Electric Shock a Concern
As Near-Miss Accident

An employee received an electric shock at the Advanced Light Source two weeks ago, and although he was not injured it was a serious near-miss accident, and the ninth near-miss electric shock at Berkeley Lab in the past two years. Laboratory Director Steven Chu recently reminded all employees of their responsibility to work safely. Only a qualified electrical worker (such as an electrician or an electronic technician) may work on energized electrical components that are rated above 50 volts or above 500 watts. Any employee who is unsure should get help. Check with a supervisor or co-worker, and ensure you are working safely. If you have questions about safety in your workplace, call Richard DeBusk, Occupational Safety, at x2976, or Bob Mueller, Chair of the Electrical Safety Subcommittee, at x2919. Go here for full story.

Earth Month Tip:
Flip Off the Switch

Looking for a simple way to save energy? Turn off those computer monitors and peripherals when not in use, says Syed Ali of the Lab's In-House Energy Management program. You can also save energy by turning off exhaust fans and closing laboratory fume hood doors whenever the hood is not being used. The Energy Management group will be taking part in Thursday’s Earth Month Environmental Fair, along with many other participants, handing out posters with more energy saving tips. The Fair will take place on the lawn area outside the cafeteria from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

High-tech Probes
Sneak Inside Cells
By Bjorn Carey

The newest generation of nano-sized probes should give scientists a look into the secret lives of nuclei within your body, researchers say. The tiny probes, called quantum dots, are a melding of biology and technology. The crystalline semiconductors with a biological protein coating are no larger than a few hundred atoms. Importantly, they shine brilliantly when hit with a laser. Quantum dots are leaps and bounds better than current fluorescent probes, according to developers Fanqing Chen of Berkeley Lab and Daniele Gerion of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Not only are the dots non-toxic to the cell, but they don’t fade when exposed to light. Full story.

Mother’s Day is May 8, and Karats Jewelry is offering chains, bracelets, rings, charms, or earrings for the occasion. Representatives from Karats will be at the Lab tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the cafeteria lobby. Karats offers a layaway plan, and Lab employees get a 10 percent discount on all items. The event is sponsored by the Employees Activities Association.

PeopleSoft Training
To Be Offered 3 Times

There will be a one-hour “Introduction to PeopleSoft 8.8 Web Training.” Three sessions are available: Friday, April 22 at 9 a.m., and Friday, April 29, at 9 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. PeopleSoft 8.8 can perform such business transactions as requisition approvals, project setup, resource adjustments, and sponsored research proposals. All courses will be held in the Building 50 Auditorium.