From left, Brian Rabkin, Hugenholtz, Hector Garcia Martin, Falk Warnecke, and Natalia Ivanova, all with the Genomics Division.

State Scientists' Goal: Find
Clean, Cheap Energy Source
By Keay Davidson

A San Francisco Chronicle story on the key role California scientists are playing in developing new energy technologies to counteract global warming features, among other researchers, Phil Hugenholtz, with Berkeley Lab's Genomics Division and the Joint Genome Institute. He discusses how studying termites can help scientists understand how to break down cellulose to tap into a plant's energy resources. Also mentioned is physical bioscientist Chris Somerville. Full story.

China Will Soon Be Top
Greenhouse Gas Producer
By Robert Collier

Fridley

Far more than previously acknowledged, the battle against global warming will be won or lost in China, even more so than in the West, new data show. A report released last week by Beijing authorities indicated that as its economy continues to expand at a red-hot pace, China is highly likely to overtake the United States this year or in 2008 as the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases. "The magnitude of what's happening in China threatens to wipe out what's happening internationally," said David Fridley, leader of the China Energy Group at Berkeley Lab. Full story.

Building 10 Work Closes
Road, Parking Lot

The roadway around Building 10 and the parking lot just west of this structure (Y) will be closed starting Friday through July to accommodate the preparation and eventual demolition of Building 10. For more information, contact Project Manager Sheree Swanson (x4025) or Construction Manager John Patterson (x6357).

Photosynthesis Research Wins 'Paper of the Week'

Physicist's 60-Second
Take on Standard Model

Murayama

Berkeley Lab physicist Hitoshi Murayama is among those providing audio explanations for "One-Minute How-To," a website that provides information on how to do something in only 60 seconds. Murayama gives his abbreviated take on "How to Understand the Standard Model," which is the current theory of particle physics. Go here to listen to his explanation (click on #117). The program can also be downloaded for Podcasting.

Course Covers Supervisor Roles, Responsibilities

Employees who would like to better understand their responsibilities as a supervisor are invited to attend a class on this topic, sponsored by the Berkeley Lab Institute (BLI). "Roles and Accountabilities for New Supervisors" will be held on Thursday, March 15, from 10:30 a.m. to noon in Perseverance Hall.  The course is specifically designed to provide information and resources to new supervisors. Current supervisors who would like a refresher or employees who are interested in learning more about being a supervisor are also welcome. Go here to register (see "Mgr/Supervisor Skills" section).