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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 235 records · Page 13
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Development of high throughput light-sheet fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy for 3D functional imaging of metabolic pathways in plant and microorganisms (Final Technical Report)

This research program will enable new biochemical contrast in the nanosecond lifetime domain through use of the recently demonstrated electro-optic fluorescence lifetime imaging technique (EO-FLIM) for wide-field lifetime imaging. The Stanford/Stanford Linear Accelerator Center multidisciplinary collaboration -- physics, applied physics, and structural biology -- will develop a light-sheet fluorescence lifetime imaging microscope for functional studies of microbial and plant metabolic pathways and dynamic interactions between plants and microorganisms in the rhizosphere. The proposed approach overcomes the imaging time bottleneck associated with existing fluorescence lifetime imaging methods. Initial demonstrations have shown a factor of 100,000 improvement in photon throughput compared to existing methods. High photon efficiency allowed the first wide-field fluorescence lifetime imaging of single molecules. Recent work has improved the technique’s repetition rate to enable compatibility with mode-locked lasers and demonstrated the combination of wide-field fluorescence lifetime imaging with super-resolution localization microscopy, observations of single molecule dynamics, and observation of donor lifetime quenching in single-molecule imaging. These results were achieved on standard camera sensors and would not have been possible with other wide-field approaches. The throughput and photon economy of the EO-FLIM method enables new BER-relevant imaging opportunities. In particular, scanned single- and two-photon light-sheet excitation will be used to achieve volumetric imaging with time-domain contrast.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2026

Strategic Pathways for Indigenous Resilient and Innovative Transportation

This project, Strategic Pathways for Indigenous Resilient and Innovative Transportation, serves as a guidebook for Tribes interested in pursuing public EV charging infrastructure. The guidebook is designed to serve Tribal planners, Tribal departments of transportation, environmental offices, Tribal enterprises, Tribal utility authorities, Tribal leadership, and any other interested parties.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Novel additive manufacturing for plasma facing materials ‐ creating a research pathway for minority students

This project addresses two critical and intertwined challenges in fusion energy, namely the shortage of a broadly trained scientific workforce and the lack of scalable manufacturing solutions for plasma-facing components (PFCs). Through a collaboration among Florida International University (FIU), Miami Dade College (MDC), and Purdue University, the project established structured, reproducible educational and research pathways that recruit and advance students from institutions historically outside the fusion energy enterprise, building the human capital that this field urgently needs. The project integrates the complementary research strengths of FIU and Purdue to investigate flash sintering as a transformative processing route for tungsten-based PFCs. Unlike conventional sintering approaches, flash sintering offers rapid densification at significantly reduced thermal budgets, making it a compelling candidate for fabricating complex tungsten geometries that must withstand extreme plasma-facing environments. Systematic experimental and modeling efforts will elucidate the fundamental mechanisms governing microstructure evolution, grain boundary chemistry, and thermomechanical response during flash sintering — knowledge that is presently lacking but essential for translating this technology into reliable manufacturing practice. The convergence of workforce development and cutting-edge manufacturing research positions this project to deliver measurable, durable impact: a pipeline of fusion-ready researchers cultivated through expanded institutional partnerships, and a validated materials processing framework that accelerates domestic readiness for next-generation fusion reactor construction.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Updating the Default Anaerobic Digester Technology for Wastewater Sludge Anaerobic Digestion Pathways in R&D GREET 2025 Rev.1

The Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions and Energy Use in Technologies model (R&D GREET) evaluates the life cycle impacts of renewable fuels and materials, including renewable natural gas (RNG) produced from wastewater (WW) sludge. In the sludge-to-RNG pathway, the assumed anaerobic digestion (AD) technology impacts results, such as energy use, greenhouse gases (GHG), and air pollutant emissions. Prior versions assumed sludge was fed through a thermal hydrolysis stage preceding the mesophilic AD (Thermohydrolysis). Such a process is expected to yield biosolids with sufficiently reduced pathogens to qualify for U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Class A designation. Other technologies, such as mesophilic AD without any advanced pretreatments, typically produce lower quality Class B biosolids but requires a lower energy burden and infrastructure investment. Table 1 displays the available AD technologies and the assumed resulting EPA biosolids class type from each technology. Full descriptions of each technology and their performance differences can be found in previous work.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2024

RNA-seq and metabolomic analyses of beneficial plant phenol biochemical pathways in red alder

Red alder ( Alnus rubra ) has highly desirable wood, dye pigment, and (traditional) medicinal properties which have been capitalized on for thousands of years, including by Pacific West Coast Native Americans. A rapidly growing tree species native to North American western coastal and riparian regions, it undergoes symbiosis with actinobacterium Frankia via their nitrogen-fixing root nodules. Red alder’s desirable properties are, however, largely attributed to its bioactive plant phenol metabolites, including for plant defense, for its attractive wood and bark coloration, and various beneficial medicinal properties. Integrated transcriptome and metabolome data analyses were carried out using buds, leaves, stems, roots, and root nodules from greenhouse grown red alder saplings with samples collected during different time-points (Spring, Summer, and Fall) of the growing season. Pollen and catkins were collected from field grown mature trees. Overall plant phenol biochemical pathways operative in red alder were determined, with a particular emphasis on potentially identifying candidates for the long unknown gateway entry points to the proanthocyanidin (PA) and ellagitannin metabolic classes, as well as in gaining better understanding of the biochemical basis of diarylheptanoid formation, i.e. that help define red alder’s varied medicinal uses, and its extensive wood and dye usage.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Phenotypically anchored transcriptomics across diverse agrichemicals reveals conserved pathways and unique gene expression signatures in zebrafish

Agrichemicals such as herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and biocides are widely used in agriculture, yet some are associated with adverse effects in humans and the environment. While many of these chemicals have been extensively studied in vitro and are included in the EPA’s ToxCast program, comprehensive in vivo comparisons using RNA sequencing across structurally diverse agrichemicals, in a single screening platform, are lacking. In this study, we examined structurally diverse agrichemicals found in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Toxcast Phase I and II library by statically exposing early life stage zebrafish at 6 h post fertilization (hpf) until 120 hpf at concentrations ranging from 0.25 to 100 µM. Morphological outcomes were assessed at 120 hpf across 10 endpoints, including yolk sac edema, craniofacial malformations, and axis abnormalities. Chemicals that produced robust concentration-response relationships were selected for transcriptomic profiling. For transcriptomic analysis, zebrafish were statically exposed to each chemical and sampled at 48 hpf, prior to the onset of morphological effects observed at 120 hpf. Differential expression analysis identified between 0 and 4,538 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) per chemical, with no clear correlation to morphological severity. Both DEG and co-expression network analyses revealed chemical-specific expression patterns that converged on shared biological pathways, including neurodevelopment and cytoskeletal organization. Key regulatory genes such as mylpfa and krt4 were identified within co-expression modules, suggesting their potential role in conserved toxicity mechanisms. Semantic similarity analysis of enriched gene ontology (GO) terms, when compared to existing datasets, highlighted gaps in the annotation of neurodevelopmental processes, indicating that some in vivo effects may not be fully captured by current curated resources. The results provide new insights into the modes of action of diverse agrichemicals and establish a framework for understanding how agrichemical structure relates to biological function in a vertebrate model.

agrichemical↗
DOE OSTI2024

Overexpression of the Mas1 gene mitigated LPS-induced inflammatory injury in mammary epithelial cells by inhibiting the NF-κB/MAPKs signaling pathways

Breast infection is the primary etiology of mastitis in dairy cows, leading to a reduction in the quality of dairy products and resulting in substantial economic losses for animal husbandry. Although antibiotic treatment can eliminate the pathogenic microorganisms that induce mastitis, it cannot repair the inflammatory damage of mammary epithelial cells and blood milk barrier. Mas1 is a G protein-coupled receptor, and its role in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -induced inflammatory injury to mammary epithelial cells has not been studied. LPS treatment of EpH4 EV cells led to a significant downregulation of Mas1 transcript levels, which attracted our great interest, suggesting that Mas1 may be an important target for the treatment of mastitis. Therefore, this study intends to verify the role of Mas1 in the inflammatory injury of EpH4 EV cells by gene overexpression technology and gene silencing technology. The findings demonstrated that the overexpression of the Mas1 gene effectively reversed the activation of the nuclear factor-κB/mitogen-activated protein kinase (NF-κB/MAPK) signaling pathways induced by LPS, while also suppressing the upregulation of pro-inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, overexpression of the Mas1 gene reversed the downregulation of zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1), Occludin, and Claudin-3 caused by LPS, suggesting that Mas1 could promote to repair the blood-milk barrier. However, the silencing of the Mas1 gene using siRNA resulted in a contrasting effect. These results indicated that Mas1 alleviated the inflammatory injury of mammary epithelial cells induced by LPS.

Yan, Shuping↗
DOE OSTI2026

Methanol Steam Reforming on Ru/m-ZrO 2 : Sodium Promotion of the CO 2 -Forming Pathway

Sodium (Na) promotion of Ru/m-ZrO 2 was investigated to elucidate how an alkali modification tunes selectivity in methanol steam reforming (MSR). H 2 -TPR/XANES/EXAFS show that Na increases surface basicity and strengthens Ru–O interactions, shifting RuO x reduction and H 2 spillover to a higher temperature. DRIFTS reveals Na-induced red shifts of the formate ν(CH) band and changes in OCO vibrational splitting, consistent with weakening of the formate C–H bond and an altered binding geometry. CO 2 -TPD confirms a monotonic shift toward stronger basic sites with increasing Na concentrations. Under MSR conditions, Na selectively increases CO2 concentration at the expense of CO. At ~80% conversion and 325 °C, CO 2 selectivity increases from 12.0% (unpromoted) to 16.2, 21.0, and 26.5% for 0.5, 1.0, and 1.8% Na, respectively; at ~300 °C and ~66–69% conversion, CO 2 selectivity increases from 8.6% to 23.7% at 1.8% Na. Transient MSR experiments further show earlier and larger H 2 evolution upon Na addition, corroborating the promotion of the dehydrogenation/decarbonylation route to CO 2 + H 2 . We propose that Na increases basicity and modifies the Ru–support interface to favor formate dehydrogenation/decarboxylation, thereby increasing the H 2 yield and lowering CO formation. Ru’s higher-energy, less occupied d-band stabilizes CO and oxygenated intermediates more strongly in the reforming environment, making the CO-forming pathway more resistant to suppression than on Pt.

CO2 selectivity↗
DOE OSTI2024

Structural and Interactional Analysis of the Flavonoid Pathway Proteins: Chalcone Synthase, Chalcone Isomerase and Chalcone Isomerase-like Protein

Chalcone synthase (CHS) and chalcone isomerase (CHI) catalyze the first two committed steps of the flavonoid pathway that plays a pivotal role in the growth and reproduction of land plants, including UV protection, pigmentation, symbiotic nitrogen fixation, and pathogen resistance. Based on the obtained X-ray crystal structures of CHS, CHI, and chalcone isomerase-like protein (CHIL) from the same monocotyledon, Panicum virgatum, along with the results of the steady-state kinetics, spectroscopic/thermodynamic analyses, intermolecular interactions, and their effect on each catalytic step are proposed. In addition, PvCHI’s unique activity for both naringenin chalcone and isoliquiritigenin was analyzed, and the observed hierarchical activity for those type-I and -II substrates was explained with the intrinsic characteristics of the enzyme and two substrates. The structure of PvCHS complexed with naringenin supports uncompetitive inhibition. PvCHS displays intrinsic catalytic promiscuity, evident from the formation of p-coumaroyltriacetic acid lactone (CTAL) in addition to naringenin chalcone. In the presence of PvCHIL, conversion of p-coumaroyl-CoA to naringenin through PvCHS and PvCHI displayed ~400-fold increased Vmax with reduced formation of CTAL by 70%. Supporting this model, molecular docking, ITC (Isothermal Titration Calorimetry), and FRET (Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer) indicated that both PvCHI and PvCHIL interact with PvCHS in a non-competitive manner, indicating the plausible allosteric effect of naringenin on CHS. Significantly, the presence of naringenin increased the affinity between PvCHS and PvCHIL, whereas naringenin chalcone decreased the affinity, indicating a plausible feedback mechanism to minimize spontaneous incorrect stereoisomers. These are the first findings from a three-body system from the same species, indicating the importance of the macromolecular assembly of CHS-CHI-CHIL in determining the amount and type of flavonoids produced in plant cells.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Steam-Assisted Ammonolysis of MoO2 as a Synthetic Pathway to Oxygenated δ-MoN

A common route for the synthesis of molybdenum nitrides is through the temperature-programmed reaction of molybdenum oxides with NH3, or ammonolysis. In this work, the role of precursor phase, gas phase chemistry (impact of H2O), and temperature profile on the reaction outcome (700 °C) was examined, which resulted in varying amounts of MoO2, H2MoO5, and the nitride phases—cubic γ (nominally Mo2N) and hexagonal δ (nominally MoN). The phase fraction of the δ phase increased with precursor in the sequence MoO2 > MoO3 > H2MoO5. Steam in the reaction gas also favored the production of δ over γ, but with too much steam, MoO2 was obtained in the product. Synthesis conditions for obtaining nearly phase-pure δ were identified: MoO2 as the precursor, 2% H2O in the gas stream, and a moderate heating rate (3 °C/min). In situ X-ray diffraction provided insights into the reaction pathway. Extensive physico-chemical analysis of the δ phase, including synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction, electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and prompt gamma activation analysis, revealed its stoichiometry to be MoO0.108(8)N0.892(8)H0.012(5), indicating non-trivial oxygen incorporation. The presence of N/O ordering and an impurity phase Mo5N6 were also revealed, detectable only by neutron diffraction. Notably, a computationally predicted MoON phase (doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.123.236402), of interest due to its potential to display a metal-insulator transition, did not appear under any reaction condition examined.

Pandey, Shobhit↗
DOE OSTI2025

Burning conditions and transportation pathways determine biomass-burning aerosol properties in the Ascension Island marine boundary layer

Abstract. African biomass-burning aerosol (BBA) in the southeast Atlantic Ocean (SEA) marine boundary layer (MBL) is an important contributor to Earth's radiation budget, yet its representation remains poorly constrained in regional and global climate models. Data from the Layered Atlantic Smoke Interactions with Clouds (LASIC) field campaign on Ascension Island (7.95° S, 14.36° W) provide insight into how burning conditions, fuel type, transport pathways, and atmospheric processing affect the chemical, microphysical, and optical properties of BBA between June and September 2017. A total of 10 individual plume events characterize the seasonal evolution of the BBA properties. Early-season inefficient fires, determined by low refractory black carbon to above-background carbon monoxide mixing ratios (rBC : ΔCO), led to enhanced concentrations of organic- and sulfate-rich aerosols. Mid-season efficient fires, determined by higher rBC : ΔCO values, led to rBC-enriched BBA. A mix of efficient and inefficient fires later in the season resulted in conflicting BBA properties. Prolonged transport (∼ 10 d) through the MBL and lower free troposphere (FT) facilitated chemical and aqueous-phase processing, which led to a reduction in organic aerosol mass concentrations. This resulted in lower organic aerosol (OA) to rBC (OA : rBC) mass ratios (2–5) in the MBL compared to higher values (5–15) in the nearby FT. These atmospheric and cloud oxidation processes yield more light-absorbing BBA and explain the notably low single-scattering albedo at 530 nm (SSA530) values (< 0.80) observed in the MBL. This study establishes a robust correlation between SSA530 and OA : rBC across the MBL and FT, underscoring the dependency of optical properties on chemical composition.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

Fire weather compromises forestation-reliant climate mitigation pathways

Forestation can contribute to climate change mitigation. However, increasing frequency and intensity of climate extremes are posed to have profound impact on forests and consequently on the mitigation potential of forestation efforts. In this perspective, we critically assess forestation-reliant climate mitigation scenarios from five different integrated assessment models (IAMs) by showcasing the spatially explicit exposure of forests to fire weather and the simulated increase in global annual burned area. We provide a detailed description of the feedback from climate change to forest carbon uptake in IAMs. Few IAMs are currently accounting for feedback mechanisms like loss from fire disturbance. Consequently, many forestation areas proposed by IAM scenarios will be exposed to fire-promoting weather conditions and without costly prevention measures might be object to frequent burning. We conclude that the actual climate mitigation portfolio in IAM scenarios is subject to substantial uncertainty and that the risk of overly optimistic estimates of negative emission potential of forestation should be avoided. As a way forward we propose how to integrate more detailed climate information when modeling climate mitigation pathways heavily relying on forestation.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

Strategic Pathways for Indigenous Resilient and Innovative Transportation

This presentation details the results of the project, titled Strategic Pathways for Indigenous Resilient and Innovative Transportation. The project culminated in a guidebook for Tribes interested in pursuing public EV charging infrastructure. The guidebook is designed to serve Tribal planners, Tribal departments of transportation, environmental offices, Tribal enterprises, Tribal utility authorities, Tribal leadership, and any other interested parties. The conference presentation will provide details on the engagement conducted during the project to inform the project publications. The presentation will also discuss Tribal sovereignty-related considerations for EV charging infrastructure topics including O&M and working with the electric utility.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Analysis of Infrastructures for Processing Plastic Waste using Pyrolysis-Based Chemical Upcycling Pathways

Modern mechanical recycling infrastructure for plastic is capable of processing only a small subset of waste plastics, reinforcing the need for parallel disposal methods such as landfilling and incineration. Emerging pyrolysis-based chemical technologies can "upcycle" plastic waste into high-value polymer and chemical products and process a broader range of waste plastics. In this work, we study the economic and environmental benefits of deploying an upcycling infrastructure in the continental United States for producing low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP) from post-consumer mixed plastic waste. Our analysis aims to determine the market size that the infrastructure can create, the degree of circularity that it can achieve, the prices for waste and derived products it can propagate, and the environmental benefits of diverting plastic waste from landfill and incineration facilities it can produce. We apply a computational framework that integrates techno-economic analysis, life cycle assessment, and value chain optimization. Our results demonstrate that the infrastructure generates an economy of nearly 20 billion USD and positive prices for plastic waste, opening opportunities for compensation to residents who provide plastic waste. Our analysis also indicates that the infrastructure can achieve a plastic-to-plastic degree of circularity of 34% and remains viable under various external factors (including technology efficiencies, capital investment budgets, and polymer market values). Finally, we present significant environmental benefits of upcycling over alternative landfill and incineration waste disposal methods, and comment on ongoing work expanding our modeling methodology to other chemical upcycling pathway case studies, including hydroformylation of specific plastics to chemicals.

Interdisciplinary↗
DOE OSTI2024

Pathways Toward Electric Mobility in Hennepin County, Minnesota

This fact sheet presents the findings from a comprehensive community engagement initiative focused on advancing equitable transportation electrification in Hennepin County. This initiative responds to the critical need for inclusive and sustainable mobility solutions in the face of rising environmental and financial challenges in the transportation sector. This project has two goals. First, to learn what each community's priorities are and share them with the city, county, and state government to inform transportation plans and projects. Second, to bridge divides between government and community, building pathways for community-guided decision making on future transportation plans.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS,ENERGY PLANNING, POLIC↗
DOE OSTI2024

Solar Pathways in Federal Energy Assistance Programs: Expanding Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

How can solar best fit within your LIHEAP or WAP activities? Come join NREL and learn about the various pathways and new resources available to help implement solar in low-income programs. Panelists will share results from a multi-year research project, including survey results on LIHEAP and WAP solar adoption across the United States. This session will highlight case studies from early implementers, key lessons learned and resources developed based on stakeholder feedback for interested organizations. Attendees can expect gain a better understanding of the perceived barriers and opportunities to solar implementation, including the importance of partner coordination and complementary funding sources, and the next steps for how to get started. Additionally, attendees will hear from a local implementer of solar in WAP about their program and process.

Colorado↗