New clues emerge about how a molecular machine breaks down unwanted proteins in cells, a critical housekeeping chore that helps prevent diseases such as cancer. The insights, thanks to the first molecular-scale description of a giant enzyme called tripeptidyl peptidase II, could also inform the development of obesity-fighting drugs. Bing Jap, a biophysicist in Berkeley Lab’s Life Sciences Division, led the research with scientists from the University of California at Berkeley and Germany’s Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry. More>
Special Event: Carbon Smackdown Takes on Smart Windows Today at Noon The fourth of five Carbon Smackdown matches takes place today at noon in the Building 50 Auditorium. Researchers Delia Milliron of the Materials Sciences Division and Stephen Selkowitz of the Environmental Energy Technologies Division will talk about their work on energy-saving smart windows. The talk will be webcast live. You can also go there to watch previous Smackdown lectures. The final talk takes place Monday, Aug. 9, with Juan Meza of the Computational Research Division discussing “Visualizing Clean Energy.”
Structural biologist Cheryl Kerfeld, head of the Joint Genome Institute's Education and Structural Genomics Program and researcher with the Lab’s Genomics Division, was named the recipient of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology's (ASBMB's) Award for Exemplary Contributions to Education. Kerfeld was recognized "for encouraging effective teaching and learning of biochemistry and molecular biology through her own teaching, leadership in education, writing, educational research, mentoring and public enlightenment." Kerfeld receives a plaque, a cash prize and the opportunity to present a plenary lecture at the ASBMB annual meeting. More>
sustainLBL: Sign Up for Clean Air Race to Help Top Livermore's Count Lab staff can still register for the “Great Race for Clean Air.” The race is a friendly competition between Bay Area employers to see which can show the greatest savings in greenhouse gas emissions using various commuting alternatives, such as public transit, carpooling, walking, and bicycling to work. The contest runs through Monday, Sept. 30. Lab employees have shown a great response thus far, climbing into the top ten. If employees keep registering, surpassing Livermore Lab is within grasp. New registrants can sign up here by selecting “LBNL” from the list of employers and filling in some basic information. Participants will automatically be entered into weekly random drawings for prizes. Those who registered already can log their progress at the end of each week. More>
The Lab’s Philanthropy Club will be hosting a blood drive on Tuesday, Aug. 10. The Red Cross Bloodmobile will be in the Cafeteria parking lot from 7 a.m to 1 p.m. Go here to register for an appointment (sponsor code is LBL).
Berkeley 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 accept the invitation can go to the Employee Self-Service website. They may also fill out a hard copy of the EEOC Self-Identification Form and mail it to the Equal Employment Opportunity Office/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA), Mail Stop 90K-0119. For questions, call 486-7443.
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