Science

LANL: New Technology Improves Space Weather Monitoring

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The Compact Space Plasma Analyzer will improve space weather prediction. Courtesy/LANL

LANL News:

Peaceful though it may seem from Earth, space is beset by “weather” that can prove perilous for the sensitive — and expensive — technology aboard the spacecraft and satellites increasingly populating the realms outside our atmosphere. To meet that challenge, Los Alamos National Laboratory researchers have developed the Compact Space Plasma Analyzer, a small and cost-efficient space sensor capable of measuring space weather, which will help protect technology in orbit.

“Space weather, Read More

Los Alamos National Laboratory Team Is Developing Technology To Provide Fast, In-Field Actinide Measurements

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In-field alpha spectroscopy has great potential for nuclear emergency response. Courtesy/LANL

LANL News:

A research team at Los Alamos National Laboratory is developing a new technology called the Non-destructive Alpha Spectrometer, or NDAlpha, which is the first field-deployable alpha spectrometer that is capable of “point and shoot” measurements of nuclear material or contaminated surfaces.

One of the key signatures of a nuclear accident is the release of alpha-emitting radionuclides such as plutonium.

“Alpha spectroscopy is exquisitely sensitive to these signatures, but normally Read More

Artificial Intelligence Helps Explore Chemistry Frontiers

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A Los Alamos-led team has developed machine learning interatomic potentials that enable time- and expense-saving simulations, a powerful tool for everything from drug design to materials discovery. Courtesy/LANL

In this workflow, nanoreactor simulations automatically sample reactive chemical space without relying on human intuition. The nanoreactor is a special class of atomistic simulations in which chemical reactions are induced by colliding molecules at high velocities. Active learning utilizes the machine learning potential, ANI-1xnr, to drive the nanoreactor dynamics Read More

No Totality, No Problem – New Mexico Museum Of Natural History & Science Hosts Series Of Events For Eclipse April 8

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Courtrsy/NMMNHS

NMMNHS News:

For the second time in less than six months, a solar eclipse will be visible overhead in New Mexico. The Land of Enchantment isn’t in the path of totality for the solar eclipse April 8, so the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science (NMMNHS) is hosting a series of events designed to help visitors better understand and view the partial eclipse across the state.

Starting this evening (Thursday, March 21), the museum’s Space Science educators and scientists will present a series of talks before the moon passes in front of the sun for a solar eclipse April 8. The Read More

YMCA Partners With LAPS To Provide Spring Break Camp

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Scene of a previous Spring Break Camp activity at Aspen Elementary School. Courtesy/YMCA

Scene of a previous Spring Break Camp with art/creativity activities at The Family YMCA. Courtesy/YMCA

Y News:

During the conference days and upcoming spring break, The Family YMCA has partnered up with Los Alamos Public Schools to provide Spring Break Camp with free childcare for families within the local school district.

This is a great collaboration with Y staff, LAPS staff and Los Alamos High School student interns to ensure the camp is a success.

Youth engage in many activities throughout the day Read More

National Museum Of Nuclear Science & History To Host Discovery After Dark Adult STEM Night In Albuquerque

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Join NMNHS April 12 for ‘Discovery After Dark’, a science-powered party for guests 21+. Courtesy/NMNHS

NMNHS News:

ALBUQUERQUE — The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History (NMNHS) will host a science-powered party at the museum Friday, April 12. Discovery After Dark will give guests 21+ an opportunity to explore the museum and enjoy hands-on experiments ranging from making slime to liquid nitrogen ice cream.

Visitors will enjoy the museum’s thought-provoking exhibits and participate in hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math fun. A live DJ and food and beverage Read More

Outstanding STEM Student Award Winners Honored At Nuclear Museum’s Einstein Gala

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Will Boone, Bosque School

NMNSH News:

The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, a congressionally chartered, Smithsonian-affiliated Museum recognized Holly Steen, a junior at Eldorado High School, and Will Boone, a senior at Bosque School for their submitted essays on their connection to science, technology, and engineering and mathematics.

The students were recognized at the Museum’s Einstein Gala held March 16, 2024.

“Both Holly and Will are exemplary models of students focused on STEM studies and careers,” said Jennifer Hayden, President and CEO at the National Museum Read More

Books For Cosmic Frontiers Available Now At Samizdat

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New Mexico Consortium News:

The New Mexico Consortium is hosting Cosmic Frontiers: Stephen Hawking & The Universe, a two-day event April 27-28, 2024, centered around scientist Stephen Hawking, cosmology, and astrophysics. Many of the speakers that are coming to Los Alamos to participate in the event have recently authored books.  The NMC is pleased to coordinate a special book sale at Samizdat Bookstore and a book signing event during the Cosmic Frontiers weekend.

Patrons can purchase books now at Samizdat bookstore or they will be available to purchase at the event in the SALA lobby Read More

Los Alamos-based UbiQD’s Quantum Dot Greenhouse Technology Wins 2024 SXSW Innovation Award And U.S. Department of Agriculture SBIR Grant

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UbiQD CEO Dr. Hunter McDaniel, left, and Chief Product Officer Dr. Matt Bergren accepting their award at the  25th Annual SXSW Innovation Awards competition. Courtesy/UbiQD

UbiQD, Inc. was named winner in the What the Future (WTF) category of the prestigious 25th Annual SXSW Innovation Awards competition. Courtesy/UbiQD

UbiQD News:

  • On the heels of being recognized at South by Southwest 2024 in Austin, the company was awarded a grant from the USDA to develop a new glass-based version of its QD greenhouse technology.

UbiQD, Inc., the New Mexico-based leader in quantum dot (QD) technology Read More

Amateur Naturalist: Springtime Clusters

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Red colored clusters of flowers are emerging from a stem. Photo by Robert Dryja

By ROBERT DRYJA
Los Alamos

March could be called the springtime clustering month. Both plants and animals begin to appear in different kinds of clusters as the weather begins to become warmer. A flower may emerge on tree branch as part of a group that grows close together. Picture 1 shows several clusters of red-colored flowers emerging on a tree stem. Pollen bearing anthers appear as red-colored stems coming out of orange colored sepals. What looks like a single flower at a distance is actually several small flowers Read More