Argonne, Ill. – When trying to design a mechanical system to last as long as possible, scientists and engineers have to find ways of overcoming friction.

Four innovative technologies have won 2013 R&D 100 Awards, regarded as the ​“Oscars of invention,” for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory.

Sometimes, all it takes is an extremely small amount of material to make a big difference.     

While diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, they’re also well-loved by scientists working to enhance the performance of electronic devices.