Images of Life's Essence
Captured, Aided by ALS

Protein-DNA complex

For the first time, scientists have captured detailed images of life's essence. The dazzling pictures reveal a key step in the process of cell division. The moment occurs deep within a cell, as two proteins work in concert to unzip a strand of DNA to create two new cells. But until now, scientists seeking to directly observe this essential process could only view fuzzy images taken by an electron microscope. A scientist at the University of Texas — with assistance from Berkeley Lab’s Advanced Light Source — has changed that by perfecting a technique developed more than half a century ago to gather the first images of DNA. Full story.

Lab Aids FEMA in Testing
Of Toxin in Trailers

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began testing for formaldehyde levels in trailers and mobile homes in Mississippi and Louisiana late last month. The testing comes in response to a request from FEMA for assistance in answering questions related to indoor air quality and health in order to answer concerns raised by residents and community members. The testing is being conducted in conjunction with Berkeley Lab. Full story.

DOE Seeks Nominees
For ‘08 Fermi Award

The Department of Energy has issued a call for nominations for the 2008 Enrico Fermi Award.  A Presidential Award, it is the oldest science and technology honor given by the U.S. government, and one of the most prestigious. Berkeley Lab notables who have won the award include Ernest Lawrence and Art Rosenfeld. Nominees should be individuals of international stature with a lifetime of exceptional scientific, technical, engineering, and/or management achievements related to the development, use, control, or production of energy.  The deadline for nominations is April 1. Go here for more information and an online nominating form. 

Month of January Marks
Glaucoma Awareness

The Lab’s Health Care Facilitator’s office wants to remind employees that January is “National Glaucoma Awareness Month.”  Glaucoma is an eye disease that can rob people of their peripheral vision, and left untreated, can result in total blindness. Many with glaucoma are not aware they have it because, in the early stages, there may be no detectable symptoms. People tend not to get their vision checked until after they notice a problem.  Unfortunately, with glaucoma, once you notice a problem, permanent vision loss has already occurred. Employees are encouraged to get a dilated eye exam once a year. Go here to learn more.