As Laboratory Director Steve Ashby pens his last monthly column, he highlights PNNL’s accomplishments with pride and gratitude.

From producing radioisotope generators to recovering source materials, researchers are meeting a growing need for medical radioisotopes.

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.

By combining computational modeling with experimental research, scientists identified a promising composition that reduces the need for a critical material in an alloy that can withstand extreme environments.

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.

From energy storage to cybersecurity, this 2023 wrap-up offers a glimpse of PNNL innovations with a seasonal twist.

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.

Road tripping? PNNL’s researchers driving science and technology for clean, efficient and convenient transportation.

PNNL and industry developing a faster, less expensive way to extract lithium for batteries used in cell phones and electric vehicles.

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.

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.