Chu to Discuss Potential
Of Physics in Biology

If scientists could take advantage of the awesomely complex and beautiful functioning of biology’s natural molecular machines, their potential for application in many disciplines would be incalculable. That’s the theme of today’s inaugural talk in the annual Berkeley Lab Summer Lecture Series, featuring Berkeley Lab Director and Nobelist Steve Chu. Beginning at noon in the Building 50 Auditorium, Chu will explain to employees and visitors what happens when “Physics Meets Biology.” All are invited to attend and bring their lunches to the one-hour lecture, the first of seven dedicated to the World Year of Physics.

Employees are invited to attend an informational event sponsored by Procurement that features Alameda Electric, Berkeley Lab’s new subcontracted small business vendor for electrical supplies, on June 30 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Perseverance Hall. Meet Alameda Electric representatives from sales departments, automation engineering, data communications, telecommunications, and three of their suppliers. Demonstrations about how to order electrical supplies directly from the vendor will be given. For more information, go here. Contact Diana Hopper at x4593 with any questions.

Plain, Simple, Primitive?
Not the Jellyfish

A New York Times article that explores the complex genetic makeup of jellyfish mentions the starlet sea anemone genome, which is being sequenced by the Joint Genome Institute. Scientists expect a number of surprises from the genome project. They have already discovered that a number of genes once thought to be unique to vertebrates have turned up in the genomes of jellyfish and its relatives, known collectively as cnidarians. These genes are much older, having evolved in the common ancestor of cnidarians and bilaterians 600 million years ago. Full story.

Warning to Lab Users:
'Phishing' Scheme Bogus

A message that appears to be from the National Credit Union Administration is circulating widely on the internet. The message informs recipients that access to their accounts has been limited until they verify their account information by clicking on a link and entering information. Beware — this is a bogus message intended to trick recipients into disclosing their personal and financial information so that perpetrators can launch identity theft attempts. People who receive this message or a similar one should delete it immediately. Do not forward it to others.