The Life Sciences Division contributes to strategic Berkeley Lab and National efforts by developing and applying advanced technologies for elucidation of mechanisms involved in response to low level ionizing radiation, cancer and the microenvironment, neurodegenerative diseases, bio-fuel production and bioremediation.
Publication Highlight
Discovery in Cause of Down Syndrome and other Genetic Disorders
Scientists have a better understanding of what causes an abnormal number of chromosomes in offspring, a condition called aneuploidy that encompasses the most common genetic disorders in humans, such as Down syndrome, and is a leading cause of pregnancy loss. Francesco Marchetti is co-author of the article that appeared in the July issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Publication Highlight
Scientists Track Chemical Changes in Cells as They Endure Extreme Conditions
Due to groundbreaking research, researchers can now follow chemical changes in living bacteria as they respond to extreme environments. The work by Hoi-Ying Holman, together with Luis Comolli, David Ball, Kenneth Downing and others was published online in an early edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Seminar
The Life Sciences and Genomics Divisions Seminars will resume in the Fall on September 8, at 4pm (B66 Aud.) with Dr. Phoebe Stewart presenting on "Visualizing the Structures and Conformational Changes of Biological Nanomachines with CryoEM". Host: Ken Downing.
Scientific Retreat
The Annual all-day Life Sciences Division Scientific Retreat will be held September 11.
SAFETY MESSAGE
We face many hazards inside the labs, such as toxic chemicals, radioactive materials and infectious agents. By comparison, work outside the lab might seem risk-free, but many of our workplace injuries occur during routine activities we do everyday, like walking up the stairs or working on a computer. Maintaining awareness of your work surroundings and focusing on the task at hand are important, even when performing everyday tasks. If you do injure yourself at work, report it to your supervisor.
