- Number 291 |
- July 20, 2009
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Simulations illuminate universe's first twin stars
The earliest stars in the universe formed not only as individuals—as previous research suggested—but sometimes also as twins, according to computer simulations by astrophysicists at the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology, at the DOE's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Stanford University, and at Michigan State University. -
ArgoNeuT experiment sees first neutrinos
An experiment that could help revamp neutrino research recently took a big step forward. The Argon Neutrino Teststand at DOE’s Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory recorded its first neutrinos, the first ever seen in a liquid-argon detector in the United States. -
It’s the small stuff that matters
To understand transformations of matter, scientists at DOE’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory aided in developing methods to determine how fast clusters of molecules form and their corresponding stability. Molecular-level reactions that produce aqueous nanoparticles ultimately aid in designing better crystals for manufacturers and new catalysts for producing alternative fuels. -
New SunCatcher power system unveiled at National Solar Thermal Test Facility
Four newly designed solar power collection dishes called SunCatchers were unveiled recently at the National Solar Thermal Test Facility at Sandia National Laboratories. The new dishes are the next-generation model of the original SunCatcher system, which uses precision mirrors attached to a parabolic dish to concentrate the sun’s energy onto a high‐efficiency Stirling engine. -
Fusion science is beautiful
Four pieces produced by researchers, staff, and graduate students at the U.S. Department of Energy's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory are among 48 selected for the 2009 Art of Science gallery at Princeton University. The juried show features works chosen from more than 200 submissions to the University's Art of Science competition. -
Moth's eye may hold secret to enhancing solar energy
Solar energy is a tremendous force, but with most types of solar cells, about one-third of the energy is lost through reflection. A project under way at the Savannah River National Laboratory is studying how special coatings that mimic structures found in nature can increase the productivity of solar cells by reducing reflection.