What happens in the Arctic doesn’t stay in the Arctic

More than 150 scientists led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory have been crisscrossing the Alaskan tundra for the past 12 years, collecting data as part of the Next-Generation Ecosystem Experiments in the Arctic project, or NGEE Arctic. They’re tracking rapid environmental change across the tundra, with observations fed into a massive computer model of the Earth created to predict the future climate. Click the link to explore an interactive narrative about the project and what lies ahead as researchers apply the model to predict change in other pan-Arctic nations. Listen, learn, and explore

SCIENCE WATCH

First-ever global biomass resource assessment released—ORNL researchers working with the DOE Bioenergy Technologies Office analyzed data from 55 countries to compile a first-of-its-kind global biomass resource assessment. The assessment reflects current and future sustainable biomass resources, with more than 2,740 million metric tons estimated to be available at present. The report and data are available on the BioenergyKDF portal maintained by ORNL for BETO. Read more

Biofuels at sea: Marine research engine plots course for future passage—A marine research engine at ORNL is providing scientists with valuable insights into biofuel design for large ocean-going vessels in a multilab project sponsored by the DOE Bioenergy Technologies Office. The project, led by ORNL, is contributing engine and emissions expertise and is focused on reducing total life-cycle carbon emissions from this vital transportation sector. Read more

VENUS rising: A new dawn for AI-powered atomic-scale 3D imaging—ORNL has added a new AI-assisted neutron scattering instrument, the Versatile Neutron Imaging Instrument, or VENUS, at the Spallation Neutron Source. Leveraging cutting-edge features and the world’s most intense pulsed neutron beams, VENUS will help transform research in multiple areas of science, including battery development, building materials, plant physiology for drought-resistant plants, and more. Read more

U.S. Hydropower Market Report 2024 update—Scientists at ORNL stewarding the U.S. Hydropower Market Report have created an interactive story to guide users through 2024 updates. The report—sponsored by the DOE Water Power Technologies Office—draws on data from public and commercial sources, providing in-depth information on the nation’s hydropower fleet and industry trends. View here

Southeast Land–Atmosphere Research Opportunities workshop report—DOE BER released a report on the “Southeast Land–Atmosphere Research Opportunities (SELARO)” workshop held in August. The workshop identified potential research areas in the region that can leverage and expand upon the new ARM Mobile Facility deployed in the Bankhead National Forest in Alabama. Contributors to the workshop and report include Eric Pierce, Melanie Mayes, Dan Ricciuto, Fernanda Santos, Ben Sulman, and the BER Information System group. Read more

Bioeconomy workshop—Carrie Eckert chaired a workshop, “Catalyzing Across Sectors to Advance the Bioeconomy (CASA-Bio): Carbon Capture in Biomanufacturing,” in August, hosted by the National Science Foundation. CASA-Bio brings together stakeholders from federal agencies, industry, non-profits, and public and private research entities to encourage a robust bioeconomy in response to the White House Executive Order, “Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy.”

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Hettich named Corporate Fellow—Robert Hettich was named ORNL Corporate Fellow, the highest recognition for research staff at the lab, for significant career accomplishments and continued leadership. Bob is a founder of the field of metaproteomics and a pioneer in the development and demonstration of advanced biological mass spectrometry technologies. His work has focused on microbiome research to characterize complex biological mixtures such as microbial proteomes, and for examining higher order protein structure. His stature as a leader in metaproteomics has placed him at the forefront of several international research initiatives, and he has mentored more than 40 postdoctoral and graduate students. Read more

Moody wins Most Innovative Poster award—Kristine Moody won the Most Innovative Poster award at the annual ORNL Laboratory Directed Research and Development poster fair for “Reconstructing Population Demography Using Environmental DNA.” The category recognizes a project whose approach represents the best in scientific and technical creativity, showing capacity to innovate and think outside the box.

Davis selected Community Science Fellow with AGU exchange—Lora Davis has been selected as a Community Science Fellow with the AGU Thriving Earth Exchange. As part of the newest cohort, Lora will be working with communities across the United States, Mexico, and South America to tackle local challenges related to natural hazards, natural resources, and climate change with science-driven solutions. Read more

A Day in the Life: Bolton discusses his Arctic research—Bob Bolton’s research with the NGEE Arctic project was featured in an ORNL reel, “A Day in the Life,” on LinkedIn and other ORNL social media channels as part of Climate Week. Watch here

IN THE COMMUNITY

Traveling Science Fair at Oak Ridge STEM event—Researchers in the Biological and Environmental Systems Science Directorate from ORNL hosted the “Get into Green” Microbe Room in the Traveling Science Fair exhibit at Oak Ridge High School on October 22. April Armes, Hari Chhetri, Mac McLennan, Joseph Pu, and Christian Salvador welcomed students from the high school, Oak Ridge middle schools, and via a community-wide open house.

Q&A With Larry York

APPL lab uses robotics, AI to advance plant science

The Advanced Plant Phenotyping Laboratory, or APPL, uses robotics, multi-modal imaging, and artificial intelligence at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory to accelerate our understanding of plant genetics, plant performance, and plant–microbe interactions. The lab helps scientists link genes to traits of interest for breakthroughs in bioenergy, agriculture, and climate resilience.

"APPL was used to confirm the discovery of a gene that significantly increases biomass in poplar … to explore the effects of a bacteria conferring heat stress tolerance … and how soil fungi colonize roots and influence plant growth.”

Larry York, an ORNL senior staff scientist who works closely with APPL, discusses the lab’s capabilities, what kind of data it generates to accelerate plant science, and what a new digital underground imaging system can reveal as researchers work on better biomass plant feedstocks for bioenergy and natural carbon storage pathways. Read more

UT-Battelle manages ORNL for DOE’s Office of Science, the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States. The Office of Science is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit energy.gov/science.