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.

From enhancing biofuel crops to setting up automated experiments and improving energy storage—interns at PNNL are making an impact.

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.

By mimicking nature, scientists make a breakthrough in breaking down wood.

Exploring why some brains are more resilient to the impact of Alzheimer’s disease could lead to improved diagnoses, treatment and prevention.

PNNL’s contributions over the last year span scientific discovery, sustainable energy and national security.

Studying how microorganisms behave in space could facilitate farming in the final frontier and lead to better crops on Earth.

Interns dive into important research that addresses national needs.

Recognizing how innovation and clean technologies at the very edge of the grid can work together to transition the electricity system, PNNL takes a multidisciplinary approach to advancing and integrating renewable energy solutions.

Studying MERS-CoV may lead to better treatments for a host of respiratory illnesses, including the many variants of COVID-19.

COMPASS points to understanding nature’s transition zones—areas that can be dry land at times and under water at others.

From water purification, to better batteries and tools to foil a cyberattack—a look back at how PNNL helped to invent a brighter and better future over the last year.

PNNL’s new Energy Sciences Center has capabilities for scientists to advance solutions for storing clean hydrogen in chemical bonds.

Understanding the Earth as a complex, dynamic system includes investigating what happens on, above and below its surface.

In a first-of-its-kind study, PNNL scientists are learning about how e-cigarettes can lead to changes in proteins at the molecular level that could contribute to disease or other health problems.

Despite the challenges, the talented and dedicated staff at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory kept delivering for the nation.

Combining its strength in biological sciences and data analytics, researchers at the Department of Energy's PNNL are working to enable a quick response to a biological incident — whether intentional, accidental or natural.