Research News: Measuring Strong Nanostructures

Individual nanocrystals are remarkably strong. But under stress, complex nanostructures can quickly fail because of large internal strains. New research led by NCEM’s Andy Minor, using the In Situ Microscope to measure the strength of hollow cadmium sulfide nanospheres made in the laboratory of Paul Alivisatos, shows that engineering can greatly increase the strength of complex nanoparticles. The results could lead to stronger nanostructures and large-scale alloys as well. More>

Shuttle Bus: News Routes, Schedules, Services Debut Nov. 3

As announced in the Oct. 10 issue of Today at Berkeley Lab, changes have been made to shuttle schedules, routes, and service. When launched on Nov. 3, these features are expected to shorten the amount of time between bus arrivals especially during peak hours, increase coverage between the Lab and the campus, and improve overall efficiency. More>

Benefits: Open Enrollment Begins Thursday, Oct. 30

Lab staff will soon receive their UC 2009 Open Enrollment brochure, which will be mailed to home addresses this week. The brochure includes detailed information regarding the 2009 health and welfare rates and benefit plan changes. This information will also be posted at UC Benefits At Your Service website and hardcopies will also be available at Berkeley Lab’s Benefits Office. The Lab will conduct a series of Open Enrollment information sessions, where employees can get answers to their benefits questions. Go here to view dates and locations.

Charitable Giving: SHARES Web Site Updated for 2008

For the 11th year, Berkeley Lab is sponsoring its charitable giving campaign called SHARES (Science for Health, Assistance, Resources, Education, and Services). Employees can contribute online via check or payroll deduction. If donating by check, print the completed form and send to the payroll office at Building 90G-117. Employees can request a paper pledge form by e-mailing [email protected]. The SHARES campaign ends Monday, Nov. 10.

Benefits: UC Retirement Readiness Workshops to be Held this week

In response to the volatility that has spread through the financial markets, the Benefits Office has scheduled a series of workshops to help employees develop investment strategies. There are six workshops in all, starting tomorrow in the Building 50 Auditorium. The hands-on workshops run approximately 60 minutes. There are also online workshops for those unable to attend in person. For workshop schedules and more information go here.

People: Villavert to Represent Lab at UC Staff Council

The Council of UC Staff Assemblies (CUCSA) is comprised of delegates from every UC-managed institution, including Berkeley Lab. Maryann Villavert (Earth Sciences) is the newly appointed junior delegate for 2008-09 and will serve alongside the senior delegate Stefano De Santis (Accelerator & Fusion Research) as representatives of the Lab. Members meet quarterly at a different UC campus to discuss issues that affect staff and participate on teams that develop recommendations for UCOP and the Regents. Go here for information on Berkeley Lab’s participation in CUCSA.

Ergonomics: ‘Naturally Speaking’ Software Interest Group to Meet

Users of the speech recognition program, Naturally Speaking, meet on a regular basis to exchange experience and tips. The next brown bag meeting group takes place tomorrow from noon – 1 p.m. in the Perseverance Hall Addition. Anyone interested in sharing their experience or using this program is welcome. Prospective users are encouraged to contact Ergonomics Program Manager Ira Janowitz at [email protected] or x6071. For general information, contact Ciccina Guagliardo, [email protected] or x6490.