Story Tips Story ideas from Oak Ridge National Laboratory August 1997
To arrange for an interview with researchers on any of these topics, please call Ron Walli of Communications and Public Affairs (423) 576-0226
MEDICAL -- Special delivery
Neurosurgeons may soon be using an instrument that uses a patented component developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to deliver a variety of therapies to hard-to-reach locations in the brain and in other parts of the body. ORNL's resonant snubber inverter virtually eliminates electromagnetic interference, which adversely affects the superconducting coil currents surgeons use to guide the delivery tube while probing the brain. The new inverter also eliminates distracting noises and offers greater efficiency in a smaller package. ORNL is working with Stereotaxis Inc. and doctors at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. [Contacts: Bob Young (ORNL) and Linda Sage (Washington University)]
MUSIC -- Pickin' and grinnin'
Nuclear weapons and five-string banjos may seem worlds apart, but a program at Oak Ridge's Y-12 Plant is making for some sweet sounds. The same technology and skills developed for the production of nuclear weapon components is helping Crafters of Tennessee produce instruments banjo pickers say sound more true to their heritage. The key is in the banjo tone ring that recreates the distinctive sound of pre-World War II banjos. As Crafters of Tennessee's Mark Taylor puts it, "The new tone ring creates a really pure note that's as clear as a piano -- without overtones." [Contact: Sam Hart]
COMPUTING -- Perfect memory
Lightning and thunder need not cause anxiety in computer users just waiting for that inevitable power outage that wipes out their data. Computers may soon feature a new memory system that can survive power interruptions. Instead of conventional memory, which stores information as a tiny electrical charge, the new system stores information according to the direction of the magnetization in tiny magnetic cells. The system can also survive ionizing radiation, making it ideal for military and space applications. [Contact: Bill Butler]
ENVIRONMENT -- New spin on laundry
Water is mighty scarce in Bern, Kan., so it's a good place to tout the benefits of high-efficiency washing machines. The citizens of Bern are field-testing 100 new water- and energy-saving Maytag washers in a program coordinated by Oak Ridge National Laboratory to help promote their use. Next month Bern will observe a festive event called "Superwash Saturday." The goal of the event and the Department of Energy's Energy Star Partnership Program is to convince the washing machine market -- essentially all U.S. households -- that the extra investment in the high-efficiency washers will pay off in savings, especially where water is precious. [Contact: John Tomlinson]
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