Suffolk Reporter

The Brookhaven National Laboratory, under the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), has unveiled its top 10 discoveries for 2024. These findings span various scientific fields and have the potential to drive technological advancements and address societal challenges.

One significant discovery involves the heaviest antimatter nucleus detected at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). Scientists found this nucleus, composed of four antimatter particles, by examining particles from billions of collisions. This research could provide insights into matter-antimatter differences in the universe.

In another breakthrough, Brookhaven Lab chemists developed a catalyst for converting methane into methanol at low temperatures. This process could be beneficial for utilizing natural gas reserves in remote areas without extensive infrastructure.

Brookhaven biochemists, collaborating with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, explored plant proteins that regulate growth and energy production based on sugar levels. This understanding may lead to engineered plants with increased oil production for biofuels.

A team working on quantum computing discovered that adding magnesium to tantalum improves its properties as a qubit material. This finding was part of the Co-design Center for Quantum Advantage initiative.

Atmospheric scientists at Brookhaven made pioneering observations of cloud droplet formation using LIDAR technology. These insights will aid in understanding aerosol-cloud interactions and their impact on climate.

Researchers at the Center for Functional Nanomaterials advanced DNA-directed self-assembly techniques, enabling the creation of diverse 3D nanostructures. This method holds promise for future semiconductor devices and energy applications.

Nuclear theorists used supercomputers to predict electric charge distributions in mesons, aiding future experiments at the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC). These calculations support "factorization," enhancing experimental interpretations.

Brookhaven scientists employed atomic pair distribution function techniques to observe atomic movements within quantum materials during phase transitions. This method revealed a hidden material state, offering new insights into quantum materials' behavior.

Chemists introduced cesium nitrate into lithium-metal batteries' electrolytes, improving recharge rates while maintaining cycle life. The study uncovered unexpected interphase components, challenging conventional battery chemistry beliefs.

Finally, X-ray methods were utilized to explore cellular structures and functions at nanometer resolution without damaging cells. This approach could impact medicine, agriculture, and bioenergy fields significantly.

In addition to these discoveries, Brookhaven celebrated milestones such as starting procurements for EIC construction and achieving a data storage record of over 300 petabytes at its Scientific Data and Computing Center. The National Synchrotron Light Source II marked its tenth anniversary with significant contributions to various research fields. Furthermore, an atmospheric observatory opened in Alabama to study interactions among clouds, vegetation, and aerosols over five years.

These achievements were primarily funded by the DOE Office of Science with RHIC, CFN, NSLS-II, and ARM serving as user facilities under its purview.