Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Argonne National Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory, continues to advance our understanding of the natural world through cutting-edge tools and facilities. Among its many strengths, Argonne is a global leader in using high-powered X-rays to study materials and biological systems at incredibly small scales.
Understanding how microbes behave in complex environments is key to addressing challenges in energy and human health. But, because these organisms operate at microscopic scales, it can be difficult to observe their structure and activity in detail using conventional techniques.
To uncover these hidden processes, scientists at Argonne use the Advanced Photon Source, a powerful X-ray facility that allows researchers to study materials and organisms at the atomic and molecular level. Molecular Environmental Science Group leader Kenneth M. Kemner uses these tools to investigate how bacteria interact with their surroundings—revealing insights that could help scientists harness microbes to break down contaminants and improve the world around us.
Inspired by the spirit of discovery seen in stories like Project Hail Mary, this work highlights how real-world science is pushing the boundaries of what we can observe and understand. By illuminating the inner workings of microbial systems, researchers are opening new pathways for innovation in fields ranging from sustainability to biotechnology.
Watch the video to explore how Argonne scientists are shedding light on the unseen world of microbes—and how these tiny organisms could have a big impact on our future.
Learn more about Argonne’s Advanced Photon Source ►► aps.anl.gov
Still haven't subscribed to Argonne National Laboratory on YouTube? ►► bit.ly/2Vyzwvm
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ABOUT ARGONNE
Argonne National Laboratory seeks solutions to pressing national problems in science and technology by conducting leading-edge basic and applied research in virtually every scientific discipline. Argonne is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit the Office of Science website.
Argonne National Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory, continues to advance our understanding of the natural world through cutting-edge tools and facilities. Among its many strengths, Argonne is a global leader in using high-powered X-rays to study materials and biological systems at incredibly small scales.
Understanding how microbes behave in complex environments is key to addressing challenges in energy and human health. But, because these organisms operate at microscopic scales, it can be difficult to observe their structure and activity in detail using conventional techniques.
To uncover these hidden processes, scientists at Argonne use the Advanced Photon Source, a powerful X-ray facility that allows researchers to study materials and organisms at the atomic and molecular level. Molecular Environmental Science Group leader Kenneth M. Kemner uses these tools to investigate how bacteria interact with their surroundings—revealing insights that could help scientists harness microbes to break down contaminants and improve the world around us.
Inspired by the spirit of discovery seen in stories like Project Hail Mary, this work highlights how real-world science is pushing the boundaries of what we can observe and understand. By illuminating the inner workings of microbial systems, researchers are opening new pathways for innovation in fields ranging from sustainability to biotechnology.
Watch the video to explore how Argonne scientists are shedding light on the unseen world of microbes—and how these tiny organisms could have a big impact on our future.
Learn more about Argonne’s Advanced Photon Source ►► aps.anl.gov
Still haven't subscribed to Argonne National Laboratory on YouTube? ►► bit.ly/2Vyzwvm
Join us on Facebook: bit.ly/ArgonneFacebook
Follow us on Twitter: bit.ly/ArgonneTwitter
We’re on Instagram! bit.ly/ArgonneInstagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn: bit.ly/ArgonneLinkedIn
ABOUT ARGONNE
Argonne National Laboratory seeks solutions to pressing national problems in science and technology by conducting leading-edge basic and applied research in virtually every scientific discipline. Argonne is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit the Office of Science website.
