Quantum Gas Goes Below Absolute Zero
Temperature in a gas can reach below absolute zero thanks to a quirk of quantum physics. Michal Bednarek/Thinkstock
NATURE News:
It may sound less likely than hell freezing over, but physicists have created an atomic gas with a sub-absolute-zero temperature for the first time1.
Their technique opens the door to generating negative-Kelvin materials and new quantum devices, and it could even help to solve a cosmological mystery.
Lord Kelvin defined the absolute temperature scale in the mid-1800s in such a way that nothing could be colder Read More
Luján Appointed Chief Deputy Whip
Ben Ray Luján
U.S. CONGRESSIONAL News:
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District was appointed Chief Deputy Whip today for the 113 Congress by House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer.
“I look forward to this new opportunity to work with Whip Hoyer and assist in House Democrats’ efforts to promote an agenda that creates jobs and opportunities for the American people,” Luján said. “Whip Hoyer’s efforts have led to a unified and strong Democratic Caucus, and I am excited to work closely with my colleagues to build a united front on policies that will lead to a stronger economy Read More
Senators Introduce Rules Resolution to Restore Senate Debate and Accountability
U.S. SENATE News:
NMDOT Distict Five Honors Outstanding Employees
2012 Supervisor of the Year Kenny Gallegos has been directly involved in Los Alamos projects. Courtesy/NMDOT
NMDOT News:
- NMDOT District Five Employees Honored
SANTA FE—NMDOT District Five has selected and honored the following employees for their outstanding achievements and contributions in the fourth quarter of 2012:
- Rick Fernandez, Civil Engineer Technician-Advanced, Chama Project Office, has been named “Employee of the Fourth Quarter.”
- Annette Trujillo, Assistant Supervisor, Pojoaque Project Office, has been named “Supervisor of the Fourth Quarter.”
- Mallery Martinez, Bernadette
Korea Increases Support of NNSA’s Anti-Nuclear Smuggling Efforts
DOE and Korean officials sign a memorandum of understanding in 2010. Courtesy/NNSA News
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and the Republic of Korea announced Wednesday that the Republic of Korea renewed its partnership to combat nuclear smuggling with a $300,000 contribution to support NNSA’s ongoing nonproliferation work in Azerbaijan.
The funding, provided by the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and facilitated by the U.S. Department of State’s Nuclear Smuggling Outreach Initiative (NSOI), will be used for the installation of radiation Read More
Hazardous Fuels Treatment in Forest Begins Jan. 8
SNFN News:
The Santa Fe National Forest Fire Management plans a 20-acre hazardous fuels treatment on the Forest for January and February.
Santa Fe Watershed, Espanola Ranger District:
- Approximately 20 acres of piles are to be treated at any point in time in the Santa Fe Watershed from Tuesday, Jan. 8 through the end of February, if conditions are favorable;
- The pile burn location is approximately six miles east of Santa Fe, one mile east of McClure Reservoir;
- The pile burn is expected to take place while snow is on the ground, which will help keep smoke levels low;
- Smoke from the burning activities
LWVLA’s 2013 Legislative Preview Set for Jan. 9
Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard
LWVLA News:
The League of Women Voters of Los Alamos and the American Association of University Women will hold a legislative preview 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9 at Fuller Lodge.
Refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m. for this event in which the public is invited to participate.
Sen. Carlos Cisneros
New Mexico legislators including Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard and Senators Carlos Cisneros and Richard Martinez have all agreed to attend and share their views on the upcoming session.
Also, Dick Mason of Health Action New Mexico and Marcela Diaz of Somos Un Pueblo Read More
Udall Statement on Senate Fiscal Cliff Vote
Sen. Tom UdallCorrectional Officer Treated for Smoke Inhalation
CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT News:
On Dec. 30, at approximately 4:50 p.m., an inmate housed at the Central New Mexico Correctional Facility, Alternative Placement Area intentionally set a fire in his cell for the purposes of causing himself harm.
The Special Operations Response Team responded immediately to extinguish the fire and rescue the inmate. After the fire was extinguished and the inmate was rescued, the entire pod was evacuated.
One of the team’s first responders was treated and released from an area hospital for smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported.
The inmate was cooperative Read More
NMDOT Saves Taxpayers Millions
NMDOT News:
SANTA FE—The New Mexico Department of Transportation recently saved $32.9 million in taxpayer money that will be returned to road projects over the next four years.
The savings are generated by refinancing bond debt at lower interest costs on the market.
“We went from an average interest rate of 5.02 percent to 1.83 percent, achieving $32.9 million savings by refinancing fixed rate debt of $220.4 million. This is a great deal for the state,” said Marcos Trujillo, Bond Manager for the NMDOT.
Standard and Poor’s rating agency upgraded the NMDOT bond rating to AAA based on the Read More
