Process Turns Breast Cancer Cells to Normal

Bissell

Speaking at Experimental Biology 2004, Berkeley Lab scientist Mina Bissell describes research showing how manipulation of the extracellular matrix of non-malignant breast cells can lead to genomic instability via oxidative damage. She describes how manipulation of the microenvironment can allow malignant breast cancer cells to revert to normal cells again. She also describes how the tissue culture of the extracellular matrix affects the cancerous cells' resistance to chemotherapy, independently of the characteristics of the malignancy itself. Full story.

Berkeley Mayor Says
Cooperation is Key
By Martin Snapp

Bates

Mayor Tom Bates had bad news and good news in his state of the city address to the Chamber of Commerce. The bad news: The budget crisis continues with a $10 million shortfall. The good news: The city is meeting the crisis by "working together in a way we haven't done in a long time." Bates said one of the stiffest challenges the city faces is the competition for retail, office and manufacturing dollars from other nearby cities. His solution: Taking advantage of the proximity of the University and Berkeley Lab to turn Berkeley into a "Green Silicon Valley." Full story.

Lindsay Museum Brings
Message on Wildlife

Part of the Earth Month theme is protection and preservation of the nation's wildlife, which is exactly why the Lindsay Museum of Walnut Creek has been in the business for 50 years. Patti Blasquez will bring that message - plus a couple of her feathered friends - to Berkeley Lab's Building 50 Auditorium tomorrow at noon. The brown bag talk is the kickoff event to the Lab's Earth Month celebration. For more about the Lindsay, go here.

'Friends' Off-Site Talk
Will Focus on Climate

Torn

Global warming and its causes - in particular those that are local -- is the subject of the next Berkeley Lab "Friends of Science" talk, this one at the Berkeley City Library. Earth Scientist Margaret Torn will discuss "Bringing Climate Change Back Home" next Monday at 5:30 p.m. The program is the concluding event in this year's Earth Month celebration at the Lab. Admission is free, and no reservations are required. Go here for more information.

Get Tips on Relieving
Stress This Thursday

Are you feeling stressed? The ASD Academy is offering an "Instant Relaxation" class this Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to noon in Building 2-100B. Laurie Yamamoto from the Tang Center will facilitate a workshop to learn and practice a variety of useful and immediately helpful deep breathing exercises and simple office stretches that will leave employees feeling more relaxed and energized. Go here to register for the class (reference ASD9038).

Karats Jewelry Sale
In Cafeteria Today

Get a head start on your Mother's Day gift buying today at the Karats 14K gold jewelry sale, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the cafeteria. Employees get a 10-percent discount on all pieces, which include chains, bracelets, rings, and charms. A lay-away plan is plan is available, and checks, Visa and Mastercard are accepted for payment. All sales are final and no refunds or exchanges will be made.