Summer Lecture Today:
Future of Climate Modeling

Climate Model

Today at noon in the Building 50 auditorium, leading climate modeler Bill Collins of the Earth Sciences Division will discuss how observations show that the Earth is warming at a rate unprecedented in recent history, and that human-induced changes in atmospheric chemistry are probably the main culprit. Climate models suggest that patterns of global warming will amplify over the 21st century, impacting plants, animals, and society. Improvements in the scientific foundation of climate forecasts will require better observations and understanding of the carbon and hydrological cycles. Go here for a complete schedule of this summer's lectures.

JGI to Sequence
Bacteria Genomes

Caulobacter crescentus cells

The Joint Genome Institute has accepted a proposal by an Indiana University biologist to sequence the genomes of six bacteria known to suck up nutrients from their environments using long, rigid stalks. Once the genomes of these bacteria are sequenced, scientists will look for genes and regulatory regions that control the biosynthesis and function of stalks, the biosynthesis and regulation of extracellular polysaccharide, and the extent of conservation of regulatory pathways for stalk and adhesin biosynthesis, always with an eye toward the interesting and potentially useful physiological properties of the organisms. Full story.

Lesko

Grass Was Quietly Studied
Until BP Announced EBI
By Malia Wollan

Miscanthus

Stephen Long has spent his career studying a grass called Miscanthus X giganteus. But until this year, the University of Illinois biologist had difficulty getting research grants and invitations to academic conferences. Then in February, Long was invited to the White House to brief President Bush on how plants like Miscanthus might begin replacing foreign oil. That same month, energy giant BP announced a $500 million grant to UC Berkeley, the University of Illinois, and Berkeley Lab to develop fuels made from plant materials. Long was named acting deputy director of the project. Full story.