Berkeley Lab researchers led by Stefano Cabrini at the Molecular Foundry were part of an international collaboration that provided the first experimental evidence for optical antimatter. The device they created by alternating layers of air and a silicon photonic crystal material containing air holes can serve as a superlens, which can image objects with details finer than allowed by the diffraction limit. More>
Research: Organisms Sequenced With Novel Single-Cell ApproachScientists from the Joint Genome Institute and the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences have assembled high quality, contamination-free draft genomes of uncultured biodegrading microorganisms using a novel single-cell genome sequencing approach. This proof of principle study, published in the April 23 edition of the journal PLoS One, offers researchers a new method to access and decipher the information embedded in genomes of interest with only minute quantities of DNA. More>
The world's brightest X-ray source sprang to life last week at SLAC. The Linac Coherent Light Source offers the first-ever glimpse of high-energy or “hard” X-ray laser light produced in a laboratory. When fine tuning is complete, the LCLS will provide the world's brightest, shortest pulses of laser X-rays for scientific study. The LCLS project is a DOE Office of Science-funded collaboration which includes Berkeley Lab. More>
Jennifer Ridgeway, Facilities Division Director, has called a two day stand down pertaining to Penetration Permit Work today and tomorrow. All other work will continue as scheduled. The DOE Site Office is putting the Lab on notice because performance in Penetration Permit Work needs improvement. There was an incident a couple weeks ago at Building 74 (as part of the Seismic Ph1 project) that motivated this action. Consequently, this two day period will give the Facilities Division time to review procedures, re-train and adopt interim steps for full compliance. "I want to thank our Lab clients in advance for any inconveniences this may cause and their understanding of the need for this important step in assuring everyone's safety," says Ridgeway.
Special Event: Alex Bell Speaks at EBI Seminar Tuesday, April 28Berkeley Lab chemical scientist Alex Bell will present the final lecture of this semester’s Energy Biosciences Institute (EBI) Seminar Series on Tuesday, April 28. He’ll discuss "Biomass Dissolution and Conversion in Ionic Liquids" at 4 p.m. in 116 Calvin Lab on campus. Bell heads an EBI research program on biomass pretreatment and chemical synthesis. Go here for more on his recent research.
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The Berkeley Lab Learning Institute (BLI) is offering Microsoft Intermediate/Advanced Word and Excel Pivot Tables classes on Wednesday, May 13, and Thursday, May 14. The classes, taught by CMC Training, are $50 and $100 respectively. Due to limited space, interested employees are encouraged to sign up soon. Go here for information and to register. E-mail a project ID number to Karen Paris for payment, or call x5122.
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