The genetic code is the foundation for all life. With few exceptions, the translation of nucleic acid messages into proteins follows conserved rules, which are defined by codons that specify each of the 20 proteinogenic amino acids. Supplementing translation with non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs) can yield protein sequences with ...
Permafrost influences hillslope and channel processes by controlling water availability for sediment transport and soil erosion, which changes with warming. I study how permafrost landscapes are shaped by climate by quantifying the pace and pattern of erosion across time and space. We find that low hilltop curvatures and drainage densities ...
Understanding "strange metal" phenomena - metallic behavior that deviates from that expected of an ordinary Fermi liquid down to the lowest measurable temperatures - is among the most puzzling open problems in condensed matter physics. Such phenomena are observed across many different strongly correlated materials. They seem tied to other interesting ...
Weakly bonded interfaces composed by molecular and solid-state inorganic materials give rise to a rich variety of nuclear motion and tunable nuclear structure that is tightly connected to diverse electronic properties in these systems. In my talk, I will discuss how we push the limits of density-functional theory and different ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
An Informational Theory of LifeSara Imari Walker leads one of the largest international theory groups in origins of life and astrobiology. Walker and her team's key areas of research are in developing new approaches to the problem of understanding universal features of life; those that might allow a general theory for solving the matter ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $25 (use discount code for 25% off)
We are members of the genus Homo, distinguished from other primates as bipedal great apes. So far, we have found fossil evidence for several other members of our genus, i.e., several other humans. How does a fossil gain entry into this exclusive club? How many members are there? What do ...
Development of marine sensing and sampling systems is fundamentally limited and challenged by the ocean environment, from the physics of light attenuation to the vagaries of long-range acoustic propagation to the fact that salt water is corrosive. This presentation focuses on a series of projects lowering barriers to ubiquitous marine ...
Environmental DNA (eDNA) methods are revolutionizing the way we monitor biodiversity in California. However, the adoption of eDNA methods for informing environmental management decision-making has been slowed by a lack of standardization among researchers and poor communication with user communities. To help expediate the transition from research to implementation, we ...
Deirdre Hanford (Berkeley MSEE 1985) will discuss the need for cross-industry and academia collaboration and innovation at all levels of chip development - from design to manufacturing - and how she is leading this effort in her new role as the founding CEO of Natcast, the purpose-built, non-profit entity designated ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
A Conversation with Tom Steyer on Climate Progress in 2025Tom is the founder and co-executive chair of Galvanize Climate Solutions, a climate-focused global investment firm. Central to the firm’s thesis is the belief of an absolute, unequivocal need to win in the marketplace with clean products and services that are cheaper, faster, and better. He is also a New ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Astronomy on Tap San Antonio #54: Jupiter and Space Volcanoes - LivestreamDr. Zachary Ulibarri presents “A Song of Ice and Dust: (or why we’re sending a $40 million flying trash can to Jupiter)”Dr. Alan Whittington presents “Space Volcanoes”The event will be streamed live or afterwards on facebook and YouTube
Where: Cost: Free
The Move Toward AGI: Why Large Language Models Surprised Almost Everyone, and What’s Coming NextThe advent of large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT changed forever the public perception of artificial intelligence. Our panel of experts will discuss why LLMs proved to be so surprising, even to researchers in the field, and why the explosion of increasingly powerful models has inevitably led to whispers ...
Join us for a richly informative exploration of the central role of muscle in human life and health. Michael Joseph Gross, author of the new book Stronger, will share his urgent call for each of us to recognize muscle as “the vital, inextricable and effective partner of the soul.”Gross draws ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $22 General in person, $10 online
Reprogramming Cellular Function: Molecular Glues for transcription factorsMolecular glues are small molecules that exert their pharmacological effects by inducing new protein-protein interactions. Originally identified as the mechanism of natural product macrocycles such as rapamycin and FK506, the discovery of new molecular glues has experienced a resurgence of interest. A key driver of this interest has been the ...
Our solar system hosts ~300 moons whose diversity challenges our understanding of planetary formation and evolution. Despite decades of research, many studies on the interior evolution and present-day conditions of Europa and Ganymede still assume that these moons formed hot with a metal-sulfide core, like Earth. In contrast, numerous formation ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Macroalgal past, present, and future: A place for developmental biologyBrown macroalgae have been present on our Pacific Northeast coast for at least 35 million years. The largest extant brown macroalgae form the canopy and sub-canopy of our incredible kelp forests, serving as foundational species for near-shore marine ecosystems. These organisms have an essential role in a thriving and sustainable ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
SETI LIVE: Why is Mars Red? - LivestreamNew Research Suggests Ferrihydrite is the Key In a recent study, Dr. Janice Bishop of the SETI Institute, along with postdoctoral researcher Adomas Valantinas from Brown University, propose that Mars' characteristic red hue is primarily due to ferrihydrite - a water-rich iron oxide mineral - rather than the previously assumed ...
In this talk, I will reexamine the evolution of robotics research at the University of Pennsylvania, covering the successes and struggles of PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty between 1972 and 2000. In 1972, I came to Penn’s newly formed Department of Computer and Information Science from Stanford University's Artificial ...
Where: Rohnert ParkCost: Free
Science under Siege - LivestreamFrom pandemics to the climate crisis, humanity faces tougher challenges than ever before. But our efforts to effectively address these existential crises are frequently hampered by a common threat: politically and ideologically motivated opposition to science.Join us for a Skeptical Inquirer Presents live stream with Michael Mann. He’ll discuss his collaboration ...
Where: Cost: Free
After Dark: Our Place in SpaceDesign your own spacecraft, learn about NASA’s lunar missions, and wrap your hands (and brain) around the scale of our Solar System! Join us for an evening of thrilling adventure in outer space, including huge views of the Martian terrain and an immersive eclipse exhibit. Grab some friends, sip a ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $22.95 General, Members free
NightLife: Academy DayJoin us for a festive night of science and community in celebration of the Academy’s birthday.
Where: San FranciscoCost: Varies
The Future of Food and the Buzz of Science - CANCELEDThe Lawrence is abuzz with insect science! You’re invited for an evening of exploration of science both big and small! Witness a flaming firefly in Serenity, a striking fusion of art and engineering by Oakland’s own Flaming Lotus Girls. Meet and learn from expert scientists about insect biology and evolution. ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: $25
Tech at NiteSan Jose’s most innovative night out returns on Thursday, April 3, with Tech at Nite, an adults-only (21+) evening at The Tech Interactive!This special after-hours event blends hands-on STEAM fun, interactive exhibits, and, well, nightlife! In the spirit of the season, you'll enjoy a unique line-up of local San Jose/Bay Area ...
Where: San JoseCost: $35
Friday, 04/04/25
Bair Island Walking TourJoin Peninsula Open Space Trust for a walking tour at the Bair Island Unit of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge! You’ll be guided by POST ambassadors who will share the history of this beautiful protected space, information about the species that live there, and what you ...
Where: Redwood CityCost: Free
First Friday Nights at CuriOdysseyCome together as a family, visit early, and stay late!Swing into the weekend with music, food trucks, animals, and fun! On the first Friday of every month, from 5 pm until 8 pm, parents and kids celebrate together at CuriOdyssey.Enjoying animal presentations, science activities, and dance to some of your ...
Where: San MateoCost: $22.95 General, $17.95 Senior, Child, Student
First Friday: Art X ScienceDiscover the incredible fusion of creativity and discovery at First Friday: ART X SCIENCE! Bring your poetry & songs for a space & science-inspired open mic, craft cosmic zines using imagery from real space telescopes, explore a pop-up gallery of astronomical art, and take a glimpse behind the curtain with ...
Where: OaklandCost: $10 General, $5 Kids & Seniors
Saturday, 04/05/25
Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour and Green Home Features Showcase - LivestreamDoug Tallamy will kick off this event by describing what you can do in your own garden to restore nature. Kathy Kramer will provide a retrospective on the Tour’s first 20 years. In a series of garden visits passionate garden owners and the talented designers of the Bay Area’s most ...
Where: Cost: Donations encouraged
Native bee workshopDid you know that there are over 1,600 species of bees native to California?Join instructor Kandis Gilmore to learn about the varied life cycles, ecological roles, and basic taxonomic groups of bees. We’ll study indoors and explore outdoors at the Bouverie Preserve in Glen Ellen in this hands-on workshop and ...
Where: Glen EllenCost: $23.18
TechFestSave the date for CHM’s all-day TechFest, a family-friendly celebration blending the wonders of science fiction and real-world tech. Experience hands-on activities, interactive demos, the Museum’s latest exhibits, and more.
Where: Mountain ViewCost: Free with admission
First Saturday: Free Tour of the Santa Cruz ArboretumAround the World in 60-90 Minutes!On the first Saturday of each month, the Arboretum offers a docent or staff-led tour of the Arboretum.Sometimes you will see New Zealand, South Africa, California, and Australia. Sometimes you might see combinations of several gardens or the developing World Conifer Collection or Rare Fruit ...
Where: Santa CruzCost: Free with admission, and for members
Sunnyvale’s Earth Day Festival: Empowering Our Community Sunnyvale's Earth Day Festival features family-friendly and sustainability-focused activities. Bike to the event and explore a variety of environmental activities hands-free after checking your bike at our free valet.Local non-profit organizations will be tabling along West Olive Ave. to share their expertise on environmental protection. Visit the community booths to ...
Where: SunnyvaleCost: Free
City Public Star PartyCome join the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers for free public stargazing of the Moon, planets, globular clusters and more!The event will take place in Tunnel Tops National Park, parking is located adjacent to Picnic Place (210 Lincoln Blvd for GPS) with the telescopes setup in the East Meadow.Dress warmly as conditions ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
NASA FOXSI5 sounding rocket experimentIn this talk, Milo Buitrago-Casas (UC Berkeley) will delve into the groundbreaking FOXSI mission, which represents a new era in solar flare observations. FOXSI utilizes high-energy X-ray imaging to capture the dynamic behavior of solar flares, providing unprecedented insights into the physics driving these powerful eruptions. The discussion will cover ...
Where: OaklandCost: Free
Sunday, 04/06/25
Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour and Green Home Features Showcase - LivestreamAgenda:10:00-10:15 Welcome, Kathy Kramer, Tour Coordinator10:15-10:50 “From ecological desert to wildlife habitat” by Stefanie Pruegel Visit Stefanie’s San Leandro garden and fully electrified home on Saturday, May 3, 202410:50-11:30 “Harden your home for fire safety” by Chief Colin Arnold, Berkeley Fire Department11:30-12:00 “Fire-resistant native plants” by Jennifer Dirking12:00-12:30 “Lawn Conversion ...
Where: Cost: Donations encouraged
Earth Month Celebration at the RefugeLet's kick off Earth Month with a celebration at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge! Join us any time during the event.The event will be an open house, with time to explore, learn more about our endangered species, join a guided tour, participate in some arts & ...
Where: AlvisoCost: 0
Native Plant Walk at Pearson Arastradero PreserveJoin Peninsula Open Space Trust, Grassroots Ecology, and Naturalist Francis Mendoza for this exciting and informative California native plant walk at Pearson-Arastradero Preserve!It’s wildflower season! Get ready for a 2.6-mile hike with an elevation gain of 272 feet as you explore the beauty of California’s native plant communities. Along the ...
It’s there for us year round, lighting our days and providing energy for our lives, so maybe it’s time to give it a closer look. Join SJAA for amazing and detailed views of the Sun, and be assured that we’ll be using special telescopes that will keep your eyeballs perfectly ...
Geothermal wells play a key role in the development, understanding and utilization of geothermal resources. Understanding the thermodynamic processes that occur within geothermal wells assists with their design, the interpretation of downhole measurements, and the optimization of reservoir management. However, the behavior of geothermal wells can be difficult or impossible ...
Two-dimensional materials (2DM) and their heterostructures offer tunable electrical and optical properties, primarily modifiable through electrostatic gating and twisting. While electrostatic gating is a well-established method for manipulating 2DM, achieving real-time control over interfacial properties remains a frontier in exploring 2DM physics and advanced quantum device technology. Current methods, often ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Cryogenic electron imaging of macromolecules and subcellular components related to human healthMy talk will cover recent advances in the application of near atomic-resolution single-particle cryoEM for the structural and functional analysis of macromolecules, revealing novel information that could not be predicted by AlphaFold. Additionally, I will discuss the potential power of cryovEM and cryoET in studying cells and tissues, with implications ...
Commissioner Judy Chang will discuss the role of Federal regulation in the rapidly changing American energy landscape. She will focus on trends, lessons learned, and regional variations across the electricity and gas sectors, and how regulators work to ensure reliable and affordable energy despite increasingly uncertain future conditions.Speaker: Judy Chang, ...
