Dr. David Ramaker and his research group at The George Washington University have developed a new technique called Delta X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (delta XANES). The new technique provides information that enables us to understand why some catalysts in fuel cells work better than others, why some get poisoned more than others, and why some age (deteriorate) more than others. Many problems still exist with modern day fuel cells, but this research and other techniques are shedding light on new catalysts that hopefully will alleviate these problems.