Results Reported
In Campus Union Vote

An election was concluded on Wednesday to determine if Administrative Professionals in the University of California system would be represented by the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE) Union. Berkeley Lab was exempted from this election. According to counts by the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB), campus and hospital administrative professionals voted not to have representation. Results were 2,818 in favor, and 5,309 against representation. Voter turnout was approximately 70 percent. Go here for complete voting totals.

Helping to Keep the Lab Safe: Angela Davi

Davi

We all know the Lab is a Mecca of cutting-edge research, but who are the people that, on a daily basis, help make this happen? One of them is Angela Davi, from the Environment Health and Safety Division's Technical Services Group. From a lab in the basement of Building 26, she test samples from around the Hill -- such as plants, creek and well water, soil, and building materials -- for possible contamination. A 14-year veteran, Davi says she finds improving Lab safety very rewarding. When she's not toiling at the Lab, she likes spending time at her cabin in South Lake Tahoe.

This is the first in an occasional series of employee profiles to appear in "Today at Berkeley Lab."

As part of the Lab's ongoing effort to improve safety and prevent injuries among employees, "Today at Berkeley Lab" is occasionally running photos of unsafe conditions -- taken by EH&S's Accident Photography Program -- and offering suggestions for avoiding accidents. For example, this photo shows someone picking up a heavy box with one hand using the plastic band closures.   These bands could break, causing the box to fall onto her foot. She is also risking back injury by lifting the box with straight knees. Her knees should be bent and she should use both hands for lifting.

Robotic Exoskeleton Makes Humans Stronger

Hauling a 70-pound pack can evoke a grimace in even the burliest individuals. But UC Berkeley researchers have developed a self-powered exoskeleton to take the load off people's backs. Go here to read Sarah Yang's UC Berkeley press release.

1.2 Million New Genes in Sea Microbes Discovered

Department of Energy-funded researchers at the Institute for Biological Energy Alternatives (IBEA) have sequenced microbes in the Sargasso Sea and have discovered at least 1,800 new species and more than 1.2 million new genes. The results will be published in the journal Science . IBEA researchers' discoveries include 782 new rhodopsin-like photoreceptor genes (only a few dozen have been characterized in microorganisms to date). Full story.

Science Committee Reviews Visa Process

House Research Subcommittee Chairman Nick Smith (R-MI) summarized many of the views of his colleagues at a hearing last week on the new security procedures for issuing visas to visiting students and scholars. "This hearing is not a forum to pit the interests of science against the interests of security. Rather, our task is to eliminate bureaucratic inefficiencies in the existing security system that compromise our nation's ability to attract promising scientists and engineers." Full story.

Review Policies on Whistleblower Protection

In accordance with State laws and regulations, the University of California has a responsibility for the stewardship of University resources and the public and private support that enables it to pursue its mission. The University has a responsibility to investigate and report to appropriate parties allegations of suspected improper governmental activities and the actions taken by the University. Go here to read more about Whistleblower policies.