Ron Zuckermann and Ki Tae Nam of Berkeley Lab’s Molecular Foundry have created “molecular paper,” the largest two-dimensional polymer crystal self-assembled in water to date. This entirely new sheet material is made of peptoids, engineered polymers that can flex and fold like proteins while maintaining the robustness of synthetic materials. The properties of the molecular paper can be precisely tailored to control the flow of molecules, or serve as a platform for chemical and biological detection. More>
There's a lot of information about climate science on the web, some good, some bad, some bordering on hysteria. To help make sense of it all, the Carbon Cycle 2.0 website will list books and blogs that offer a bit of clarity on the state of climate science. The first two follow: The Discovery of Global Warming is a short book that chronicles more than a century's worth of scientific inquiry on global warming. In addition, the next time global warming makes the headlines, check out RealClimate, a blog that covers climate science by climate scientists. More>
In The News: ‘Director of Game Changers’ Talks Energy Breakthroughs [Grist] When the Soviet Sputnik beat American satellites into space in 1957, the U.S. tried to reclaim its technological edge by creating the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, which pursued high-risk, high-payoff tech breakthroughs. One could say the U.S. is facing three energy Sputniks now — foreign-oil dependence, diminishing technological lead, and climate change. Energy Secretary Steven Chu hopes that the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy will bring similar breakthroughs in the energy field. He placed a former colleague from Berkeley Lab, Arun Majumdar, in charge of ARPA-E. Go here to read a Q&A with Majumdar.
For the fifth year in a row, the Lab will participate in “Active for Life,” a fun, flexible 10-week program that encourages participants to be more active and to eat healthier foods on a regular basis. The program is sponsored by the Health Care Facilitator in connection with the American Cancer Society and is open to all Lab employees. Participants form small teams with fellow employees and track their progress by using a point system. To learn more, come to the Active for Life launch and registration meeting on Monday, April 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Perseverance Hall. Light refreshments will be served. Call x6997 for more information.
ALS: Join Facility’s Facebook Page to Follow Latest NewsKeep up to date with news, events, and recent science highlights at the Advanced Light Source by becoming a Facebook fan. The ALS is trying to garner 300 fans by August 1. You can also follow the ALS on Twitter or check out the latest images and videos on FlickR and YouTube.
Special Event: Photography Club Hosts Spring Showcase in MayThe Lab’s Photography Club, part of the Employee Activities Association, will host an exhibit of member’s work on Friday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Perseverance Hall. A wine-and-cheese reception will be held at 4:30 p.m. All guests who stop by the showcase will be entered into a raffle, with the winner announced at the reception (winner need not be present). The exhibit will also include a competition table, and guests will be asked to vote for their favorite. For more information on the club and the showcase, contact Lorraine Dowling. An example of Dowling's work is pictured above.
Today at Berkeley Lab encourages comments, suggestions, and story ideas. Please send them here.
TABL is produced by Public Affairs' Communications Group
