Each year, scientists with the Office of Science, at our national laboratories, and supported by the Office of Science at the nation’s colleges and universities, publish thousands of research findings in the scientific literature. About 200 of these are selected annually by their respective program areas in the Office of Science as publication highlights of special note.

For the archive of past publication highlights, click here.

December 20, 2021

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Illuminating Magnetic Turbulence in Fusion Plasmas

Electromagnetic waves are used to internally identify turbulent magnetic fluctuations in 100-million-degree fusion plasmas.

December 17, 2021

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The Quantum Rodeo

The new “rodeo algorithm” approach for preparing energy states of complex systems on a quantum computer is exponentially faster than other algorithms.

December 15, 2021

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Using Math to Significantly Improve Modeling of Surface and Subsurface Water Flow in Complex Landscapes

A novel mathematical formulation accurately solves water flow in geometrically complicated soil structures, including overturned soil layers and other disturbances.

December 13, 2021

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New Approach to Radioisotope Power Sources for Improved Efficiency and Long Life

NextGen power sources may satisfy the need for long-term, compact power for use in remote or extreme environments.

December 10, 2021

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Connected Moments and Quantum Computing Improve “Many Body” Chemical Simulations

Using the connected moments mathematical technique decreases the time and computational power needed for quantum computing simulations of chemical systems.

December 8, 2021

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Unlocking the Mysteries of Globular Clusters of Stars

The energy of a key resonance in sodium destruction is found, affecting our understanding of globular cluster evolution.

December 6, 2021

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Transforming Material Topology with a Drop of Liquid

Liquid acts across multiple scales to reorganize connectivity in networks of artificial microscopic cells.

December 3, 2021

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Measuring the Speed of Sound in Dense Nuclear Matter

Nuclear scientists devise an indirect method of measuring the speed of sound in matter created in heavy-ion collisions.

November 30, 2021

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A Newly Discovered Enzyme Makes Ethylene and Methane

An enzyme system frees sulfur from small organic compounds to make a surprising gaseous side product.

November 17, 2021

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High-Energy X-Rays Open a New View of Degradation in Potential Fusion Reactor Material

State-of-the-art X-ray techniques found hidden damage in neutron irradiated silicon carbide, a possible structural material for future fusion reactors.