DOE laboratories operate many of the nation’s most sophisticated research facilities, including the nation’s largest high performance computing centers, the world’s highest energy proton collider, third-generation synchrotron light sources and high-flux neutron sources as well as specialized facilities for microcharacterization, materials synthesis, combustion research, ion beam studies, and fusion energy research. The agency’s research facilities have an enormous impact on science and technology ranging from the most fundamental constituents of matter to superconductor structure and the production of unique isotopes for defense applications.

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An electron zap turns flimsy plastic into sturdy shrink wrap If you buy a Butterball turkey this Thanksgiving, you have particle accelerators to thank for its freshness. For decades now the food industry has used particle accelerators to produce the sturdy, heat-shrinkable film that Butterballs come wrapped in. Full Story…

Conference tackles interstate transmission The US electricity grid is strained to its limit, and the nation's windiest and sunniest places are rarely near cities that generate high demand. Finding ways to string new power lines across several states is a challenge for even the most creative regulators and energy analysts determined to increase America's use of renewable energy. Full Story…