Feature Stories

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Illustration of the nano-layer at the liquid interface between the salt solution and mercury. Physicists from Kiel University discovered the formation of an ordered crystal of exactly five atomic layers between the two liquids with brilliant X-rays. To view a larger version of the image, click on it. Image courtesy Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel.
Nanocrystals grow from liquid interface

An international collaboration of scientists has discovered a unique crystalizing behavior at the interface between two immiscible liquids that could aid in sustainable energy development.

 May 16, 2013
David P. Weber, Director of Argonne's Computing and Telecommunications Division from 1986-1994, with Argonne's Cray X-MP computer, a shared-memory parallel vector processor, in 1982. The Cray X-MP was the world's fastest computer between 1983-1985. To view a larger version of the image, click on it.
Adventures in parallelism: Celebrating 30 years of parallel computing at Argonne

Were they visionaries or lucky gamblers? Thirty years ago, researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory established the lab’s first experimental parallel computing facility. Today, high-performance computing has become essential to virtually all science and engineering, and Argonne houses one of the fastest parallel machines in the world in support of scientific discovery.

 May 13, 2013
“Conventional theory said that these bacteria have to migrate to where their favorite resources are,” Argonne's Jack Gilbert said. “But what this paper suggests is that the old theory of bacteria moving into an environment is wrong. All of the species are always there, just in very small amounts.” To view a larger version of the image, click on it.
 Study suggests same microbes may be present in oceans worldwide

A new study from researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory could herald a sea change in how we think about microbes in the ocean.

 April 11, 2013
An international team of scientists using Argonne's Advanced Photon Source (above) has devised a way to overcome the distortion caused by sample environments used with the X-rays to improve spatial resolution imaging by two orders of magnitude. To view a larger version of the image, click on it.
High-pressure imaging breakthrough a boon for nanotechnology

The study of nanoscale material just got much easier, and the design of nanoscale technology could get much more efficient, thanks to an advance in X-ray analysis.

 April 9, 2013
A look at the structure of the HNF-4A protein, which plays a critical role by binding to specific DNA sequences and regulating the production of a number of key proteins for normal cellular processes. To view a larger version of the image, click on it.
Argonne researchers uncover structure of new protein implicated in diabetes

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory, in collaboration with researchers from the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, recently determined and analyzed the three-dimensional structure of a protein found in the nuclei of liver and pancreatic cells. The protein, called hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF-4α), plays a critical role by binding to specific DNA sequences and regulating the production of a number of key proteins for normal cellular processes. Some of its mutations have been linked to maturity-onset diabetes, kidney failure and metabolic syndrome.

 April 4, 2013
Over the last five years, Lindblad Construction of Joliet, Ill., has secured a number of sub-contracts from Argonne for projects related to building additions, office space, washroom and laboratory remodeling, parking lot renovations, landscaping, new sidewalk construction and elevator modifications. To view a larger version of the image, click on it.
 Small business success story: Lindblad Construction

Based in Joliet, Ill., Lindblad Construction has been performing construction services in the Chicagoland area for more than 60 years.

 March 27, 2013
Margaret Butler helps assemble the ORACLE computer with Oak Ridge National Laboratory Engineer Rudolph Klein. In 1953, ORACLE was the world’s fastest computer, multiplying 12-digit numbers in .0005 seconds. Designed at Argonne, it was constructed at Oak Ridge. To view a larger version of the image, click on it.
 In memoriam: The remarkable career of Margaret Butler

Margaret Butler was a pioneering scientist who spent her career at the forefront of the development of computer science and nuclear energy.

 March 27, 2013
President Obama shared his views on U.S. energy during a news conference on March 15 at Argonne. "Few pieces of business are more important for us than getting our energy future right," he said. To view a larger version of the image, click on it.
President calls for new Energy Security Trust during Argonne visit

President Barack Obama visited Argonne National Laboratory on Friday, March 15, for an event focused on American energy policies.

 March 15, 2013
Dr. Marius Stan is a physicist and a chemist interested in non-equilibrium thermodynamics, heterogeneity, and multi-scale computational science for energy applications.
Marius Stan ‘AMA’ recap

On Feb. 14, 2013, Argonne researcher Marius Stan followed in the footsteps of President Barack Obama and Bill Gates by fielding questions from the public during a Reddit.com "Ask Me Anything." It marked the first time a U.S. national laboratory scientist had done an "AMA."

 March 4, 2013
The SCU installed at the straight section of Sector 6 of the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory. To view a larger version of the photo, click on it. Photo courtesy Argonne National Laboratory.
First light from the first high-energy superconducting undulator

More than eight years of effort by Advanced Photon Source physicists, engineers, and technicians culminated on Jan. 21, 2013, with the production of the first X-rays from the prototype of a novel superconducting undulator.

 February 1, 2013
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