The Lab's Physical Biosciences Division (PBD) is receiving $433,000 from the National Institutes of Health to build a next-generation robotic system for the study of biological molecules and their assemblies. A first-generation version of the robotic crystal automounter, for use with synchrotron-based biological crystallography, has enabled collection of more accurate and extensive data on biological molecules, which can be a critical step in finding treatments for cancer and other diseases. This funding will allow for construction of a production version of the new robotic system that will be initially implemented at the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory. The project, led by researcher Thomas Earnest, is a collaboration between PBD and the Engineering Division. More>
In The News: H.G. Wells Predictions That Have, And Haven't, Come True [National Geographic] The time machine was one of many future technologies that H.G. Wells popularized in his 20 novels and dozens of short stories. Although such a device isn't one of Wells's fancies that has since come to fruition, a time machine is within the realm of possibility, said Richard Muller, a Berkeley Lab physicist. "There are many physicists who will tell you it is proven impossible, but that is not the case," Muller said. "We just haven't figured out how to do it." More>
The Lab's Public Affairs Department has brought on three new employees. Doug Isbell (left) is the new manager of the Communications Group, replacing Ron Kolb, who retired in 2008. Isbell, a 20-year public relations professional, was formerly the associate director for Public Affairs and Educational Outreach at the National Optical Astronomy Observatory. Anna Lising (center) is the Protocol Officer, a new position that will manage all high-level visits and events at the Lab. Previously she was a field coordinator for the Office of Science. Senior Administrator Nina Vineyard has moved from the Directorate to Public Affairs and will continue her support of event management, visitors, the Lab Advisory Board, the Director's Retreat, and other high-level internal meetings.
There is no duplicate coverage for University of California-sponsored health and welfare plans. For example, if a husband and wife both work for UC, their children cannot be covered on medical, dental, vision or life insurance plans by both parents. For more information, call the Lab's Benefits Office (x6403).
Lab employees are invited to attend the Botanical Garden's Fall Plant Sale this Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Choose from California natives, rare trees and shrubs, ferns, cacti, bulbs, vines and perennials from the Garden's global collection. Garden staff and volunteers are available to provide friendly and expert assistance. And as a reminder, Lab staff always get free admission to the Garden.
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