Kari Maxwell will exhibit her latest body of work at Cello Bozeman this August.  This new work is primarily inspired by the buffalo and wild horse population in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. 

Maxwell, a resident of Minneapolis, has had gallery representation in Bozeman for over 17 years. She is the featured artist at Cello (2 West Main Street) on Friday, August 9 from 6- 8pm.  

Additional appointments can be made to meet the artist on Saturday, August 10 or Sunday, August 11 at karimaxwell@mac.com

Cello’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 10am - 6pm, Saturdays 10am - 5pm and Sundays 11am - 5pm.

Maxwell's painting career began in 2004 with her paintings of cows (see Brown, Curt, "Painter finds grace and beauty in the eye of a cow", Star Tribune, February 15, 2014).  She has held a steady presence in the midwestern and western art communities ever since.  

In addition to her past and current animal subjects, Maxwell has exhibited her abstract paintings, watercolors, mixed media work and painted portraits.  The pull she experiences towards painting her animal subjects, however, has been like no other.

A few years ago, Maxwell read this excerpt from Robin Wall Kimmerer's book, Braiding Sweetgrass which seemed to connect many of the dots for her regarding this pull:

"...in the Native ways of knowing, human people are often referred to as 'the younger brothers of creation'. We say that humans have the least experience with how to live and thus the most to learn - we must look to our teachers among the other species for guidance.  Their wisdom is apparent in the way they live.  They teach us by example."

For more information, contact:
Kari Maxwell
campsite.bio/karimaxwell
karimaxwell@mac.com
612.695.2167

HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on several private pond applications and environmental assessments (EAs). For more information, including how to submit comments, click on the links provided or visit fwp.mt.gov/public-notices.

Willow Creek Land Company II, LLC private pond license review

A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock Yellowstone cutthroat trout in an unnamed private pond. The pond is a 2.45-surface-acre pond located at the end of Falls Creek Road in Park County. The pond is near Clyde Park approximately 0.21 mile east of an unnamed tributary to Falls Creek, which is a tributary to the Shields River. There is no documentation of fish within Falls Creek. The pond is fed by a groundwater well located at the site. The outlet consists of an Argi-Drain control structure. The discharge flows out onto a dry swale with no chance to reach state waters. Risk of escapement is minimal. Fish that do escape the pond will be stranded on dry ground with no chance of reaching state waters. Yellowstone cutthroat trout are native to the Shields River basin. Yellowstone cutthroat Trout could be removed from the pond via chemical treatments or through senescence. The project is sponsored by the private landowner and the license would be active for a period of 10 years from the year of issuance (2024). The license can be renewed for additional 10-year intervals at the end of each term and the license is transferable.

Comments due July 9.

Hull private pond license review

A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock rainbow trout in an unnamed private pond. The pond is 0.34-surface acre, constructed by excavation, and located off East River Road, near the small communities of Pine Creek and Pray, in Park County. The pond is located approximately 0.1 mile (100 yards) east of Elbow Creek, which is a tributary to the Yellowstone River. Brown trout, rainbow trout, Yellowstone cutthroat trout, and mountain whitefish have been documented in lower Elbow Creek and in the Yellowstone River. The pond has no inlet or outlet. The pond is filled via spigot and hose, which is fed by a groundwater well located at the site. The pond is filled manually by the landowner. There is no outlet from the pond. If water were to crest the pond edges, it would flow into adjacent fields before reaching Elbow Creek. Risk of escapement is minimal. Fish that do escape the pond will be stranded on dry ground with no chance of reaching state waters. Rainbow trout have been documented in lower Elbow Creek and are present in the Yellowstone River. The rainbow trout could be removed from the pond via chemical treatments or through senescence. The project is sponsored by the private landowner and the license would be active for a period of 10 years from the year of issuance (2024). The license can be renewed for additional 10-year intervals at the end of each term and the license is transferable.

Comments due July 9.

Translocation of westslope cutthroat trout within the Thompson River drainage to Big Hole Creek draft EA

FWP is proposing to transfer non-hybridized westslope cutthroat trout to suitable fishless habitat in the headwaters of Big Hole Creek (Thompson River drainage) from multiple populations across the Thompson River drainage.

Comments due July 9.

Lox private pond application EA

A landowner is applying for a private fish pond license and proposes to stock rainbow trout and Yellowstone cutthroat trout. The pond is an off-stream reservoir supplied by groundwater sources. The private pond is approximately 0.1 surface acre and located near (approximately 1 km) Bear and Rock creeks and Red Lodge. The risks of stocking the pond with hatchery-reared rainbow trout and Yellowstone cutthroat trout are minimal and escapement by natural means is highly unlikely. Additionally, Rock Creek has established populations of non-native rainbow trout that are managed as sport fish.

The project is sponsored by the private landowner, and the license would be active for a period of 10 years from the year of issuance (2024). The license can be renewed for additional 10-year intervals at the end of each term, and the license is transferable.

Comments due July 12.

Pyrenees Rescue Center Trust private pond application EA

A landowner is applying for a private fish pond license and proposes to stock Yellowstone cutthroat trout. The pond is located on private land near Barlow Creek, which is a tributary to West Red Lodge Creek. The pond is supplied by groundwater sources and contains a domestic groundwater water right for fishery purposes (43D 30018332). The private pond is approximately 0.3 surface acres and approximately 1.2 miles southeast of Luther, Carbon County. The outlet of the pond is a screened (approximately3/4-inch mesh) 10-inch culvert pipe with a two-foot drop. In addition, it is an earthen dam pond and fish escapement is likely during both normal operations and high flow events. Fish surveys in West Red Lodge Creek have documented both non-native sport fish (e.g., brown trout, brook trout) and native Yellowstone cutthroat trout in the east fork of West Red Lodge Creek. Although non-native salmonids are present, the fisheries management goals for this drainage include reducing the numbers of rainbow, brown, and brook trout where Yellowstone cutthroat trout could be negatively affected. The risks with stocking the pond with hatchery-reared Yellowstone cutthroat trout is minimal as escapement is likely but Barlow Creek experiences intermittent flows in drier years.

The project is sponsored by the private landowner, and the license would be active for a period of 10 years from the year of issuance (2024). The license can be renewed for additional 10-year intervals at the end of each term, and the license is transferable. Private landowner would stock pond upon approval of the private pond license application.

Comments due July 16.

Saddlehorn private pond EA

A private landowner is proposing to stock a newly constructed pond on their property on Barn Dance Trail near Bigfork. The landowner is seeking a permit to stock rainbow trout and westslope cutthroat trout into the private pond.

Comments due July 18.

BOZEMAN – Many Montana State University students arrive in Bozeman — at its roughly 5,000 feet above sea level — and only climb from there, ascending southwest Montana’s many peaks. But a team from MSU’s College of Letters and Science descended nearly 17,000 feet below MSU’s elevation, traveling to some of the deepest areas of the sea on a recent research cruise.

Postdoctoral researcher Andrew Montgomery and doctoral student Sylvia Nupp are part of associate professor Roland Hatzenpichler’s multidisciplinary lab in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. This spring, Montgomery and Nupp traveled to the Guaymas Basin off the west coast of Mexico for a monthlong research cruise that made Nupp the first student from Montana to descend to the deep sea, according to Hatzenpichler.

It was a trip that Nupp had been preparing for since she arrived at MSU in 2021, after completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Arkansas.
“This happened to be the project that he had funding for at the time, so he asked if I would be interested in deep-sea research, and I said absolutely,” she recalled.
Hatzenpichler’s lab conducts a breadth of microbial research, from work exploring the human gut microbiome to examining the microbes that live in extreme environments, such as Yellowstone National Park’s thermal features. Nupp and Montgomery’s work on the ocean floor fell into the latter category, and the Guaymas Basin is an ideal location for such work.

An image of a deep see hydrothermal vent structure named Matterhorn is captured by Montana State University graduate student Sylvia Nupp and post doctoral researcher Andy Montgomer during a dive to ~3700 meters in the Pescadero Basin in the Gulf of California. Sampling equipment on the DSV Alvin can be see in the foreground. Photo courtesy Andrew Montgomery

“Scientists have been studying the Guaymas Basin for about 40 years,” said Montgomery, who is nearing the end of a three-year postdoctoral appointment at MSU supported by an award from the National Science Foundation for early-career scientists. “The reason that it’s interesting is that the tectonic plates meet there, and the way they move creates hydrothermal activity in the subsurface, similar to what happens in Yellowstone. The sediments are very organic-rich, and the combination of those two things means that the microbiology is very, very interesting.”

The pair spent nearly all of April aboard a research vessel with about 60 other people. The scientist cohort — which also included researchers from Georgia, Massachusetts, Texas, Wisconsin and Mexico — worked long days to collect and process samples from the ocean floor, maximizing their short time on the ship.

Nupp and Montgomery were interested in collecting sediment from the ocean floor and analyzing it for the presence of carbon-cycling microbes. Such organisms that live near the extremely hot vents are known as thermophiles, named for their high tolerance for heat.

“Microbes inhabit every inch of this earth and places we can’t even imagine, with different temperatures, pressures and pHs,” said Montgomery. “In this lab, we’re studying microbes that live at what we consider the limits of life.”

During the trip, Montgomery conducted two deep-sea dives and Nupp experienced her first. They descended in a submarine called the DSV Alvin, a type of submersible vehicle used specifically for research, which is equipped with robotic arms operated by a pilot to collect samples from the ocean floor.

The team visited two primary sites located at roughly 6,000 and 12,000 feet below the ocean’s surface. It took nearly two hours to reach the deeper site once Alvin departed the ship. Despite extensive training, Nupp said nothing prepared her for the rush of diving in the submarine.

“When they actually closed the hatch and it was time to go, I was so excited. We splashed down into the water and it was just instantly beautiful,” she said. “You could see bioluminescence through the window, which was amazing, and the sea floor itself was kind of incredible. It looked vaguely familiar, because there are crabs and shrimp and things that you’re used to seeing, but it was all kind of weird and suspended.”

Each dive took roughly eight hours, with two scientists accompanying a pilot on each trip. At the sites, each researcher sought different samples. The trips included geochemists, microbiologists and geneticists conducting widely disparate research all at the same location. Nupp scanned the ocean floor for Beggiatoa, colorful microorganisms that grow in filamentous mats of vibrant colors. Their presence, she said, is an indicator of thermal activity and the carbon-cycling microbes they were looking for. The robotic arms of the submarine scooped up mud and sediment from the ocean floor and packaged it in plastic tubing.

After the long dive day, the scientists immediately shifted into processing samples as quickly as they could. While they can withstand extreme temperatures, the microbes in the samples are sensitive to environmental changes, so the sediment had to be processed in a temperature-controlled room that Nupp likened to a giant refrigerator. Working through the night, the scientists recorded thorough notes describing the exact attributes of each sediment sample before slicing them into inch-thick “horizons,” which help to examine the variety of life present at different sediment depths. They repeated the process through every sample: roughly 80 bottles, Nupp said.

While the work was taxing and time-sensitive, Montgomery said the pressure created a unique sense of camaraderie within the team, even though they all came from different institutions.

“It’s almost like if you were going to a summer camp,” he said. “You’re constrained to the same group of people for an extended period of time, and that builds some community that otherwise takes a while to come together naturally.”

Nupp and Montgomery have returned to MSU with samples to study over the coming months. Many microbes collected in extreme environments are notoriously difficult to cultivate for study in a laboratory. Nupp’s continued work will seek to isolate, identify and study the organisms that are contributing to carbon cycling near the sea floor’s thermal vents in Guaymas Basin. Nupp said Hatzenpichler has pioneered new methods of incubating such microbes, so she said she is in an ideal environment to further her study.

She also plans to continue collaborating with the scientists she met on the ship. As individual teams pursue their own veins of study, their discoveries will provide fodder for new inquiries across the group.

“This is exploratory work. We’re trying to look at what organisms are doing, because we don’t have an understanding of that yet,” Nupp said. “The next step is setting up incubations with different carbon compounds to see what would produce methane and show activity of methanogens. I’d never been on a research cruise before, so there was a lot of learning from everyone and figuring out where my work fit into that. It was a very, very collaborative environment, which made it so much fun.”

Nupp, Montgomery and Hatzenpichler also brought their fascination to two local elementary schools, where they discussed work on a research ship. Students painted Styrofoam cups, which were then attached to the outside of submersible Alvin, and taken to the deep sea. Compressed by the incredibly high pressure, the cups shrank dramatically. After they came back to Bozeman, Nupp and Montgomery gave students their compressed cups and chatted with them about their experiences in the deep sea.

More information about research in the Hatzenpichler lab can be found at www.environmental-microbiology.com.

Cloud development pipelines have become the backbone of modern software development, offering scalability, flexibility, and speed. However, these benefits have significant risks that can jeopardize your organization's security and operational efficiency. According to Forbes, there has been a 72% increase in data breaches in recent years.

Securing these pipelines is crucial to prevent Intellectual Property (IP) theft, production delays, and malware insertion. Without robust security entitlement measures, the very advantages of cloud development can turn into vulnerabilities.

Understanding cloud development risks
Adopting cloud services and automation has led to a rapid increase in human and machine identities. This explosion complicates Identity and Access Management (IAM). Each identity must be managed and secured, but the sheer number and diversity make this task daunting. The proliferation of identities can create security gaps if not properly managed, leading to unauthorized access and potential breaches.

Tracking and managing identities across various cloud services and applications is a significant challenge. Traditional IAM systems often fall short of providing the necessary visibility in dynamic cloud environments. Without clear visibility, it is challenging to understand who has access to what resources, how these access rights are being used, and whether any misuse is occurring. This lack of visibility can lead to unmonitored access and increased risk of data breaches.

Granting excessive privileges to users is a common issue in cloud environments. Often, users are given more access rights than necessary, which can be exploited by malicious actors. The principle of least privilege, which advocates for granting the minimum necessary access, is essential in reducing the attack surface. Ensuring that each identity has only the required permissions with the help of cloud identity entitlement management solutions can minimize the risk of privilege escalation and data exfiltration.

Step-by-step guide to mitigating risks with CIEM

Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management (CIEM) is a specialized approach to managing and securing identities and access rights in cloud environments. CIEM focuses on visibility, monitoring, and enforcement of access policies to ensure that identities have appropriate privileges and that any deviations are quickly identified and addressed.

Step 1: Increase visibility across your cloud environment

Tracking identity paths

To manage identities effectively, it is crucial to track the entire path of each identity across different cloud environments. This involves using native connectors and APIs to collect data from various cloud platforms. By understanding the flow and interactions of identities, organizations can gain insights into potential vulnerabilities and areas requiring tighter controls.

Surface access data

Securing identity and access management in cloud environments requires collecting data from various sources such as IaaS (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), SaaS (Salesforce, Office 365), IAM systems (Okta, Azure AD), and custom applications. This comprehensive data collection provides a holistic view of access patterns and potential risks. By analyzing this data, security teams can identify anomalies and areas where access may need to be restricted.

Step 2: Set clear thresholds for access privileges

Understanding access patterns

Analyzing access patterns is essential for identifying which privileges are regularly used and which are stale. This involves examining historical access data to determine normal behavior and detect deviations. By setting thresholds, organizations can establish what constitutes acceptable access levels for each identity.

Review and adjust access levels

Regularly reviewing and adjusting access levels based on analysis is critical for maintaining security. Contextual insights, such as user roles and typical access times, can inform these adjustments. By continually refining access privileges, organizations can ensure that they adhere to the principle of least privilege and minimize the risk of over-privileged identities.

Step 3: Create policies and continuously monitor them for changes

Policy creation and enforcement

Creating and enforcing policies that govern access privileges is vital for maintaining a secure environment. These policies should be designed to detect and respond to risky changes, such as privilege escalations or unauthorized access attempts. Continuous policy enforcement ensures that the security baseline is maintained over time.

Detection and alerting

CIEM solutions are equipped to detect potential risks, such as unused privileges or unexpected access patterns. The system can alert security teams to take appropriate action when such risks are identified. This proactive approach helps mitigate threats before they cause significant damage.

CheckRed’s comprehensive CNAPP solution

CheckRed's Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) offers a comprehensive solution to cloud security challenges. The platform includes Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM), Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management (CIEM), and Cloud Workload Protection Platform (CWPP). Its CIEM solution directly addresses the challenges and risks of cloud identity and access management by providing comprehensive visibility and control over diverse identities.

CheckRed’s entitlement management solution aggregates data from IaaS, SaaS, IAM systems, and custom applications, offering a unified view of access patterns and potential risks. It enhances security by identifying over-privileged identities, enforcing the principle of least privilege, and continuously monitoring for anomalies and risky changes. Automated tools and regular audits ensure access privileges are properly managed, thereby mitigating risks of unauthorized access, IP theft, and production delays.

Advantages of CheckRed’s comprehensive approach

CheckRed's comprehensive approach to cloud security offers several significant advantages. By integrating CIEM with other components of its Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP), including Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM), and Cloud Workload Protection Platform (CWPP), CheckRed provides a holistic and unified security solution. This seamless integration ensures that all aspects of cloud security are covered, from identity and access management to workload and application security. The platform's ability to collect and analyze data from multiple sources allows for enhanced visibility and control, enabling security teams to detect and respond to threats more effectively.

CheckRed's unified approach reduces complexity and improves efficiency. Instead of managing disparate security tools, organizations benefit from a centralized platform that streamlines security operations. This comprehensive solution simplifies the management of security policies and compliance requirements and facilitates faster incident response times. By providing continuous monitoring and automated enforcement of security policies, CheckRed's CNAPP ensures that organizations maintain a robust security posture, minimizing the risk of breaches and ensuring access privileges are consistently aligned with business needs.

Implementing Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management (CIEM) is crucial for mitigating risks in cloud development pipelines. CIEM helps increase visibility over the attack surface, set baselines for access privileges, and continuously monitor risky changes. With a comprehensive solution like CheckRed's CNAPP, organizations can manage identities and access rights effectively, ensuring robust security and operational efficiency in their cloud environments.

CIEM provides a strategic approach to cloud security by addressing the challenges of exploding identities, lack of visibility, and over-privileged identities. Leveraging CIEM and the integrated components of CheckRed's CNAPP offers a powerful defense against the complex risks associated with cloud development

BOZEMAN — As the Fourth of July approaches, local law enforcement agencies, in partnership with the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP), are encouraging Montanans to plan a sober ride home before celebrations begin. The Bozeman Police Department and MHP will increase their presence and patrols over the holiday, focusing on preventing impaired driving and making DUI arrests to ensure Montanans make it home safely.

“Our goal is to ensure everyone in the community can celebrate the holiday safely and responsibly. Not only is drinking and driving illegal, it’s incredibly dangerous,” said Bozeman Police Patrol Captain Hal Richardson. “Driving under the influence puts everyone at risk. If you plan on drinking, plan for a sober ride home.”

Here are some tips to help keep drivers and communities safe this holiday:

Designate a Sober Driver: Plan your safe ride home before the party starts. Choose a non-drinking friend as a designated driver.

Find a Sober Driver: Do not drive if you’ve been drinking. Call a sober friend, or use a taxi or ridesharing service.

Be a Responsible Host: If you’re hosting a party where alcohol will be served, ensure all guests leave with a sober driver.

Be a Good Friend: If someone has been drinking, do not let them get behind the wheel. Take their keys and help find them a safe ride home.

Buckle Up: Seatbelts are the best defense against impaired drivers.

Report Impaired Drivers: If you see an impaired driver on the road, keep a safe distance and call 911.

The Fourth of July is known as the “100 Deadliest Days,” when the most traffic fatalities and crashes occur in Montana and across the country. Bozeman Police and MHP are committed to reaching Vision Zero, an ongoing statewide campaign by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) to strive for zero deaths and zero serious injuries on Montana’s roadways.

According to MHP, if drivers have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher, they could receive a DUI charge and other serious consequences, including having their driver’s license revoked, being required to take mandatory classes, and receiving possible jail time and paying up to $10,000 in fines and legal fees.

Montana’s sobering statistics highlight the need for law enforcement to be on high alert over the holiday. Montana has the highest fatality rate in the nation for the number of deaths caused by impaired drivers per vehicle mile traveled. 63% of all traffic fatalities in Montana are the result of impaired driving, and from 2012-2021, 1,268 people were killed in crashes involving an impaired driver.

“While shocking, these statistics are entirely preventable,” said Captain Richardson. “Having a plan for a sober ride is a simple, responsible action that helps keep these numbers down, gets us closer to zero, and keeps our community safe.”

For more information about Vision Zero, contact Tammy Ross, Montana Department of Transportation, 406-444-9192, or tross@mt.gov.

On July 2, 2024, at 8:51 PM Gallatin County Dispatch received a call from a hiker in need of assistance. The hiker had been trail running with a group when they injured their leg. The hiker provided his location indicating he was close to the top of Baldy Mountain. The hiker indicated they were in a group with three other individuals who were assisting them down the mountain.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the Valley Section responded to the “M” trailhead. Search and Rescue volunteers from the Valley section deployed three teams up the trail carrying various medical gear, warm clothing, and a one-wheel litter. Volunteers contacted the hiker on the ridge above the M. After loading the hiker into the litter and providing the group with warm clothing, they escorted the group back to the trail head. The injured hiker was taken to Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center by a member of his group in a personal vehicle.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to commend the hikers for having packing sufficient food and water supplies as well as having communication devices. Early activation with a direct way of contact not only provided our teams with an accurate location, but the patient was also able to relay information about what happened and injury details. This type of information can expedite rescue and ensures our crews have all necessary supplies, resulting in a faster and more efficient rescue.

BOZEMAN – A regional technology hub focused on photonics and smart sensors, of which Montana State University is a founding member, will receive a $41 million federal grant to help create tech jobs across Montana.

The grant to Montana’s Headwaters Regional Technology and Innovation Hub comes from the Economic Development Administration, a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. It’s one of 12 grants totaling $504 million awarded to tech hubs across the country.

In October, the EDA named Montana a Regional Technology and Innovation Hub. It was one of 31 such designations across the nation and aims to promote growth by strengthening the region’s capacity to build, commercialize and deploy critical technologies.

As part of the designation, MSU joined a statewide consortium of companies; state, local and tribal governments; regional economic development organizations; and other academic institutions to develop the Headwaters Tech Hub. The hub’s goals are to accelerate the timeline from product introduction to market adoption, foster businesses that can compete and thrive in the global market, and help prepare Montanans to enter the region’s expanding tech workforce.

Alison Harmon, MSU’s vice president for research and economic development, noted that MSU’s faculty and staff are leaders in smart photonic sensor systems, which is the core technology for the Headwaters hub.

“Montana State has more than three decades of research and graduate education in optics and photonics, and that expertise has nurtured the growth of a strong photonics industry that has spawned many companies and, importantly, jobs in the Gallatin Valley,” Harmon said. “MSU is excited to be an important part of this grant and to take the next steps in advancing these technologies in fields such as autonomous cars and precision agriculture.”

“This is an incredible opportunity for Montana State University’s top-tier research enterprise and longstanding expertise to help deepen the state’s technology economy, provide critical technologies for our nation, and promote strong, good-paying careers for our graduates,” said MSU President Waded Cruzado. “Our students, who will be the next leaders of Montana’s industries, will benefit tremendously from the opportunities this grant will provide.”

“Montana’s universities are playing a key role in developing the technologies that will shape our future. In recent years, we have been national leaders in the growth of university research, which enriches our students' education and leads directly to new business and jobs in Montana,” said Montana Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian. “Our MUS institutions have been a dedicated partner with the Headwaters Tech Hub and look forward to achieving new levels of national and global importance for Montana, that will transform fields ranging from agriculture to national defense to resource management. I couldn’t be more pleased with the Tech Hub’s success.”

“Through the Tech Hubs program, we are maintaining our competitive edge by advancing America’s leadership in commercializing critical emerging tech sectors,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo in a press release announcing the national funding. “And we’re leveraging the diverse talent and resources that currently exist across the country to achieve this goal.”

The new $41 million grant will go toward implementing projects that include creating technology testbeds in rugged terrain, precision agriculture and roadway settings, increasing four-year degree opportunities in related fields and training skilled workers, including helping Indigenous students find pathways to careers in smart-sensing. Smart-sensing is the use of lasers and imaging systems with computer chips and intelligent algorithms to detect any number of things, from the quality of grains to unseen and unwanted methane emissions.

The Tech Hub program is a result of the federal CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. Montana’s U.S. Sen. Jon Tester secured an important provision in that law to ensure the Tech Hubs program included rural states, which paved the way for Montana to be included. Montana U.S. Sen. Steve Daines was a co-sponsor of the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act of 2021, also known as the Endless Frontier Act, which became the CHIPS and Science Act.

MSU’s research on lasers and other optical tools goes back to the 1980s and has helped spin off dozens of local companies, including some now making sensors for guiding self-driving trucks, mapping invasive weeds and more. Those and related technologies could allow for drones suited to applications in agriculture, self-driving farming machinery and other tools that could benefit rural communities, said Joseph Shaw, distinguished professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in MSU’s Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering and a member of the Montana consortium team.

“MSU’s decades of research and investment in optical technologies has put the campus on the optics and photonics map,” said Shaw, who also directs the university’s Optical Technology Center, or OpTeC. “This new grant will not only help make Montana a hub of these technologies but also will also help companies and potential students answer the question of where to go when they want to learn about optics and smart photonic sensors: Montana State University.”

Montana State University has previously received funding as part of the federal CHIPS and Science Act. In May 2023, the university announced that it had received two grants from the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines Program, another CHIPS-funded program focused on catalyzing partnerships to positively impact regional economies, accelerate technology development, address societal challenges, advance national competitiveness and create local, high-wage jobs.

The first of those two grants funded research by MSU and its partners into how the region can position itself as a leader in quantum technology, which is set to play a critical role in 21st century communications, computing and other related fields. The university is already part of the MonArk Quantum Foundry, supported by a $20 million NSF grant in 2021 focused on developing the specialized materials needed for quantum devices.

The second Engines grant will let MSU, as part of a project led by the University of North Dakota, explore ways to leverage its expertise in photonics to grow a regional economy for autonomous systems, such as self-driving cars and drones for precision agriculture.

Recovery from addiction is a difficult journey, often filled with challenges that can test even the most determined individuals. One of the most significant hurdles in addiction recovery is dealing with intense cravings that can threaten to derail progress and lead to relapse. As researchers and clinicians continue to explore innovative approaches to support addiction recovery, Brainspotting has emerged as a promising tool for addressing cravings and promoting lasting healing.

Brainspotting is a newer therapy technique that is getting attention for its potential to help individuals deal with trauma and emotional distress. But Brainspotting's applications extend beyond trauma treatment, showing particular promise in aiding addiction recovery. By focusing on the deep neural pathways linked to addiction and cravings, Brainspotting may offer a unique approach to managing one of the most challenging aspects of recovery.

Does Brainspotting Work?

In 2003, Dr. David Grand introduced Brainspotting as a therapeutic technique. Brainspots refer to specific eye positions that correlate with stored traumatic memories or intense emotions.

Brainspotting is rooted in the neuroplasticity principle, enabling the brain to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. Brainspotting accesses the deeper brain regions, including the limbic system and brainstem, where trauma and intense emotions are often stored.

In a Brainspotting session, the therapist guides the client to a specific Brainspot that links to their emotional or physiological response. The traumatic memory or intense emotion is linked to the Brainspot, the specific eye position, in the brain. Focusing on this Brainspot allows the brain to process and release traumas or emotions.

How Does Brainspotting Address Addiction Recovery?

Brainspotting uses the connection between our emotional experiences, subconscious mind, and visual field to function effectively. In addiction recovery, specific eye positions can mirror the neural networks linked to cravings, traumatic recollections, and emotional conditions leading to addictive actions. Brainspotting accesses subcortical regions like the limbic system and brainstem to tackle addictive tendencies at their roots.

Those with substance use disorders often suffer from unresolved trauma or emotional wounds. Brainspotting can help reduce the dependence on substances for managing past experiences. This therapy enhances the recognition of the intricate link between thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, essential for controlling cravings. Brainspotting may effectively bypass cognitive defenses in therapy through a focus on eye positions instead of verbal processing.

How Brainspotting Addresses Cravings

Cravings arise from a combination of psychological and physiological factors. Through focused eye positions, Brainspotting can help identify specific cues that lead to cravings. Identifying specific visual fields associated with craving sensations becomes possible, allowing for more targeted interventions. Brainspotting helps decrease the strength and frequency of cravings by addressing associated emotions.

This therapy can promote the development of new neural pathways and reduce the sway of addictive connections. Using Brainspotting, individuals can improve their ability to regulate themselves and effectively manage cravings. 

What Are the Benefits of Integrating Brainspotting with Other Addiction Treatment Programs?

Brainspotting, when combined with other evidence-based treatments, demonstrates greater potential in managing cravings. The combination of Brainspotting and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps individuals manage cravings by teaching adaptive strategies and addressing emotional and cognitive triggers of addiction. Combining mindfulness with Brainspotting enhances awareness of cravings and facilitates a non-judgmental observation of thoughts and emotions. 

Brainspotting complements Medication-Assisted Treatment by addressing the psychological aspects of addiction and supporting individuals in their recovery. Comprehensive treatment facilities like Next Step Recovery offer Brainspotting therapy as part of their addiction treatment programs. These specialized centers provide a supportive environment for individuals to address their addiction and cravings, utilizing Brainspotting as a valuable tool in their recovery journey. 

Participating in group therapy and individual Brainspotting sessions provides mutual support and opportunities to practice new skills in social settings. An integrated approach encompasses various aspects of addiction recovery for a comprehensive treatment plan.

Advantages of Brainspotting in Addiction Recovery

Brainspotting offers several potential advantages for individuals in addiction recovery:

Rapid Processing 
Many clients report experiencing significant shifts in their emotional state and craving intensity relatively quickly with Brainspotting, potentially accelerating the healing process.

Non-Verbal Processing 
For individuals who struggle with verbalizing their experiences or emotions, Brainspotting provides a non-verbal avenue for processing trauma and addiction-related issues.

Client-Centered Approach 
The therapy allows clients to take an active role in their healing process, as they are encouraged to follow their internal experience and guide the therapist to relevant eye positions.

Flexibility in Application 
Brainspotting can be adapted to various settings and integrated with other therapeutic approaches, making it a versatile tool in addiction treatment.

Potential for Long-Lasting Results
By addressing the root causes of addiction and rewiring neural pathways, Brainspotting may offer more sustainable results in managing cravings and preventing relapse.

Considerations and Limitations of Brainspotting 

While Brainspotting shows promise, it's important to note some considerations:

Individual Responses Vary: As with any therapy, individual responses to Brainspotting can vary. What works for one person may not work for another.

Qualified Practitioners: It's essential to work with a therapist properly trained in Brainspotting techniques.

Emotional Intensity: Brainspotting can bring up intense emotions. It's important to have proper support in place when undergoing this therapy.

Ongoing Research: While many practitioners report positive results, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effectiveness of Brainspotting for addiction cravings.

FAQs:

How long does it typically take to see results from Brainspotting in addiction recovery? 

While individual experiences vary, many people report feeling some relief from cravings after just a few sessions. However, a full course of treatment typically involves multiple sessions over several weeks or months for more comprehensive and lasting results.

Can Brainspotting be done remotely or does it require in-person sessions? 

While in-person sessions are often preferred, Brainspotting can be adapted for remote therapy sessions using video conferencing. The effectiveness of remote sessions may vary, and the decision to use telehealth should be made in consultation with a qualified therapist.

Conclusion

Brainspotting proves to be a promising tool in the battle against addiction, offering a different approach to addressing the persistent challenge of cravings. By targeting the neurobiological roots of addiction and processing underlying trauma, this therapy offers a way to more effective and lasting recovery.

The integration of Brainspotting with traditional addiction treatment modalities offers a complete method that covers all aspects, addressing both the psychological and physiological aspects of substance use disorders. As research in this field continues to evolve, Brainspotting is poised to become an increasingly valuable component of addiction recovery programs.

Forest firefighters face immense risk and dangerous challenges on the job. In order to limit the level of risk, these brave individuals require special, flame resistant clothing that can shield them from direct flame and flying embers. One essential item is green brush pants, which are designed to shield them from heat while ensuring comfort. Additionally, firefighters wear gear like fire helmets and yellow fire shirts for similar protection. This specialized clothing is crucial for helping wildland firefighters perform their duties in hot or adverse weather conditions. In the next section, we'll explore some of these items in detail, including their uses and unique safety features.

4 Essential Clothing for Firefighters

As extreme weather events become more common, putting immense strain on emergency personnel, preventing heat stress is critical. While we can’t eliminate the inherent dangers of firefighting, equipping firefighters with flame-resistant (FR) gear that prioritizes protection and heat management offers a crucial preventative step toward keeping them safe.

Here are four essential items of wildland forest firefighting clothing firefighters must be aware of:

1.    Fire Resistant Apparel

Battling blazes requires intelligent clothing choices. The right fire-resistant (FR) apparel keeps you cooler and minimizes heat absorption. Look for gear that adheres to NFPA 1977 standards – it should be durable, FR, and ditch the synthetics that melt. Before heading out, inspect your clothes for rips, tears, oil, or gas stains. Optimal FR garments include the following:

●      Pants: Opt for loose-fitting, cuffless styles that allow movement and prevent embers from snagging. Wear them over boots for extra ember protection. Reinforced knees are essential for kneeling on rough terrain. Large cargo pockets offer better accessibility for frequently used items.

●      Shirt: Long-sleeved FR shirts are a must. Ensure a snug fit at the wrists and collar to keep embers out.

●      Belts: Choose wide leather or nylon belts. Nylon is a good option for its durability against wear and tear.

●      Underwear: Many firefighters rely on their undergarments as a second layer. Wool socks are ideal as they minimize chafing and wick away moisture, keeping your feet cooler.

2. Boots

Traversing treacherous landscapes and battling unforgiving elements are hallmarks of a wildland firefighter's job. Proper footwear is essential to conquering these challenges comfortably and safely. Here is what defines a great pair of wildland firefighting boots:

★     Leather Construction: Leather offers superior heat resistance, unlike plastic or rubber, that melts near flames.

★     Durable Lacing: Leather or rawhide laces hold safer against heat, unlike synthetic options that might melt.

★     Eight-Inch Height: This optimal height provides ankle support on uneven terrain.

★     Waxed Linen Stitching: Forget synthetic threads that melt – waxed linen stitching offers superior heat tolerance.

★     Grippy Soles: Slippery surfaces are no match for skid-resistant soles that ensure safe footing.

★     Chainsaw Protection (Optional): Choose cut-resistant boots for added safety if chainsaw use is involved.

Remember, comfort is key. Break in your boots before a fire to avoid blisters, and wear double socks – a thin cotton inner layer and a thicker wool outer layer – for optimal comfort and protection.

3.    Gloves

Essential to Wildland Forest Firefighting Clothing are wildland gloves. These gloves balance dexterity, protection, and comfort.  These firefighters rely on their hands for everything from welding tools and deploying fire suppression tactics to clearing brush for better maneuverability in rugged terrain. Protective gloves become essential with constant exposure to sharp objects and scorching heat. A reliable pair safeguards hands from the cuts, abrasions, burns, and other injuries common on the fire line. Look for gloves with long, fire-resistant cuffs to extend protection. Finally, consider a glove holder or utility clip for convenient storage and easy access during firefighting operations.

4.    Helmets

A wildland firefighter's worst enemy on the fire line? Falling debris. With trees and other hazards constantly raining down, head injuries are a major concern. A top-notch helmet is crucial to shield yourself from this danger.  Look for a helmet that prioritizes durability, a snug fit, and compliance with NFPA 1977 PPE standards – essential for optimal protection in the heart of a wildfire.

Conclusion

In recent years, there has been a surge in wildfires across the US, with numbers exceeding 40,000, and heatwaves like the recent one in the Midwest only promise more. Therefore, Wildland Forest Firefighting Clothing is a life-saving investment in heavily regulated, purpose-built safety equipment. However, don’t be fooled by the hefty price tag of a fully equipped uniform. While a basic uniform might cost around $650-$2,000, the additional essentials like fire shelters, canteens, hearing protection, and sunscreen push the total cost upwards. Remember, this specialized gear is designed to prevent serious injuries or even death in the face of extreme dangers.