High-Speed Backbone Connections Upgraded

Qwest Communications International Inc. of Denver, which operates the DOE Energy Sciences Network (ESNet), received an additional $37.5 million to boost the local access connections at Brookhaven National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The new links give the labs 2.58-Gbps links. ESNet is managed by Berkeley Lab. The network connects more than 35 DOE research sites and supports scientific programs with universities and research institutions. Full story.

Ancient Fish Genome Provides Evolution Clues

Coelacanth

A prehistoric fish that until 1938 was thought to be extinct has caught the eye of geneticists at the Stanford University School of Medicine who hope to sequence the ancient genome to learn how animals evolved to live on land. The lobed fins, skeleton structure and large, round scales of the coelacanth are practically unchanged from its fossilized ancestors, which makes it an attractive target for sequencing, according to work published in this week's online issue of Genome Research. "The lungfish genome is enormous," said James Noonan, who is now a postdoctoral fellow at Berkeley Lab. Full story.

Ways to Cut Heating
Costs This Winter

Count on it — this winter, heating costs are going up across the country. The Department of Energy predicts that natural gas prices will increase more than 11 percent above those from last winter. Those higher natural gas prices will hit California as well. That's why it's more important than ever to check your home to insure that your heating dollars aren't being wasted. According to field research performed by Berkeley Lab and other researchers, you can save 10 percent or more of your heating or cooling bill by getting your ducts sealed. Full story.

Ritchie

Robert Ritchie, a senior scientist in the Lab's Materials Sciences Division, has received a 2004 Nadai Award from the American Society for Mechanical Engineers. The award was established in 1975 to recognize distinctive contributions to the field of engineering materials. Ritchie was cited for seminal experimental and theoretical contributions to the field of fracture and fatigue of a broad class of structural materials. He will be presented with the award in November at the International Mechanical Engineering Congress of ASME in Anaheim.

Ralph and Nancy Sallee

Husband-Wife Duo
Nabs Top Golf Spots

Ralph Sallee, a lead shuttle bus driver, and his wife Nancy Sallee, with the Business Services Division, took the top honors for this year's Berkeley Lab Golf Club season. This marks Ralph's third "Golfer of the Year" award. Nancy narrowly defeated defending Golfer-of-the-Year Martin Kitchener (with UC San Francisco) to win the "Matchplay" final. She is the first female to earn a top spot in championship play. Bruce Estes was honored for most improved player. Kitchener, Nick Palaio and Gary Zeman took third, fourth and fifth places, respectively. For information about the golf club, contact Dave Plate.

Dell to Replace
Power Adapters

Dell Computers is recalling AC power adapters — sold between 1998 and 2002 with some Latitude, Inspirion, and Precision laptops — due to reports of overheating. ITSD is organizing a program at the Lab in early December to help employees determine if they have a recalled adapter and help them get it replaced on the spot. Dell is also offering replacements by mail. Go here for more information.