The Carbon Conundrum:
Sequestering ‘Promising’
By Robert F. Service

Benson

Even if the hydrogen economy were technically and economically feasible today, weaning the world off carbon-based fossil fuels would still take decades. During that time, carbon combustion will continue to pour greenhouse gases into the atmosphere--unless scientists find a way to reroute them. Governments and energy companies around the globe have launched numerous large-scale research and demonstration projects to capture and store, or sequester, unwanted carbon dioxide. Although final results are years off, so far the tests appear heartening. "It seems to look more and more promising all the time," says Sally Benson, a hydrogeologist (and Deputy Director) at Berkeley Lab. "For the first time, I think the technical feasibility has been established." No link available.

Binding site where epothilone A interacts with key protein

Emory Maps Anti-Cancer
Molecule; Lab Assists

Scientists at Emory University, in collaboration with researchers at three national laboratories — including Berkeley Lab — have solved the structural puzzle of how an emerging class of promising cancer drugs work to halt cell division. The discovery potentially opens the door to the creation of more effective cancer treatments. The results, reported in the Aug. 6 issue of the journal Science, include the first three-dimensional, atomic-scale images of the binding site where one of the drugs, epothilone A, interacts with a key protein controlling cell division. To build the model, the Emory team used diffraction data gathered from an electron microscope at Berkeley Lab. Full story.

The Service Pack 2 for Windows XP will be distributed to U.S. customers via their automatic Windows update feature today. ITSD, following the lead of other organizations like IBM, has decided to implement a Microsoft solution to temporarily block this update for customers using Novell or Windows Active Directory. If you have any questions, please call the HelpDesk at x 4357. After ITSD completes testing on these systems, the block will be reversed.

Berkeley Lab will hold its 10th Annual Ergonomics Fair tomorrow and Wednesday outside the Cafeteria from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event is an opportunity for employees to stop by and visit with various vendors to see the latest ergonomics furniture, accessories, tools and pipettes. Get information about ways to minimize the risk of repetitive motion injuries in the office, laboratory and shop. Visit all the exhibits and qualify for raffle prize drawings. For more information, contact Jeffrey Chung at x5818 or [email protected]. Note: Parking in the cafeteria lot will be limited because 20 spaces will be reserved for the fair, both tomorrow and Wednesday

Karats Jewelry Sale
In Cafeteria Tomorrow

Employees can purchase bracelets, rings, necklaces and other quality jewelry items from Karats tomorrow in the cafeteria from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted for payment. Lab employees receive an additional 10% discount. The event is sponsored by the Lab's Employee Activities Association.

Grizzly Sub Maintenance
Begins Today

Facilities electricians will switch all Lab loads to Grizzly Substation Bank 2 while they carry out maintenance on Bank 1 equipment today. The Lab will remain on Bank 2 until maintenance is completed next week. The switching will be transparent to the Lab community and it is highly unlikely that an interruption of power will occur, however, the possibility always exists. Employees should take all necessary precautions. A hill-wide public addres announcement will be made prior to switching. For additional information, contact Jim Murphy at x4175 or Mahesh Gupta at x5220.