Alivisatos (left) and Colella

Alivisatos, Colella
Elected to NAS

Two Berkeley Lab scientists are among the 72 newly elected members of the National Academy of Sciences. Paul Alivisatos, a chemist who serves as director of the Material Sciences Division and the Molecular Foundry, and Phil Colella, a mathematician who heads the Applied Numerical Algorithms group for the Computational Research Division, join 1,949 active members of NAS.   Established under President Lincoln, NAS is a private organization of scientists and engineers dedicated to the furtherance of science and its use for the general welfare. A list of all new NAS members can be read here.

Campus Profs Concerned
By Contract Competition

For the first time since the U.S. national laboratory system was created more than 50 years ago, the contracts to operate the three national labs managed by the University of California are being put out for bids. And for many UC Berkeley scientists, one of the most critical issues arising from the competition is the effect a change in the labs' management could have on the hundreds of research collaborations, joint appointments, and teaching and learning opportunities that arise from the family ties between the campus and the labs. Full story.

'MoveSMART' Training
Begins Next Week

Laboratory employees involved in moving and lifting activities at work are encouraged to attend the "MoveSMART" workshops taking place Thursday, April 29, and Friday, April 30.   The classes will focus on practical injury prevention, developing safe behaviors, and heightening safety culture. The two-hour classes begin at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. on Friday. Two "refresher" classes will also be offered on Friday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. All classes take place in Building 51-201. Go here to register.

Happy Administrative Professionals Day

"Today at Berkeley Lab" would like to extend a hearty thank you to the administrative staff that helps keep the Lab running smoothly. The Administrative Services Division (ASD) employs about 265 people, who serve as executive assistants, office managers, supervisors, and receptionists, among other positions. Says ASD Director Anil Moré: "Through all the technological advancements and redefined business requirements, administrative professionals have emerged in a stronger, more important position than ever before.  Please join me in recognizing the contributions, dedication, and unique skill set of our administrative workforce."

A new worm called “Netsky.Y” was sent to many Lab email accounts yesterday before it could be contained. The email attachment containing the worm infected more than 100 machines at the Lab throughout the day, and was first identified by the Computer Protection Program staff at 10:15 a.m. A custom blocking tool was put in place by 11:15 a.m., which deleted 7500 matching messages over the next hour alone. The subject of each message that contains this worm is "Delivery failure notice" followed by a number, or "Fwd: Delivery failure notice" followed by a number. The apparent sender's address is spoofed (falsified) — it could be any email address on the Internet. Employees who receive one of these messages, do not open the attachment, and delete the email immediately. Since many viruses will forge "to" and “from” addresses, don't open an attachment just because you recognize the sender. Open attachments only if you are expecting them from someone. Go here for more information on virus prevention. For assistance, contact the Help Desk at x4357.

Go Take a Hike With
Lab's Outdoor Club

The Berkeley Lab Outdoors Club invites employess to join them for ongoing weekend hiking excursions exploring the Bay Area. One is scheduled for this Sunday to Point Reyes, and another on May 2 to Mount Tamalpais. The club has also started local after-work hiking and jogging groups. Those interested in participating should contact Dinah Levy for more details.