Constraining Primordial Gravitational Waves Using Present and Future CMB Polarization ExperimentsFinding direct evidence of Primordial Gravitational Waves (PGWs) is one of the most exciting and important goals in fundamental physics today. The polarized light of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) provides a powerful dataset from which we may detect PGWs and draw quantitative conclusions about the early Universe. The problem ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
NASA InSight Landing Live StreamJoin us at Chabot as we live stream the NASA InSight Landing on Mars in our Megadome Theater. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime experience to watch live as the probe enters Mars atmosphere and prepares for its long journey of discovery on the Red Planet! Join our resident ...
Where: OaklandCost: $8
Magnetic field growth in weakly ionized astrophysical plasmas Abstract: The small-scale turbulent dynamo is an important process contributing to the cosmic magnetization. In partially ionized astrophysical plasmas in e.g., the early Universe, cold phases of the interstellar medium, protoplanetary disks, the solar chromosphere, the dynamo growth of magnetic energy strongly depends on the coupling state between ions and ...
High performance computing (HPC) has become a critical tool for industries seeking solutions to complex engineering and physical problems. While the problems and underlying governing equations describing the transport physics have not changed in decades, higher fidelity simulations have pushed the boundaries of computational science. The machines employed for computations ...
The Stanford Institute for Theoretical Physics (SITP) Colloquium will be given by Ken van Tilburg of the Institute for Advanced Study and New York University
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Electronic thermal conduction in solidsHeat transfer in solids provides a window for scientific study of solid state physics, and also plays a pivotal role for a wide range of industry applications. Although it is a traditional research focus in mechanical engineering, study of heat transfer from materials scientists’ perspective would result in new discovery, ...
The 10th century parchment document known as the Archimedes Palimpsest, contains the oldest surviving copy of works by the Greek genius Archimedes of Syracuse (287 - 212 BC). To uncover his obscured writings we developed the technique of rapid-scan X-ray fluorescence (XRF) imaging at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource. Since ...
Machine Learning for the Universe: Steps towards Opening the BlackboxTo fully understand the structure formation of the Universe is one of the holy grails of modern astrophysics. Astrophysicists survey large volumes of the Universe and employ a large ensemble of computer simulations to compare with the observed data in order to extract the full information of our own Universe. ...
As a Director of Engineering in AI at Facebook. Joaquin built the AML (Applied Machine Learning) team, driving product impact at scale through applied research in machine learning, language understanding, computer vision, computational photography, augmented reality and other AI disciplines. AML also built the unified AI platform that powers all ...
The combination of electrochemistry and control has the potential to improve energy storage devices' performance and prolong their life once deployed in the field. In this talk, Professor Onori will share the ongoing research journey she has taken with her students in tackling research questions related to the design, estimation, control and optimizing ...
Bacteria are under constant attack from viruses. In order to defend themselves, these microbes have evolved a unique and creative immune system that scientists have called “CRISPR.†As scientists work to unravel and understand this intricate immune system, they have realized that CRISPR proteins might not only improve the health ...
Where: NovatoCost: Free
Big Screen Science: Planes, Trains and AutomobilesThose aren't pillows, but you'll want to park your butt in a seat for this classic. It may not be science fiction, but there is plenty of science to dissect. Join Kishore Hari (@sciencequiche) and Jeff Silverman (@J_M_Silverman) as we figure out the quickest way from Wichita to Chicago, whether ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $15.50
Nerd Nite East BayThe Epic Quest to Map the Grand CanyonDescend into the story of the greatest map making feat of the mid-20th century, as 700 helicopter trips, over one hundred miles of trails surveyed by hand (and foot), and thousands of manual angle measurements created the amazing 1978 map of the Grand ...
The brains of even simple organisms can do amazing things, but the brain’s complexity makes understanding exactly how it works incredibly challenging. My lab focuses on using chemistry to understand the architecture of the brain's functional units called neural circuits. I discuss projects for developing chemical tools that enable visualization ...
Introduction to Garden MaintenanceLearn gardening techniques to help care for your landscape, maintain aesthetic and keep it looking fresh! Desmond Murray (Presidio Seed Specialist & Longtime Bay Area Gardener) and Kaiya Giuliano (Intern at Presidio Nursery)will emphasize natural pruning techniques, fertilizing, pest care, and water management for California native plants. Tools and gloves ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Donations encouraged
One Tam Wildlife Picture Index ProjectCome contribute to the Marin Wildlife Picture Index Project! This project depends on volunteer "Community Scientists" to help maintain wildlife cameras and process photos, and we are especially looking to train and retain volunteers for the long-term. At this training, we will be viewing and cataloging photos (on the computer) acquired ...
Where: Corte MaderaCost: Free
Creating the future of nuclear energyThe nuclear energy industry is at a crossroads: existing nuclear reactors are struggling to operate economically in some tough markets, and construction of new designs in the U.S. is slow and over budget. At the same time, interest in and development of the next generation of nuclear reactors is growing ...
Film Screening with the International Ocean Film Festival - 'Souls of the Vermilion Sea'Souls of the Vermilion Sea is a documentary film and media outreach project focused on the struggle to save the world’s most endangered marine mammal, the vaquita. Over the past 3 years the filmmakers have been working to spread awareness of this issue through a variety of media platforms. They are ...
Mini-Med School: Why is there a lump in my neck and do I need to worry?We all have concerns about our health, but when should we ignore them and keep fingers crossed, and when should we see the doctor? With the internet a part of our daily life, does ready access to information ameliorate or amplify these concerns? We have assembled a group of leaders ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $15, students free with ID
Liquid Diamonds: New Materials at Pressures of the Earth's CoreAt the center of the Earth, matter is crushed under pressures millions of times higher than we experience here on the surface. Pressures in the cores of stars and giant planets are even more extreme. To understand how the Earth, Jupiter, and even larger planets outside our solar system came ...
You Should Know This! is where a TedTalk meets a comedy game show. Listen to experts discuss fascinating topics while comedians riff on stage and you get the chance to win fun, silly prizes for being a nerd.Professor Shawn Douglas will take us on a journey through the cutting-edge science behind ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $15
Wednesday, 11/28/18
The private life of lipid membranes in model organisms Organisms have evolved a tremendous diversity of different lipid molecules that they utilize to construct their membranes. Lipids control the physical properties of membranes, such as their viscosity, bending modulus, or ability to phase separate. Organisms ranging from bacteria to deep sea animals regulate lipid biosynthesis in order to maintain ...
Tissue Inspired Hydrogel DesignImproved in vitro models are needed to better understand cancer progression and bridge the gap between in vitro proof-of-concept studies, in vivo validation, and clinical application. Many methods exist to create biomaterial platforms, including hydrogels, which we use to study cells in contexts more akin to what they experience in ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
CO2 Plume Migration and Dissolution in Layered ReservoirsIn carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects, the presence of layered permeability heterogeneity can strongly affect the migration of the supercritical CO2 plume and CO2 dissolution. By conducting a systematic study of plume migration in layered reservoirs with a  wide range of permeability contrast between the layers, we show that the relationship ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Roberto Carlino and the TESSCome join us on for an exciting guest speaker from NASA Ames Research Center! Roberto Carlino will be conducting a technical talk about MIT's replacement for the Kepler Telescope, the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), which will increase the amount of sky analyzed by the Kelper Telescope by 350x! This ...
Speaker: Catherine de Rivera is a professor of Environmental Science in the Department of Environmental Science and Management, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Portland State University.
 Join us for a conversation with Dan Widmaier, co-founder and CEO at Bolt Threads, a biotech startup that produces biofabricated silk fibers based on proteins found in nature. With experience in both business development and science, Widmaier uses expertise in biology to lead Bolt Threads through tech development and financing. ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Conversations About Landscape: Artistic Practice Toward Urban ResilienceWhat happens when two artists team up with two scientists to engage the public with the slow-moving disaster of climate change?Composer Byron Au Yong and architect/designer Sara Dean spent a year embedded with environmental engineer Mark Stacey and environmental policy expert Mark Lubell. The researchers are part of a project ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free (advance registration required)
Where: OrindaCost: $5 General, $1 students & K-12 Teachers
Do we inherit experiences? Lessons in epigenetic inheritance (gene expression)The nature of inheritance has inspired debate since ancient times. How are traits inherited from one generation to the next? Can acquired traits or experiences be passed on? The field of genetics points to the genes encoded in our DNA. But we now know that there are mechanisms outside of ...
Where: Santa CruzCost: Free
Nerd Night SF #102: Animal Encounters, the Albany Bulb, and Cosmic Elements!Get wild, get creative, and get cosmic, as we throw out the rule book and host our monthly gathering of the gray matter on the fourth Wednesday instead of on the third! We’ll look big in the urban-wildland interface with a journalist who knows when to run and when to ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $8
taste of science: Big Data and DiabetesHow Big Data can Inform Effective Treatments in DiabetesIt's been said that big data is new oil, tofu etc. In this talk, we'll interact over pint(s) to understand how big data in healthcare can be utilized to investigate the effectiveness of treatments in Type-2 Diabetes. We'll discuss the oppurtunities, challenges ...
Speaker: Braven Panel on Leadership and Career AcceleratorThis event will be rescheduled during the spring semester.
Where: San JoseCost: Free
Gaia: mission status and results from the second data releaseI will present the Gaia mission status, the plans for an extended mission, and a summary of the contents planned for future Gaia data releases. This is complemented by highlights from the science harvested from Gaia DR2.6 C (2SD). We discuss whether our data support current carbonaceous parent body models.Speaker: ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
The Brayton BatteryProf. Robert B. Laughlin, the Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor in the School of Huamnities and Sciences, will give a special colloquium.
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Mind Over Chatter: Exploring Climate PsychologyHuman psychology is one of the biggest obstacles to greater understanding and action on climate. Perhaps the climate issue is too closely associated with the faces of polar bears rather than humans when climate is a profoundly human story. It touches on our deepest fears and desires, whether we recognize ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $20 General, $12 Members, $7 Students
After dark: WhalesHere in the Bay Area, we are neighbors to a variety of giant marine mammals. Just before gray whales appear traveling south, join us for an evening on all things cetacean - including our shared history.
Where: San FranciscoCost: $17.95 advance, $19.95 at the door
The Least Bell's Vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) is a songbird that is endangered in CaliforniaWhat type of research is the USGS doing to help understand the threats these and other birds face?How has our research during the last 30 years given us optimism of what is in store for their ...
Where: Menlo ParkCost: Free
Wonderfest: Boiling Universe; Dark MatterWonderfest Science Envoysare early-career researchers with special communication skills and aspirations. Following short talks on provocative modern science topics, these two Science Envoys will answer questions with insight and enthusiasm:UC Berkeley astronomer Deepthi Gorthi on "The Cold Boiling Universe" - How, when, and why was the entire cosmos "boiling" not ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
Friday, 11/30/18
Gravitational lensing of line intensity mapsGravitational lensing of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) has emerged as a powerful cosmological probe, made possible by the development and characterization of nearly-optimal estimators for extracting the lensing signal from temperature and polarization maps. One can ask whether similar tools can be applied to upcoming "intensity maps" of emission ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Opportunities and challenges of fiber-optic seismology for permanent monitoring of subsurface processesContinuous seismic monitoring can be a crucial tool to provide early warning of potentially hazardous conditions developing in the subsurface, as well as monitoring the flow of natural resources such as water and hydrocarbons. However, the cost of continuous monitoring is a significant obstacle to its widespread application. Distributed Acoustic ...
Where: Santa CruzCost: Free
Using Topology to Engineer the Electronic Structure of Bottom-Up Synthesized Graphene NanoribbonsThe idea of classifying materials by their topological properties is useful for predicting their behavior, especially at interfaces between insulators. When a topologically nontrivial insulator (often referred to as a topological insulator) is fused to a topologically trivial insulator then metallic states arise at the interface between them. This concept ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Digital Liberation: Human Rights in the Age of AIArtificial intelligence is shifting our understanding of human rights like no other technology. Simultaneously regarded as the 21st century’s biggest hope and most dire threat coming from the tech world, AI has sparked considerable debates on ethics and policy within companies, governments, and international organizations.To celebrate the 70th anniversary of ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $10 advance, $15 at door
Sunday, 12/02/18
Science Film Festival: 'Jurassic Park'The classic film captured the imagination of young and old alike, with its groundbreaking visual representation of dinosaurs. Incredible advancements in science, according to the film, have enabled scientists to create an island full of living dinosaurs. What happens when the scientists lose control of their own creations.Speaker: Lee Bishop, ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: See weblink
Exploring the Final Frontier with the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST)Phil Marshall, Ph.D. is one of many scientists and engineers getting ready to operate the LSST, a big new survey telescope being built in Chile that will use the world's biggest digital camera, currently under construction at SLAC, the national lab down at Stanford University. This remarkable new machine will ...
Where: San FranciscoCost:
Wonderfest: Extreme Life of the SeaSome of Earth's most marvelous - and most alien - lifeforms reside in the ocean, where overfishing and climate change pose huge challenges. Marine scientist Dr. Stephen Palumbi will share deep insights and unforgettable stories about fragile aquatic ecosystems - from the icy arctic to boiling hydrothermal vents and on ...
