New Way to Study
T Cell Signaling

Groves

A team of researchers, led by Berkeley Lab chemist Jay Groves, combined nanotechnology with biochemistry to create unique synthetic membranes that, for the first time ever, enabled them to directly control signaling activity in living T cells from the immune system. Already their experiments have yielded surprising results. By going inside a living cell and physically moving its T cell signaling molecules, Groves and his colleagues showed that the “bull’s eye” of an immunological synapse, long thought to amplify T cell signaling, actually works to extinguish the signal. Full story.

IT Upgrade to Cause
Brief Phone Outage

The IT Division will be upgrading the Lab's telephone service on Sunday. A two-minute disruption will occur at about 10 a.m. However, the possibility of a longer outage always exists. If there is an emergency and no dial tone, activate the nearest building fire alarm and wait for emergency personnel to respond. A Lab-wide announcement will inform employees at the beginning and completion of the upgrade. Direct questions during Sunday's upgrade to Cindy Wood at (510) 708-2980.

Roadwork to Begin
Near Blackberry Gate

Barricades will be in place and traffic controls in effect on Horseshoe Curve outside Blackberry Gate while road maintenance is in progress. The work begins today and will continue through Thursday, Dec. 1. To minimize traffic delays, work will begin daily following the morning commute period.

Energy ‘Vampires’ Vant
To Drink Your Vatts
By Matthew Wald

Households across the land are infested with vampires. That's what energy experts call those gizmos with two sharp teeth that dig into a wall socket and suck juice all night long. All day long, too, and all year long. There are billions of vampires in the United States, drawing more than enough current in the typical house to light a 100-watt light bulb 24/7, according to research done by Berkeley Lab’s Environmental Energy Technologies Division. Full story.

Director Chu Featured
In Cal Halftime Spot

When the Cal Bears football team played USC last Saturday, ABC-TV was there to televise the game to most of the nation. At the invitation of ABC, the UC Berkeley campus put together a 30-second commercial spot reflecting the university's strengths and commitments. Chancellor Robert Birgeneau, football coach Jeff Tedford, and Berkeley Lab Director Steve Chu — a Cal alumnus — were among those featured in the spot. Go here to see it (requires RealPlayer software).

Postdoc on Syscan
Imaging Board