Environmental preservation and cleanup. In the area of phytoremediation, Argonne researchers are using green plants to clean up contaminated soil, groundwater, and waste water. Computer scientists use powerful bioinformatics techniques and extensive databases on protein structure and function to help preserve natural resources. New understanding gained in proteomics research, which seeks to define the function and expression of all proteins encoded by a given genome, may lead to the development of designer organisms for restoring sites blighted by acidity, radiation, and toxic chemicals. Detection of pollutants and toxic substances.
Biochips have applications in detecting toxic chemicals, identifying diseases, and fighting crime.
The technology is also expected to serve biodefense goals, rapidly and accurately detecting chemical warfare agents in the field. New methods of medical diagnosis and treatment. Biomedical researchers at the Laboratory are studying the biomolecular basis of cell behavior to better understand how to combat cancer tumors, destroy leukemia cells, and inhibit the growth of malignancies. Biochip technology can greatly speed up biochemical tests and immunoassays, significantly advancing clinical diagnostics. Argonne's interactive bioinformatics databases, which make possible the rapid analysis of genomic data and reconstruction of metabolic pathways, also contribute to fighting disease.