Networking Energy
Efficiency Sought
By Rick Merritt

Nordman

Some of the same engineers creating a low-power Ethernet standard are about to kick off a handful of new initiatives aimed at reducing power consumption in network and consumer systems. A team of researchers at Berkeley Lab, including Bruce Nordman with the Environmental Energy Technologies Division, hope to suggest new power standards and practices for large network switches, wireless access points, set-top boxes, home control systems and other consumer gear as part of a two-year effort. Full story.

London Gains Grant
To Fight Breast Cancer
By John Miner

Bissell

London researchers have been awarded a three-year, $150,000 research grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to probe a new theory on how to stop breast cancer. Lawson Health Research Institute scientists will attempt to find a way of imaging the stem cells that are involved in the growth and spread of breast cancer. "If we can image them, ultimately you can treat them as well," said Dr. Eva Turley of the London Regional Cancer Program, who is working with Mina Bissell, a life scientist at Berkeley Lab. Full story.

Energy Documentary
Features JGI, Lab Staff

Gilbert
Tuskan

Jerry Tuskan, the Joint Genome Institute's Laboratory Science Program leader, and JGI Public Affairs Manager David Gilbert join celebrities Willie Nelson and Daryl Hannah in interviews featured in the award-winning documentary “Freedom Fuels.” The film looks at renewable fuels like biodiesel, ethanol and vegetable oil from a global perspective.  Commenting on the lack of critical analysis on coal-generated electricity, Tuskan said that “there is a large loss of energy in the production of electricity…[when we] convert energy in the form of coal into something that is more usable.  It’s not very convenient to carry around a lump of coal.” Gilbert goes on to suggest that there are ways in which cellulosic ethanol can play a larger role in weaning ourselves from petroleum-based transportation fuels. The 45-minute-long documentary can be downloaded for free here.

Computing Scientist Leads Undergrad Program

Meza

Juan Meza, head of the Computational Research Division’s High Performance Computing Research Department, will direct the research of 12 undergraduate students in the 2007 Mathematical Sciences Research Institute Undergraduate Program (MSRI-UP). The MSRI-UP seeks to increase the number of students from underrepresented groups in mathematics graduate programs. Go here for more information on the program.

Lab Tour Guides Sought; Stipends Are Offered

Berkeley Lab's Community Relations Office is seeking graduate students and postdocs to provide tours of the Lab and its various facilities, including the Advanced Light Source and Molecular Foundry. Guides can receive up to $70 for each two-hour tour. Participants not only get to improve their public speaking skills, but will also learn more about the Lab's research programs. Training is provided. Those interested can e-mail Beverly Harris.