New Study Demonstrates
Efficiency of Switchgrass
By Robert Service

Using the sun's energy to grow switchgrass and similar plants, and then converting it to liquid fuels, seems like a no-brainer. But so far, experiments with these "cellulosic" crop-based fuels have only been conducted on small scales, leaving open the question of how feasible the strategy is. Now, the first large-scale study shows that switchgrass yields more than five times the energy needed to grow, harvest, and transport the grass and convert it to ethanol. "This is a really important paper," says Chris Somerville, with Berkeley Lab’s Physical Biosciences Division and director of the Energy Biosciences Institute. The impressive yield numbers, he adds, will likely serve as a baseline for future studies, because agricultural scientists are making rapid strides at creating new, higher-yielding switchgrass strains. Full story.

Post-Storm Cleanup
To Begin This Week

Berkeley Lab will be repairing and cleaning up areas affected by the recent series of storms that hit the Bay Area, beginning this week. These include: 1) the closed walkway behind Building 50, to be cleared of dead limbs; 2) Building 65 drainage, which will be rerouted to avoid future flooding; and 3) the hillside at the Blackberry Gate, which has been covered to avoid future slippage. Pedestrian detours and road flaggers will be in place as work proceeds. A street sweeper will remove debris from roads and parking areas on Saturday, and Lab gardeners are cleaning walkways and removing larger debris.

Latest Computing Report
Now Available Online

Staff can learn about the latest computing research taking place at the Lab by checking out the most recent installment of the CRD Report. The issue includes stories about the use of the IMG/M system for analyzing data on the microbes inside termites’ hindguts, the popularity of a paper showing how zinc oxide can be a good alternative for building photovoltaic devices, and Lab contributions to the latest Cyberinfrastructure Technology Watch, which features various SciDAC projects. Go here to view the report.

Non-Wells Fargo Members
Can Use Lab ATM for Free

Following up on a suggestion by a Lab employee, Wells Fargo, working with the Procurement and Property Management Department, has eliminated the service fee charged to non-Wells Fargo customers who use its onsite ATM machine, located near the cafeteria.

Call for Applications:
Staff Advisor to Regents

The University of California has announced the application period for selection of the 2008-10 Staff Advisor to the UC Board of Regents, which will run Jan. 16-Feb. 29. Staff Advisors serve as non-voting advisors to designated Regents’ committees to present staff perspectives on issues. All interested UC staff and non-Senate academic employees can go here for information about the role, eligibility, and applying. The application form can be obtained from Berkeley Lab’s Human Resources office, Bldg. 90-2121. Questions should be directed to UC's Lynn Boland (987-9996).

New Room for Weight
Watchers Info Meeting

Today's informational meeting for the next onsite Weight Watchers session has been moved to the Building 66 Auditorium, from noon to 1 p.m.