California's Efforts to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions Through Renewables, Fuels, and MarketsREGISTRATION 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. WELCOME BY CHAIRS 9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Scott Birkey, Cox, Castle & Nicholson LLP Amy Gaylord, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP KEYNOTE SPEAKER – MARY NICHOLS 9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. AB 32 and California's Energy Future Mary Nichols, Chair, California Air ...
Where: BerkeleyCost:
Ray Minjares of the International Council on Clean TransportationThe Climate Change and Health IdeaLab (CHIL) presents Ray Minjares, Climate and Health Lead at the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT). Ray will discuss his climate, health, and transportation work at ICCT, including the latest publication in their Health and Climate Roadmap series, The Impact of Stringent Fuel and ...
Observation during the past 50 years at Point Reyes have shown that this location is rich in sea caves and associated features. The majority of sea caves have formed in the porcellanite of the Miocene Monterey Formation (~17.5–6 million years old [Ma]) with lesser numbers in the Cretaceous (96–82 Ma) ...
Speaker: Nancy Skinner, Assembly Member, 15th Districe, California State Assembly
Where: San JoseCost: Free
From Data Visualisation to Data ManifestationIs data visualization insufficient for apprehending and comprehending high volume, high-velocity, high-variety, and high-dimension data? This talk presents new approaches that go beyond mere two-dimensional visualization - whether screen-based or printed, static or dynamic - to encompass different forms, materials, and modes of experience. Data manifestation, data materiality, and data ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Free Lecture: Ethical and Effective Conservation in the AnthropoceneYou are invited to attend the November meeting of the Society for Conservation Biology. Brent Plater, Executive Director of the Wild Equity Institute, will discuss Wild Equity's theory of change and contrast it to some of the ideas put forward by Peter Kareiva, Chief Scientist of The Nature Conservancy, and ...
Art and science unite for a special edition of NightLife, curated by California College of the Arts. Explore over a dozen industrial, interaction, illustration, fashion, furniture and graphic designers from CCA as they showcase a transformative array of work, highlighting new technologies and innovative ideas that explore the concept of ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $12 General, $10 Members
The Science of SoundJoin Exploratorium scientist Ron Hipschman for colorful explorations of the physical world.What is sound? How high a pitch can you hear? Can you measure the speed of sound with a yardstick? Can two sounds add up to no sound? Explore these questions and more in this resonant presentation.
Join us for a conversation with Kathleen Merrigan, former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture under President Obama, and Michael Pollan, author and Knight Professor of Science and Environmental Journalism, UC Berkeley. Emmy-award winning reporter Linda Schacht, UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, will moderate
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Probabilistic Color-by-Numbers: Suggesting Pattern Colorizations Using Factor GraphsColored pattern images appear everywhere; they are used as background and header images in web design, as decorations in games, in clothing and upholstery, and in personal arts and crafts. Choosing colors for a pattern is one way to personalize and enliven the design composition. However, it can be difficult ...
Where: Santa ClaraCost:
Tunguska, Steampunk, and Those Harvard WomenWhat would have happened if Harvard's women astronomers had discovered the comet that slammed into Russia in 1908? It's a perfect story for a steampunk-science novel, with Jules Verne et al trying to save St. Petersburg, and Lenin plotting against them! No need for magic, but bring your pith helmet and goggles.Here's more from astronomer ...
Mr. Weiss is Vice Chairman and President of the X PRIZE Foundation. The X PRIZE Foundation's mission is to foster innovation through incentivized competition. The Foundation has active competitions in Genomics and Lunar Exploration, and is now developing X PRIZEs in Healthcare, Energy, and Exploration. Weiss is a veteran Hollywood ...
Where: OaklandCost: $23 General, $20 Members in advance; $29 at door
Saturday, 11/16/13
Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Lasting Inner StrengthBased on neuropsychologist and renowned teacher Rick Hanson's latest book, Hardwiring Happiness, this seminar will offer concrete, research-based strategies for using everyday positive experiences to develop lasting inner strength.Dr. Hanson will discuss how the brain has evolved a "negativity bias," making it like Velcro for bad experiences but Teflon for ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: $125-$149.
Guided Nature WalkExperience the beauty and rich natural history of this 535-acre preserve. Our half-day guided nature walks are on Saturdays throughout fall and spring. Participants are divided into small groups and paired with a trained Bouverie volunteer to explore the mixed evergreen forest, flower-carpeted oak woodland and rugged chaparral. Guided Nature Walks range ...
Where: GeyservilleCost: Free
Naturalist 101: Insect Basics for BrowniesNo eeks or eews, insects are cool! Get started on the Bugs Badge by taking a close-up look at them at the California Academy of Sciences-the greenest museum on the planet and home to one of the biggest insect collections in North America. Discover how to tell these six-legged creatures ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $24.95 per person (includes admission)
Intel Museum - Free Class Lets Kids Explore the World Inside of a FabSaturday, Nov 16, 10:30am-11:30am; 3:00pm-4:00pmKeeping it Clean (ages 7 and up)Explore what it's like inside an ultra-clean, highly automated silicon chip fabrication facility (fab) - from particles of contamination to bunnysuits - and get an inside glimpse into a Class 1 Fab from the museum. Space is limited and reservations ...
Where: Santa ClaraCost: Free
Animal Meet and GreetMeet our Animal Ambassadors!Observe, learn about, and touch live animals from a variety of animal groups. Learn about the animals diet, habitat, ecological role, structure, and function. What makes each animal special?Two sessions, 11:30-12:30 and 2:30-3:30See link for registration and conditions.
Where: Los GatosCost: $10
Trekking the ModelJoin a Ranger-guided tour of the Bay Model, a 1.5 acre hydraulic model of the San Francisco Bay and Delta. Discover the stories of the two major operations that took place at this location between 1942 and 2000.
Where: SausalitoCost: Free
Low Tide WalkMSI takes to the tidepools for a treasure hunt of nature's beautiful intertidal secrets. We'll spend the evening taking advantage of the low tide to reach the outer edges of Pillar Point, and take in spectacular sunsets as we slowly retreat to shore. Will we find crabs, sea stars, eels ...
Where: Redwood CityCost: $20 General, $10 Members
A Free Digital SocietyThere are many threats to freedom in the digital society. They include massive surveillance, censorship, digital handcuffs, nonfree software that controls users, and the War on Sharing. Other threats come from use of web services. Finally, we have no positive right to do anything in the Internet; every activity is ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Farallones Sanctuary Elephant Seal SoireeGulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association, and Randall Museum Present ~ELEPHANT SEAL SOIRÉE Science & Art Reception & LectureFeaturing Marine Mammal Expert Burney Le Boeuf, Ph.D.Please join us for the Elephant Seal Soirée! Elephant seals are the biggest and gnarliest of the seals and sea lions that ...
The Dusty DozenAmerica and NASA the impossible. We met JFK's challenge to explore Earth's moon in an up-close and personal way. A dozen American astronauts would become humanity's first ambassadors to visit our companion world, Luna. In this presentation, we will be introduced to the "Dusty Dozen," lucky men who risked so ...
Where: OaklandCost:
Sunday, 11/17/13
OPEN SV Youth ForumWhat is OPEN SV Youth Forum?The OPEN SV Youth Forum is a day-long conference with panels, speakers and workshops directed at the Youth of the OPEN SV community. The theme of the conference is "Be Inspirational" and the panels and workshops are in line with the need for today's youth ...
Full-Spectrum Science: The Science of AcousticsJoin Exploratorium scientist Ron Hipschman for colorful explorations of the physical world.What are acoustics and how do they work? The Kanbar Forum, our new multidisciplinary performance space, is fitted with Meyer Sound's Constellation acoustic system, one of the most advanced in the world. We'll explore the audibility and fidelity of ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free with admission
Junior Academy: Naturalist Know-how Hone your expertise as a naturalist! A unique skill will be highlighted each month. In November, check out Searching the Sky-What's Up? where you'll learn to see the sky like an astronomer. Space is limited; please register in the Naturalist Center a half hour before program begins. This is a ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
Sunset/Full Moon Walk to Bonita Point LighthouseJoin park staff and docents for a tour down the Point Bonita Trail, through the hand-carved tunnel and out to the Lighthouse.We will walk along a half-mile trail which is steep in places.Arrive early as parking is limited. Meet at the Point Bonita Lighthouse trailhead.Dress warmly and bring a flashlight.Limited ...
Cataclysmic destruction. Surprising survival. In this new live stage performance, Radiolab turns its gaze to the topic of endings, both blazingly fast and agonizingly slow. With their signature blend of storytelling, science, and music, hosts Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich romp through hundreds of millions of years of history to arrive ...
Where: OaklandCost: $45
Monday, 11/18/13
Mini Monday - Home in the WaterJoin us to explore animals that call water their home. Meet a pond turtle and a tiger salamander. Encourage your young naturalist's curiosity at Mini Monday, a special day for children and their caregivers. Animal encounters, activities, and craft help connect your child to our natural world and all its ...
Where: Walnut CreekCost: $15 for 1st Child ($8 member)
Quantifying the Influence of Climate Change on Human ConflictA rapidly growing body of research examines whether human conflict can be affected by climatic changes. Drawing from archaeology, criminology, economics, geography, history, political science, and psychology, we assemble and analyze the 60 most rigorous quantitative studies and document, for the first time, a striking convergence of results. We find ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
THE DARK UNIVERSE THROUGH EINSTEIN'S LENSDr. Deborah Bard from SLAC and KIPAC will be talking about how gravitational lensing was first observed and how it is used for studying exoplanets to Dark Matter and much more.
This talk will follow the rough outline of Robert's recent book, Powering the Future: How We Will (Eventually) Solve the Energy Crisis and Fuel the Civilization of Tomorrow. Robert will take the audience past contemporary politics through a mental journey to a time, several centuries from now, when nobody uses ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Richard Kurin presents American History in 101 ObjectsRelics grip us. They anchor stories that matter by giving a visceral sense that they really happened. Look, here is the actual chain used on an American slave. What ended its use? Abraham Lincoln was tall in so many ways, and he stood even taller in his top hat---this hat ...
On the Accuracy of Reglatory Cost EstimatesOver the past several decades, the U.S. has seen a gradual reduction in economic regulation and a simultaneous increase in safety, health, environmental, and other social regulations. As these social regulations continue to expand, there is growing concern about the costs, effectiveness, and benefits of these rules. While prospective or ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
The Bones Tell the Story: Forensic Evidence in Guatemala's Riós Montt TrialFredy Peccerelli, executive director of the Guatemalan Forensic Anthropology Foundation (Fundación de Antropología Forense de Guatemala), will discuss the critical role of forensic evidence in the initial conviction of former Guatemalan President Efrain Ríos Montt on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity.
Skeptics in the StudioNorth Bay Skeptics are: humanists, atheists, freethinkers, agnostics and undeclared, who embrace modern skepticism. We celebrate the scientific method, and the application of logic and evidence to all claims. As in the tradition of many Skeptical groups world wide, we like to gather for lively discussion on current topics and ...
Where: Santa RosaCost: Free
Deciphering a Neural CircuitProf. E. J. Chichilnisky of the Dept. of Neurosurgery and Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory at Stanford University will give the Applied Physics/Physics colloquium, describing studies of the neural circuitry of the retina based on a unique experimental approach developed in close collaboration between neuroscientists and high-energy physicists.
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Building the Panama CanalIn 1904, President Teddy Roosevelt committed the brains of American engineering and the brawn of America's industrial machine to build a canal of unprecedented scope and challenge. The Panama Canal's successful construction was the result of the convergence of extraordinary men, machines, and methods. Paul Giroux, recipient of the American ...
The Neuroscience of Magic - SOLD OUTFrom ancient conjurers to quick-handed con artists to big ticket Las Vegas illusionists, magicians throughout the ages have been expertly manipulating human attention and perception to dazzle and delight us (or scare us, or steal our watches). Of course you know that the phenomena of cognitive and sensory illusions are ...
Information and telecommunications technology have evolved drastically over the past 2 decades and transformed many industries. Healthcare has experienced important changes but continues to lag. What have we learned from our experiences that inform us as we explore the implementation of various technologies designed to advance quality and access? What ...
Along upwelling margins, pH and oxygen vary on multiple temporal and spatial scales, and in many places levels are decreasing with climate change. Altogether, these pH and oxygen changes could have implications for invertebrate larval performance. I will present our current understanding of oxygen and pH variability in nearshore settings ...
Beyond the marketing and hype of big data: why design choices and customer needs matter Big data is quickly losing all meaning, joining the ranks of buzzwords like cloud and open. Nonetheless, it is changing how large companies operate. We'll start out with a quick introduction to what big data problems are and why they've become important, covering use cases and impact on existing markets. ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Impact of ocean acidifcation on coral reefs & other marine ecosystemsRising CO in our atmosphere is changing the way the oceans work in ways never before seen in Earth's history. Scientists struggle to predict how our coral seas will change with the ocean's altered chemistry. How will these vital animals that provide a tropical home for thousands of other species, respond to new ...
The field of exoplanets has rapidly expanded from the exclusivity of exoplanet detection to include exoplanet characterization. A key step towards this characterization is the determination of which planets occupy the Habitable Zone (HZ) of their host stars. Thanks to increasing orbital period and mass/size sensitivity of both radial velocity ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
Nerd Nite SF #42: Genomes, Vibrators, and Your Brain!"Unleashing the Power of Genomes" by Moisés BernalLove, God, end, universe, genome–these words have something in common: Their definitions can be unclear, and discussions on these matters can quickly spin off into knotty philosophical debates. What is a genome, anyway? And why is its study so important in evolutionary biology? ...
This talk considers how to restore electric power systems after a natural or man-made disaster. Such a restoration is extremely challenging from a computational standpoint as it combines a complex logistics problem with activation problems over a complex physical system. We present a four-step approach which allows us to separate ...
Holography is a striking relationship between gravitational theories in d+1 space-time dimensions and normal quantum theories of matter (without gravity) in d space-time dimensions. It was discovered in theoretical studies of quantum black holes, where puzzling phenomena like Bekenstein's entropy bound and Hawking radiation challenge our ability to make sense ...
Open wide as NightLife explores the science of eating-from table to intestine.Taste local, sustainable nibbles from Earl's Organic Produce and Whole Foods and pick up tips on how to turn your Thanksgiving feast into gastronomic glory.In African Hall, hear Academy Fellow and Gladstone Institutes associate investigator Dr. Katie Pollard wax ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $12 General, $10 Members
'Heavenly Bodies' Book Signing by Paul KoudounarisReturning to the Bone Room Presents after his successful book, "The Empire of Death" Paul Koudounaris has again captured images of never before seen, exotically dressed medieval skeletons in his new book, "Heavenly Bodies: Cult Treasures & Spectacular Saints from the Catacombs". Discovered in 1578 in Rome, a new labyrinth ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Mental Health Improvements Through Early Detection & Treatment: Promising New ApproachesDr. Adelsheim will discuss the international and national movement towards building early detection and intervention models for serious mental illness. Through the development of community outreach efforts and addressing community stigma, young people at risk for serious mental illness are accessing care earlier, leading to improved outcomes in mental health, ...
Where: Palo AltoCost: Free
The Science of AcousticsJoin Exploratorium scientist Ron Hipschman for colorful explorations of the physical world.What are acoustics and how do they work? The Kanbar Forum, our new multidisciplinary performance space, is fitted with Meyer Sound's Constellation acoustic system, one of the most advanced in the world. We'll explore the audibility and fidelity of ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free with admission
Effects of Induced Climate Change in Boreal and Temperate ForestsDylan Smith, PhD candidate in the Peay Lab at Stanford University, will talk about the effects of induced climate change (experimental warming) on whole fungal and bacterial communities in boreal and temperate forests.
California leads the United States in a renewable energy policy that drives large-scale wind, solar, and geothermal projects in windy areas and the desert. We also lead the nation in using new technology to avoid, minimize, and reduce conflicts with birds thanks to Golden Gate Audubon and the four other ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
World of the California NewtFilmmaker Lance Milbrand will preview his video-in-progress encompassing all things a newt may see and experience in its twenty-year lifespan. Filmed entirely in the Santa Cruz mountains.
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
Friday, 11/22/13
Automating Demand Response: From Hot Summer Events to Any TimeMary Ann Piette is the Head of the Building Technology and Urban Systems Department and has been at LBNL since 1983. She is also the Director of the Demand Response Research Center (DRRC). The DRRC develops DR technology and the Open Automated Demand Response standard, which is a key element ...
The Innovation is in the Mind – The Converging Trajectories of IT, Neuro, and NanoWhile major progress has been made over the past decades, the dynamic behavior of the brain at large is still poorly understood. A major charter in the neuroscience community for the next decade is to create a dynamic map of brain activity – an initiative that most recently received the ...
Free Intel Museum class lets kids explore the science of UV2 class times: 10-11am, 3-4pmComputer chips are everywhere--powering the Internet, controlling cars, automating factories, enhancing cell phones, and enriching home entertainment. A favorite class at the Intel Museum helps children ages 7 and up explore the science of UV and learn about semiconductor fabrication. The class lasts about 45 minutes. ...
Where: Santa ClaraCost: Free
Sunday, 11/24/13
Marine Science Sunday: Magnificent MigrationsThis month we celebrate the animals that love to travel! Marine mammals are famous for their epic migrations along the California coast. Docent-led tours will take you around the hospital showcasing some of the patients we are caring for and how our veterinarians are getting them better. Classroom presentations through ...
Where: SausalitoCost: Free
Junior Academy: Naturalist Know-how Hone your expertise as a naturalist! A unique skill will be highlighted each month. In November, check out Searching the Sky-What's Up? where you'll learn to see the sky like an astronomer. Space is limited; please register in the Naturalist Center a half hour before program begins. This is a ...
The Singularity is defined as the point in time when computer intelligence exceeds human intelligence. While the notion of superhuman machines has served science fiction for many years, most scientific leaders argue that these changes are inevitable, based on great strides in nanotechnology, artificial intelligence and molecular biology.Bay Area filmmaker ...
Where: San RafaelCost: $10.75/$6.50 CA Film Members
Monday, 11/25/13
Thank You, Animals! Mini-CampParticipate in a three-day mini camp learning how animals help people at Lindsay Wildlife Museum during Thanksgiving break. You will meet animals and learn how and why animals play an important part in food webs. Through activities and animal encounters, you will be amazed at the important role these animals ...
Where: Walnut CreekCost: $85 ($75 members)
Nanotechnology, the Wave Nature of the Universe and the World WithinAn award-winning speaker, educator, technology developer and parallel entrepreneur (NevadaNano, Nanolabz, Nanojems), Adams will lead you on a journey from the cosmos to the world within. He is the senior author of the award-winning textbook Nanotechnology: Understanding Small Systems, which has recently been transformed into the new general audiences book Nanotechnology: The ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $20 non-members, MEMBERS FREE, $7 students
Tuesday, 11/26/13
Measuring Atmospheric Boundary Layer Fluxes on Mars: Sonic Anemometer The atmospheric boundary layer on Mars is where the influence between the surface and atmosphere (and vice versa) takes place on Mars. To better validate and improve mesoscale atmospheric models we suggest that direct observations of the interactions between the surface and atmosphere are needed. Such direct measurements of the ...
Cancelled for Thanksgiving Science and Reason with Skeptics in the Pub, West BayCancelled due to ThanksgivingSkeptics in the Pub, West BayFiddlers Green, MillbraeIf ye value critical thinking, and if ye scorn the film-flam man, and if ye drink, drink with us, your friends. If ye shun the brewer's art, at least help us lay waste to bangers & mash!Skeptics in the Pub ...
Where: MillbraeCost:
Friday, 11/29/13
Robert Ferguson Observatory-Public Solar ObservingThe Robert Ferguson Observatory (RFO) is open to the public for Daytime Solar viewing: Solar telescopes are set up so you can safely look at and listen to our favorite star, the Sun.Admission: FREE to the publicParking: $8.00 Park Use FeeHandicapped Parking is available at the Observatory entrance.
Where: KenwoodCost: $8.00
Houge Park Start PartyMeet with members of San Jose Astronomical Society for a Star Party, weather permitting.
Where: San JoseCost: Free
Saturday, 11/30/13
Intel Museum - Free Binary Beading Class Engages KidsTwo Classes: 10:30am-11:30; 3:00pm-4:00pmWhat are all those 1s and 0s that make up binary code? And for that matter, what's binary code? Students ages 7 and up learn how computers use this 'digital' language to send, process, and receive information. By using beads to represent a switch's on and off ...
Where: Santa ClaraCost: Free
San Mateo County Astronomical Society Star PartyThe City of San Carlos Department of Parks and Recreation and the San Mateo County Astronomical Society have open Star Parties twice a month.Reasons to AttendIf you have kids interested in space or planets bring them here for a real life view of planets, nebula, star clusters and galaxies.If you ...
Where: San CarlosCost: Free
Sunday, 12/01/13
Free Day of ScienceFirst Sundays are FREE! OMCA is free all day the first Sunday of every month. Tour the building with members of the Museum's Council on Architecture at 1 pm and enjoy a Docent-led tour of the Gallery of California Art at 2 pm. Grab lunch or a snack at Blue ...
Changing the Game?: Emissions and Market Implications of New Natural Gas SuppliesThis study evaluates the channels through which shale formations and new natural gas supplies can change energy, economic and environmental opportunities within North America. It concludes that continued shale gas development within North America is likely to have more sweeping impacts on future energy prices than on the economy or ...
Green fluorescent protein and its relatives have revolutionized imaging in the biological sciences at the microscopic level. Their genetically encoded and autocatalytic nature underlies their versatility as cellular markers, protein localization tags, and components of biochemical sensors. On the other hand, the GFP-type autocatalytic fluorescent proteins (AFPs) have not been ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Tuesday, 12/03/13
Remote sensing survey of Valles Marineris: insights into magmatic and sedimentary processes on Mars Valles Marineris is a unique vertical section through the uppermost kilometers of the martian crust; its location, east of Tharsis bulge, and its water-related history are responsible for a great diversity of rock types in this area. High resolution morphological (HiRISE) and mineralogical (CRISM) data from the MRO mission (NASA, ...
Where: Mountain ViewCost: Free
The Stability of Laminar Shear FlowIn 1883, Reynolds published his classical work on the experimental study of the stability of shear flow and transition to turbulence. Since then the issue of the critical Reynolds number at which laminar flows become unstable has been studied by numerous people, including Sommerfeld, Heisenberg, C. C. Lin, Orazag, and ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Leakey Lecture: Exploring Ancient DietsModern human behavior, ranging from tool use to cooking to agriculture to industrial food processing, has allowed us colonize virtually every environment on earth – and even parts of outer space. Our love of grains and tubers has increased the number of our starch-digesting genes, and our taste for dairy ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $15 General, $12 Members and Seniors
State of the Gaming Industry - Technology and TrendsWith the recent $1B three day sales results for GTA5, new consoles for the holiday season and the opening of China to consoles - the gaming marketplace is extremely active. In addition to these high profile activities, new connected consoles, mobile and casual gaming and a ...
In this talk, we will embark on a remarkable adventure that explores the hottest and most powerful objects in the universe. Our travels will take us from the millions of tiny black holes that live in our own galaxy, the Milky Way, to the huge ones lurking at the centers ...
Community-Scale Renewable Energy MicrogridsProfessor Isaacson is the principle investigator of the Sustainable Engineering and Ecological Design (SEED) research program at UCSC, which recently received a five-year $4.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to fund clean energy research and educational programsRegistration required for free box lunch.Speaker: Michael Isaacson, UC Santa Cruz
Trophic dynamics and animal movements establish links among humans, animals, plants, microbes, and the environment through resource acquisition and allocation. These linkages, in turn, create a reciprocal relationship between ecosystem goods and services and the impacts of humans on ecosystem structure and function. My research combines advanced analytical tools, including ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
The Changing Plankton of San Francisco BayBiological oceanographer Tara Schraga of the U.S. Geologic Survey will present The Changing Plankton of San Francisco Bay.The Exploratorium's Lab and Lunch is a free lunchtime series for adults that explores new work and collaborations between visiting scientists, educators, or artists and Exploratorium staff. Spend your lunch break in the ...
Next Generation Nonvolatile Memory and its Impact on Systems PerformanceFlash memory technology has been serving the storage memory application markets for several decades. However, in recent years, further scaling of this technology has shown profound limitations. Currently, it is widely accepted that scaling Flash below 20nm has degraded performance and reliability, thus, resulting in significant overhead complexity and computational ...
Darwin described how evolution produced "endless forms most beautiful," yet he was unaware of genetics and the laws of inheritance. Our genomes provide the ultimate record of evolution, and evolution explains many fascinating aspects of our genomes. This cafe will explore how genomics has deepened our understanding of evolution in ways ...
Comets and ISONsIn this talk we will look at what comets are, why they are interesting, some famous comets and various trips to comets. New comets give us an idea of the materials that the Earth, Sun, Moon, Mars, Jupiter, etc. are made of. Not yet been warmed by the sun, first ...
Where: Palo AltoCost: Free
After Dark: GlowKeep the season's early darkness at bay with light, color, and warmth. Explore bioluminescence, fluorescent and phosphorescent artwork and activities, and more.Experience life After Dark, an evening series exclusively for adults that mixes cocktails, conversation, and playful, innovative science and art events.Not a theater, cabaret, or gallery, After Dark contains ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $15 General, $10 Members
Cafe InquiryMeet up with rationalists, skeptics, and freethinkers south of San FranciscoCafe Inquiry is a social event hosted by the Center for Inquiry|San Francisco. We'll meet at Café Borrone http://www.cafeborrone.com/ between Kepler's Books and the British Banker's Club! Look for the black balloon.For more information or if you have questions please ...
Where: Menlo ParkCost: Free
'The Story of Stuff' and 'The Story of Solutions'Berkeley-based Annie Leonard has become world famous as the writer and star of the film "The Story of Stuff", a fast-paced, fact-filled look at the problems created by our consumption patterns. This funny cartoon-style documentary highlights connections between environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: $5-10 Donation
Saving America's Bald EagleBald eagles, unique to North America, disappeared from most of California by the time Glenn Stewart began efforts to restore the species to Central California in the mid 1980s. Today, we are seeing the results as bald eagles are once again nesting locally. Hear a first hand account of how ...
Where: SonomaCost: $5
Friday, 12/06/13
Field Botany FridaysCome hike with ACR staff. While we hike, we may identify plants, survey for rare plants, photograph wildflowers, discuss ethnobotany or other trailside botany. Takes place the first Friday of every month.Please dress for the weather and bring at least one quart of drinking water. You may also wish to ...
Integrated Nanotechnology for Sustainable Future and Smart LivingWe live in a high-paced world where information technology and electronics play critical role. Our dream at Integrated Nanotechnology Lab @ KAUST is "Information for anyone, anywhere, anytime". Information is vital for sustainable future and smart living. Quality food, purified water, natural environment and clean energy are necessities for sustainable ...
CO2 capture and sequestration (CCS) is a major element of almost any strategy for CO2 emissions reductions. However, it is one of the most expensive approaches to mitigation. In this talk I will present a strategy for achieving a major reduction in the cost of the capture portion of ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
The Creative Consciousness Opening NightThe Art & Science DeCal in conjunction with the Synesthesia Association at Berkeley will be hosting its first art show and science exhibit showcasing original student artwork for members of the community intrigued by the intersections between art and science.We hope to foster a sense of community and interdisciplinary appreciation through exploring ...
Dr. Manddeep Gill is a visiting postdoctoral researcher at SLAC concentrating on gravitational weak lensing. In 2008 he was a postdoctoral research fellow at the Center for Cosmology and Particle Physics at the Ohio State University concentrating on gravitational weak lensing and determination of cosmological parameters from this technique. His earned ...
Where: San MateoCost: Free
Saturday, 12/07/13
Intel Museum - Free Circuitry Class Engages KidsTwo Classes: 10:30-11:30am and 3:00-4:00pmSchematics, Switches and CircuitsFrom doorbells to karaoke machines, kids ages 9 and up will be introduced to reading schematics and building circuits. After a quick introduction to the basics, they will work in teams to build a variety of electronic devices that ring, beep and play ...
Where: Santa ClaraCost: Free
The Creative Consciousness The Art & Science DeCal in conjunction with the Synesthesia Association at Berkeley will be hosting its first art show and science exhibit showcasing original student artwork for members of the community intrigued by the intersections between art and science.We hope to foster a sense of community and interdisciplinary appreciation through exploring ...
Where: OaklandCost: Free! Donations welcomed!
Trekking the ModelJoin a Ranger-guided tour of the Bay Model, a 1.5 acre hydraulic model of the San Francisco Bay and Delta. Discover the stories of the two major operations that took place at this location between 1942 and 2000.
Where: SausalitoCost: Free
Fish Feeding FrenzyHelp Ranger Bill feed the hungry inhabitants of our fresh and saltwater tanks. Watch the different feeding styles of rock cod, sea stars, and steelhead trout.
Where: SausalitoCost: Free
San Mateo County Astronomical Society Star PartyThe City of San Carlos Department of Parks and Recreation and the San Mateo County Astronomical Society have open Star Parties twice a month.Reasons to AttendIf you have kids interested in space or planets bring them here for a real life view of planets, nebula, star clusters and galaxies.If you ...
Where: San CarlosCost: Free
Star PartyJoin the Halls Valley Astronomical Group for a night of star-gazing fun. Knowledgeable volunteers will provide you with a chance to look through a variety of telescopes and answer questions about the night sky. Meet at Telescope Row in main parking area. Park entrance gates close at 6:30pm. (408) 274-6121
Where: San JoseCost: Free
NASA, Alive and WellThe National Aeronautics and Space administration (NASA) was formed as a civilian organization of the US federal government in the late 1950s. NASA was tasked exploring space for peaceful purpose. Since the retirement of the Space Shuttle program, the direction of US space travel has been in question. In this ...
Where: OaklandCost: Free with admission
Sunday, 12/08/13
Fungus Fair!A special one day event sponsored by the Mycological Society of San Francisco, (MSSF)! Mushroom Displays, Guest Speakers, Mushroom Cooking Displays, Mushroom Vendors, etc.
Where: San FranciscoCost: $10 Adults, $8 Senior and Student, $5 Child
Seal and Sea Lion Superstars of 2013This month we wrap up 2013 with a special Marine Science Sunday highlighting our Seal and Sea Lion Superstars of 2013. In 2013, The Marine Mammal Center has rescued over 500 animals, ranging from the California sea lion, to the elephant seal, to the threatened fur seal and we will ...
Where: SausalitoCost: Free
Exploration Station at AGU's Fall Meeting - Free Family Fun!The American Geophysical Union invites you to an afternoon of science-themed family fun. The Exploration Station features an interactive program for children and their families. Exhibits include a variety of easy, family friendly, hands-on activities, and an opportunity to interact one-on-one with scientists, engineers, and education specialists. Part of the AGU's ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
The Creative Consciousness The Art & Science DeCal in conjunction with the Synesthesia Association at Berkeley will be hosting its first art show and science exhibit showcasing original student artwork for members of the community intrigued by the intersections between art and science.We hope to foster a sense of community and interdisciplinary appreciation through exploring ...
Where: OaklandCost: Free! Donations welcomed!
Quarterly Free Sunday at Academy of SciencesThe Academy is free to everyone on selected Sundays throughout the year. Admission is on a first-come, first served basis, and early arrival is recommended due to the likelihood of high demand. Please note that final entry to the museum is one hour before closing.
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
Monday, 12/09/13
Summit to SeeA monthly cross-country hike to a high point or other highlight of the sanctuary with natural history, photography, birding, etcPlease dress for the weather and bring at least one quart of drinking water. You may also wish to bring a hat, an extra layer, and a snack. There are no ...
Where: GeyservilleCost: Free
Expert Roundtable: Skeptical About Cell Phones and Health?Experts in embryology, epidemiology, neurology, breast cancer, telecommunications and exposure modeling to cell phone radiation join a roundtable on hot topics in experimental and human research to discuss current U.S. and international policy developments. Join us as panelists review the latest case series report on breast cancer in women who ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $32 General, Members Free
The Comet ISONJoin us to view this once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event! Drop by with family and friends to view the spectacular passage of ISON as it travels though the inner solar system. Comet ISON belongs to a special category of comets called sungrazers, and is anticipated to be a brilliant object potentially 10 ...
Where: LafayetteCost: Free
100 Years Later – Can Hetch Hetchy Come Back?On Dec. 9, 1913, President Woodrow Wilson signed the act that allowed the City of San Francisco to clear cut, dam, and drown Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National Park. Exactly a century later, join noted conservationists Ken Brower and Malcolm Margolin for a conversation on the battle that broke ...
Where: AlbanyCost: Free
The Power of Stars - How Celestial Observations Have Shaped Civilization - SOLD OUTDr. Penprase will describe the variety of constellations, cosmologies and calendars from cultures around the world and through the centuries. Using a wide variety of works and visualizations drawing from both ancient and modern astronomy, Dr. Penprase presents a visual feast of astronomy, with constellation maps, aerial views of aligned ...
The basic principles of human-caused climate change have been known for more than a century and are based on physics 101, chemistry 101 and economics 101. Yet the balance bias has skewed mainstream media coverage of the scientific underpinnings of climate disruption. It is no wonder average citizens have difficulty ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $20 General, $12 Members
Marina Gorbis is a futurist and social scientist who serves as executive director to the Institute for the Future (IFTF), a Silicon Valley nonprofit research and consulting organization. In her 14 years with IFTF, Marina has brought a futures perspective to hundreds of organizations in business, education, government, and philanthropy ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
History of MarinshipJoin Ranger Bill as he facilitates an in-depth discussion on the history of the Marinship Shipyard at the Bay Model built by the Bechtel Corporation at the request of President Franklin Roosevelt in March of 1942. Learn about the 93 ships built here during WWII.
Jane Lubchenco: Carbon Curves & Nicholas Stern: The Stephen Schneider Award (two sessions)Carbon CurvesThe droughts and superstorms of 2012 were followed in 2013 by ravenous fires and heat waves. Do those extreme weather events have human fingerprints? The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has forwarded further scientific evidence of human-caused climate disruption. This discussion will focus on where the science is firm ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: See Description Above
Lake Tahoe: Conservation in Action Join us for a screening of a short film about the conservation efforts of the past few decades to keep Tahoe blue. The film will feature the story of scientists and citizens alike who have worked tirelessly to understand the ecology and of Tahoe and preserve the beauty and functional ...
6:30-6:55: Marcy Darnovsky(Center for Genetics and Society) on "The Case for a New Biopolitics"New practices in the life sciences are raising profound challenges to social justice, the public interest, and the human future...Read more 6:55-7:20: David Salesin(Adobe) on "How Research Works"How to use the power of the computer to ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
New Science Smorgasbord: Viruses, Stars, Brains, & ShapesFour short talks presented by four Wonderfest Science Envoys:"Viruses: Ancestors or Aliens?" Lauren Popov, Stanford Biologists can't agree if viruses are truly "living" entities. So if viruses aren't alive, then how did they evolve and where did they come from? Together we will explore the mainstream hypotheses about the origins ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
Office of Science and Technology Policy Director John P. Holdren, with John MarkoffDr. John P. Holdren is Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Co-Chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). Congress established the Office of Science and Technology Policy in 1976 with a ...
San Francisco's Rare Endemic Manzanitas: Prospects for Recovery through RestorationJoin us for this brown bag event where Michael Chasse (Rare Plant Botanist, National Park Service) will present the results of his master's thesis research on the past, present, and future of San Francisco's own manzanitas, the Franciscan manzanita (Arctostaphylos franciscana) and Raven's manzanita (Arctostaphylos montana subsp. ravenii).
What:7:00-7:25: Uwe Bergmann(Stanford) on "The science and applications of X-Rays"The unusual properties of X-Rays have revolutionized many fields, and are now applied even even to ancient manuscripts and new fuels...Read More7:25-7:50: Ellen Fullman(Musician) on "A Compositional Approach Derived from Material and Ephemeral Elements"Acoustics, engineering and musical composition with ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
The Power in Weather: Renewable Answers to Energy and Climate ChallengesJoin Dr. Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald, Chief Science Advisor for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Research, as he describes how weather can hold the key to our current and future energy needs. How much and how quickly could we cut greenhouse gas emissions by switching to existing low-carbon technologies across ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free with admission
Friday, 12/13/13
News from the American Geophysical Union (AGU)Join Exploratorium Senior Scientist Paul Doherty as he shares news from the annual American Geophysical Union (AGU) conference. This year, lead scientists from NASA will be sharing exciting information about the latest activities of the rover Curiosity, the most sophisticated explorer ever sent to another planet.Watch Live
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free with admission
The Science of (Holiday) Light Walking TourJoin us on this festive trek and gain a new appreciation for some of the city's most spectacular light displays. We'll stroll along San Francisco stairways, side streets, and scenic vistas, admiring the local holiday handiwork while doing experiments with color mixing and animation, and talking about light. Learn about ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $25 adults, $15 under 18
Climate Change and Us: What Does the Future Hold?Climate change is not slowing down and humans are a major factor in its acceleration. That's the main gist of the fifth Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessment, published in September 2013. Beyond the headlines, though, what does the report really say about the magnitude of climate change and ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $20 General, $10 Long Now Members
Earth Matters: Antarctic Mysteries-Icy Clues to Earth's Past, Present, and FutureIn early 2013, Rob Dunbar embarked on his latest research voyage to Antarctica's Southern Ocean, his first ever as summer turned to an icy and turbulent fall. He was exploring what happens to the carbon-rich base of the food chain when seasonal ice forms, including how much might return to ...
