Volume 1, Issue 5
Dean's Message
Geoffrey Owen
Dean, Biological Sciences
October 2004
Dear Friends,
Greetings from Berkeley! This month's issue of ScienceMatters@Berkeley features the research of two biologists from my division, Ehud Isacoff and James Berger, as well as that of astronomer Alex Filippenko. Ehud Isacoff works on the dynamics of structural changes in cells. The changes that interest him involve movements on the order of nanometers, one billionth of a meter, yet they are critical to the function of all neurons. James Berger studies the structure of proteins and how subtle changes in those structures are essential in processes as fundamental as DNA replication. The structures he studies are resolved at lengths of one millionth the diameter of a human hair. Alex Filippenko studies galaxies in the deepest reaches of the universe, unimaginably vast structures that are millions of light years away. What could these three scientists possibly have in common, beyond the fact that they are all professors in the College of Letters and Science?
Interestingly enough, the answer is optics. Filippenko and Isacoff make use of optical spectroscopy, measuring changes in the intensity and wavelength of light. In Filippenko's case, those measurements indicate the distance and relative velocity of stars, while Isacoff uses the technique to reveal the tiny movements of proteins in a neuronal membrane. Berger also relies on the measurement of light, albeit of such a short wavelength that it is called an X-ray. By measuring the pattern of diffraction of X-rays by the atoms in a protein molecule, a technique made famous by Rosalind Franklin in her ground-breaking study of DNA, the structure of the protein molecule is revealed with astonishingly high resolution. I hope you enjoy reading about the research of these three outstanding scientists.
I am pleased to share with you more good news about Berkeley's excellent faculty members. Popular Science's third annual "Brilliant 10" list, to be published in the October issue, includes two young UC Berkeley faculty members: Sheila Patek of integrative biology and Kurt Cuffey of geography and earth and planetary science. All 10 scientists highlighted are united by their "passion, intellectual curiosity andÉ.quirky sensibility." Everyone on campus is delighted and honored by these awards as they are testament to the outstanding innovation and intellectual vitality emanating from young faculty leaders at Berkeley. Stay tuned for more information on Patek and Cuffey in upcoming issues of ScienceMatters@Berkeley.
Another Berkeley biologist, Tyrone Hayes, has recently been in the news as well. National Geographic magazine inaugurated an "emerging explorers" program, recognizing Hayes, professor of integrative biology, as one of its first nine "visionary explorers." The Emerging Explorers Program "recognizes and supports uniquely gifted and inspiring adventurers, scientists, photographers and storytellers who are making a significant contribution to world knowledge through exploration while still early in their careers." The honor comes with an award of $10,000 to assist with research and to aid further exploration.
UC Berkeley is proud of all of our faculty members and salutes these recent award winners. I hope that you, as alumni and friends of the campus, also take pride in Berkeley's achievements and take note of the important role scientific discovery plays on campus and its far-reaching implications for society.
As always, we welcome your comments, insights and ideas.
Sincerely,
Geoffrey Owen
Professor of Neurobiology
Dean, Division of Biological Sciences
College of Letters & Science
UC Berkeley
Geoff_Owen@ls.berkeley.edu