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Thursday, March 12, 2009

In Memoriam


Veteran Chemical Scientist Patricia Durbin-Heavey


Patricia Durbin-Heavey, with the Lab’s Chemical Sciences Division, passed away on March 5 at the age of 81. Durbin-Heavey began working at the Lab as a UC Berkeley undergraduate in 1946. She was still actively engaged in research at the time of her death, studying sequestering agents for the decorporation of radionuclides. Go here to read an obituary prepared by the Chemical Sciences Division.

People: Keasling 'Takes Down' Host on Colbert Report

keasling colbertBerkeley Lab’s Jay Keasling more than held his own with comedian and satirist Stephen Colbert Tuesday night on the Comedy Central show “The Colbert Report.” Keasling managed to inject some actual scientific information about synthetic biology, the synthesizing of the antimalarial drug artemisinin and the future of advanced biofuels, all while keeping with the comedic spirit of Colbert’s program. No small feat when the host concludes you plan to run planes and cars on “poop.” Keasling appears about two-thirds of the way through the episode.

lockIT: Adobe Releases Security Patches for Acrobat and Reader

Adobe has released Acrobat and Reader versions 9.1 to address new vulnerabilities that are being actively exploited. Those who use the programs should upgrade their installations as soon as possible. The new versions can be found here.

healthyHR Benefits: Assessments Helps Staff Reach ‘Optimal’ Health

Eligible Lab employees are encouraged to take a free, 15-minute, confidential online health assessment. The lifestyle questionnaire addresses topics such as nutrition, stress, physical activity and health history. Taking an assessment every year helps users maintain optimal health and wellbeing. Those who complete the assessment will receive immediate feedback and access to interactive tools and valuable resources.  Eligible employees and family members can receive incentives for completing the health assessments through StayWell and HealthWorks by certain deadlines. More>

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