Perlmutter On PBS
Program Tonight

Perlmutter

Scientific American Frontiers, a PBS program hosted by former MASH star Alan Alda, will present a show on "The Dark Side of the Universe," on KQED (channel 9) tonight at 9 p.m. This show was partly filmed here last fall and features Lab physicist Saul Perlmutter and other members of the Supernova Cosmology Project and SNAP.

Bishop Featured
On BBC Radio

Bishop

Recently the BBC's worldwide radio program "Science in Action" devoted a segment to ocean carbon sequestration as a means of slowing global warming. Jim Bishop and Phoebe Lam of the Earth Sciences Division explain the "iron hypothesis," the proposal to reduce atmospheric carbon by fertilizing plankton growth with iron. Recent experiments, says Lam, "are the beginning of a hint" that the scheme might work. But even it does, Bishop warns, "the jury is still out" on whether it would be a good idea. Go here to hear the segment (requires Real Player).

Channel 2 Gives Report
On JGI Sequence

Television station KTVU Channel 2 recently ran a story on the Joint Genome Institute's efforts to thwart the advance of Sudden Oak Death, which has ravaged trees along the West Coast for nearly a decade. The group has sequenced the genome that causes the disease, and a similar pathogen that affects soybeans, which will enable remedies to be developed. Go here to view the clip.

Next 'Summer Lecture' In Building 66 Tomorrow

Keasling

Jay Keasling, who heads the Lab's new Synthetic Biology Department in Physical Biosciences, will give the next talk in the Lab's Summer Lecture Series, on Wednesday at noon in the Building 66 Auditorium. In his presentation, "Building Bugs to Produce Drugs," Keasling will discuss how he and other scientists are working to design and construct novel organisms and biologically inspired systems that can solve problems natural biological systems cannot. Employees are invited to bring their lunches and enjoy the talk.

Changes To Flights
For Business Travel

The state has announced a new YCAL program with significant changes effective July 1. Within California, United, American and Southwest airlines will offer discounted rates for business travel. Domestic, out-of-state discount rates will be offered by United, American, Southwest, Delta, and America West. America West replaces United for service from the Bay Area to Washington D.C. International destinations have been added with service provided by United, Delta, American and America West. The complete listing of new rates and cities will be posted soon on the Lab's travel web page. Contact the Travel Office (x4500) for more information.
 

Radiation and Laser
Safety Tips for Students

Summer students will soon be working with Lab researchers on projects involving the use of radioactive material, radiation producing machines or lasers. Go here to read information on the Radiological Work Authorization (RWA), Sealed Source Authorization (SSA) and Laser Safety programs.