) — The country's best microscopists
are teaming up to build the highest resolution microscope in the world,
and researchers in Argonne's Materials Science Division (MSD) are playing
a lead role. More...
Sandwich clusters may improve magnetic memory storage
ARGONNE, Ill. (Nov. 11, 2004) – A new type of molecular magnet known as
a “sandwich cluster” is being studied under a joint research collaboration
between the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory,
the University of Chicago and Keio University in Japan.
More...
DOE releases specs for $1 billion accelerator; State of Illinois supports
Argonne bid
ARGONNE, Ill. (Nov. 8, 2004) — The U.S. Department of Energy last
month released a draft document outlining bid specifications to build
and host the Rare Isotope Accelerator (RIA),
a $1 billion facility for nuclear physics research. Argonne and Michigan
State University are the leading candidates for hosting the facility.
More...
Most precise measurement ever made of helium-6 charge radius
ARGONNE, Ill. (Oct. 29, 2004) — Researchers in Argonne's Physics
Division teamed up to conduct the most precise measurement ever made
of the charge radius — one aspect of the size — of the Borromean nucleus
of helium-6. More...
New method studies living bacteria cells
ARGONNE, Ill. (Oct. 22, 2004) — Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's
Argonne National Laboratory have found a new way to study individual living
bacteria cells and analyze their chemistry. More...
Transportation research takes multi-pronged approach to clean fuels, engines
ARGONNE, Ill. (Oct. 15, 2004) — Cleaner, more efficient engines are
at the top of the nation's transportation technology goals. To improve the
nation's economy, environment and energy security, researchers in Argonne's
Energy Systems Division (ES) work with engines ranging in size from small auto
engines to 10-foot-tall single-cylinder diesel locomotive engines.
More...
Argonne plays important role in development of artificial retina
ARGONNE, Ill. (Oct. 14, 2004) — A collaborative research and development
agreement signed today between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Second
Sight LLC will help bring hope to hundreds of thousands of Americans
who are losing their sight to degenerative retinal diseases.
More...
Book review: The Fermi Age
ARGONNE, Ill. (Oct. 7, 2004) — Fermi age, Fermi constant, Fermi-Dirac
gas, Fermi energy, Fermi hole, fermion, Fermi selection rules, Fermi
statistics, fermium… “No serious student can enter physics without finding
the name Fermi everywhere.” These are the words of James W. Cronin — editor
of Fermi
Remembered, a collection of essays recently published by the University
of Chicago Press. More...
Nanomaterials break out of laboratory into marketplace
ARGONNE, Ill. (Oct. 1, 2004) — Miniature medical machines that can bring sight to
the blind and computers
that work at the speed of light are no longer the stuff of futuristic novels.
Argonne National Laboratory researchers are creating nanomaterials and nanotechnology
to make these and other innovations possible, and collaborating with industry
to bring new technologies to the marketplace. More...
Gammasphere on a roll
ARGONNE, Ill. (Sept. 28, 2004) — Gammasphere, the world's most sensitive
gamma-ray detector, is already a seasoned traveler, having crossed the United
States from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to Argonne by truck, but
the 20-ton instrument has recently gone truly mobile and can now be moved
around the experiment hall in Argonne-East's Building 203 to meet the needs
of physicists. More...
Accelerator Systems Division keeps nation's brightest X-rays beaming
ARGONNE, Ill. (Sept. 17, 2004) – Argonne is home to the Advanced
Photon Source, this hemisphere's most brilliant
source of X-rays for scientific research. The Accelerator Systems Division
maintains the equipment to provide optimal X-ray quality with few interruptions
to scientists. Researchers come from a variety of disciplines and from industry,
academia and national and international laboratories. More...
Historic research division continues to push nuclear frontiers
ARGONNE, Ill. (Sept. 6, 2004) – The building housing Argonne's Chemical
Engineering Division was named a Nuclear Historic Landmark this
summer by the American Nuclear Society. The award recognizes the division's
significant contributions to the development, implementation and peaceful use
of nuclear technology. More...
$18 million bioinformatics center to become weapon against deadly diseases
CHICAGO, Ill. (Sept. 3, 2004) — A computer database designed to
help biomedical scientists identify and exploit the weak spots in scores
of deadly microorganisms will be established with an $18 million contract
from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
More...
Energy Technology researchers solve energy and medical problems
ARGONNE, Ill. (Aug. 23, 2004) – Argonne's Energy Technology Division
provides innovative materials and engineering solutions to national energy
challenges that range from energy production and conservation to transportation.
More...
Proteins can be attached to diamond layer to create bio-sensors
PHILADELPHIA (Aug. 23, 2004) – Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's
Argonne National Laboratory have pioneered a process to affix organic
molecules to the surface of a thin layer of diamond, in research that may
lead to revolutions in bio-sensing and biomedical implants. More...
Argonne researcher wins award from Hispanic engineering
society
ARGONNE, Ill. (August 18, 2004) — A researcher at the U.S. Department
of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory has won the Outstanding Technical
Achievement Award from an Hispanic engineering organization, the third Argonne
researcher – and the second in a row – to do so. More...
Automated science speeds solution of Human Genome data
ARGONNE, Ill. (Aug. 9, 2004) — Scientists in Argonne 's Biosciences
Division are automating and accelerating the complex processes
that coax a protein to reveal its structure so they can learn the role
Nature assigned it. More...
Argonne recycling wins state recognition
ARGONNE, Ill. (July. 30, 2004) — In 1993, Argonne National Laboratory's
Illinois site disposed of almost 3,700 metric tons of sanitary waste.
In 2003, because of recycling and reuse efforts, that amount was down
to just 36 metric tons. In recognition of this and other effective pollution
controls, Argonne was presented the 2004 state award for “Outstanding
Government Leadership” in recycling. More...
Four young scientists win Argonne fellowships
ARGONNE , Ill. (July 28, 2004) – Four scientists have been awarded
Named Postdoctoral Fellowships at the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne
National Laboratory in recognition of their science expertise and research
promise. More...
‘Flying' nanotubes are strong and hard
ARGONNE, Ill. (July 16, 2004) – Diamonds are the hardest known substance.
Carbon nanotubes are the strongest. Scientists at the U.S. Department
of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory tried to combine the best of
both worlds by creating a composite nanostructure. They wanted to grow
tiny carbon tubes with tiny diamonds. More...
Scientists determine structure of staph, anthrax enzyme
ARGONNE, Ill. (July 14, 2004) — Researchers at the U.S. Department
of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Chicago
have determined the crystal structure of sortase B, an enzyme found in
the bacteria that cause staph and anthrax. More...
Argonne wins four R&D 100 awards for innovative technologies
ARGONNE , Ill. (July 9, 2004) — Four technologies developed or co-developed
at Argonne have been recognized with R&D 100 Awards, which highlight
some of the best products and technologies newly available for commercial
use from around the world. More...
Nanoparticles, super-absorbent gel clean radioactivity from porous
structures
ARGONNE, Ill. (July 2, 2004) – Porous structures, such as brick and
concrete, are notoriously hard to clean when contaminated with certain
types of radioactive materials. Now, thanks to researchers in Argonne
's Chemical Engineering Division,
a new technique is being developed that can effectively decontaminate
these structures in the event of exposure to radioactive elements. More...
Researchers make fastest
movie of electron motion
ARGONNE, Ill. (June 25, 2004)— Brookhaven National Laboratory researchers,
working at Argonne's Advanced Photon Source, have produced the fastest
movies ever made of electron motion. Created by scattering x rays off
of water, the movies show electrons sloshing in water molecules.
More...
Argonne scientists receive distinguished performance awards
ARGONNE, Ill. (June 22, 2004) — Five scientists from the U.S. Department
of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory have received the 2004 Distinguished
Performance Award from the University of Chicago Board of Governors for
Argonne, which recognizes outstanding scientific or technical achievements
or a distinguished record of achievements. More...
Argonne employees honored for outstanding service
ARGONNE, Ill. (June 22, 2004) — Four employees of the U.S. Department
of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory have received the 2004 Outstanding
Service Award from the University of Chicago Board of Governors for,
the highest honor the university gives to Argonne employees in support
positions. More...
Student competition advances SUV technology
ARGONNE, Ill. (June 18, 2004)— Although torrential rains in the Midwest made the off-road competition a muddy
mess, the weather did not dampen the spirits of university teams competing in
the final FutureTruck event June 9-17
at Ford's Michigan Proving Ground. More...
Argonne launches new utility advisory board
ARGONNE, Ill. (June 11, 2004) — Laboratory Director Hermann Grunder
announced today the formation of an Argonne National Laboratory/University
of Chicago Utility Advisory Board. More...
Studies on electric polarization open potential for tinier devices
ARGONNE, Ill. (June 11, 2004) — Researchers from the U.S. Department
of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory and Northern Illinois University
have shown that very thin materials can still retain an electric polarization,
opening the potential for a wide range of tiny devices. More...
Argonne-West recognized for safety performance
ARGONNE, Ill. (June 11, 2004) — The National
Safety Council recognized Argonne-West for
completing 12 consecutive months without a lost workday or restricted
work activity. The award was presented to Robert Benedict, deputy associate
laboratory director for Argonne-West, by the Department of Energy during
its annual safety meeting. More...
Argonne, U of Wisconsin engineers visualize electric memory as it fades
ARGONNE, Ill. ( June 1, 2004 ) — While the memory inside electronic
devices may often be more reliable than ours, it too can worsen over
time. Now a team of scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison
and the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory may understand
why. More...
Argonne, Notre Dame sign agreement for Institute for Theoretical Sciences
ARGONNE, Ill. (May 21, 2004) — The U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne
National Laboratory and the University of Notre Dame today signed an
agreement to create a new joint Institute for Theoretical Sciences. More...
Argonne, U.S. Air Force sign agreement for technical fellowship program
ARGONNE , Ill. (May 17, 2004) — Officials from the U.S. Air Force and
the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory today signed
an agreement that will open educational opportunities to Air Force officers
and civilian employees in technical fields. More...
Argonne to play major role in new computer facility
ARGONNE, Ill. (May 14, 2004) — The U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne
National Laboratory will play a major role in the development of a new
national computational science facility aimed at deploying a supercomputer
capable of sustained performance of 100 trillion floating-point operations
per second (teraflops) by 2007. More...
'Challenge X' encourages college students to improve SUV technology
ARGONNE, Ill. (May 14, 2004)— A new engineering student car competition
to start in the 2004-05 academic year will be managed by the U.S. Department
of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory. More...
Argonne fast-reactor pioneer receives international prize
ARGONNE, Ill. (May 7, 2004) — Retired Argonne National Laboratory engineer
Leonard J. Koch will be awarded the Global Energy International Prize
by Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia this June. Koch, a leading
world expert on fast reactor technology will be recognized for his role
in development of Argonne 's Experimental Breeder Reactors I and II. More...
Students put model cars to the test
ARGONNE, Ill. (April 26, 2004) — Teams of young engineers will put their
skills to the test in the 14 th annual model car competition, Saturday
May 8, sponsored by Argonne National Laboratory, the U.S. Department
of Energy, CNH and the Society of Automotive Engineers. More...
Maine West High School wins state championship Rube Goldberg contest
ARGONNE, Ill. (April 20, 2004) — A team of students from Maine West
High School has won the Illinois state championship Rube Goldberg machine
contest, held April 17 at Chicago Children's Museum and sponsored by
the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory and the University
of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. More...
First 3-D look at diesel particles gives clues to cleaner engines
ARGONNE, Ill. (April 16, 2004) – In the first use ever of a new three-dimensional
technique to study diesel engine emissions, researchers at the U.S. Department
of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory developed information that could
lead to improved exhaust-cleaning devices, ways for industry to meet
environmental regulations, and new insights on the impact to public health
from diesel engine emissions. More...
X-ray method speeds study of mineral-water interfaces
ARGONNE, Ill. (April 10, 2004) — Researchers at the U.S. Department
of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory have taken the guesswork out
of interfacial structure determination. Their work is published in the
April 10 issue of Surface Science Letters . More...
Students to test wacky voting machines at state Rube Goldberg championship
ARGONNE, Ill. (April 1, 2004) — The Illinois primary election may be
over, but students from six Illinois high schools will go to the polls
one more time in the sixth annual Illinois State Championship Rube Goldberg
Machine Contest, Saturday, April 17. More...
Meteorological data available in real time, worldwide
ARGONNE, Ill. (March 26, 2004)— Thanks to the installation of a satellite-based
communications network by Argonne scientists, real time meteorological
data from locations around the world are available to researchers quickly — and
free — through the Department of Energy's Atmospheric
Radiation Measurement Program. More...
Electricity controls nanocrystal shape
ARGONNE, Ill. (March 17, 2004) - Wires, tubes and brushes make it possible
to build and maintain the machines and devices we use on a daily basis.
Now, with help from a surprising source, these same building blocks can
easily be created on a scale 10,000 times smaller than the period at
the end of this sentence. More...
Alan Foley to head national security programs at Argonne
ARGONNE, Ill. (March 16, 2004) — Alan A. Foley has been named associate
laboratory director for national security at the U.S. Department of Energy's
Argonne National Laboratory. More...
Conference encourages young women to explore scientific, technical
careers
ARGONNE, Ill. (March 5, 2004) - The U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne
National Laboratory will host the 17th annual Science Careers in Search
of Women conference, Friday, March 12. More than 300 students from 46
schools throughout the Chicago area will participate in the day-long
conference which aims to encourage high school women to consider careers
in science and technology. More...
New technique dates Saharan groundwater as million years old
ARGONNE, Ill. (March 1, 2004) – The Sahara Desert was once a lush, green
landscape dotted with lakes and ponds. Evidence of this past verdancy
lies hidden beneath the sands of Egypt and Libya, in the form of a huge
aquifer of fresh groundwater. An international team of geologists and
physicists has found that this groundwater has been flowing slowly northward
(at about the rate grass grows) for the past million years. Their findings
are published in the March issue of Geophysical Research Letters . More...
Argonne licenses Anti-Jet-Lag-Diet software to online company
ARGONNE, Ill. (Feb. 20, 2004) — The Anti-Jet-Lag Diet, developed by
the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory, is now officially
online. Software that computes individualized diet plans to help travelers
avoid jet lag has been licensed by Argonne exclusively to AntiJetLagDiet.com
LLC. More...
Argonne wins Federal Lab Consortium research award
ARGONNE, Ill. (Feb. 17, 2004) — The U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne
National Laboratory has won the Federal Laboratory Consortium Award for
Excellence in Technology Transfer for an improved industrial process
used in producing cotton. More...
Morgan Park Academy wins 9th annual Rube Goldberg Machine Contest
ARGONNE, Ill. (Feb. 13, 2004) — Morgan Park Academy, Chicago, today
won Argonne National Laboratory's ninth annual Rube Goldberg Machine
Contest held at Chicago Children's Museum on Navy Pier. More...
'CHARISMA' reveals secrets of early star formation
ARGONNE, Ill. (Jan. 30, 2004) —Argonne scientists have reached for the
stars -- and seen what's inside. In collaboration with colleagues at
the University of Chicago, Washington University and the Universita di
Torino in Italy, the scientists examined stardust from a meteorite and
found remnants of now-extinct technetium atoms made in stars long ago. More...
75-year-old molecular-chemistry reaction-rate problem solved
ARGONNE, Ill. (Jan. 30, 2004) — A 75-year-old problem in molecular
chemistry has been solved by a team of researchers from Argonne and several
other institutions. For the first time, theory and experiment have converged,
enabling chemists to predict the rate of a chemical reaction with near-perfect
accuracy. More...
Student voting machines to cast ballots in 20 steps
ARGONNE, Ill. (Jan. 16, 2004) — As if elections weren't already complicated
enough, students from Chicago area high schools participating in Argonne
National Laboratory's ninth annual Rube Goldberg Machine Contest will
soon try to make them more so, but it's all in the name of engineering,
fun and learning. More...
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