Genomes Data Management
System Update Released

Bacterial phage

Version 2.4 of the Joint Genome Institute’s Integrated Microbial Genomes (IMG) data management system, a resource provided to the scientific community for microbial genome data analysis, has now been released. IMG 2.4's content has been updated with new microbial genomes from the Version 25 release of the National Center for Biotechnology Information Reference Sequence. IMG 2.4 also contains a total of 3,637 genomes consisting of 818 bacterial, 50 archaeal, and 40 eukaryotic genomes; 2,042 viruses and bacterial phages; and 687 plasmids. Among these genomes, there are 3,334 finished and 303 draft genomes, of which 256 (185 finished and 71 draft) are genomes sequenced by JGI. Full story.

Lab Supports Fuel
Cell Investigations

Fuel cell

Fuel cells can be expensive and often don’t last as long as their internal combustion counterparts, but understanding fuel cell failure is key to reducing cost and improving durability. In a typical fuel cell, hydrogen is delivered to the anode side that contains a catalyst. With a proton exchange membrane in the middle, only hydrogen ions can travel to the cathode. Recent research shows that the membrane, commonly made of a synthetic polymer, is prone to attack by free radicals. Scientists from Georgia Tech have used X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to study the membrane degradation, work funded in part by Berkeley Lab, via the Department of Energy’s Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Full story.

Breast Cancer Expert
Gets International Award

Bissell

The French National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) has given Berkeley Lab life scientist Mina Bissell its  “Annual International Award,” given to those in science, medicine or public health who have “motivated and reinforced international exchange and collaboration in terms of innovation and improvement of excellence and the transfer of fundamental research to clinical research and public health.” Bissell was recognized for her “three decades of creativity, focus and tenacity to uncover the essential role of cell and matrix topology in carcinogenesis with recent elucidation of the mechanisms by which tissue geometry can control branching morphogenesis by defining the local microenvironment.”

Anxiety at Livermore
As Management Changes
By Betsy Mason

With a new corporate manager at the helm, Lawrence Livermore Laboratory has entered a period of uncertainty unlike any other in its 55-year history. There were 500 layoffs shortly after the transition to a new management partnership between the University of California and Bechtel in October. The number of scientists leaving has steadily increased, from 141 in 2002, the year before the decision to put the lab’s contract up for bid, to 278 in 2007. Where are these researchers going? Berkeley Lab, which is still run solely by UC, has seen an uptick in hiring of technical employees from Livermore, from about seven in 2002 to at least 14 in 2007. Full story.

The U.S. Government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy regarding engagement in or support of trafficking in persons or use of forced labor, and has enacted federal laws in support of this. All Berkeley Lab employees are required to review a short informational briefing and sign an acknowledgement that they understand this information by Friday, Dec. 21.  For more information, contact Madelyn Bello.

Jewelry Sale at Lab
Today in Cafeteria

Representatives from Karats Jewelry will be in the cafeteria lobby today, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Karats sells chains, bracelets, rings, charms, and earrings — all perfect for holiday gifts. Karats offers a layaway plan and Lab employees get a 10 percent discount on all items. The event is sponsored by the Employee Activities Association.