Discover Magazine honors landmine detector, cellular research

NEW YORK - Discover Magazine and the Christopher Columbus Foundation recognized scientists at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in a ceremony today for developing two innovative technologies that address vital health and humanitarian issues.

PNNL scientists won two of the nine 2001 Discover Magazine Innovation Awards given this year. From the basic science side of the laboratory, physicist Robert Wind accepted the top honor in Discover's Health category for inventing a combined optical and magnetic resonance microscope that has potential for improving the detection and diagnosis of diseased cells and in evaluating a patient's response to therapy. Also, as part of the awards program, the foundation granted PNNL physicist Richard A. Craig a $100,000 fellowship for development of the Timed Neutron Detector, which quickly and inexpensively locates metal and plastic landmines.

The 2001 Discover Awards, which the foundation sponsored, were presented today during a ceremony at the Manhattan Center in New York City.

"Using different approaches, both of these scientists have pursued the common goal to put science and technology to work for the betterment of society," said Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham. "Their research ranges from a tiny component of every human being - the cell - to an international issue that impacts millions of global citizens - the proliferation of landmines. We're proud of their groundbreaking work."

This is the 12th year the magazine has recognized top technological innovations in science and technology. For more information on the awards, go to http://www.discover.com. Both PNNL winners will be featured in Discover's July 2001 issue.

Congress established the Christopher Columbus Foundation in 1992 to "encourage and support research, study and labor designed to produce new discoveries in all fields of endeavor for the benefit of mankind." It chooses a fellowship recipient each year from among entries to the Discover Awards. Business inquiries on these or other PNNL technologies should be directed to 1-888-375-PNNL or e-mail: [email protected].

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is a DOE research facility and delivers breakthrough science and technology in the areas of environment, energy, health, fundamental science and national security. Battelle, based in Columbus, Ohio, has operated the laboratory for DOE since 1965.

Additional Contact:
Staci Maloof
509-372-6313
[email protected]

NOTE: Backgrounders on each of the technologies are available at: www.pnl.gov/news/2001/01-21.htm