Chris Clark

New Algorithm Mimics Electrosensing In Fish

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Weakly electric fish are specially adapted to traverse obscured waters without relying on vision; instead, they sense their environment via electric fields. Courtesy/SIAM

SIAM News:

While humans may struggle to navigate a murky, turbid underwater environment, weakly electric fish can do so with ease. These aquatic animals are specially adapted to traverse obscured waters without relying on vision; instead, they sense their environment via electric fields.

Now, researchers are attempting to adapt these electrosensing techniques to improve underwater robotics.

Scientists have Read More

NMAA Esports Adds FIFA 21, Madden NFL 21 To Line-Up

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NMAA Executive Director Sally Marquez

NMAA News:

ALBUQUERQUE — The New Mexico Activities Association, in partnership with the NFHS Network and PlayVS, will be expanding the game titles offered for the 2021 Esports Season to include FIFA 21 and Madden NFL 21.

Previously, the NMAA Esports line-up included only League of Legends, Rocket League and SMITE.

Two of the most popular sports titles in the world, FIFA and Madden, boast real professional football and soccer players on their actual professional teams.

NFHS Network Vice President Mark Koski

EA’s long-running sport simulation franchises Read More

Amateur Naturalist: Eroded Rock, Grinding Stone, Or Sacred Stone?

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By ROBERT DRYJA
Los Alamos

Rocks of all shapes and sizes can seen while exploring the slopes of the Jemez Mountains. But some create puzzles when looked at closely.

Consider a slope rising gently through a wooded landscape toward a mountain peak. The trees are spread apart and the grass is short as a result of the shade.

It is easy to see relatively small boulders that are two to three feet across, have relatively flat surfaces and are grey in color. A different appearing boulder then appears, (Picture A).

Picture A: How did this pattern of holes develop in the boulder? Photo by Robert Dryja

This particular Read More

Conchas Lake State Park Closes Boat Ramps For Safety

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NMSP News:

SANTA FE — Conchas Lake State Park has closed access to all boat ramps due to dropping water levels, resulting in safety concerns and to prevent property damage during launching and loading of boats.

Low precipitation and above average temperatures have resulted in extremely low water levels at several state park lakes causing boat access ramps to be closed.

State Parks is using this opportunity to rehabilitate and improve on the existing ramp.

The south boat ramp, which is operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, is still open at this time. Boaters are encouraged to check with the Read More

SFNF: Prescribed Pile Burn Planned For Pacheco Canyon

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The previously planned Pacheco Canyon prescribed pile burn on the Española Ranger District may begin as early as next week if forecasted favorable conditions indeed occur. File photo

SFNF News:

SANTA FE — Fire managers on the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) hope to take advantage of favorable conditions, including forecasted snow over the weekend, to implement the previously announced Pacheco Canyon prescribed pile burn on the Española Ranger District as early as next week.

The 106-acre pile burn is part of the larger Pacheco Canyon Forest Resiliency Project, a 2,042-acre forest restoration Read More

Environment Department COVID-19 Watchlist: Jan. 5

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NMED News:

The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) has updated its daily Rapid Response COVID-19 Watchlist, which includes New Mexico places of employment that have had two or more rapid responses in the last 14 days.

There are 71 establishments on the Watchlist.

The current Rapid Response COVID-19 Watchlist and closure list, which includes all establishments that have been required to close, are posted here.

The state initiates a rapid response when it learns of a positive COVID-19 case in a workplace. The state agency initiating the rapid response will offer direction to establishments Read More

New Mexico Environment Department Settles With O’Reilly Auto Parts Store For Endangering Workers During Pandemic

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NMED News:

…NMED also is investigating more than 200 workplace safety complaints related to COVID-19 and 14 workplace-related COVID-19 deaths

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) entered into a settlement agreement with O’Reilly Auto Parts for alleged violations of the state’s public health order and the Occupational Health and Safety Act that resulted in an unsafe workplace at a Santa Fe store.

Under the settlement agreement, O’Reilly Auto Parts will pay $79,200 in penalties.

NMED inspected the O’Reilly Auto Parts store at 4715 Airport Road in Santa Fe July 4, Read More

‘Visit Las Cruces’ Recommends Outlets To Fight Cabin Fever

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Doña Ana Mountains feature 15 miles of mountain biking trails. Courtesy photo

White Sands National Park has hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, picnicking and sledding. Courtesy/VLC

‘Visit Las Cruces’ News:

LAS CRUCES — Outdoor adventure is a way of life in Las Cruces—where wide open spaces and a mild year-round climate provide the perfect setting for people to be active, while staying safe and socially distanced.

“Visit Las Cruces” recommends safe outlets to fight cabin fever, including exploring the Top Socially Distanced Hiking Trails around Las Cruces followed by some authentic Read More

‘Trees For The Future’ Reaches 200 Million Planted Milestone

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TREES News:

SILVER SPRING, Md. — Sustainable agriculture nonprofit “Trees for the Future” (TREES) has planted more than 200 million trees around the world.

Tens of thousands of farmers planted the trees on their own land over the last three decades in conjunction with agroforestry training provided by TREES.

“We are ecstatic to reach this milestone, it’s a memorable step in our mission to create a more sustainable food system while planting trees,” Executive Director John Leary said. “We could not have done this without the hard work and determination of the farmers we serve, the talent and Read More