December 2018

Every Monday morning, Ulrich Baxa, Ph.D., and his colleagues enter their Gaithersburg, Md., laboratory and begin calibrating their Titan Krios, a massive, $7-million transmission electron microscope that can capture high-definition images at near-atomic magnification. They load several flash-frozen biological samples into the Krios and, by 5 p.m., program the instrument to collect data. As the team leaves for the evening, the Krios begins shooting beams of energy into the samples and taking photos.

Sitting at a computer in an NCI at Frederick laboratory, Todd Hartley writes an automated method for an experiment. With a final swipe of the mouse, he clicks an on-screen button that says “Run.” The large device sitting to his left, a Biomek FXP Laboratory Automation Workstation, whirrs to life. A robotic arm hovers over a deck containing various microplates then lowers a group of pipette tips to draw liquid from a reservoir, raises and moves again, and deposits the fluid in a nearby microplate with superhuman accuracy.

The holiday season is finally here, bringing joy, spirit, and an exciting 2019 New Year. During these fun (and perhaps stressful) times, it’s important to remember some simple habits that can keep you and your family healthy.

It’s the first day of winter, which (usually) means colder weather, holiday lights, a blazing fire, and cookies baking in the oven. Unfortunately, it can also mean an increase in fire hazards. As you bake, decorate, and prepare for the holiday season, keep these safety tips in mind to ensure a safe celebration.

There’s an opportunity to inspire local children’s interest in science, enrich their education, and make them smile. It’s a chance to step outside of your lab or office and—maybe—your comfort zone to make a difference in a student’s life. It’s the Education Outreach Program (EOP), and there is room for you to volunteer.

The first open house event for the Office of Scientific Operations’ (OSO) Educational Outreach Program (EOP), held at the Advanced Technology Research Facility (ATRF), was a success according to program coordinator Cathy Cullen. “We had more volunteers sign up in person than in response to the emails, and it was a lot more fun, too.”

Occupational Health Services is gathering information for a company-sponsored wellness program, and they need your input.

Our first consideration in every task, large or small, is the safety of our O&M work force and our Customers. You, our customer, play an important role in the execution of your work order.

The presence of household mold and its associated health risks are serious concerns for people living in regions with heavy rainfall. With the large amounts of rain recently drenching the Frederick area, your home may be at escalated risk of leaks, excess moisture, and mold.