January 2019 – July 2022
The largest set of data yet from an underground experiment called CUORE sets more stringent limits on a theoretical ultra-rare particle process known as neutrinoless double-beta decay, an insight that could help to explain the abundance of matter over antimatter in the universe. https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2020/01/09/the-cuore-underground-experiment-narrows-the-search-for-rare-particle-process/
Biomanufacturing is revolutionizing how everything from consumer goods to sustainable fuels and medicines are made. The Lab’s Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Process Development Unit is helping to move great ideas, like outdoor gear made from algae oil, from conception to commercialization. https://berkeleylab.exposure.co/biomanufacturing-revolution
Every Friday in a feature series in Elements, meet one of the 12 early career Lab scientists who competed in the 2019 SLAM pitch contest. This week, watch and read Bashir Mohammed’s pitch on “Seven Point One [7.1].” https://slam.lbl.gov/2019-slam/2019-finalists/bashir-mohammed
An upgrade of the Advanced Light Source passed an important milestone that will help maintain its world-leading capabilities. The DOE recently granted approval for a key funding step that will allow the project to start construction on a new inner electron storage ring known as an accumulator ring. https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2020/01/08/milestone-in-advanced-light-source-upgrade-project-will-bring-in-a-new-ring/
Researchers using the Advanced Light Source have discovered a natural toughening mechanism — small misorientations among the nanocrystal building blocks of human tooth enamel — that help adult teeth last a lifetime of enourmous chewing pressure applied hundreds of times a day. https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2019/12/23/tooth-enamel-stop-cracks/
In a recent APS Physics article, Berkeley Lab’s Saul Perlmutter and Michael Levi discuss the new generation of experiments designed to to shed light on dark energy. The first of these experiments, using the Dark Energy Spectroscopy Instrument (DESI), will begin collecting data early this year. https://physics.aps.org/articles/v13/1
Heavy duty diesel trucks are essential for moving goods in California, but their emissions are linked to negative health impacts. A new ETA study quantifies the performance of various emission control systems to see if these technologies have been effective. https://eta.lbl.gov/news/article/update-impacts-heavy-duty-diesel
The Quantum Information Edge — a recently launched nationwide alliance of national labs, universities, and industry — will advance the frontiers of quantum computing systems designed to solve urgent scientific challenges and maintain U.S. leadership in next-generation information technology. https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2019/12/20/the-quantum-information-edge/
Evaporation ponds can occupy a large footprint and pose risks to wildlife, yet are an economical way to deal with contaminated water. Berkeley Lab researchers have demonstrated a way to use solar energy and water’s inherent properties to potentially reduce the environmental impact of these ponds. https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2020/01/06/polluted-wastewater-in-the-forecast-try-a-solar-umbrella/
The LDRD program is one of the principal means to seed innovative science and new research directions at the Lab. Proposals should align with the Lab’s and DOE’s strategic directions. Multi-investigator and -divisional initiatives are encouraged. Click for full details. https://www2.lbl.gov/DIR/LDRD/cfp/index.html