24 May 2013
Today's Categories: PNNL in the News / Hanford Site / DOE around the U.S. / Energy/Science Policy / National/International Science and Technology / Workforce - Health and Safety / Other /

PNNL in the News
Scientists determine activation barrier in ammonia-sulfuric acid clusters that could lead to cloud formation
Ammonia must overcome an energy barrier to join sulfuric acid and water to create clusters that can lead to cloud formation, according to scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the University of Delaware. (http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/ja3124509)
PHYS ORG24 May 2013
GREEN BUILDINGS: Supporters of efficiency measure fear amendment backed by chemicals group could be fatal 'Trojan horse
The U.S. Green Building Council is ramping up efforts to defend its landmark Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification from an amendment it expects to be offered to the pending efficiency bill from Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio). ... LEED defenders touted the program's record, pointing out its use on more than 1,000 federal projects and highlighting a Pacific Northwest National Laboratory study, which found that GSA's LEED-certified buildings save an average of 27 percent off their energy bills.
E&E PUBLISHING, LLC23 May 2013
PNNL workers assisting in Oklahoma
The two-mile wide path of the tornado through Moore, Okla., looked like a garbage disposal had been at work, grinding up houses, said Jim Spracklen of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, in a phone call from near the disaster area Thursday. He's one of four PNNL and Hanford Mission Support Alliance workers providing emergency support to the disaster area as part of the Department of Energy's energy response team.
Tri-City Herald (may require paid subscription)23 May 2013

Hanford Site
Energy secretary says Hanford cleanup is moral obligation
The Department of Energy has a moral and legal obligation to clean up Hanford, Ernest Moniz told DOE employees on his second day as energy secretary.
Tri-City Herald (may require paid subscription)23 May 2013
Plan for leaking Hanford tank promised by June 14
KING 5 has learned that the U.S. Dept. of Energy committed itself to a June 14 deadline to deliver a plan explaining how it will pump out a leaking double-shell tank at the Hanford Site containing highly radioactive waste. That plan, DOE said, is likely to be limited to increased monitoring for the time being while additional studies of the tank's condition are completed.
KING5.com23 May 2013

DOE around the U.S.
National Laboratory Begins Pumping Tests on Chromium Plume
LOS ALAMOS, N.M. - Los Alamos National Laboratory will begin pumping tests this summer at two groundwater monitoring wells located on Lab property within a chromium plume in the regional aquifer. The purpose of the pumping tests is to refine understanding of the plume properties within the regional aquifer and evaluate the potential for large-scale pumping to remove chromium. Chromium concentrations in the plume exceed state and federal standards for groundwater.
Lab Manager22 May 2013

Energy/Science Policy
Transdisciplinary Collaboration: The Future of U.S. Research
An early May report from the Advancing Research in Science and Engineering (ARISE) committee suggests a revolutionary change in the way that science and engineering data is researched in the United States: a switch to full collaboration between multiple fields. (http://www.amacad.org/arise2.pdf)
BusinessAdministration Information23 May 2013

National/International Science and Technology
Atomic-Scale Investigations Solve Key Puzzle of LED Efficiency
Upton, NY - MIT and Brookhaven Lab scientists use electron microscopy imaging techniques to settle a solid-state controversy and raise new experimental possibilities. (http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4807122)
Lab Manager24 May 2013
Improving the Way We Harvest & Deliver Biofuels Crops
Collecting feedstock to convert into biofuels - from harvesting and packaging, to loading and transporting - can be complex and costly. To better streamline the process, the Energy Department competitively awarded grants to five companies aimed at overhauling the feedstock logistics process.
ENERGY.GOV24 May 2013
Scientists growing new crystals to make LED lights useful for office, home
When it comes to offering warm yet visually efficient lighting, LEDs have a long way to go. But scientists with the University of Georgia and Oak Ridge and Argonne national laboratories are looking at a new family of crystals they say glow different colors and hold the key for letting white LED light shine in homes and offices as well as natural sunlight.
NETWORKWORLD23 May 2013
Physicists Create Quantum Link Between Photons That Don't Exist at the Same Time
Physicists have long known that quantum mechanics allows for a subtle connection between quantum particles called entanglement, in which measuring one particle can instantly set the otherwise uncertain condition, or "state," of another particle - even if it's light years away. Now, experimenters in Israel have shown that they can entangle two photons that don't even exist at the same time. (http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.110.210403)
Science NOW22 May 2013

Workforce - Health and Safety
Study: Company CEOs Very Poor At Dealing With Employees
WASHINGTON - A new study finds that company CEOs have poor people management and have difficulty engaging their board and co-workers in even the most basic ways. ... The survey asked company boards and CEOs about the weighting they give to various aspects of CEO performance. ... The premium given to personnel's performance was incredibly low, with "succession planning" getting just a 5 percent rating and "workplace safety" receiving just 2 percent.
CBS DC24 May 2013
Training Is the Key to Effective Wellness Programs
Many employers turn to wellness programs to manage healthcare costs and improve employee productivity. However, recent research shows that educating employees about the programs is critical to their success.
Safety Daily Advisor17 May 2013
CDC Says Cell Phone 'Fatal Distraction' for Drivers
Your company has rules about employees talking on their phones and texting while driving, but are they following them?
Safety Daily Advisor15 May 2013

Other
DEEP Offers Tips for Environmentally Friendly Summer Celebrations
Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is reminding residents and visitors of ways to enjoy outdoor celebrations this summer in an environmentally friendly manner. DEEP offers the following tips on how to have an environmentally-friendly backyard barbeque, graduation ceremony, wedding, or when enjoying the outdoors with family and friends.
Stamfordplus24 May 2013
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