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’s patented Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE™) technique is an advanced manufacturing technology that enables better-performing materials and components while offering opportunities to reduce costs and energy consumption.

Algae can collect and concentrate rare earth metals from seawater—an alternative to imported sources mined from the ground.

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 is making waves in pursuit of a blue economy. Researchers are advancing science and technology to expand—and protect—the gifts of the sea.

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.

From landfills to fill-ups: novel catalysts may make plastic upcycling cleaner and more cost-effective.

Interns dive into important research that addresses national needs.

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.

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

Can food waste help fuel the future? Researchers are working toward clean, cost-effective alternatives to today’s fossil fuels.

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.