News from 2024
Microplastics detected in human and canine testicular tissue: Study
By New Mexico Sun | May 15, 2024
Researchers from the University of New Mexico have discovered significant concentrations of microplastics in the testicular tissue of both humans and dogs, raising concerns about potential impacts on reproductive health. The findings were published in a recent paper in the journal Toxicological Sciences by a team led by Xiaozhong “John” Yu, MD, PhD, MPH, a professor at the UNM College of Nursing.
Doña Ana County to observe Memorial Day with office closures
By New Mexico Sun | May 15, 2024
Doña Ana County will be observing the Memorial Day holiday, with most of its offices set to close on Monday, May 27. Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States, dedicated to honoring and mourning U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
UNM law student named 2024 Peggy Browning Fellow
By New Mexico Sun | May 14, 2024
Rachel Swanteson-Franz, a second-year law student at The University of New Mexico School of Law, has been named a 2024 Peggy Browning Fellow. She will spend the upcoming summer working at the New Mexico Center for Law and Poverty.
Sandia National Laboratories hosts STEM day at Cochiti Pueblo
By New Mexico Sun | May 14, 2024
Sandia National Laboratories is set to host a day of learning and exploration focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) at the Cochiti Pueblo. The initiative is part of Sandia's ongoing efforts to inspire Native American youth to pursue further education and careers in STEM fields, potentially leading to future opportunities at Sandia.
Albuquerque's Westside animal shelter to close temporarily for HVAC upgrade
By New Mexico Sun | May 14, 2024
The City of Albuquerque's Animal Welfare Department (AWD) has announced that its Westside shelter admissions and reclaims will be temporarily closed for one day on Monday, May 20. The closure is due to the installation of a new electrical box to support the facility's HVAC system. Normal operations are expected to resume on Tuesday, May 21.
Groundbreaking ceremony announced for new Bureau of Elections Warehouse
By New Mexico Sun | May 14, 2024
The County Clerk's Office has announced a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Bureau of Elections Warehouse. The event is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 23, at 2821 Las Vegas Court in Las Cruces.
Albuquerque announces key promotions within Fire Rescue department
By New Mexico Sun | May 14, 2024
The City of Albuquerque has announced two key promotions within the Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR). Clint Anderson has been appointed as the Deputy Chief of Strategic Planning and Policy, while Jason Garcia will serve as the City’s Fire Marshal. These roles are pivotal in ensuring community safety and maintaining operational efficiency for AFR.
NMSU's Hunt Center partners with Startup Chihuahua for angel investing training
By New Mexico Sun | May 14, 2024
The Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship, situated at New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Center, and Startup Chihuahua have announced a partnership to conduct a series of training sessions on angel investing. These sessions are aimed at members of the Borderplex and Chihuahua City region.
Possible quorum of Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board at Citizen Police Academy
By New Mexico Sun | May 14, 2024
On May 16, 2024, a quorum of the Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board may be present at the Albuquerque Police Academy, located at 5412 2nd Street NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87107. The occasion is the Citizen Police Academy training. However, it is important to note that no board business will be discussed during this event.
3 million NIH grant awarded for improving child communication outcomes
By New Mexico Sun | May 14, 2024
A fruitful collaboration between Cathy Binger, a professor at UNM’s Speech & Hearing Sciences, and Jennifer Kent-Walsh, founder and professor at the University of Central Florida (UCF)’s Assistive Technology Center, is offering hope to families seeking to improve their children's communication skills. The duo has recently been awarded a $3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for their joint Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Labs and related research.
UNM's environmental health and safety department audits occupational safety culture
By New Mexico Sun | May 13, 2024
The University of New Mexico (UNM) is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of everyone on its campus, including students, faculty, staff, and visitors. In a bid to assess and improve the culture of safety, the Environmental Health and Safety department has conducted an audit of occupational safety culture with the assistance of Propulo Consulting.
UNM researchers uncover migration patterns of world's largest hummingbird species
By New Mexico Sun | May 13, 2024
Researchers from the Museum of Southwestern Biology (MSB) at the University of New Mexico (UNM) have revealed the long-distance migration patterns of the giant hummingbird, a discovery that has also led to the identification of a new species. The study, "Extreme elevational migration spurred cryptic speciation in giant hummingbirds," published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, is the result of an eight-year investigation.
Santa Fe County addresses illegal dumping in Valle Vista community meeting
By New Mexico Sun | May 13, 2024
Santa Fe County in New Mexico is set to host a community meeting for the residents of Valle Vista Subdivision (D-5) on Thursday, May 23, 2024. The meeting will take place at the Santa Fe County Public Safety Complex and aims to address concerns related to illegal dumping and the regulation of refuse collection and disposal.
UNM College of Nursing honors outstanding Spring 2024 graduates
By New Mexico Sun | May 13, 2024
The University of New Mexico College of Nursing is celebrating the achievements of its students as the Spring 2024 semester concludes. This year's commencement highlighted the outstanding students from the College who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and innovation in nursing education and scholarship.
Albuquerque Balloon Museum joins Blue Star Museums initiative
By New Mexico Sun | May 13, 2024
The Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum has announced its participation in the nationwide Blue Star Museums initiative. This program provides free admission to currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families during the summer season. The 2024 program is set to commence on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 18, 2024, and will conclude on Labor Day, Monday, September 2, 2024. Further information and a list of participating museums can be found at arts.gov/BlueStarMuseums.
Memorial service announced for renowned Professor Emeritus Jacob Jerome Brody
By New Mexico Sun | May 13, 2024
A memorial service is set to be held on May 17 for Professor Emeritus Jacob Jerome Brody, fondly known as Jerry, at The University of New Mexico campus. Brody passed away on May 5, 2024, at the age of 95, surrounded by his family at home. He leaves behind his wife Jean, their children Jefferson Lindsey Brody, Jonathan Edward Brody, and Allison Janet Brody, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Albuquerque Police Department meets DOJ reform requirements
By New Mexico Sun | May 13, 2024
The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) has fulfilled all stipulations outlined in the Court-Approved Settlement Agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, a significant landmark since the initiation of the reform process in January 2015.
Albuquerque champions Mental Health Awareness Month
By New Mexico Sun | May 13, 2024
The City of Albuquerque is dedicating the month of May to mental health awareness and advocacy, aligning with the national Mental Health Awareness Month. Gilbert Ramirez, HHH Director, emphasized the importance of understanding mental health conditions as common and treatable. He said, “Mental health is crucial for overall well-being, yet stigma often hinders people from seeking necessary support. It's vital to understand that mental health conditions are common and treatable, with everyone deserving access to compassionate care.”
NMSU Library receives endowment gift honoring university founder John R. McFie
By New Mexico Sun | May 13, 2024
New Mexico State University's (NMSU) Library recently received a significant endowment gift from John Porter Bloom, the grandson of one of NMSU’s founders. The donation honors the legacy of John R. McFie and will bolster the Archives and Special Collections department.
UNM hosts inaugural Adaptive Sports Day promoting inclusivity in sports
By New Mexico Sun | May 13, 2024
The UNM College of Education & Human Sciences (COEHS) recently hosted the inaugural Adaptive Sports Day, an event designed to promote inclusivity in sports for individuals with disabilities. The initiative was spearheaded by COEHS’s Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) program and Sandia Prep.