Bureau of Reclamation Selects Winners of Prize Competition Seeking Methods to Quantify Drift Invertebrates in River and Estuary Systems

Washington, DC - Quantifying the vital food supply for threatened and endangered fish has been complicated for scientists. But that may be changing. Through a Bureau of Reclamation prize competition, five ideas were selected that have merit and may lead to breakthroughs quantifying the drift invertebrates in river and estuary systems.

Marking the 7th Anniversary of the Murder of Nataliya Estemirova

Washington, DC - Today we mark with sadness the seventh anniversary of the death of human-rights defender and journalist Nataliya Estemirova, who was abducted and killed in the North Caucasus region of Russia. Her killers remain at large. Moreover, the abuses that she investigated – kidnappings, torture, and extra-judicial killings – continue with impunity in Chechnya. Across Russia, we see a pattern of attempts to intimidate and harm independent journalists, and members of the political opposition and civil society.

United States Concerned Over Escalating Press Intimidation in Lesotho

Washington, DC - The United States is deeply concerned about increasing pressure on the media in Lesotho, particularly noting the July 9 shooting of Lesotho Times/Sunday Express Editor Lloyd Mutungamiri. Journalists in Lesotho have expressed concern for their safety in the current climate of harassment and intimidation.

Full-filling Approach to Making Carbon Nanotubes of Consistent Quality

Washington, DC - Just as many of us might be resigned to clogged salt shakers or rush-hour traffic, those working to exploit the special properties of carbon nanotubes have typically shrugged their shoulders when these tiniest of cylinders fill with water during processing. But for nanotube practitioners who have reached their Popeye threshold and “can’t stands no more,” the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has devised a cheap, quick and effective strategy that reliably enhances the quality and consistency of the materials—important for using them effectively in applications such as new computing technologies.

President Obama’s Call with Secretary John Kerry

Washington, DC - The President spoke tonight by phone with Secretary of State John Kerry to discuss the events in Turkey. The President and Secretary agreed that all parties in Turkey should support the democratically-elected Government of Turkey, show restraint, and avoid any violence or bloodshed.