Translating 'Nano'
Into Practical
By Kenneth Chang

In the hip science of ultrasmall nanotechnology, fantastical future possibilities like rampaging nanorobots capture the most attention, but the first fruits of the field have been more mundane: tiny bits of mostly ordinary stuff that just sit there. Yet these bits gain wondrous new capabilities simply because they are so small. At those sizes, say scientists, everything, regardless of what it is, has new properties, and that is where a lot of the scientific interest is. "That creates a new way to control the properties of materials," said Berkeley Lab materials scientist Paul Alivisatos. "Instead of changing composition, you can change size." Full story (requires registration).

Carbon Storage Holds Promise on Emissions
By Betsy Mason

Benson

With the Kyoto Protocol taking effect last week, most discussion about stemming global warming is focused on reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. But some Bay Area scientists are tackling the problem from another angle. The idea, known as carbon sequestration, or carbon storage, involves taking carbon dioxide emissions and putting it underground, where it is likely to stay for a long time. "You could eliminate essentially all of the emissions from power plants," said Berkeley Lab earth scientist Sally Benson. Full story (registration required).

DOE Education Advisory Panel Meeting Here Today

Shank

The Secretary of Energy's Advisory Board (SEAB) Task Force on Science and Mathematics is holding its first meeting at Berkeley Lab today. The work of the task force arises out of an initiative by former Secretary Spencer Abraham to enhance and better understand DOE's role in boosting student achievement in science and math. Berkeley Lab was selected as the inaugural meeting site because of what DOE indicates is its proven record in this area. Luis Proenza, President of the University of Akron, is task force chair, and former Berkeley Lab Director Charles Shank is a member.