Metagenomic Projects
Growing in Number
By Emily Singer

Microbes

Scientists are sequencing the genomes of entire microbial communities in the hope of uncovering new genes and organisms that can create fuel, mine metals, or clean up superfund sites. Known as metagenomics, the field relies on studying bits of DNA from a variety of organisms that live in the same place. Thanks to ever-improving sequencing methods, the number of metagenome projects is growing, giving scientists myriad new genes to explore. Researchers at the Joint Genome Institute have just finished sequencing the microbial community living in the termite gut, while scientists at UC Berkeley, including Berkeley Lab earth scientist Jillian Banfield, identified three new organisms living in the highly acidic environment of abandoned mines. Full story.

Renewable Energy Gains
Far Off, Reports Show
By Janet Wilson and Elizabeth Douglass

Wiser

California's utilities are falling behind schedule in meeting a deadline stipulating that 20% of their electricity must come from renewable resources by 2010, newly issued reports from two energy agencies show. Ryan Wiser, a Berkeley Lab environmental energy technologist who has analyzed state renewables programs across the country, said California agencies were "doing their darndest" to comply with the law. But he said the lack of available transmission lines would make it "physically impossible" to meet the 2010 deadline, although 2013 was doable. Full story.

Metagenomics Data
System is Upgraded

On the one-year anniversary of the launch of the experimental metagenome data management and analysis system, IMG/M, the Joint Genome Institute (JGI) has released the latest upgrade. Targeting JGI’s expanding user base, IMG/M provides tools for analyzing the functional capability of microbial communities based on their metagenome sequence, in the context of reference isolate genomes, using a variety of public functional and pathway resources. The enhanced version of IMG/M now offers aggregate genome (metagenome) data generated from microbial community samples that have been the subject of recently published studies. Full story.

Close Call Underscores
Need for Chemical Safety

A recent incident underscores the need for proper training and observation of safety precautions when working with hazardous chemicals such as acids. A guest was working with nitric and hydrofluoric acids in a fume hood in Building 2. When he opened the sash, he smelled acid and felt warmth on his cheek. Aware of hydrofluoric acid toxicity, the result of Chemical Hygiene training, he sought the help of another student, applied calcium gluconate as a first-aid measure, and called the Fire Department at x7911. He was taken to Alta Bates Hospital for further evaluation, where it was determined that he suffered no injury. Awareness, training and quick action averted injury in this case. However, with more severe exposure, chemical burns can result in scarring, pigmentation changes, and loss of limb function. Inhalation of acids can be fatal. Go here for more information on chemical burns, the recent incident, and chemical-use safety precautions.