Category: Science News

Computational Research Division researchers are partnering with one of the world’s largest paint manufacturers on an HPC4EI project that is using advanced mathematics and HPC to model the paint drying process and guide the development of new energy-efficient coating systems for automakers. https://cs.lbl.gov/news-media/news/2020/new-hpc4ei-project-aims-to-cut-energy-costs-of-painting-cars/

Given the importance of polyploidy in plants, and their potential impact on agricultural staples and candidate bioenergy feedstock, researchers have sought to learn more about their origins, evolution, and development. A team, including JGI scientists, relied on a model grass system for answers. https://jgi.doe.gov/more-the-merrier-making-case-for-plant-pan-genomes/

Researchers at Berkeley Lab played a key role in an analysis of data from the world’s largest particle collider that found proof of rare, high-energy particle interactions in which matter was produced from light. https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2020/09/23/berkeley-team-plays-key-role-in-analysis-of-particle-interactions-that-produce-matter-from-light

Rotavirus, a major cause of infantile gastroenteritis, is responsible for the deaths of about 200,000 children per year. Scientists have used the ALS to investigate the structure of the last unsolved rotavirus structural protein, a key to the virus’s ability to evade a host’s immune response. https://als.lbl.gov/rotavirus-vp3-is-a-multifunctional-capping-machine/

Are you looking for funding for your research? If that research involves Lab-developed intellectual property and you are working with or plan to work with an industry partner, the Technology Commercialization Fund may be the right place to seek funding. For details, contact shanshanli@lbl.gov. https://ipo.lbl.gov/doe-launches-fy21-technology-commercialization-fund-tcf-solicitation/

Berkeley Lab has been selected to serve as DOE’s lead lab and carry out DOE responsibilities in the largest collaborative effort yet to explore the universe’s relic light. The CMB-S4 experiment will survey the microwave sky in unprecedented detail with 500,000 ultrasensitive detectors. https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2020/09/09/lead-lab-selected-for-next-generation-cosmic-microwave-background-experiment/

Multiscale, multimodal visualization techniques at the ALS enabled researchers to clarify how proteins remodel bacterial DNA in response to stressful environments. The discovery could lead to new strategies for controlling microbial behavior and, eventually, new ways to fight bacterial infections. https://als.lbl.gov/how-proteins-remodel-dna-in-bacteria-under-stress/

Q: Which technologies lead to more valuable patents: those related to processes or those related to products? A: Products, because product infringements are easier to identify. If you have questions about intellectual property, stop by IPO’s virtual office hours Tuesday, Sept. 8 from noon to 1 p.m. https://calendar.google.com/event?action=TEMPLATE&tmeid=MGdiN21sZGJlZzFybjllbTBhc2VsZXVlcmRfMjAyMDA5MDhUMTkwMDAwWiBsYmwuZ292XzRzNHJyZzEybDZlcWc2bmNtYzJrdDB2Y2dnQGc&tmsrc=lbl.gov_4s4rrg12l6eqg6ncmc2kt0vcgg%40group.calendar.google.com&scp=ALL

As waters warm due to climate change, corals are in mortal peril. Their photosynthetic microalgae may help them beat the heat. In this Genome Insider podcast, hear how scientists are trying to figure out why some corals can keep their microalgae better than others. https://jgi.doe.gov/genome-insider-episode-5-corals-in-hot-water-get-help-from-their-microbes/

Are you looking for funding for your research? Two recent TCF awardees, ETA’s Mike Tucker and BSA’s Ning Sun, share their experiences with the TCF program, which offers funding for projects that involve Lab-developed intellectual property and an industry partner. https://ipo.lbl.gov/the-technology-commercialization-fund-awards-a-qa-with-mike-tucker-and-ning-sun/