Director to Congress:
Engage China on Energy

Berkeley Lab Director Steve Chu cautioned Congress yesterday that, without strengthening and expanding world engagement with China on energy issues, “significant and long-lasting progress will not be realized.” Testifying before the Senate Committee on Finance in Washington, Chu said that although the challenges are huge, China — now the world’s second largest energy consumer after the United States — is committed to making progress and is implementing plans to do so. Read his entire written testimony here.

International Cancer Research Prize for Bissell

Bissell

Berkeley Lab Life Scientist Mina Bissell is the recipient of the 2007 Pezcoller Foundation-AACR International Award for Cancer Research for her pioneering work on the relationship between cancer genetics and the three-dimensional structure of cells and tissues. Bissell is a Distinguished Scientist here and a recognized leader in the study of the extracellular matrix (ECM) – the complex physical and biochemical environment that surrounds living tissues – and how it regulates genes in both normal organs and malignant tumors. "I am honored to be the recipient of this prestigious award, and I thank the selection committee as well as the past and present members of my group for their hard work and vision" said Bissell. Full story.

Models Reveal Pesticide Human Exposure Routes

McKone

Thomas McKone and his colleagues at Berkeley Lab set out to answer a simple question: can the levels of pesticides in pregnant women in the Salinas Valley be correlated with the amounts of these chemicals used in surrounding farmlands? A simple statistical model suggested no direct correlation, but McKone didn't stop there. Data analysis shows that the study population has a significantly higher intake of organophosphorus (OP) pesticides than the average woman in the same age group. The difference is attributed to exposure through air, water, and soil, but not from food. Full story.

Home Energy Launches Solar & Efficiency Issue

Home Energy magazine has published a special issue, “Solar & Efficiency — Meeting the Energy Needs of the 21st Century.” The issue highlights the energy efficiency requirements of the state's newest solar rebate program, the California Solar Initiative, and profiles several businesses offering customers the best of both solar and energy efficiency services. Berkeley Lab scientist Alan Meier is senior executive editor, Iain Walker is executive editor, and Steve Greenberg and Max Sherman are contributors. Viewing articles requires a paid subscription.