Story Tips, August 1998
Story ideas from Oak Ridge National Laboratory .To arrange for an interview with any of these researchers, please call Ron Walli of Communications and Public Affairs (423) 576-0226
GENETICS -- Sweet dreams
Biologists studying genetic mutations may soon have a new ultra-high-resolution imaging tool to examine soft tissue and skeletal detail of mice and other laboratory animals. The MicroCAT system developed at ORNL generates three-dimensional images with 10 times the resolution of conventional tomography systems. With the MicroCAT, researchers will no longer have to rely on visible genetic markers and physical examinations to discover the presence of mutations. And they won't have to dissect the mouse to study internal organs because the new system can capture images in a matter of minutes while the mouse -- or other animal being studied -- sleeps. This allows researchers to track developments of mutations within a particular animal, thereby saving time and money. [Contact: Michael Paulus]
HEALTH -- Pass the purslane?
Rabbits might have the right idea after all when it comes to diet, a study by a Venezuelan university researchers concludes. The study found that purslane, a weed common in warm climates, was effective in lowering cholesterol levels in rabbits. Taken as a diet supplement, it may do the same in humans. The researchers -- aided by analytical help from ORNL and the University of Tennessee -- found that purslane grown in shady conditions increased the concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce cholesterol. Purslane grown in shade was also lower in saturated fatty acids, which can increase cholesterol. Purslane grown in full sunlight contained less omega-3 fatty acids. [Contact: Tim Tschaplinski]
TRANSPORTATION -- Diesels to the rescue
It's not your father's smelly diesel, and it may actually hold the key to a cleaner tomorrow, say researchers at ORNL. Not only is the modern diesel quiet, it is efficient and no longer fouls the air, according to Engineering Technology Division researchers, who are helping develop traffic models to learn more about emissions in big cities. They're also using high-tech tools and techniques to measure particulates and to characterize chemicals in modern diesel emissions. All of this could help reduce our fuel consumption over the next few decades. [Contact: John Storey]
ENERGY -- Fuel cells on a diet
Fuel cells are essentially batteries that combine oxygen and hydrogen to produce voltage. For automotive applications, their graphite electrodes have been a stumbling block: they are thick, heavy and difficult to work with. Researchers at ORNL are experimenting with carbon-carbon composites as an alternative electrode material. Researchers have used a chemical vapor infiltration technique to produce a light carbon composite electrode only 2 millimeters thick. Tests have shown good electrical conductivity with the necessary low permeability for a fuel cell electrode. The experiment could be a step toward cells that are small, lightweight and inexpensive enough to power the future family car. [Contact: Ted Besmann]
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