Friday, June 26, 2015



Supercomputing flow of carbon emissions in deep oceans

A three-dimensional spatial structure of mixing in an idealized ocean simulation, LANL image.

A new computer model developed by scientists at LANL increases global climate simulation accuracy through a better representation of the vast eddies that swirl across hundreds of miles of open ocean.

"The model enables us to study the important processes of ocean storms, which move heat and carbon from the atmosphere into the deep ocean,” said Todd Ringler, who leads the Accelerated Climate Model for Energy (ACME) ocean science team at Los Alamos. “This happens very slowly, but over the next 1,000 years, much of the fossil fuel carbon emissions will end up in the deep ocean; ocean eddies make that happen.” (Full Story)



Organs the size of a smartphone screen

Prototype ATHENA device, LANL image.          

National laboratory and university researchers are honing the software and analytics capabilities of a surrogate human, of sorts, that will be able to step into the testing process for new drugs.

The Advanced Tissue-engineered Human Ectypal Network Analyzer (ATHENA) project has created interconnected, surrogate human organs, researchers said in a new video. The system could revolutionize the way biologists and medical personnel screen new drugs or toxic agents, according to a statement from Los Alamos National Laboratory. (Full Story)



Veteran spacecraft reaches 60,000th lap around Mars, no pit stops


Gale Crater, from the THEMIS camera on the Mars Odyssey orbiter. NASA image.

NASA’s Mars Odyssey spacecraft reached a major milestone today when it completed its 60,000th orbit  since arriving at the Red Planet in 2001.

Odyssey’s three-instrument Gamma Ray Spectrometer (GRS) suite detected significant amount of hydrogen on the planet — interpreted as water ice hidden beneath the surface.

Two GRS instruments are still active: the neutron spectrometer from Los Alamos National Laboratory and the high-energy neutron detector from the Russian Space Research Institute. (Full Story)



Los Alamos National Laboratory names new leadership

Craig Leasure, left, and Bob Webster, LANL image.

Laboratory Director Charlie McMillan announced today that after nationwide searches, Robert (Bob) Webster has been selected to be the Laboratory’s next PADWP, and Craig Leasure has been selected as the new PADOPS.

"Webster is a 26-year veteran of the Weapons Program here at Los Alamos and a national leader in Stockpile Stewardship,” McMillan said. “He brings a clear vision for mission-science integration, insights on tackling key challenges, and strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders that are critical to sustaining our mission vitality.”

“Leasure has an extensive understanding of the breadth and depth of the Laboratory and the intersections of mission, science and operations,” McMillan said. “His work during the past two years as acting principal associate director for Weapons Programs adds to his extensive portfolio of experience.  I value his leadership as we take our operations to the next level." (Full Story)




Update focuses on partnerships

McMillan at the breakfast, LANL image.           

Kim Davis Lebak, manager of the Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration Los Alamos Field Office praised LANL’s investment in the Community Commitment Plan.

“LANL has gone well beyond what’s required, and we’re appreciative of the lab’s active engagement and community and strategic partnerships.”

Laboratory Director Charlie McMillan touched upon partnerships with various scientific communities, the unions and the business community, but emphasized the importance of educational partnerships at this time. (Full Story)


To subscribe to Los Alamos Report, e-mail listmanager@lanl.gov and include the words subscribe losalamosreport in the body of your email message; to unsubscribe, include unsubscribe losalamosreport.


Please visit us at www.lanl.gov