Today at Berkeley Lab: August 8, 2006

Tuesday, August 8, 2006

Only 18
Days Until Founders Day

Today

8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Employee Activities Assoc.
Karats Jewelry Sale
Cafeteria Lobby

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Computing Sciences
Student Seminar Summer Presentations
Bldg. 50B-4205

10 a.m.
EHS 535
Hot Work Permit Training
Bldg. 70A-3377

10:30 a.m.
Berkeley Lab Institute
Presentation Skills
Bldg. 2-100B

1 p.m.
Molecular Foundry
A Moving Nano-Platform on DNA: Simulations and Single Molecule Observations of a DNA Sliding Clamp
Daniel Barsky, LLNL
Bldg. 67-3111

3 p.m.
Advanced Light Source
First Experiments at the XUV-FEL FLASH in Hamburg
Wilfried Wurth, Hasylab FLASH Facility
Bldg. 6-2202

Tomorrow

8:30 to 10:15 a.m.
Human Resources
New Employee Orientation
Bldg. 50 Auditorium

9 a.m.
EHS 530
Fire Extinguisher Safety
Bldg. 48-109

10 a.m.
EHS 23
Safety for Shop Supervisors
Bldg. 70A-3377

10:15 a.m.
EHS 10
Intro to ES&H at Berkeley Lab
Bldg. 50 Auditorium

Noon
Yoga Club
Class with Chris Hoskins
Bldg. 70-191

Noon
Yoga Club
Class with Naomi Hartwig
Bldg. 937-302

Noon
Dance Club
West Coast Swing
Bldg. 51 Lobby (Bevatron)

1 p.m.
EHS 62
WorkSmart Ergonomics
Bldg. 70A-3377

3 p.m.
Advanced Light Source
Synchrotron-Based Analysis of Cometary Particles From STARDUST
Sasa Bajt, LLNL
Bldg. 6-2202

Morning Editions: Breakfast Burrito with Roasted Potatoes
Tomorrow's Breakfast: Chili Cheese Omelette with Hash Browns and Fruit
Market Carvery: Chicken or Cheese Enchiladas
The Fresh Grille: Turkey Meatloaf Sandwich with Fries and Fruit
Menutainment: Fiesta Taco Salad

B'fast:	6:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Lunch:	11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Full menu

Times Cites Lab Studies
In Story on Energy Use

Reflecting upon the record-breaking heat wave that New Yorkers experienced last week, the New York Times published a story yesterday about the importance of greater building and appliance efficiency. It noted that energy experts are increasingly concerned about devices that draw power even when they are turned off or are idling in "sleep" or "standby" mode. This phenomenon may account for as much as 10 percent of residential energy consumption, according to Berkeley Lab. The Times also referenced Lab researcher Alan Meier: In a number of power crises, rapid, short-term reductions in electricity demand have been surprisingly effective. Full story. Another story on this research appeared in the Columbus Dispatch.

Researchers Identify Gene As Enemy of Tumors





Gray

A single gene plays a pivotal role launching two DNA damage detection and repair pathways in the human genome, suggesting that it functions as a previously unidentified tumor suppressor gene, researchers at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center report in Cancer Cell. Further understanding of its function may contribute to novel, therapeutic approaches to cancer. The advance online publication also reports that the gene – called BRIT1 – is under- expressed in human ovarian, breast and prostate cancer cell lines. Berkeley Lab life scientist Koei Chin and Division Director Joe Gray are among the co-authors of the paper. Full story.

Reminder on Substance Abuse in the Workplace

The Laboratory recognizes dependency on alcohol and other drugs as a treatable condition and offers programs and services for employees and students with substance dependency problems. Employees are encouraged to seek assistance, as appropriate, from employee support programs, health centers, and counseling or psychological services available through the Laboratory's Employee Assistance Program. The Laboratory strives to maintain a work site free from the illegal use, possession, or distribution of alcohol or controlled substances, and has legal consequences for those who violate the policy, which can be found here.

DNA 'Overwinds'
When Stretched





Bustamante

Carlos Bustamante, of the Physical Biosciences Division, and his research group used a combination of microscopic beads and magnetic tweezers to observe that contrary to conventional wisdom when a DNA molecule is stretched, it actually begins to overwind. This overwinding continues until the force being applied to stretch the DNA exceeds about 30 picoNewtons. Beyond the 30-picoNewton threshold, the DNA double helix did begin to unwind in accordance with predictions. Biologists have long held that when a molecule of DNA is stretched its double helix starts to unwind. Stretched to its full length, a single molecule of human DNA extends more than three feet. Full story.

UC Message to Postdocs
On UAW Union Petition

In a written message to postdocs from the University of California's Office of the President, UC acknowledges that the United Auto Workers union has filed a petition with the state's Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) to represent UC's postdoctoral scholars. The letter also notes that, because of a number of postdocs' complaints about the UAW's signature-gathering activities, UC has asked PERB to investigate the concerns. Go here to read the latest update.

E-Mail Migration
To Interrupt Service

The IT Division will be migrating IMAP e-mail to new servers and a new storage system. This migration will occur in phases between now and Sept. 30. E-mail service will be interrupted after hours and/or weekends for several hours. IT will notify users directly when their e-mail is expected to be down. After the migration, users will not need to make any changes to e-mail settings. For questions, call the IT Help Desk (x4357).

Listen Up for Test
Of Lab PA System

The monthly test of the Lab's hill-wide public address system will take place tomorrow at 10 a.m. Employees who cannot hear the address can contact their building manager or Nikki De Jager to let them know.

WEATHER

Partly cloudy.
High: 74° (23° C)

Extended Forecast

SECURITY CONDITION

SECON level 3

More Information

INFO