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Scientists at the Department of Energy’s 91���� recently welcomed Vanderbilt University colleagues for a symposium on basic science research, with a focus on potential collaborations in the biomedical and biotechnology spaces.

Daniel Jacobson, distinguished research scientist in the Biosciences Division at ORNL, has been elected a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, or AIMBE, for his achievements in computational biology. 

In collaboration with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate, researchers at ORNL are evaluating technology to detect compounds emitted by pathogens and pests in agricultural products at the nation’s border. 

Scientists at ORNL have developed a method that can track chemical changes in molten salt in real time — helping to pave the way for the deployment of molten salt reactors for energy production.

Professionals from government and industry gathered at ORNL for the Nondestructive Assay Holdup Measurements Training Course for Nuclear Criticality Safety, a hands-on training in nondestructive assay, a technique for detecting and quantifying holdup without disturbing operations. 

Researchers at Georgia State University used the Summit supercomputer to study an elaborate molecular pathway called nucleotide excision repair. Decoding NER’s sophisticated sequence of events and the role of PInC in the pathway could provide key insights into developing novel treatments and preventing conditions that lead to premature aging and certain types of cancer.

During his first visit to 91����, Energy Secretary Chris Wright compared the urgency of the Lab’s World War II beginnings to today’s global race to lead in artificial intelligence, calling for a “Manhattan Project 2.”

Scientists designing the world’s first controlled nuclear fusion power plant, ITER, needed to solve the problem of runaway electrons, negatively charged particles in the soup of matter in the plasma within the tokamak, the magnetic bottle intended to contain the massive energy produced. Simulations performed on Summit, the 200-petaflop supercomputer at ORNL, could offer the first step toward a solution.

Ryan Culler is the program manager at 91����, where he oversees the production of actinium-225, a promising treatment for cancer. Driven by a personal connection to cancer through his late brother, Culler is dedicated to advancing medical isotopes to help improve cancer care. 

Researchers at the Department of Energy’s 91���� are using non-weather data from the nationwide weather radar network to understand how to track non-meteorological events moving through the air for better emergency response.