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Security Level Increased
Over the Weekend
Over
the weekend, the Office of Homeland Security raised
the nation's "terror-attack warning" from code
yellow to code orange. Go here
to learn more about the Lab's response to this
increase. Any updates will be posted here or can
be obtained by calling 800-445-5830, which is
the emergency status number listed on the back
of employee ID cards.
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MOU
Signed by Lab
And Korean Institute
The
Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI)
and Berkeley Lab signed a memorandum of understanding
last week "to enhance the international pool of
expertise in energy issues and energy efficiency
technologies through information exchange and
collaboration." The two institutions have agreed
to conduct joint research and training programs
on electricity, energy-efficiency and demand response
issues, energy industry restructuring, and renewable
energy in electricity markets. KERI president
Young Han Kwun joined Director Shank at the Lab
for the signing ceremony.
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Consumers Reap Benefits of Nanotechnology
By Dean Takahashi
For
Donn Tice, the path to the new world of
nanotechnology leads through the old world
of apparel manufacturing. Nano-Tex's chief
executive officer has traveled the globe
this year selling his Emeryville company's
nanotechnology chemical formula that makes
fabrics stain-resistant. Nano-Tex's Nano-Care
product is more than just a coating that
repels stains. It changes the fabric itself
on a molecular level, embedding it with
tiny, floppy, hair-like fibers that are
attached to a common spine. Full
story.
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Blackberry Gate Closure
As
reported in Friday's edition of "Today at Berkeley
Lab", the East Bay Municipal Utility District
is working on a water main near Blackberry Gate
this week. However, this morning, the extent of
the work has expanded and forced the closure of
the gate. It is unclear at this time when the
gate will re-open, but it could take as long 48
hours. In the interim, employees should use either
Strawberry Gate or Grizzly Peak gate (which closes
at 9:30 a.m.) to enter the Lab. An update on this
situation will appear in tomorrow's "Today at
Berkeley Lab," or staff can call Blackberry Gate
at x5472.
Bone Up on Electrical
Safety for OSHA Visit
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As
previously announced in "Today at Berkeley Lab,"
Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) personnel will conduct a site-wide audit
of the Lab Jan. 12-23, during which they may interview
staff. To prepare, EH&S is encouraging employees
to learn more about the Lab's Electrical Safety
program. To learn more, reference Chapter
8 of Pub 3000, or contact Tom Caronna. Please
click on this link
to take a brief survey on the Lab's electrical
safety program.
Foundry
Construction
Limits Access in Area
The
construction of the Molecular Foundry begins this
week on the hillside between Buildings 66 and
72. Work on this project is estimated to take
two years to complete. During construction, access
to the project site will be restricted. Be sure
to observe all construction signs and barricaded
areas. Employees interested in taking a tour of
the project site can contact project manager Joe
Harkins. Go here
for updated information on the Foundry’s
construction.
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Single
Gene's Role in Neural Tube Defects
UC
Berkeley researchers, including Richard Harland,
a guest in the Lab's Life Sciences Division, have
discovered a single gene that appears to kick
off a critical step in the development of the
early embryo - the formation of the brain and
spinal cord - and thus may offer a way to screen
for fetal spinal cord defects such as spina bifida.
Go here
to read Bob Sanders' UC Berkeley press release.
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