Highlights

Dedicated Optical Networks Transforming Computational Science and Collaboration

September 2008
Collaborative visualization of large-scale datasets across geographically distributed sites is becoming increasingly important for many science domains ranging from biology to the subsurface. Not only does it enhance our understanding of these systems, but also enables near-real-time scientific data acquisition and exploration across distant locations. While such a collaborative environment is feasible with advanced optical networks and resource sharing, many technical challenges remain, according to Dr. Larry Smarr, the invited speaker of PNNL's "Frontiers in Computational & Information Sciences Lecture Series" held August 25. The lecture series features invited speakers from industry and government to discuss innovations and advancements in the computer sciences.  Watch his presentation.

New Institute Aims to Outpace Climate Change

September 2008
The two institutions are working together to tackle the role of aerosols in climate change, specifically, how aerosols from pollution, oceans, and wildfires contribute to shifting weather. Co-directing the institute are PNNL's Dr. Charlette Geffen and UC San Diego's Dr. Kim Prather. Geffen directs PNNL's Atmospheric Sciences and Global Change Division in Richland, Wash. Prather holds appointments in both the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego.