Learning About Sex
From an Elegant Worm

Researchers at Berkeley Lab, the University of California at Berkeley, and other institutions have discovered new details of the mechanisms employed by a remarkable animal, the diminutive roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans, to ensure that the chromosomes of its sperm and eggs have been matched and recombined accurately during meiosis. Their discoveries hold promise for understanding human infertility. Led by Abby Dernburg of the Life Sciences Division, the scientists report their research in the Dec. 15 issue of Cell. Full story.

BLI Offers New
Training Programs

The Berkeley Lab Institute (BLI) is offering three new training programs: the Supervisor Development Series, the Leadership Development Series, and the Work and Life How-To Series. These programs start in January. Employees may enroll now through Employee Self Service. In addition, January and February classes for supervisors are Be Prepared to Lead and Getting Things Done Through People. Upcoming Classes for all employees include eRoom Basics, Tuition Reimbursement, and Foreign Visitors & Employees. There is no cost for these classes. Go here for the BLI course calendar.

Lab Blood Drive
A Big Success

More than 100 donors contributed 75 units of blood during the recent blood drive, which met Berkeley Lab’s goal. Because blood can be split into three components – red blood cells, platelets, and plasma – the blood collected can help save 225 lives. There’s still a chance to give blood before the holiday break for employees who work in downtown Berkeley. A Red Cross bus will be parked in front of 700 Heinz Avenue, near building 977, next Thursday, Dec. 22, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Go here to make an appointment.

Lab Suppliers Follow
Holiday Schedules

Most Berkeley Lab suppliers will be open on Friday, Dec. 23. With New Year’s Day falling on a Sunday, many suppliers will be closed on Monday, Jan. 2. Lab employees are encouraged to plan supply needs accordingly.

Earth Scientist
Passes Away

Oswald

William Oswald, a senior staff scientist in the Earth Sciences Division and a Professor Emeritus of Environmental Engineering and Public Health at UC Berkeley, passed away peacefully at home Dec. 8. He was 86. His 50-year career was devoted to understanding and controlling algae and processes that use algal-bacterial symbiosis. An informal rosary will be held Friday at 7 p.m at Concord’s St. Agnes Church, located at 3966 Chestnut Avenue. The memorial mass, also at St. Agnes, will be Saturday at 9 a.m. A scholarship fund at Oswald's high school has been established. Donations may be made to the Bitterwater Parent Teacher Fund and sent to Pat Oswald at 149 Alamo Springs Drive, Alamo, CA 94507.