January 2019 – July 2022
Based on data on California winters, Lab researchers have developed an advanced statistical method for quantifying and visualizing changes in environmental systems that accounts for the effects of interacting variables. https://eesa.lbl.gov/new-statistical-technique-finds-la-nina-years-more-favorable-for-mountain-snowpack-than-el-nino-years/
Helping the Lab meet its goal of zero waste includes making research labs as efficient as possible. This includes the safe use of fume hoods, freezers, and other resource-intensive equipment, and reducing and recycling where possible. https://sbl.lbl.gov/your-role/#Manage-Lab-Waste
In honor of the 150th birthday of the periodic table, children attending the Lab’s recent Daughters & Sons Day event were asked what they would name their element, should they discover one. From Glistening Oxide to “U” for Unicorn, the answers are quite entertaining. https://youtu.be/568u8yts9zM
The Photo Club will hold its annual Spring Showcase of photography on Wednesday, May 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Perseverance Hall (Bldg. 54). There will be a raffle for prizes, and light refreshments will be served starting at 3 p.m. Stop by to view the images and meet the photographers. http://photoclub.lbl.gov/home
Two Berkeley Lab scientists – climate scientist Inez Fung of the Earth and Environmental Sciences Area, and chemist Martin Head-Gordon of the Energy Sciences Area – have been elected to the Royal Society of London, the oldest scientific academic society in continuous existence. https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2019/04/25/royal-society-of-london-elects-two-berkeley-lab-scientists/
Learning the best commute routes for bikers (pictured) was among the numerous offerings available at the fair, which provides resources to help employees — and our planet — stay safe and healthy. Numerous Lab groups hosted booths, each dispensing valuable information and fun give-aways. https://stratcomm-elements.lbl.gov/2019/04/22/safety-security-and-sustainability-topics-featured-in-thursdays-fair/
From experiments with dry ice, to cabbage chemistry, to DNA spooling, kids who attended Daughters and Sons to Work day learned about science in a fun-filled way. The event is made possible by the volunteer efforts of numerous Lab employees. A photo feature of the day will be posted early next week. https://k12education.lbl.gov/programs/dstw
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have 3D-printed an all-liquid “lab on a chip” that, with the click of a button, can be repeatedly reconfigured on demand to serve a wide range of applications – from making battery materials to screening drug candidates. https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2019/04/25/researchers-3d-print-a-lab-on-a-chip/
The Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program has awarded Lab researchers a three-year grant for studies aimed at mitigating health impacts of exposure to thirdhand smoke, the toxic residues from tobacco smoke that linger on indoor surfaces and in dust long after a cigarette has been extinguished. https://biosciences.lbl.gov/2019/04/23/new-round-of-funding-for-thirdhand-smoke-research/
The C&EN podcast looks at what it takes to make a new superheavy element, starting a half century ago and tracking the making of new elements through time. Former Lab researcher William Lester is interviewed for the piece, and the contributions of the late Jim Harris and element 104 are discussed. https://cen.acs.org/physical-chemistry/periodic-table/IYPT-Podcast-Scientists-share-what-it-takes-to-make-a-superheavy-element/97/i17