Synthetic Biology:
Starting From Scratch

Keasling

Genetic Engineering is old hat. Biologists are now synthesizing genomes, altering the genetic code and contemplating new life forms. Is it time to think about the risks? Nature writer Philip Ball asks the experts in a news feature from the October 7 edition. Among his sources are Jay Keasling, a chemical engineer and director of the Synthetic Biology Department in Berkeley Lab's Physical Biosciences Division, and Peter Schultz, former Berkeley Lab chemist who now works for Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla. Go here to read a PDF version of the story.

NSF Funds First Center
For Nanoscale Teaching

With a five-year, $15 million grant to Northwestern University, the National Science Foundation is funding the nation's first Center for Learning and Teaching in Nanoscale Science and Engineering. The center — under the direction of Northwestern professor of materials science and engineering Robert Chang — will develop scientist-educators who can introduce nanoscience and nanoengineering concepts into schools and undergraduate classrooms. Additionally, it will play the key role in a national network of researchers and educators committed to ensuring that all Americans are academically prepared to participate in the new opportunities nanotechnology will offer. Full story.

Helping Buyers Find
Fuel-Efficient Cars

The Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency have released the 2005 Fuel Economy Guide to help consumers make well-informed choices when purchasing a new vehicle. Topping out at an estimated 61 miles per gallon in the city, hybrids again lead the list of fuel-efficient vehicles for the new model year. Debuting at 12th in overall mileage this year is the Ford Escape hybrid two-wheel drive sport-utility vehicle, which at 36 mpg in the city leads the SUV class. The Ford Escape joins the Honda Insight, Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius in the hybrid market.  In addition to being fuel efficient, hybrids are among the cleanest running vehicles available. Full story.

	Magee

CSEE Artist Designs Winning
T-Shirt

Shannon Magee, the web and graphics manager for the Lab's Center for Science and Engineering Education in Public Affairs, is the winner of this year's Runaround t-shirt design contest. Her colorful, concentric design will adorn the chests of the hundreds of employees who cross the finish line in today's race (which begins at noon in front of the Firehouse). The logo, she says, was inspired by a design project conducted when she was in college on the mathematical "Fibonacci Series." Congratulations, Shannon.

EH&S Staff Rescue
Abandoned Feline

Nanocat

Staff in the Lab's Environmental Health and Safety Division work hard to protect Lab employees from harm. But their skill extends beyond the human species. They're adept at assisting four-legged creatures, too. A few days ago, some members of EH&S rescued a small, furry, and very hungry kitten, found in some Oleander bushes near the construction site of the Molecular Foundry. "The cat does not appear to be feral," says Ginny Lackner, one of the rescuers. "She is cuddly and very social." The cat looks to be six to seven weeks old, she added. "We've named her 'Nanocat,' because of where we found her," says Lackner, "and her small size." While Nanocat is doing very well in her foster home, she would love a permanent residence. Those interested in adopting the cat should contact Lackner (x7413).

The Lab ’s voice pager radio system will cease operations at midnight, Dec. 23, not Dec. 31 as previously announced in yesterday's edition of "Today at Berkeley Lab." For further information, contact Glenn Skipper at x6125.