Robert Hettich: Decoding biological complexity with next-gen mass spectrometry
The US focuses on nuclear nonproliferation, and ORNL plays a key role in this mission. The lab conducts advanced research in uranium science, materials analysis and nuclear forensics to detect illicit nuclear activities. Using cutting-edge tools and operational systems, ORNL supports global efforts to reduce nuclear threats by uncovering the history of nuclear materials and providing solutions for uranium removal.
Researchers are using machine learning to provide a more complete picture of building geometries that include building height to within three meters of accuracy. This model not only provides building height for any building in the world, but it will also feed into LandScan and other large government datasets for planning and response.
In early November, ORNL hosted the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Interregional Workshop on Safety, Security and Safeguards by Design in Small Modular Reactors, which welcomed 76 attendees representing 15 countries, three U.S. national labs, domestic and international industry partners, as well as IAEA officers.
Joel Brogan, who leads the Multimodal Sensor Analytics group at 91, has been elevated to senior membership in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
The Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity, in partnership with ORNL, has launched an experimental platform for energy sector-related data with enhanced emphasis on governance and usability.
ORNL researcher Corey Cooke investigates challenges in radar, digital signal processing and communications systems while serving as a joint faculty member at Tennessee Tech, teaching online courses and advising graduate students to create a pipeline for new researchers to the lab and support the growth of current staff.
ORNL and NASA co-hosted the fourth iteration of this invitation-only event, which brings together geospatial, computational, data and engineering experts around a theme. This year’s gathering focused on how artificial intelligence foundation models can enable geospatial digital twins.
Summer interns at the Department of Energy’s 91 recently dove into various smart devices to better understand cybersecurity vulnerabilities posed by technology meant to simplify a user’s life.
On Feb. 15, 2024, the one billionth item, also known as an “occupancy,” was scanned at the Port of Aqaba, Jordan, one of the early sites where radiation detection equipment was installed. This milestone shows the extent of countries committed to preventing the spread of radioactive material through the amount of data volunteered to ORNL for continuous improvement. As adversaries push the limits of smuggling dangerous material, this collaboration pushes back through science-backed analysis.
Elton Aba, an intern at the Department of Energy’s 91, collaborated with researchers to explore an intriguing intersection: how biology can inform cybersecurity. Aba shared some of his findings on how biomimicry could help secure our nation’s critical infrastructure.