Smoot Talks Big Bang
On KQED-TV Tonight

QUEST, KQED’s new multimedia series about the people behind San Francisco Bay Area science and environmental issues and how their work is changing the world, will feature Berkeley Lab Nobel Laureate George Smoot on the "Origin of the Universe" in tonight’s episode. The story will air at 7:30 p.m. on Channel 9 and on KQED HD (Comcast 709). It will also be posted on the QUEST website in its entirety tomorrow. Berkeley Lab is an advisory partner to QUEST.

Reducing Heart Disease By Copying Nature

Pennacchio

If you’re one of the lucky few with variations in a single gene that reduce artery-clogging triglycerides in your blood, you have an increased chance of avoiding heart disease, the leading cause of death in adult Americans. That’s the good news from a DNA study that involved scientists from two University of Texas health institutions and led to the discovery of these genetic variations in approximately 3 to 4 percent of the people tested. Len Pennacchio, with Berkeley Lab's Genomics Division, was a co-author of the study. Full story.

Undergrad 'Tech' Talks Presented Tomorrow

Ivy McDaniel is among students presenting talks

Undergraduate students who have spent the spring semester working with mentors at the Lab will present their technical talks tomorrow, beginning at 9 a.m. in Building 50A-5132. Refreshments will be served. Topics include "Photovoltaic Properties of Epitaxially Grown BiFe03," "Air Quality Impacts of Gas Appliance Usage," and "Sequence- Based Detection and Identification of Fungal Species." Go here to see a complete schedule of talks.

Non-Destructive Testing Tools for Autos Urged

Hopkins

The United States Automotive Materials Partnership (USAMP) issued a recent report that calls for increased development and application of nondestructive evaluation tools in the automotive industry to reduce waste, save money and energy and help accelerate the introduction of new materials, processes and vehicle technologies. Berkeley Lab's Deb Hopkins of the Engineering Division, one of the report's authors, said, "Welded body assemblies are routinely pry-checked and torn down completely" in auto testing. Using tools like ultrasound, radiography, and infrared thermography will allow inspection of parts without damaging the test specimen. Go here to see a news release, and here to read the report.

Develop an Earthquake Preparedness Plan

San Francisco commemorated the 101st anniversary of the 1906 earthquake last week, which is a good reminder that families should develop an emergency earthquake plan. Know exit routes from buildings and neighborhoods. Agree on a common contact living outside of the Bay Area who everyone will call. It is often easier to reach people out of the immediate area. Maintain a "go bag" in cars or near an exit with supplies such as food, water, ID copy, flashlight, batteries, telephone contact list, and maps. Ensure sufficient "duck, cover, and hold" space is available under desks.  Fasten bookshelves, machinery, computers and other heavy items to a strong surface. Go here for more information.

Retirement Planning Workshop Tomorrow

The Lab's Benefits Office is sponsoring a sneak preview of a two-part "Passport to Retirement" workshop tomorrow from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in Perseverance Hall. The actual workshop is on Monday, April 30, and Wednesday, May 2, from 1:30 to 5 p.m. in Perseverance Hall. The preview is free; the workshop requires a $25 materials fee. Go here to register for the workshop (course #BLI 1703), and here for additional details on the workshop.