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On Air: Federal News Network
Federal Insights
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Telework\'s beginning as an emergency response has a happy ending.
June 17, 2010 -
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Without knowing exactly why, scientists have long observed that people who regularly take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin have lower incidences of certain types of cancer. Now, in a study appearing in Cancer Cell magazine, investigators at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute and their colleagues have figured out how one such drug, called Sulindac, inhibits the growth of tumors. The study reveals that the drug shuts down cancer cell growth, and initiates the death of cells by binding to a nuclear receptor, that can then turn genes on or off. Sulindac is currently prescribed for the treatment of pain and fever, and to help relieve symptoms of arthritis. The current study demonstrates a new application as a potential anti-cancer treatment that targets certain kinds of tumors.
June 17, 2010 -
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The Environmental Protection Agency has completed air quality testing outside of 63 schools in 22 states as well as at two tribal schools. The testing was done as part of an unprecedented school air monitoring initiative announced last year to protect children from toxic air pollution around schools. Air samplers using microprocessors and \"Intelligent Air Pump\"s were used to trap Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds, hexavalent chromium, and other airborne toxins while a Climatronics Sonimometer™ was used to measure wind speeds and direction. EPA experts will now analyze the data to understand whether air quality at these schools poses long-term health concerns for children. The agency has posted preliminary data to its Web site throughout the project to make public the levels of the 62 air toxins the monitors are checking.
June 17, 2010 -
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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has launched a federal Web site meant to answer questions about the response to the B-P Gulf oil spill. Agency officials say it\'s designed as a one-stop shop for detailed near-real-time information about the response to the Deepwater Horizon incident, incorporating data from the various agencies that are working together to tackle the spill. Originally designed for responders, who make operational decisions regarding the disaster, the web site integrates the latest data on the oil spill\'s trajectory, fishery closed areas, wildlife and Gulf Coast resources into one customizable interactive map. The web site is http://www.GeoPlatform.gov/gulfresponse.
June 17, 2010 -
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The federal administration is looking for ways to improve contracting with small businesses - in particular through the use of innovative strategies and technologies - and they want the public\'s input on how it might be done. In an April Memo, President Obama established an interagency task force to improve agency contracting with small businesses. In addition to the creation of a Web site - that tracks agency progress in meeting small business goals - the President highlighted the importance of contracting with businesses owned by minorities, the socially and economically disadvantaged, and disabled veterans. Public input can be given in person at a meeting to held on June 28th in Washington\'s Commerce auditorium, or submitted via email by June 30th. The task force report is due out by the end of August.
June 17, 2010 -
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The federal Flow Rate Technical Group, a scientific team led by Secretary of Energy Steven Chu has been bringing together several scientific methodologies to develop updated estimates of how much oil is flowing from BP\'s leaking oil well in the Gulf of Mexico. The updated estimate, which will bring together the ongoing work of scientists and engineers from the federal government, as well as universities, and research institutions, will be of how much oil has been flowing since the riser was cut on June 3rd. Three of the teams analyzed broad sets of technical data from the air, on the surface and coast, and under water, and plugged the bits and pieces into computer models in order to formulate their revised estimates. There\'s a web site to learn more about the response effort. It\'s www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com.
June 17, 2010 -
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Cornell University researchers recently stretched individual molecules and watched electrons flow through them, proving that single-molecule devices can be used as powerful new tools for nanoscale science experiments. The work resulted in the first precision tests of a phenomenon known as the under screened Kondo effect. It shows that single-molecule devices can be very useful as scientific tools to study a phenomenon that has never before been accessible. The research was supported by the National Science Foundation\'s Division of Materials Research and presents a powerful new tool for nanoscale science experiments. Using a cobalt-based complex cooled to extremely low temperatures, Ralph, Parks and an international team of researchers watched electrons move through single molecules and accomplished a feat that until now escaped chemists and physicists. They were able to study the resistance of the flow of electricity within a system\'s electric field as the temperature approached absolute zero.
June 17, 2010 -
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Chinese leaders may be willing to realign some of their weapons and ease tensions with Taiwan. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Dianne Feinstein, who visited China and Taiwan earlier made the comments during a Senate hearing. The move may have been coated with hopes that the U.S. suspend or abandon future weapons sales to Taiwan. China broke of military to military talks with the U.S. after the Obama administration announced plans to sell Taiwan up to $6.4 billion in arms.
June 17, 2010 -
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The North America Aerospace Defense Command and the Russian Air Force plan to conduct a cooperative air defense exercise focused on combating terrorism. This exercise will take place in Russian and U.S. airspace and include Western Alaska and Eastern Russia in early August 2010. The scenario will involve both Russian and U.S. aircraft monitoring an international flight seized by terrorists.
June 16, 2010 -
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In spite of the billions of dollars the U.S. government has provided Iraq to train it\'s military forces, there is evidence still of deep concern about whether they can do it. The State Department is reportedly putting together a diplomatic protection force to take the place of the U.S. military once they leave the country next year. Department officials are asking the Pentagon to provide heavy military gear, including Black Hawk helicopters, and say they will also need substantial support from private contractors.
June 16, 2010 -
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A new online platform from the General Services Administration is helping federal agencies generate creative ideas for improving government while also improving openness and transparency, a White House directive. GSA officials say the Innovation Challenges Platform provides agencies with a way to lower the barriers for government\'s use of prizes and challenges by providing a platform at no cost that simplifies the public engagement process for both agencies and the public. It allows the public to suggest and discuss solutions to government problems. The platform is currently being used for AppsforHealthyKids.com. Director of new media and citizen engagement at the agency Bev Godwin says, there are a lot of different benefits that agencies can derive from such challenges, one of the most important being that they only pay for the solution.
June 15, 2010 -
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Researchers with the National Science Foundation have developed a new tool for efficiently removing blood clots in the brain, the leading cause of strokes. The tool overcomes limitations in current emergency stroke treatments, potentially extending the time for a victim to get help. Engineered with support from the Foundation\'s Small Business Innovation Research program, Insera Therapeutics of California, developed the Stroke Help using an Transcatheter Retrieval device. It contains two primary components; an outer sheath for containing captured clots and an inner filament that houses the collapsible, five-millimeter-diameter, nickel-titanium mesh that grabs and filters the clots. The technology can be custom-fit for patients. Researchers say, such strokes are the leading cause of long-term disability in the U.S.
June 15, 2010 -
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Canadian Police are looking for a man who illegally bought enough ammonium nitrate to make a large bomb. There is significant concern about the purchase, because Canada is hosting the Group of Eight summit and the G20 later this month. Police found out about it after they were notified by a farm supply store in Canada. The man was described by police as being in his 50s or 60s, with brown, unkempt hair and missing fingers on his right hand.
June 14, 2010 -
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention take home a Tele-Vision Award.
June 14, 2010
