Leptons, Proteins,
Polarons in New SABL

A 3-D map will help visualize proteins

The latest issue of Science at Berkeley Lab, or SABL, has just been published and features articles on the latest research taking place here, such as taking chemical fingerprints of the Lena River to search for early warning climate change, the Lab's role in the proposed International Collider, and a new 3-D map that can help determine the function of an unknown protein. Go here to read these and other stories.

Lab Presents Final
Offers to AFSCME

The Lab's bargaining team met with AFSCME on Friday, March 24, and presented two final offers for a FY 2005 wage agreement. One proposal provides for performance-based pay increases and the other is for an across-the-board wage increase. The Lab is prepared to offer a higher percentage for pay increases if the AFSCME agrees to a pay for performance approach. However, AFSCME rejected both offers, stating that it would not agree to any performance based scheme and that the across the board offer was not sufficient. Go here for more information.

Two-Day Leadership
Workshop For Managers

Franklin Covey's Four Roles of Leadership for Managers is a two-day workshop that will help build successful and effective leaders while providing tools to significantly improve strategic thinking, long-term vision, and positive influence on others. The workshop addresses how to think and act differently to develop a high-trust, high-performance culture rooted in enduring principles of effective leadership. The class takes place Monday and Tuesday, May 16-17, in Perseverance Hall. A pre-work session must be completed by April 21. Go here to register (ASD 0227).

EETD Had a Role In
Winning Architecture

Thom Mayne, architect for the new federal tower in San Francisco, received this year's Pritzker Architecture Prize, the highest award in that profession. Environmental Energy Technologies Division scientist Philip Haves and others collaborated in the building design, using the EnergyPlus building-energy simulation program. (EnergyPlus won the R&D 100 award last year.) The completed project will consume just half of the energy allowed for new federal buildings, with natural air circulation in place of air conditioning. Full story.

Cool Roofs Cut Costs, Improve Environment

Environmental Energy Technologies Division researcher Hashem Akbari was among the experts quoted in a FacilitiesNet article about the use of cool roofs and the potential savings that can result with their use, as well as benefits to the environment. California Energy Commissioner and former Lab scientist Art Rosenfeld is also quoted. Full story.

Questions Raised At Bevatron Public Hearing

A small group of citizens is calling for the historical preservation of the Lab's Bevatron. The Lab plans to raze the structure to make room for future projects. The Bevatron synchrotron accelerator was state of the art when it began operation in 1954. It closed in 1993. Go here to read a San Francisco Chronicle story on this topic.