Microbes Produce
Willowy Crystals

In recent years, scientists have unearthed a trove of subterranean microbial oddities, bugs that live and thrive in bizarre and extreme environments, and that accomplish remarkable feats to survive there. Now, according to Berkeley Lab earth scientist Jillian Banfield and her colleagues, the flooded depths of an abandoned iron mine in southwestern Wisconsin have yielded yet another novelty: microbes that produce nanometer-scale crystals of extraordinary length. Full story.

Pines

Berkeley Lab materials scientist Alex Pines delves into the teeny tiny world of molecules and light absorption in the latest Nano*High offering this Saturday. "Looking Beyond the Light: From Molecules to Brains" looks at molecular reactions, light emissions and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Nano*High's free Saturday morning lectures and laboratory tours are geared to high school students of all interests. The talk begins at 10 a.m. in the Building 66 auditorium. Go here for a complete listing of talks, maps and registration information.

Abraham

During recent testimony before the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, Department of Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham outlined a FY2005 budget proposal that touched on the cleanup of the Cold War environmental legacy, the construction of a permanent nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, providing energy security by exploring the promise of hydrogen and fusion, and the promotion of basic science research. Go here to read the full text of the testimony.

	Koomey

Jon Koomey, of Berkeley Lab's Environmental Energy Technologies Division, has been chosen as one of 20 Aldo Leopold Leadership Fellows for 2004. These Fellowships provide scientists with intensive training to help them communicate scientific information to non-scientific audiences. Koomey is on leave as head of EETD's End-Use Energy Forecasting Group, and is currently a visiting professor at Stanford University. Go here to read a press release announcing the awards.

Need to Get Off Hill Fast?
Service Offers Free Taxi

One problem with using mass transit to get to work is getting off-site quickly in the case of an emergency. That problem is solved with "Guaranteed Ride Home," a program through Alameda County that will pay for taxi rides. There are a few restrictions (for example: it can't be used for side trips or a pre-planned medical appointment), and you have to be pre-registered. Go here to learn more about the program. To register, call the Site Access Office at x4551.

EHS Adds New Class
For Reporting ORPS

Lab employees who have been designated as "Occurrence Reporting and Processing System" (ORPS) contacts may want to take a new class created by the Environment, Health and Safety Division. The first course (EHS 802) will be held this Wednesday, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Bldg. 51-201. Go here to register for the class. For more information, call Otis Wong at x4046.

Atkins-Friendly Items,
Meal Deals on Menu

Starting this week, the cafeteria will begin serving Atkins-friendly, protein-only selections, including hamburger patties, chicken breasts, ham steaks, bacon strips, and cheese. Also available are "Smash Burger" full-meal deals at the Fresh Grille, which features such combos as a chili cheeseburgers, onion rings, side salad, Coke and a slice of pie.