Like peanut M&Ms®, all cells are coated with sugars, but the functions of these sugar coatings were a mystery until very recently. Join Molecular Foundry Director Carolyn Bertozzi at the next Science at the Theater event as she explains why cells are coated with sugars and new tools for cancer detection that take advantage of the cell’s sugar coating. The talk takes place Monday, Feb. 9, at 5:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Repertory Theater (2025 Addison St.). More>
February marks Black History Month, a time to remember important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. The concept was originated in 1926 by historian Carter Woodson as "Negro History Week” to recognize the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass, both in the second week of the month. It became a nationally recognized month in 1976. Numerous events are being held around the Bay Area to commemorate Black History Month: lists are provided by the City of Oakland and the San Francisco Chronicle.
Employee Activity: Free Yoga Class Offered by Two InstructorsEmployees who have never taken a yoga class with Katie Lewis or Chris Hoskins can treat themselves to a free class. Lewis’s class meets on Mondays at noon and Hoskins teaches on Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. Both sessions are held in Building 70-191. The instructors are professionally trained and have many years of teaching experience. Friday yoga classes are also offered at noon (same location), but are not part of the free promotion.
Staff interested in joining the next session of onsite Weight Watchers meetings can have the cost reimbursed by the Lab (attendance at 14 of the 17 meetings is required). To participate, attend the first meeting on Wednesday, at either 11:30 a.m., or 12:30 p.m., in Building 26-124. Call x6266 to register.
HR: Veterans and Individuals with a Disability Invited to Self-IdentifyThe Lab invites individuals with a disability and covered veterans to self-identify as part of the federal mandate for institutions to take affirmative action when hiring and promoting individuals. Submitting such information is voluntary and will be kept confidential. Employees who wish to self-identify can do so via the Employee Self-Service website or by filling out a form and mailing it to the Equal Employment Opportunity Office (MS 90K-0119). The forms should be completed by Feb. 29. For questions, contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Office (x7443).
To accommodate a crane that will be hoisting overhang support braces to the third level of the Guest House now under construction, the portion of Lawrence Road in front of the site will be reduced to one lane today. At times, flaggers will stop traffic flow in both directions for intervals lasting no more than five minutes. Drivers are urged to use caution when traversing this area, and pedestrians should use marked crosswalks and directional signs. The project should be complete by 3 p.m.
The Lab’s Travel Office will be moving today and tomorrow to the 90J trailer, adjacent to Building 90. Because the office's accessibility and operations will be limited during those two days, all questions should be directed to their help desk system. The new mailing address for travel reimbursement starting today is Travel Office MS 90J.
Health and Welfare: February is American Heart Month The Lab’s Health Care Facilitator reminds employees that February is “American Heart Month.” Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Exercising, eating right, maintaining a healthy weight, keeping blood pressure under control, and not smoking are key to keeping your heart healthy. More>
