Today at Berkeley Lab: September 10, 2003

Wednesday, September 10, 2003

Today

4 p.m.
College of Chemistry
Celiac Sprue: An Odyssey Into Biomedicine
Chaitan Khosla, Stanford
120 Latimer Hall

6 p.m.
EH&S
Infant/Child CPR
Bldg. 48-109

Tomorrow

9 a.m.
EH&S
Adult CPR
Bldg. 48-109

9 a.m.
EH&S
Radiation Protection Fundamentals
Bldg. 51-201

4 p.m.
College of Chemistry
Studies of Cluster Dynamics by Femtosecond Time-Resolved Photoelectron Imaging
Aster Kammrath, UCB
120 Latimer Hall

Market Carvery: TBA
The Fresh Grille: TBA
Menutainment: TBA


B'fast:	6:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Lunch:	11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Salt Key to Improved
Neutrino Detection

Berkeley Lab scientists contributed to the latest results from the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO). Almost as interesting as the results themselves was how they were obtained. By adding common table salt to the heavy water in SNO’s detector system, researchers tripled the sensitivity of what was already the world’s most sensitive detector of neutrinos. “After considering a number of additives to enhance neutrino sensitivity, we found that sodium chloride was the easiest to handle,” says Alan Poon of the Nuclear Science Division. To read more, click here.

UC Files Appeal In Disclosure Case

The University of California has filed a petition for writ of mandate in the California Court of Appeal in San Francisco to overturn an Alameda County superior court ruling that would require UC to disclose the confidential internal rates of return (“IRRs”) for the private equity partnerships in which the University invests. The University contends that the IRRs are trade secrets and therefore exempt from disclosure under the California Public Records Act and also that disclosure of such confidential information will result in the University being excluded from future investment in these funds. Full story.

Clouds Gather Over 'Dark Matter'
by Keay Davidson




Borrill

New astronomical observations are spurring astrophysicists to re- examine their assumptions about a key paradigm of cosmology: the notion of invisible "dark matter," which supposedly pervades the heavens and keeps galaxies from flying apart. Dark matter is a cherished and fertile concept in cosmology, and no one wants to rewrite it without good reason. Berkeley Lab cosmologist Julian Borrill says: "I don't think (the paper) revolutionizes cosmology, but it does say we understand less about galaxy formation that we thought." Full story.

Insurance Opportunities
For Lab Employees

The Benefits Department would like to remind employees with full or mid-level benefits about a program they can take advantage of at any time: automobile and homeowner or renter insurance through A+ Auto & Home Insurance PLUS. A representative will be in the Cafeteria Lobby today from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to answer questions. Employees can also call 877-999-8952 toll-free for a no obligation rate and coverage comparison.

Road Closure Today

Road N1 will be closed from Road N (next to Building 6) to Lawrence Rd. for tree removal. Normal traffic will resume on Thursday.

Website Provides
Total Recall

Want the real skinny on the recall election, beyond what’s presented in mainstream media? UC Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies has developed a “Hot Topic” website that provides the kind of comprehensive information sorely lacking in newspaper and TV coverage. The site includes details on such topics as: the history of the recall, the legal basis for it, a chronology of the current recall, links to other recall-related websites, and selected journal articles. Go here to view this resource.

WEATHER

Sunny. Highs in the
mid 70s to low 90s.

Extended Forecast

SECURITY CONDITION

SECON level 3

More Information

INFO

Today at Berkeley Lab
is online at
http://www.lbl.gov/today/

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