Disco clams get their name from the rippling light show on their mirrored lips, visible even in the dim blue depths. UC Berkeley graduate student, Lindsey Dougherty, has been studying the clams for four years. Using high speed video, transmission electron microscopy, spectrometry, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and computer modeling, she has found that the edge of the clam's mantle lip is highly reflective on one side. When the clam unfurls its lip, the millimeter-wide mirror is revealed and reflects the ambient light, like a disco ball. She was assisted by colleagues Roy Caldwell, UC Berkeley professor of integrative biology; Sönke Johnsen of Duke University; and N. Justin Marshall of the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. Called Ctenoides ales and sometimes referred to as the electric clam, disco clams are found in tropical areas of the Pacific Ocean, living in crevices in reefs and typically in clusters of two or more. In ongoing experiments in Caldwell's lab, Dougherty is studying the structure of the clam's 40 eyes. Full story: https://newscenter.berkeley.edu/2014/06/24/young-researcher-discovers-source-of-disco-clams-light-show/ Also visit: ...

Soda and other sugary drinks have long been known to be a leading factor in causing obesity, diabetes, dental disease, and other health problems that plague Americans, yet they remain multi-billion dollar companies with a global reach. In her new book Soda Politics: Taking on Big Soda (and Winning), Marion Nestle outlines exactly how soda companies have gained such immense lobbying power in the food industry. In the past few years, however, soda consumption in the U.S. has actually declined. Nestle argues that this is the result of successful “good food” and health activism. She outlines these successful strategies and calls for a greater investment by companies and communities in promoting sports and outdoor entertainment, healthy alternatives to sugary drinks, and more nutrition research.

This lecture discusses topics such as survival guilt, behavioral consequences of guilt, and resources for individuals experiencing survivor guilt. The panelists for this lecture: David Surratt Associate Dean of Students, UC Berkeley Ruben E. Canedo Research & Mobilization Coordinator Centers for Educational Equity & Excellence, UC Berkeley ...

Introduction to Environmental Economics and Policy