I Think, Therefore I AmIs the mind computable? Can we build sentient machines? What are the implications for humanity if we can?The human race may be singular, unique across all of time and space. It may be just one of multitudes. Most likely, however, it is an extremely rare thing, an exquisitely precious consequence ...
Where: Mountain ViewCost:
Moons around AsteroidsAfter decades of speculation, the existence of multiple asteroids---asteroids with one or several companions around them---has been observationally confirmed thanks to the advanced imaging capabilities of large telescopes. Asteroid multiplicity is an astronomical prize for observers and theorists alike, since it helps constrain theories on the origin of our solar ...
I have the privilege of telling you about the wonders of condensed matter physics (CMP), also known as solid state physics. CMP is the largest branch of physics, and it can be argued that because of the technological and medical applications it generated, this field has had the largest influence ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
March LASER EventProgram:6:45pm-7:00pm: Socializing/networking.7:00-7:25:Terry Berlier(Stanford) on "Where the beginning meets the end"Making visible technology's vulnerabilities and illustrating how easily modern inventions can become footnotes to a bygone era...Read more7:25-7:50: Curt Frank(Stanford Univ) on "Historical Pigments: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly"Art, Chemistry and Madness: the Science of Art Materials...Read more7:50-8:10: BREAK. ...
NASA's most recent visitor to Mars, "Curiosity," touched down last August in Gale Crater. Curiosity is a rolling, robot geologist, carrying high resolution cameras and a suite of sophisticated analytical instruments which make up the Mars Science Laboratory. Blank is a member of the MSL Science Team, whose main goal ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $12 General, $8 Members, $10 Seniors
Future-Proof WaterThe Bay Area is growing rapidly. It's riven with earthquake faults. And it's already experiencing climate change. Given all this, how is your water supplier preparing to meet future demand? A new SPUR report sizes up the region's water supply and demand and recommends ways to improve water reliability and ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $10 General, Free for members
The 34th match for the America's Cup will be held on San Francisco Bay this summer. For the first time, the America's Cup will be contested by mutual consent in multihulls. A new class, the AC72, has been agreed upon as a new class for America's Cup competition. These are ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
NASAScience4Girls and Their FamiliesThe Sun is our closest star! Join us and find out how NASA is helping us learn about our Sun, what it can teach us about other stars, and the many ways it affects our life on Earth.
Michael C. Sekora: Technology-Based Planning, the Foundation of All Competitive AdvantageSekora, who was the founder and director of Project Socrates, a U.S. intelligence community initiative under President Reagan, will posit that the shift from technology-based planning to economic-based planning has caused our nation to lose its ability to compete economically. Sekora contends that technology-based planning is the key to competitive ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $20 standard, $8 members, $7 students
Dr. Rogers will start with basic facts about Alzheimer's disease, many of which are often misunderstood even by the most experienced caregivers. He will then cover what's being done at SRI and other research organizations around the world to treat this terrible disorder. Although there have been recent disappointments, there ...
Where: Menlo ParkCost: Free
Right-Sizing Precision: Save Energy, Power, and StorageMost computer programs use far more precision than needed, because programmers find it easier to use excess precision as insurance against rounding or overflow errors instead of analyzing what precision is actually needed. Sometimes we might actually need more precision. We are attempting ever more ambitious calculations with ever less ...
Dr. Laughlin won the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1998 for his part in research to explain the quantum Hall effect in semiconductor physics. He is currently the Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor of Physics at Stanford University.This talk follows the course of Dr. Laughlin's recent book of ...
Formal training in computer science and engineering is undergoing a revolution in East and West Africa. More than a decade after the introduction of the affordable Internet and low-cost computers to each of these African sub-regions, the era of self-taught, bottoms-up software programming and computer science is coming to an ...
Data-driven Image UnderstandingReasoning about a visual scene from a photograph is an inherently ambiguous task because an image in itself does not carry enough information to disambiguate the world that it is depicting. Yet, humans have no problems understanding a photograph, seamlessly inferring a plethora of information about the physical space of ...
Professor Chris Field will discuss how climate change is increasing the number and severity of extreme events, how social and environmental factors interact with weather and climate events to create disasters, and what can be done to make societies more resilient to extremes.Mackenzie Room (3rd Fl)
The medieval Voynich Manuscript has been called "the most mysterious document in the world". Its pages contain bizarre drawings of strange plants and astrological diagrams, as well as an undeciphered script of 20,000 running words, written in a unique character set. Its origin is also controversial, with many theories abounding. ...
The overuse of fossil fuels is leading to increased CO2 in the atmosphere, trapping more and more heat and warming the Earth. As a result, we're seeing more dramatic weather patterns across the globe.California, the ninth largest economy in the world, recently launched a new carbon cap-and-trade system to reduce ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
The Big Data RevolutionWhat does a car's paint color reveal about its roadworthiness? How did Google searches predict the spread of the H1N1 flu outbreak? One key to answering questions like these is big data. "Big data" refers to our ability to crunch vast collections of information, analyze it instantly, and draw conclusions ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $20 standard, $12 members, $7 students
Introduction to Fungal Microscopy Peter Werner will present an introduction to microscopy theory and practice, as well as the key microscopic features used to identify mushrooms, followed by a hands‐on workshop in the use of microscopes, as important tools in the identification and description of fungi and for appreciating their beauty on a whole ...
After a year and half braving the bone chilling temperatures in the arctic, living among the polar bears and diving beneath icebergs, conservation photographer Florian Schulz came away with a stunning portfolio of images and a detailed look at arctic ecology that captures the imagination and reveals stories of a ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $12 General, $10 Seniors, Free members
What is the relation of science, reason, and religion, and which camp has to give ground when they conflict, and why? Dr. Wilkins will consider recent claims that religion and science must always conflict, and the exclusionist perspective that means reasonable folk must abandon religion.Dr. John S. Wilkins is an historian ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: FREE
Thursday, 03/14/13
The Age of Edison: Electric Light and the Invention of Modern AmericaThe late nineteenth century was a period of explosive technological creativity, but arguably the most important invention of all was Thomas Edison's incandescent light bulb. Unveiled in his Menlo Park, New Jersey, laboratory in 1879, the light bulb overwhelmed the American public with the sense of the birth of a ...
Where: Mountain ViewCost:
Fixing San Francisco's Soft-Story BuildingsAn estimated 3,000 San Francisco apartment buildings have a "soft-story" condition, meaning that the ground floor is weak, leaving it vulnerable to damage or even collapse in an earthquake. San Francisco, however, is moving forward with a groundbreaking program to help make these buildings safer. Come discuss how soft-story buildings ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $10 General, Free for members
25th Annual Pi DayJoin us on Thursday, March 14, 2013 for the 25th anniversary of Pi Day. Founded by Exploratorium physicist and "Prince of Pi" Larry Shaw, this sublimely irrational holiday is celebrated by number lovers from around the world. Festivities take place outdoors from 12–3 p.m. in the Pier 15 Plaza, weather ...
Go behind the scenes at Long Marine Lab. Learn about the work of scientists and their studies of dolphins, seals, sea lions, and whales. Tour is best suited for adults and children over 10 years of age. Space limited. Reservations required: (831) 459-3800.
From the Industrial Revolution through the Information Age, each era has brought remarkable leaps in technology and wide-ranging benefits for society. Today, it's biology that poses the big questions and big opportunities. Agilent Technologies is at the forefront of this revolution, exemplifying engineering innovations that are key to biology-based, life-changing ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
For Goodness SnakesThis one-of-a-kind educational experience will introduce you to the fascinating world of reptiles. Come enjoy the opportunity to hold and interact with their docile animals.
Celebrate the glory of pi and pie with a night of mathematical merriment, and pie tastings and demonstrations. Get irrational in the "pi zone" with fun math activities from Mathematical Sciences Research Institute, then grab a hula hoop and contemplate the ratio of its circumference to its diameter as you ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $12 General, $10 Members
Ask a Scientist's PI DAY Puzzle Party Trying to decide how you're going to celebrate Pi Day (3.14) this year? Avoid the congested airports and typical math holiday madness, and join us instead for Ask a Scientist's Pi Day Puzzle Party - a boisterous math and logic puzzle competition, hosted by the inimitable Wes Carroll. You can ...
David Schaffer is a Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Bioengineering, and Neuroscience at University of California, Berkeley, where he also serves as the Director of the Berkeley Stem Cell Center. He graduated from Stanford University with a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering in 1993. Afterward, he attended Massachusetts Institute ...
Speaker: Nadine Burke Harris, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.A.P. is the founding physician and former Medical Director of the CPMC Bayview Child Health Center. She has earned international attention for her innovative approach to addressing adverse childhood experiences as a risk factor for adult disease such as heart disease and cancer.Kindly RSVP ...
Not long after the transit tunnels of Muni and Bart went in below Market Street in the 1970s, a San Franciscan butterfly-the western tiger swallowtail (Papilio rutulus) discovered an ecosystem freshly lined with one of its larval food trees: the London plane sycamore (Plantanus acerifolia). Males fly among the treetops, ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
Friday, 03/15/13
Golden Gate Playdate: Dabbling and Diving DucksWaddle your way over to Rodeo Lagoon and take a closer look at the wet and wondrous lives of ducks! You and your preschooler will become duck detectives and use hands-on activities to answer questions like whether all ducks eat the same food, do ducks get wet, and do all ...
Where: SausalitoCost: $15/per child per session, 1 adult admission free
Technology Assisted Reading Acquisition (TARA): Children Acquiring Literacy NaturallySociety faces increasing challenges in the ability to support the infrastructure of a literate world. Virtual teachers, the internet, and the ceaseless access to information hold promise. To date, however, these potential solutions do not consider research in cognitive science and the potential of the learning brain. As background, the ...
Four cases that illustrate the science and ethical issues in biological researchYour cells, tissues, and genes belong to you, don't they? Maybe not! We'll discuss the case of Henrietta Lacks, whose cervical cancer cells helped revolutionize biological research. We'll talk about John Moore, whose spleen cells and tissues were patented without his knowledge, and how he fought back. We'll discuss Ted ...
The Future of Urban WaterThe Berkeley Energy and Resources Collaborative is pleased to present the 2013 Resources Roundtable, The Future of Urban Water. UC Berkeley is a recognized leader in research associated with assessment of urban water problems and the development of innovative policies and technologies for water supply, urban drainage, and waste treatment. ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Varies
Night School: Girl PowerGirls rule! NightSchool, the East Bay's premiere place for mingling under the stars, is celebrating the ladies. Come see and be seen in this night of fun and frolicking for the frown and geeky. Music, drinks, live shows and beautiful views every third Friday.21 and over.
Where: OaklandCost: $12 General, $5 Members
Houge Park Start PartyMeet with members of San Jose Astronomical Society for a Star Party, weather permitting.
Where: San JoseCost: Free
Saturday, 03/16/13
What's a Watershed?Join a park docent for a Moderate 5-mile loop hike to see how water from winter storms finds its way to the valley below. Meet at the Calero Reservoir boat launch on McKean Rd, $6 parking fee. Dress in layers, carry water, and wear a hat and sturdy shoes. Note: ...
The weather is a daily reminder of the changes in our environment, and can inspire the search for a deeper understanding of our physical world. From the local weekly weather forecast, to knowledge of regional and seasonal conditions, to predicting the global climate response of our atmosphere in the coming ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Meet the Animals at the Randall MuseumOn Saturdays a special selection of the Randall Museum's animal ambassadors venture from their cages, pens, and perches to greet museum visitors up-close! Kids and their families can meet rodents and amphibians, check out a Great Horned Owl, and maybe even touch a tortoise! The Randall Museum is home ...
MSI loves sharks! Our special Shark Day invites one and all to learn about these amazing creatures, from the Great Whites that swim just off our ocean shores, to the gentle Leopard Sharks that are common in our Bay. We will be feeding and touching our local Leopard Sharks in ...
Where: Redwood CityCost: $20 General, $10 Members
When Will We Find ET and What Happens If We Do?It's that time of year, again, for our club to honor our accomplished members with an event, including: catered dinner, door prizes, a ceremony for the 2013 Helen Pillans Awardee, and our wonderful keynote science speaker Seth Shostak.
Where: OaklandCost: $35
Jazz under the StarsThis event is weather dependent. If skies are cloudy or overcast, the event is cancelled. Latest weather updates.Visit our roof top observatory and see the moon and Jupiter thru our telescopes, while listening to KCSM Jazz 91 FM. Dress warmly and come by anytime between 7 & 10 p.m. Free ...
Where: San MateoCost: Free
March 16 Public Astronomy Program On Mt DiabloThis month's program is – "Watch for Comet" discuss comets. Look for comet Pan-STARRS.See stars, nebula, galaxies, clusters, the moon and planets through member telescopes. Bring kids, binoculars, warm clothes (temperature can drop), snacks, water. No need for a flashlight but if you must bring one cover it in red ...
Where: Walnut CreekCost: $10/ car park admission
Skies of Spring Over PepperwoodThe crescent Moon and the majestic planet Jupiter will provide dazzling sights for this stargazing event while the bright, glittering stars of the Orion constellation highlight the heavens. Bing Quock of the California Academy of Sciences and Ron Dammann of the Fremont Peak Observatory Association will be your guides as ...
Where: Santa RosaCost: 10
Sunday, 03/17/13
Zero Waste Youth ConvergenceCalling all high school students, college students, and young professionals: The US's first Zero Waste Youth Convergence is coming to San Francisco on March 17!Organized by youth, for youth, this is a full day dedicated to learning, visioning, organizing and celebrating Zero Waste.Come find SF Environment at the event to ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $10-$15
Fascinating Fungi!Join a park docent for a leisurely 2.5 mile hike to see and enjoy a colorful variety of wild mushrooms and exotic fungi. Gain a better understanding of the importance of fungi to a healthy environment. Meet at the Day Use parking lot, $6 parking fee.Dress in layers, carry water, ...
Marine Mammal CSI: What marine mammal strandings teach us about ocean and human health Robin Dunkin, Postdoctoral Fellow, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, UC Santa Cruz
