Lauren Charles, a chief data scientist at PNNL, showcased the vital research coming out of her program at The National Academies Forum workshop in Washington, D.C., January 15–16, 2025.

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.

Researchers will explore climate, pathogens and energy-efficient microelectronics using 3 million node hours on the nation’s supercomputers.

Research at PNNL and the University of Texas at El Paso are addressing computational challenges of thinking beyond the list and developing bioagent-agnostic signatures to assess threats.

Beyond melting ice and higher temperatures: On Earth Day, scientists consider how climate change will affect national security.

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

Microbes that were previously frozen in soils are becoming more active. This study demonstrates the diverse RNA viral communities found in thawed permafrost.

Scientists can detect the virus that causes COVID-19 by using a bubble that spills its contents like a piñata when encountering the virus.

TransMED analyzes patient data from similar diseases across multiple sources to understand COVID-19 patient outcome risk factors.

The virus that causes COVID-19 takes over the body’s fat-processing system and boosts cellular triglycerides as it causes disease.

PNNL scientists publish paper and host workshops to share threat-agnostic vision for biodefense.

PNNL wins three FLC awards in annual technology innovation competition.

A study of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome has identified a compound that shows potential in easing the symptoms of coronavirus infections.

Mary Lancaster, epidemiologist and data scientist, co-authored a chapter on cyberbiosecurity for the NATO Science for Peace and Security book series.

A comprehensive literature review linking algae and antivirals determines compounds in algae may demonstrate an exceptional—and as yet untapped—potential to combat viral diseases at every point along the viral infection pathway.

Researchers at PNNL examined heat pump water heater (HPWH) operation in Pacific Northwest residences, gaining insights into HPWH electricity use patterns. Part of the study captured trends during a COVID-19 stay-at-home order.

A Q&A with Lauren Charles, veterinarian and PNNL data scientist, on zoonotic diseases and the role biosurveillance plays in mitigating the growing threat to global health.

A multi-institute research team is exploring ways to improve residential walls across America, making homes warmer and drier and delivering significant energy savings.

Researchers at PNNL construct a novel approach that requires less field work while delivering critical information on building code compliance and energy efficiency in new homes.

A PNNL researcher peers into the future and sees homes and neighborhoods seamlessly working together to coordinate energy use.