January 2019 – July 2022
The dome of the Mayall Telescope opened to the night sky Monday and starlight poured through the assembly of six large lenses. The first focused images with these precision lenses marked an important “first light” milestone for the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument, or DESI. https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2019/04/03/dark-energy-instruments-lenses-see-night-sky-first-time/
In early March Google confirmed a serious Chrome security issue. Lab users should verify they are running at least version 72.3.3626.121 and if not, immediately update Chrome by restarting it. As always, install BIgFix to help keep your computer secure. Click to learn more. https://commons.lbl.gov/display/itdivision/2019/03/22/Update+Chrome+Now
The latest edition of the JGI Progress Report highlights notable research and scientific collaborations in 2018. Download a copy online. https://jgi.doe.gov/year-in-review-jgi-2018-progress-report-available/
A photo from 1962 that shows new roads along the hillside (with 184-inch cyclotron dome visible at upper right) transitions to 2018 and Buildings 46A and B, with ALS now occupying the domed facility. Click post to see more “Then & Now” images. https://history.lbl.gov/then-and-now/
For the first time ever, scientists have imaged the process by which an individual immune system molecule is switched on in response to a signal from the environment. This advance may provide unique insights into autoimmune diseases and cancer immunotherapy. https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2019/04/01/cell-signaling-breakthrough/
“The Big Bang Theory” episode, “The Laureate Accumulation” scheduled for Thursday, April 4, will feature Nobel laureates George Smoot, Kip Thorne, and Frances Arnold playing themselves. Smoot, a Berkeley Lab astrophysicist, received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2006. Click to see the preview. https://www.cbs.com/shows/big_bang_theory/video/38161108-87CD-72FF-344D-D00E2455D7D7/the-big-bang-theory-the-laureate-accumulation-preview-/
The element this award-winning author and Physics Division affiliate has chosen as her favorite has helped quash the first disease to be eradicated without the use of medicines or vaccines. https://twitter.com/Jeannem5074/status/1111312896653299712
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union (AFSCME), SX and EX bargaining units, and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE), RX and TX bargaining units, have notified UC of intent to conduct a UC-system-wide one day strike on April 10. https://stratcomm-elements.lbl.gov/2019/04/01/one-day-strike-planned-for-wednesday-april-10-expect-changes-to-gate-access-and-shuttle-services/
Do you have a thing for manganese, molybdenum, or another element? We want to hear about it! It’s simple…post a video to social media telling us what element is your favorite and why.
Accelerator research is a 2019 priority topic for the UC Laboratory Fees Research Program. To encourage the development and submission of proposals establishing collaborations between UC and national lab researchers, a workshop will be held April 19 at the Livermore Valley Open Campus. https://www.ucop.edu/research-initiatives/programs/lab-fees/workshops.html