Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has released a new video that showcases its significant scientific achievements from its founding during the Manhattan Project to current research initiatives.
Established in 1945, LANL played a key role in developing the first nuclear bomb, which marked the beginning of the nuclear era. Since then, the laboratory has become known for advancements in high-performance computing and the development of algorithms for complex simulations.
Researchers at LANL have contributed to several fields, including fusion energy, hydrogen bomb development, and quantum science. The laboratory began its quantum research in the 1980s and continues to work on quantum dots, materials, and information science.
The lab has also made progress in dynamic imaging, materials science, and advanced manufacturing. As a national center for plutonium research, LANL develops power sources used in space exploration and produces plutonium pits important for national security. Nuclear science remains central to its mission.
In addition to nuclear research, LANL scientists have worked on energy technologies such as reactor design, fuel cells, fire modeling, remote sensing applications, and Earth system science. Their contributions extend to biological sciences through projects like flow cytometry and involvement with the Human Genome Project. More recently, researchers supported urgent studies related to SARS-CoV-2.
Space science is another area where LANL has been active; it has participated in over 240 missions and developed more than 1,400 instruments. The laboratory’s expertise with high explosives supports national defense efforts by helping maintain a reliable nuclear deterrent.
The video aims to highlight how Los Alamos National Laboratory continues its tradition of innovation across multiple scientific disciplines.
