Distortions Shed Light
On Cosmic Acceleration

This time ten years ago, the world found out that the expansion of the universe is accelerating, probably driven by the “dark energy” that makes up 75 percent of the universe. Fast-forward a decade and physicists still have no idea what dark energy is. The proportion of the redshift of distant galaxies to their distance from Earth proved that the universe was expanding, and also underpinned the 1998 discovery that the expansion is accelerating, only this time the measurements involved Type-1a supernovae. “It is still early days for the galaxy red-shift distortion technique,” says Berkeley Lab physicist Eric Linder, who points out that a similar analysis of an earlier cosmic epoch is currently being undertaken by the DEEP2 survey in the US. “But this work opens up a new window on the mystery of dark energy, and right now we can use all the views we can get.” Full story.

Café Open Weekends; Snacks, Drinks Available

Lab staff are reminded that the cafeteria’s coffee bar is open every Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The café features Peet's coffee and teas as well as cold drinks, sandwiches, sushi and snacks.

Latest Issue of ‘Our
University’ Available

The latest edition of “Our University,” the Office of the President newsletter for UC faculty and staff, is now available. In it are stories on women at UC who are creating change, the budget, and how health care reform may impact UC hospitals. A new feature, “Ask It,” in which readers to submit questions to UC experts, also debuts. Go here to read the publication.

Lab Smog Study Featured
In ‘Scientific American’

Smog caused by ground-level ozone isn't just an outdoor air problem. A new study shows that when the irritant's level rises outside, the number of people inside suffering from so-called "sick building syndrome" also increases. "We found that outdoor air pollution, ozone, is associated with symptoms of lower-respiratory and upper-respiratory stress that occur in buildings to workers," says Berkeley Lab environmental health scientist Michael Apte. Full story.

New StayWell Program
Is Voluntary for Staff

The University of California’s new StayWell Wellness Program has been the target of some misleading information in the press. The program is completely voluntary and is offered to eligible employees at no charge. Note: Kaiser members and all union employees are currently not eligible for this program. Go here for additional information on the program. 

Women’s Leadership
Symposium at UCSF

Huerta

This year’s Women’s Leadership Symposium, June 5-6 at UC San Francisco, will focus on “Women in University Settings.” Participants will get the opportunity to examine women's current access to leadership positions in higher education and develop strategies to increase their power and influence. Attendees can attend workshops and keynote sessions, including famed journalist Helen Thomas, union pioneer Dolores Huerta and writer Maxine Hong Kingston. Entertainment will be provided by comedian Marga Gomez. Go here for more information.