The universe has been mapped! Not the universe of stars, planets, and black holes, but the protein universe, the vast assemblage of biological molecules that are the building blocks of living cells and control the chemical processes which make those cells work. Researchers with Berkeley Lab and the University of California at Berkeley have created the first three-dimensional global map of the protein structure universe.
Full story.

Alloy Could Lower
Fuel-Cell Cost

Scientists from Berkeley Lab have found a way to fashion fuel cells that are potentially cheaper and easier to manufacture than previous prototypes. The method is a step toward making the relatively clean energy-generating technology commercially viable. (2/18/03) Full Story.

Researchers Look Underground To Curb Climate Change
By Jeffrey Winters

Carbon sequestration, as it's called, is quickly becoming a cornerstone of the Bush administration's approach to dealing with the issues surrounding global climate change and the influx of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. "The question is how long is long enough," said Sally Benson, Deputy Director of Operations at Berkeley Lab. Benson is leading a government effort to study geological carbon sequestration options. "If you have leaking at a rate of 0.1 percent or 0.01 percent a year, then I think sequestration will be very effective." (2/18/03) Full Story.

The Advisory Panel of the Employee Activities Association is seeking nominations through March 10 for three positions -- a recreational representative, a cultural representative and a member at large. Serving on the EAA Panel is an opportunity to have an impact on the success of Lab events and group activities. To find out how to apply, e-mail [email protected] or watch for a full article in this Friday's issue of Currents.

Resource Center Will
Address Illness Claims

Current and former DOE workers and contractors interested in filing claims for medical assistance for illnesses due to radiation, silica or beryllium exposure at work will have an opportunity next month to get their questions answered. A joint DOE -Department of Labor Traveling Resource Center will return to two locations in the East Bay March 3-6. Representatives will be on hand to assist individuals with claims under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act. Full story.