Tiny atmospheric particles called ‘aerosols’ play an important role in climate, air quality and health. Recent research provides new molecular-level insights into how a compound emitted in large quantities by pine trees helps form new atmospheric organic aerosols. The findings reveal key differences in how an important oxidation product of the compound forms clusters with various natural and industrial solvents found in the atmosphere. This information could improve the accuracy of models that simulate the effect of organic aerosols on climate and air quality. Read more at https://goo.gl/8KbtXW.

Images that reveal innovative scientific research at PNNL will be on display at the state capitol and Seattle through early April. The Lab’s Science as Art images depict advances and discoveries that are improving energy storage technologies, producing biofuels, detecting biothreats … and more. The images were captured using state-of-the-art instrumentation and can be viewed on PNNL's Flickr page (https://goo.gl/I5aDaH). Read more at https://goo.gl/nHRk1b.

Invention is the process of turning money into ideas, and innovation is the process of turning ideas into money. At PNNL, we do both. Our scientists and engineers find it rewarding to make discoveries and develop technologies — as well as see them turned into useful products. Lab Director Steven Ashby’s monthly column examines how we ensure that taxpayer-funded research and development benefits all Americans. Check it out at https://goo.gl/iOHPIu.

PNNL is again teaming with Northeastern University Seattle to host a Pink Elephant Unicorn capture-the-flag competition. In this #cybersecurity event, participants collaborate, exchange ideas and solve puzzles while gaining first-hand experience in some of the challenges that cyber professionals face. This fun event, which takes place this Friday and Saturday, is open to anyone interested in learning more about cybersecurity. Learn more at https://goo.gl/0KV6Ce.

Supercomputers provide the computational horsepower to understand single atoms or supernovae. To get the best performance from these machines, the Department of Energy's computing centers offer free access to user support teams. These people are curious, driven scientists, who, in addition to their own research, have taken on the challenge of some of the world's most complex computers. Read more at https://goo.gl/c7t37D.

Think of Pacific Northwest hydroelectric dams, and what impacted fish species comes to mind? Most say “salmon.” It is true, but dams affect other species, including lamprey, eels and sturgeon. To better study the interesting and extraordinarily long lives of these species, PNNL researchers developed the sturgeon transmitter. The goal is to provide insights that dam operators can use to alter hydrogen operations or structures. Read more at https://goo.gl/02Rzs3.

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The soil ecosystem beneath our feet is highly active, poorly understood, and we all depend on it to support life on Earth. PNNL has two research efforts exploring the properties of soil, featuring a range of diverse projects looking at soil’s role in Earth’s climate, the environment, food and fuel production. This work supports the White House’s announcement (https://goo.gl/xoIkS7) of a framework (https://goo.gl/nCpk8p) for Federal soil science to maintain and create healthy soils. Read more at https://goo.gl/mhMqUE.

Identifying the right algae species for biofuel production can be like finding a needle in a haystack. Now, researchers at PNNL are leading a new project to develop a streamlined process to pare down numerous algae species to just a few – those that hold the most promise for biofuel production. Learn more at https://goo.gl/L5XzUU.

An international team of scientists, using resources at the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory at PNNL, developed a biogeochemical model that integrates data to explain key metabolic processes in oxygen-starved waters off the western coast of Canada. Read more at https://goo.gl/ShtYdE.

Cheri Collins Wideman, a senior executive with experience in the chemical manufacturing, energy and food industries, is PNNL’s new Director of Human Resources. Read more at https://goo.gl/An018i.

This collaborative research by PNNL, EMSL and Ohio State University was just named one of the Top 100 Science Stories of 2016 by Discover Magazine. Check it out at https://goo.gl/iNSKug.

At the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory scientific user facility at PNNL, there now exists an unprecedented ability to routinely analyze large intact proteins, precisely measure the fine structure of isotopes, and extract more information from complex natural organic matter mixtures. All this, thanks to one of the world’s most powerful mass spectrometry instruments. Read more at https://goo.gl/S2EmBJ.