News from the NNI Community - Research Advances Funded by Agencies Participating in the NNI

(Funded by the National Institutes of Health)

Radiation kills tumors by creating oxygen free radicals that damage the tumor DNA. However, the lack of oxygen in the center of tumors blocks the production of free radicals, inhibiting radiation killing. Researchers have now designed a nanoparticle that generates radiation-induced oxygen free radicals even in the low-oxygen center of tumors, dramatically increasing the success of radiation therapy.

(Funded by the National Institutes of Health)

Radiation kills tumors by creating oxygen free radicals that damage the tumor DNA. However, the lack of oxygen in the center of tumors blocks the production of free radicals, inhibiting radiation killing. Researchers have now designed a nanoparticle that generates radiation-induced oxygen free radicals even in the low-oxygen center of tumors, dramatically increasing the success of radiation therapy.

(Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy)

The University of Maine and Oak Ridge National Laboratory announced that they will be partnering by harnessing ORNL’s leadership in additive manufacturing and the University of Maine’s expertise with bio-based composites to advance efforts to 3D-print with wood, creating a new market for Maine’s forest products industry.

(Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy)

The University of Maine and Oak Ridge National Laboratory announced that they will be partnering by harnessing ORNL’s leadership in additive manufacturing and the University of Maine’s expertise with bio-based composites to advance efforts to 3D-print with wood, creating a new market for Maine’s forest products industry.

(Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy)

Engineers have made thin polymer films that conduct heat – an ability normally associated with metals. They found that the films, which are thinner than plastic wrap, conduct heat better than many metals, including steel and ceramic. These results may spur the development of polymer insulators as lightweight, flexible, and corrosion-resistant alternatives to traditional metal heat conductors.

(Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy)

Engineers have made thin polymer films that conduct heat – an ability normally associated with metals. They found that the films, which are thinner than plastic wrap, conduct heat better than many metals, including steel and ceramic. These results may spur the development of polymer insulators as lightweight, flexible, and corrosion-resistant alternatives to traditional metal heat conductors.

(Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy)

Scientists have invented a new "synthetic antibody" that could make screening for diseases easier and less expensive than current go-to methods. Such “synthetic antibodies” consist of the combination of synthetically produced molecules that are similar to peptides and tiny cylinders of carbon atoms called single-walled carbon nanotubes.

(Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy)

Scientists have invented a new "synthetic antibody" that could make screening for diseases easier and less expensive than current go-to methods. Such “synthetic antibodies” consist of the combination of synthetically produced molecules that are similar to peptides and tiny cylinders of carbon atoms called single-walled carbon nanotubes.

(Funded by the National Institutes of Health)

Scientists have discovered that graphene quantum dots drawn from common coal may be the basis for an effective antioxidant for people who suffer traumatic brain injuries, strokes, or heart attacks. Quantum dots are semiconducting materials small enough to exhibit properties that only appear at the nanoscale.

(Funded by the National Institutes of Health)

Scientists have discovered that graphene quantum dots drawn from common coal may be the basis for an effective antioxidant for people who suffer traumatic brain injuries, strokes, or heart attacks. Quantum dots are semiconducting materials small enough to exhibit properties that only appear at the nanoscale.