BSE News

Biosciences researchers have used Collaborative Cross mice, a mouse model system designed to mimic the diversity of human populations, to identify a set of genetic factors that could help refine treatment approaches for a fast-growing form of breast cancer.

Nationally, Native American enrollment in postsecondary programs is less than one percent, so Berkeley Lab launched an ambitious internship program to help boost representation by recruiting students from Arizona State University to work at the Lab. Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology (EGSB) Division Science Deputy Trent Northen helps lead the program. Meet this summer’s Biosciences Area interns.

Blake Simmons, Biological Systems and Engineering (BSE) Division Director, announced that Justin Heady has been named the BSE Deputy for Operations. In addition, Harshini Mukundun is assuming the role of Interim Department Head of the Bioengineering and Biomedical Sciences Department. Mukundun takes over from Antoine Snijders, who has led the department since 2016.

Mango Materials is using methane-eating bacteria to make polymers that can replace carbon-intensive plastics. Scientists at the Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Process Development Unit (ABPDU) helped refine their production process.

New funding will help Berkeley Lab and partners improve how the diverse agricultural waste in California’s Northern San Joaquin Valley can be used to make sustainable bioproducts and biofuels.