Researchers at PNNL are pursuing new approaches to understand, predict and control the phenome—the collection of biological traits within an organism shaped by its genes and interactions with the environment.
PNNL’s year in review includes highlights ranging from advancing soil science to understanding Earth systems, expanding electricity transmission, detecting fentanyl, and applying artificial intelligence to aid scientific discovery.
Controlling the nanostructure of silk fibroin—a protein found in silk—is a key step toward designing and fabricating electronics that leverage the material’s promising mechanical, optical and biocompatible properties.
PNNL biodefense experts seek to identify, understand and mitigate the risks of biological pathogens—whether naturally occurring or intentionally created—so steps can be taken to prepare and respond.
Accessing groundwater may become more difficult—and more expensive—as groundwater supplies become increasingly scarce and underground aquifer levels fall.
Researchers seek to bring down costs, address potential environmental risks and maximize the benefits of harnessing wind energy above the deep waters of the Pacific.
Researchers use models to represent relationships between climate and socio-economic processes, helping inform decisions for slowing climate change and enhancing resilience.
PNNL researchers are helping to better define the need for grid energy storage in future clean energy scenarios, as well as working to improve technologies for storing renewable energy so it's available when and where it's needed.
