Scientists Experiment
With Energy Efficiency

Bell

In 1971, no one at Fermilab really worried about energy efficiency. A new superconducting ring designed to push particles closer than ever to the speed of light was talked up as the "energy doubler." A few years on, though, as the lab prepared its funding bid against the backdrop of the oil crisis, the system started being referred to as the "energy saver." When you spend $1 million a month on electricity, as Fermilab does, such care in presentation is important. Under most circumstances, though, scientists give scant thought to totaling up the wasted power and unnecessary carbon emissions that their work generates. Geoffrey Bell, who works on reducing the energy consumption at Berkeley Lab, is one of the exceptions. Full story.

Bright Nanoparticles Aid Cancer Biology Studies

Quantum rod

Though there is little doubt that nanoscale devices are going to play a critical role in improving cancer detection and treatment over the next five to 10 years, nanoparticles are already having a major impact on the way that cancer biologists study the processes that go awry within malignant and metastatic cells. In a recent paper, Berkeley Lab's Paul Alivisatos and colleagues at UC Berkeley describe their development of quantum rods that are even brighter than spherical quantum dots. The rods, which range from two to 10 nanometers in diameter and five to 100 nanometers in length, can serve as molecule-sized labels for biological research whose color is determined by the exact dimensions of a particular quantum rod. Full story.

Inventors Earn Nearly
$1 Million in Royalties

Deputy Director Graham Fleming and Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property Management staff awarded royalty checks to Berkeley Lab inventors last week. Distributions were up 23 percent this year, yielding over $986,000 for 136 scientists whose inventions and software were licensed by industry. The average distribution was $7,254, while the largest was more than $83,000. Over $1.7 million in additional licensing income will go to the Lab, primarily for research and development. Go here to view a photo and the names of some of the royalty earners.

Life scientist Manfred Auer, right, with Fresno State student Danielle Jorgens

Openings for Summer Mentors at the Lab

While summer is months away, the Lab's Center for Science and Engineering Education is starting to organize internships for undergraduate students who will study here starting in May. Scientists and engineers interested in mentoring students can go here for more information, or contact Laurel Egenberger (x5190.)

Learn American-Style With Lab's Dance Club

Berkeley Lab's Dance Club will begin an eight-week series of American Tango lessons on Monday, from noon to 1 p.m. in the lobby of Building 51. No dance experience is necessary and beginners are welcome. Practice sessions are held every Wednesday, same time and location.