Science Highlights

Previous research found that twisted bilayer graphene is superconductive when the layers are rotated by 1.08 degrees. Electrons in parts of these materials move very slowly and should therefore not conduct electricity at all, much less display superconductivity. New research shows how the current theory of superconductivity, the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) theory, must be modified to fit the observations of twisted bilayer graphene.

Ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms (AOMs) use ammonia as an energy source while converting it to nitrite and play a pivotal role in the global nitrogen cycle. This study explored whether different AOM species preferred to use urea over ammonia. It found that some AOMs preferred urea while others used ammonia and urea simultaneously. This result helps explain the role of AOMs in the global carbon and nitrogen cycles.

For the first time, nuclear physicists made precision measurements of the short-lived radioactive molecule, radium monofluoride (RaF). The researchers combined ion-trapping and specialized laser systems to measure the fine details of the quantum structure of RaF. This allowed them to study the rotational energy levels of RaF and determine its laser-cooling scheme.

Spectroscopy allows scientists to study the structure of atoms and molecules, including the energy levels of their electrons. This research examines the potential of spectroscopy techniques that rely on quantum entanglement of these photons. These methods can reveal information about molecules not possible with traditional spectroscopy. They also reduce the damage spectroscopy causes to samples.

A team of scientists led by the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory found an unconventional way to improve catalysts made of more than one material. The solution demonstrates a path to designing catalysts with greater activity, selectivity and stability.

A recent analysis shows that renewable energy could be a viable option to diesel fuel for science at the South Pole. The analysis deeply explores the feasibility of replacing part of the energy production at the South Pole with renewable sources.

Argonne awarded $4 million to research new materials to develop energy-efficient microchips.

Analyzing DNA is routine in health care, but some genetic samples come from wilder places. Argonne National Laboratory’s Environmental Sample Preparation and Sequencing Facility has the skills to study nature’s weirdest, rarest genetic material.