New Ribosome X-Rays
May Improve Antibiotics

Cate

A new, sharper picture of the nano-machine that translates our genetic program into proteins promises to help researchers explain how some types of antibiotics work and could lead to the design of better ones. The high-resolution snapshots of the bacterial ribosome were captured by UC Berkeley and Berkeley Lab scientists using the Advanced Light Source, which generates intense beams of X-rays that can reveal unprecedented structural detail of such large and complex molecules. Berkeley Lab Physical Bioscientist Jamie Cate led the study. Full story.

Global Warming Model
Foresees a Dire Future

Scientists at Livermore Lab are using supercomputers to simulate the complete burnout of all fossil fuels and the resulting changes in climate through 2300, two centuries longer than almost any other climate study. The greatest warming occurs in the next century, when carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere reach 1,000 parts per million, or nearly four times pre-industrial concentrations, in about 2140, then peak in 2300 at 1,438 parts per million. "We don't even want to get close to 1,000," said Berkeley Lab Director Steven Chu, "That's a disaster." Full story.

End of the Year 403(b)
Contribution Reminder

The deadlines to enroll or to make changes to 403(b) contributions for the 2005 tax year are Tuesday, Nov. 15, for monthly paid employees and Monday, Dec. 12, for biweekly paid employees. To enroll or make changes to contributions, visit the Fidelity website, or contact Fidelity's customer service (866-682-7787). Go here for more information on 403(b) contributions.

ALS Scientist Wins
Humboldt Award

Fadley

Charles Fadley, with the Lab Advanced Light Source, has received a Helmholtz- Humboldt Award from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. Each year, the German-based Helmholtz Association of 15 government research laboratories and the Humboldt Foundation jointly grant up to six research awards to internationally acknowledged scientists from abroad in recognition of their achievements. The awards come with cash and an invitation to undertake research in Germany with government and university partners. Fadley, a UC Davis physics professor, is a leading authority on photoelectron spectroscopy. While in Germany, he will pursue standing wave studies of nanostructures and spin-polarized dichroic holography.

Upgrades to Interrupt
Network on Saturday

The IT Division will perform an electrical upgrade on some of its communications equipment tomorrow between 7 and 10 a.m. This will interrupt the Lab's voicemail and LBLnet service. Telephone service will not be affected.

Veterans Day
Holiday Option

Eligible employees have the option of using Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11, as a paid holiday (if they have not already taken Cesar Chavez Day as one), with approval from a supervisor. Those who do, however, must use a second vacation day on Tuesday, Dec. 27. See the "Limited Floating Holiday Implementation Guidance" website for information on eligibility and time entry procedures. Laboratory policy concerning holidays is contained in the Regulations and Procedures Manual (RPM), Section 2.10. Go here to view the Lab's holiday schedule.