Extremophiles are “lovers of extreme conditions,” explains an article titled, “Some Like It Very Hot,” in the “Intelligent Life” insert in the May 12 edition of “The Economist.” Extremophile creatures live in place unavailable to people—1.6 km under the ocean seabed, next to seabed hot vents and in Mexican caves full of hydrogen sulphide.
The Mexican caves are of interest to Diana Northup, a University of New Mexico biology professor. The walls are covered with bacteria Northup calls “slime” that excrete concentrated sulphuric acid that eats he cave walls.
Northup says, “Yes, we were pretty narrow in our thinking. That’s what extremophiles have done for biology. They’ve opened our eyes… if you only think about life in terms of your condition, you can miss a lot of what’s going on in the planet.”
Four others at UNM are considered members of the Slime Team. The website is: www.caveslime.org. “Slime” is an acronym for “Subsurface Life in Mineral Environments.”
Showing posts with label Science. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Science. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Sandia, LANL Win 7 R&D Awards
With seven 2011 R&D 100 Awards between them, Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories continue their place among the nation’s research leaders. The annual awards, considered the Oscars of innovation, are given by R&D Magazine. The awards, announced today, honor the 100 leading technological advances of the year.
People who whine about the lab’s place in New Mexico—“…overdependence on the government…”—must not know about the awards. Or, worse, maybe they don’t care.
Sandia got four awards. LANL got four. I’ll let the respective press releases do the explaining.
Los Alamos National Laboratory:
NanoCluster Beacons: “NanoCluster Beacons are collections of silver atoms designed to illuminate when bound to nucleic acids, such as the DNA of specific pathogens. (T)hese beacons can be used to probe for diseases that threaten humans by identifying the nucleic acid targets that represent a person’s full genome, and allow for personalized medication. They can also be used in quantitative biology applications, such as counting individual molecules inside a cell.”
Revolutionizing Deepwater Oil-Well Drilling:
TAPSS, or Trapped Annular Pressure Shrinking Spacer, is a spacer fluid… to help prevent catastrophes in offshore oil-well drilling. Conventional spacer fluids are placed between oil well casings to secure the well and balance the pressure exerted by the surrounding geological formations. Most of these fluids expand when heated during drilling, causing potential pressure build ups and disastrous oil spills. TAPSS, on the other hand, shrinks when heated and can be used to offset any thermal expansion from the other fluids. TAPSS is formulated with enough methyl methacrylate to counteract the expansion of conventional spacer fluids. This new spacer is not difficult to use, is self-functioning, and requires minimal time to install.”
Thorium Is Now Green:
“Th-ING was developed… as a straightforward, cost-effective, and safe method to produce thorium. Thorium is an element capable of producing more energy than both uranium and coal using significantly lower quantities. This element is only slightly radioactive, making it an excellent candidate for a future sustainable energy source. It is so safe that it will never lead to a nuclear meltdown when used in a nuclear reactor.”
Sandia National Laboratories:
Microresonator Filters and Frequency References: Microresonators are small acoustic resonators that have highly precise sound and are manufactured using the same technologies that mass-produce integrated circuits (IC). Microresonator technology allows hundreds of filters and oscillators operating over a wide (32kHz – 10 GHz) frequency range to be realized on a single IC chip and monolithically integrated with radio frequency (RF) transistor circuits. They will perform RF filtering and frequency synthesis functions in next-generation wireless handsets, cell phones and other wireless devices, offering higher performance and frequency diversity in a smaller package and at a lower price than current technologies.
Ultra-high-voltage Silcon Carbide Thyristor: This DOE Energy Storage Systems project has developed an ultra-high-voltage silicon carbide thyristor. The semiconductor device allows next-generation “smart grid” power electronics system to be built up to 10 times smaller and lighter than current silicon-based technologies. These packaged-power devices are the world’s first commercially available, high-voltage, high-frequency, high-current, high-temperature, single-chip SiC-based thyristors. Their performance advantages are expected to spur innovations in utility-scale power electronics hardware and to increase the accessibility and use of distributed energy resources
Biomimetic Membranes for Water Purification: The new biomimetic membranes purify water through reverse osmosis (RO) technology. The selective, high-flux desalination membranes are formed of self-assembled nanopores tuned (with atomic-layer deposition) to mimic key structural features found in cell membranes. Advances in theoretical modeling were essential for deciphering how biological pore structures selectively remove ions, thereby guiding pore design for efficient new membranes. Nove l synthetic strategies were instrumental in fabricating highly ordered nanoporous membranes with tailor-made pore geometries and interior surfaces.
The Demand Response Inverter. (Jointly submitted this invention with Princeton Power Systems Inc.) The inverter is designed to reduce the levelized cost of energy of photovoltaic (PV) power by being more efficient, more reliable and more cost-effective than currently available inverters in the market. (T)he DRI will provide valuable grid-support functionality that encourages high penetration of PV power systems into the electrical grid and also provide added value for the system owner and local utility. The process (has) reached its commercialization stage
People who whine about the lab’s place in New Mexico—“…overdependence on the government…”—must not know about the awards. Or, worse, maybe they don’t care.
Sandia got four awards. LANL got four. I’ll let the respective press releases do the explaining.
Los Alamos National Laboratory:
NanoCluster Beacons: “NanoCluster Beacons are collections of silver atoms designed to illuminate when bound to nucleic acids, such as the DNA of specific pathogens. (T)hese beacons can be used to probe for diseases that threaten humans by identifying the nucleic acid targets that represent a person’s full genome, and allow for personalized medication. They can also be used in quantitative biology applications, such as counting individual molecules inside a cell.”
Revolutionizing Deepwater Oil-Well Drilling:
TAPSS, or Trapped Annular Pressure Shrinking Spacer, is a spacer fluid… to help prevent catastrophes in offshore oil-well drilling. Conventional spacer fluids are placed between oil well casings to secure the well and balance the pressure exerted by the surrounding geological formations. Most of these fluids expand when heated during drilling, causing potential pressure build ups and disastrous oil spills. TAPSS, on the other hand, shrinks when heated and can be used to offset any thermal expansion from the other fluids. TAPSS is formulated with enough methyl methacrylate to counteract the expansion of conventional spacer fluids. This new spacer is not difficult to use, is self-functioning, and requires minimal time to install.”
Thorium Is Now Green:
“Th-ING was developed… as a straightforward, cost-effective, and safe method to produce thorium. Thorium is an element capable of producing more energy than both uranium and coal using significantly lower quantities. This element is only slightly radioactive, making it an excellent candidate for a future sustainable energy source. It is so safe that it will never lead to a nuclear meltdown when used in a nuclear reactor.”
Sandia National Laboratories:
Microresonator Filters and Frequency References: Microresonators are small acoustic resonators that have highly precise sound and are manufactured using the same technologies that mass-produce integrated circuits (IC). Microresonator technology allows hundreds of filters and oscillators operating over a wide (32kHz – 10 GHz) frequency range to be realized on a single IC chip and monolithically integrated with radio frequency (RF) transistor circuits. They will perform RF filtering and frequency synthesis functions in next-generation wireless handsets, cell phones and other wireless devices, offering higher performance and frequency diversity in a smaller package and at a lower price than current technologies.
Ultra-high-voltage Silcon Carbide Thyristor: This DOE Energy Storage Systems project has developed an ultra-high-voltage silicon carbide thyristor. The semiconductor device allows next-generation “smart grid” power electronics system to be built up to 10 times smaller and lighter than current silicon-based technologies. These packaged-power devices are the world’s first commercially available, high-voltage, high-frequency, high-current, high-temperature, single-chip SiC-based thyristors. Their performance advantages are expected to spur innovations in utility-scale power electronics hardware and to increase the accessibility and use of distributed energy resources
Biomimetic Membranes for Water Purification: The new biomimetic membranes purify water through reverse osmosis (RO) technology. The selective, high-flux desalination membranes are formed of self-assembled nanopores tuned (with atomic-layer deposition) to mimic key structural features found in cell membranes. Advances in theoretical modeling were essential for deciphering how biological pore structures selectively remove ions, thereby guiding pore design for efficient new membranes. Nove l synthetic strategies were instrumental in fabricating highly ordered nanoporous membranes with tailor-made pore geometries and interior surfaces.
The Demand Response Inverter. (Jointly submitted this invention with Princeton Power Systems Inc.) The inverter is designed to reduce the levelized cost of energy of photovoltaic (PV) power by being more efficient, more reliable and more cost-effective than currently available inverters in the market. (T)he DRI will provide valuable grid-support functionality that encourages high penetration of PV power systems into the electrical grid and also provide added value for the system owner and local utility. The process (has) reached its commercialization stage
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Independent Science Programs Expand
Around 350 New Mexico kids will invade the Albuquerque convention center this weekend to build robots from Lego bricks. Here’s what happening, courtesy of the First Lego League website (www.usfirst.org)
Children ages 6 to 9 get to:
• Design and build a challenge-related model using Lego components.
• Create a Show-Me poster and practice presentation skills.
• Explore challenges facing today’s scientists.
• Discover real-world math and science.
Children ages 9 to 14 get to:
• Strategize, design, build, program, and test a robot using Lego Mindstorms technology Create innovative solutions for challenges facing today’s scientists as part of their research project.
• Apply real-world math and science concepts.
• Develop employment and life skills including critical thinking, time management, collaboration, and communication while becoming more self confident.
The activity is built around what First Lego jargon calls “a challenge.” The “missions” include “bone repair, rapid blood screening, bionic eyes, nerve mapping, object control through thought, teams will have to program their Lego Mindstorms robots to explore the growing questions around how to repair injuries, overcome genetic predispositions, and maximize the body’s potential.”
The kids’ activity also is supposed to result in a bunch of touchy-feely stuff I won’t bore you with. But the point is we have New Mexico children doing real science, activity critical to the future of the state and the nation.
Another expanding science program—now up to 30 schools—is the Santa Fe Institute’s Project GUTS: Growing Up Thinking Scientifically. See the 2009 SFI Bulletin (http://www.santafe.edu/bulletin.html).
The GEAR-Tech-21 (Geospatial and Robotics Technologies for the 21st century) (http:/www.geartech21.org) program from the University of Nebraska extension service in Lincoln appeared in New Mexico last year. GEAR-Tech is linked to the First Lego League.
Children ages 6 to 9 get to:
• Design and build a challenge-related model using Lego components.
• Create a Show-Me poster and practice presentation skills.
• Explore challenges facing today’s scientists.
• Discover real-world math and science.
Children ages 9 to 14 get to:
• Strategize, design, build, program, and test a robot using Lego Mindstorms technology Create innovative solutions for challenges facing today’s scientists as part of their research project.
• Apply real-world math and science concepts.
• Develop employment and life skills including critical thinking, time management, collaboration, and communication while becoming more self confident.
The activity is built around what First Lego jargon calls “a challenge.” The “missions” include “bone repair, rapid blood screening, bionic eyes, nerve mapping, object control through thought, teams will have to program their Lego Mindstorms robots to explore the growing questions around how to repair injuries, overcome genetic predispositions, and maximize the body’s potential.”
The kids’ activity also is supposed to result in a bunch of touchy-feely stuff I won’t bore you with. But the point is we have New Mexico children doing real science, activity critical to the future of the state and the nation.
Another expanding science program—now up to 30 schools—is the Santa Fe Institute’s Project GUTS: Growing Up Thinking Scientifically. See the 2009 SFI Bulletin (http://www.santafe.edu/bulletin.html).
The GEAR-Tech-21 (Geospatial and Robotics Technologies for the 21st century) (http:/www.geartech21.org) program from the University of Nebraska extension service in Lincoln appeared in New Mexico last year. GEAR-Tech is linked to the First Lego League.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Our Science / Government Past Is Prologue
At least since World War II, much of New Mexico’s economy has had to do with the federal government. That will continue. The federal government does national defense and what might be called “big science.” They do a lot of this in New Mexico. That’s why whining that “the state is too reliant on federal, state and local government” gets annoying. Besides, the assertion begs the question of just how reliant should we be.
Two items from The Economist Technology Quarterly convey our past and future in science with the feds. See www.economist.com/printedition/index.cfm?d=20101211. You will have to register.
Some of us have heard of Hyperion Power Generation, which came out of Los Alamos National Laboratory. The Economist says, “Hyperion Power Generation, a firm based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is building components for what it calls a “nuclear battery”. The refrigerator-sized Hyperion Power Module (HPM) (small nuclear) reactor will shift much of the building from field to factory, where a controlled environment reduces costs. HPMs would be delivered by truck with enough uranium to run for about ten years. They would be constructed in batches with interchangeable parts and cost about $100m each. And they need little human oversight to operate. Five companies, located in America, Britain, Canada, China and India, have put down deposits for an HPM.”
For 80 years, space and New Mexico have been intertwined. Remember Robert Goddard? Here’s a recent development that not only is the government, it’s the military. The problem is that today’s satellites are large, expensive and slow to put together.
“In 2007 America’s Congress ordered the Department of Defense to establish a body to lead the shift toward quick-build, quick-launch replacements. Later that year the Operationally Responsive Space Office (ORSO) opened at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, staffed with experts from America’s air force, army, marines and navy, a handful of intelligence agencies, and NASA, the space agency. The result, says the office’s director, Peter Wegner, has been an ‘explosion in innovation.’”
Ah, innovation. Right here on the Rio. Done by the government.
Of course, our economic development efforts should focus on the private sector. Equally we need to embrace and celebrate the excellence around us. And not whine about it.
Two items from The Economist Technology Quarterly convey our past and future in science with the feds. See www.economist.com/printedition/index.cfm?d=20101211. You will have to register.
Some of us have heard of Hyperion Power Generation, which came out of Los Alamos National Laboratory. The Economist says, “Hyperion Power Generation, a firm based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is building components for what it calls a “nuclear battery”. The refrigerator-sized Hyperion Power Module (HPM) (small nuclear) reactor will shift much of the building from field to factory, where a controlled environment reduces costs. HPMs would be delivered by truck with enough uranium to run for about ten years. They would be constructed in batches with interchangeable parts and cost about $100m each. And they need little human oversight to operate. Five companies, located in America, Britain, Canada, China and India, have put down deposits for an HPM.”
For 80 years, space and New Mexico have been intertwined. Remember Robert Goddard? Here’s a recent development that not only is the government, it’s the military. The problem is that today’s satellites are large, expensive and slow to put together.
“In 2007 America’s Congress ordered the Department of Defense to establish a body to lead the shift toward quick-build, quick-launch replacements. Later that year the Operationally Responsive Space Office (ORSO) opened at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, staffed with experts from America’s air force, army, marines and navy, a handful of intelligence agencies, and NASA, the space agency. The result, says the office’s director, Peter Wegner, has been an ‘explosion in innovation.’”
Ah, innovation. Right here on the Rio. Done by the government.
Of course, our economic development efforts should focus on the private sector. Equally we need to embrace and celebrate the excellence around us. And not whine about it.
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