Updates on Latest
Research in SABL

Using synthetic biology, yeast and other organisms could be designed to manufacture fuels.

A new edition of Science@ Berkeley Lab, an online magazine featuring stories on the Lab's latest research, is now posted. Efforts to make fuel and electricity directly from sunlight, the discovery of a strongly coupled, friction-free quark-gluon liquid, and the testing of instruments that measure the uptake of atmospheric carbon in ocean water are among the stories in this issue. Go here to read more.

Changes, Deadlines For
403 (b) Loan Program

In July, Fidelity Investments Tax-Exempt Services Company ("FITSCO") will become the master record keper of the University's 403(b) Tax-Deferred Savings Plan and Defined Contribution Plan. The conversion of these plans from the current monthly valuation to FITSCO's daily valuation platform will occur over a six to eight week period.  Go here for more information on loans and key dates in the transition.

Sign Up Now For
Science Camp

Science Exploration Camp is offering summer enrollment for children entering second to sixth grades next fall. There are six weekly camp sessions from July 11 to August 19. Core hours are 9 a.m. to 4p.m. with before and after care available from 7:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. at no extra charge. The weekly fee is $220 per week. Scholarships are available for up to four children per week. Go here for more information and application forms.

Seaborg Joins 'Inventors
Hall of Fame' Ranks

Seaborg

What do Les Paul, inventor of the solid body electric guitar, and famed Berkeley Lab scientist Glenn Seaborg have in common? Both were recently inducted into The National Inventors Hall of Fame. The induction honors "the women and men responsible for the great technological advances that make human, social and economic progress possible." Seaborg was the Lab's former associate director-at-large, discoverer of 10 elements, and Nobel Prize winner. Go here to learn more about his induction and to see a list of other inductees.

Bike-To-Work Day is tomorrow, and the Lab's Environment Health and Safety Division and Bicycle Coalition are using the occasion to announce a new web-based survey for staff who ride bicycles on-site. The survey is comprised of questions that remind riders of the Lab's Bicycle Safety Policy, as well as solicit feedback on what can be done to make the Hill more bicycle friendly. The first 300 survey respondents will receive a free halogen headlamp and flashing rear red light. Go here to take the survey. The newly adopted Bicycle Safety Policy can be found in PUB-3000 and the Regulations and Procedures Manual (RPM). Go here for more information on Bike-To-Work Day activities.

Use Your Laptop
Computer Safely

Notebook computers were originally designed as a short-term replacement for a traveler's desktop computer. As laptops have grown much lighter, faster and cheaper, they have become many employees' primary (and sometimes only) personal computer. Regular use with an improper set-up can create the potential for ergonomic injury. Go here to learn more about the safe use of a laptop computer.