News By Location

Proteomics, the study of proteins in living organisms, is one of the next major frontiers for the scientific community--and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory will play a significant role in unlocking the mysteries of proteins. Through its newly established Prototype Sample Processing and Proteomics Facility, PNNL will help pave the way to eliminating diseases such as muscular dystrophy and for creating targeted drugs.

Renewed interest in homeland security, continued need for environmental solutions and a growing market for industrial products have made Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Marine Sciences Laboratory (MSL) in Sequim, Wash., a focal point for developing new capabilities. Nestled in the quiet harbor of Sequim Bay on the Olympic Peninsula, MSL was established in 1967 and features state-of-the-art facilities. Over the years, MSL staff have conducted advanced research aimed at preserving and protecting the coastal and marine environment.

Some people view fungi as mere mold-- a nuisance. Many, however, see great potential in these unique organisms. PNNL's Marine Sciences Laboratory in Sequim, Wash., possesses a rich history of fungi-related research and a collection of more than 200 strains of fungal species, some of which have been developed to perform environmental remediation and other tasks.

While several studies have focused on how estrogen from contraceptives may alter sex organs of juvenile fish, few studies have analyzed how exposure to estrogen affects adult fish as they make their way through rivers, lakes and streams to spawn. Now, a study by scientists at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory suggests that when adult male fish are exposed to short-term and low concentrations of a synthetic estrogen, their fertility can drop by as much as 50 percent.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory came out a winner in two separate U.S. Department of Energy research grant competitions recently.

A recent Pacific Northwest National Laboratory study has found that salinity levels in the Columbia River estuary may affect crab abundance in the river, a finding that may help protect Dungeness crab in the Columbia.

What if there were a magical chamber that could divulge the secrets of anything that was placed inside of it? Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has developed such a chamber--and while it won't divulge all secrets, it discloses key information about chemicals and compounds.

The research conducted at the William R. Wiley Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL) does more than contribute to a basic understanding of the world around us. It also helps to improve the environment, ensure national security, advance health care, and promote clean energy through real-world applications. The following research projects demonstrate the diversity of EMSL's scientific contributions.

The future of proteomics is in good hands with one of the most powerful and versatile mass spectrometers being developed by scientists and engineers from the William R. Wiley Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Oregon State University celebrated a "virtual groundbreaking" in Portland, Ore., recently for their new Microproducts Breakthrough Institute.