The Higgs Boson Unleashed"What Physicists Do" Lecture SeriesDr. Haber, co-author of "The Higgs Hunter's Guide", will give his perspective on the recent exciting results from the Large Hadron Collider.Speaker: Dr. Howard Haber, UC Santa Cruz
Ready to put your science smarts to the test? Ask a Scientist will be celebrating the Bay Area Science Festival the best way we know how - with a boisterous science trivia contest hosted by Robin Marks of Discovery Street Tours. (It's just like a pub trivia night, but without ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
Making Magic Meaningful: Where Science and Magic InteractA research scientist as well as a magician, Silverman draws on his background in science, technology and cognitive psychology to take magic from mere "tricks" to creating something scientifically meaningful. He will discuss the interaction between science and magic, demonstrating how magic can help us understand more about how the ...
We eat genetically engineered foods, take drugs made in engineered bacteria and yeast, and someday soon may drive our cars using fuel produced by engineered microorganisms. The rise of synthetic biology marks a fundamental transformation in the relationship between biology and nature. When humans can control the genetic makeup of ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $20 standard, $8 members, $7 students
Ever wonder how plants live? Or how worms produce compost? Curious about solar beads and solar cookers? Get hands-on with science to find out! Join Cal scientists for some cool, food-related investigations at East Bay farmers' markets during the Bay Area Science Festival.
Ever wonder how plants live? Or how worms produce compost? Curious about solar beads and solar cookers? Get hands-on with science to find out! Join Cal scientists for some cool, food-related investigations at East Bay farmers' markets during the Bay Area Science Festival.
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Photovoltaic Retinal Prosthesis for Restoring Sight to the BlindDaniel Palanker of Stanford University's Dept. of Ophthalmology and Hansen Expeirmental Physics Laboratory will give the Applied Physics/Physics colloquium. Palanker will review the various approaches to electronic restoration of vision and discuss the challenges and prospects of a functional artificial sight.
Our regular night hikes get a special flare tonight courtesy of the Universe. We'll head out a bit earlier hiking in the sunset and stop to watch the moon rise in the night sky. This moderately strenuous 4-5 mile trek features discussions about the natural environment, celestial events, and objects ...
Check out quirky and fun science at downtown Livermore's Science Stroll. Scientists from Lawrence Livermore National Lab will host such events as Fake a Quake, Dance Physics, Livermorium (aka Element 116), the Ouzo Effect and Other Alcoholic Oddities, Dancing with the Stars, Cool Lasers, Energy-Climate Connections, Bubble Photography, and the ...
Middle school students, parents, and teachers, come experience the marvelous world of mathematics!Calling all parents, teachers, and middle school students-join the Lawrence Hall of Science and the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute for a fun, FREE evening to learn about the real math behind the fun in Math Midway!Dr. Paul Zeitz ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
EcoTuesday: Innovative Design PanelWhat if humans designed products and systems that celebrate an abundance of human creativity, culture, and productivity? (McDonough). Join us at our next EcoTuesday event, one week later than usual, on Oct 30th to explore this idea further. We are very excited to bring you a new format for ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $15 advance, $20 at door
Samuel Arbesman is a mathematician and network scientist who has turned his powerful tools of quantification onto science itself. He'll discuss his book The Half-Life of Facts at the Long Now Museum & Store on Tuesday, October 30th.
Where: San FranciscoCost: $8 General, free for Long Now members
Sure you can tell your Johnnie Walker from your Wild Turkey, but is there an inner geek behind that whiskey-swilling, mustachioed façade? One that yearns to know how that lovely libation came to be before it graced your glass? Get your hands dirty learning the science behind the still (cocktail ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $40 General, $25 Members
Today's fast-paced women can find themselves caught up in what has been called the "Superwoman Syndrome." Women often feel pressure to achieve in many domains: at home, with their families, in their work, in caring for friends, and even with their appearance. In a mini-medical school course this fall, science ...
The idea of geometric symmetry in architecture goes back to ancient times, but there is a rich mathematical theory of symmetry with many applications in the modern world. The mathematics of symmetry provides answers to natural questions that arise in topics as diverse as Rubik's Cube, the art of M.C. ...
Bay Area students will be joining us for an international science pantomime. Via a live-link to the Genoa Science Festival, our students will connect with students in Italy. The students will pantomime science concepts to each other through live-link technology. While the students in Italy do the pantomiming, our Bay ...
Where: San JoseCost: Free with admission
Close-in Planets: From Hot Jupiters to Super Moons The closest-in planets, with periods as short as 10 hours, are now a well-established population, thanks to Doppler and transit surveys. They present a number of challenges: how did they form and achieve their tight orbits, and how do they evolve and survive in the face of intense irradiation from ...
The mounting need to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare due to economic pressures and changing demographics requires significant transformations in healthcare delivery. This new healthcare will be evidence-based, patient-centered and proactive (preventive) and is likely to depend, in part, on technological innovations that in turn require solutions to ...
Ever wonder how plants live? Or how worms produce compost? Curious about solar beads and solar cookers? Get hands-on with science to find out! Join Cal scientists for some cool, food-related investigations at East Bay farmers' markets during the Bay Area Science Festival.
EteRNA RNA nanoengineering through crowd scienceInternet-scale citizen science projects have successfully solved complex image analysis and molecular modeling challenges. However, these approaches have thus far been limited to computational problems with little or no experimental input. No mechanism has enabled citizen scientists to solve empirical problems requiring continuous wet-lab feedback. We present EteRNA, a 37,000-player ...
Editor's Note: This talk has been postponed due to Hurricane Sandy and will be rescheduled.I discuss using Google search data to analyze politics. In particular, I suggest using Google search data on taboo subjects, where polls might give misleading information. I compare area-level Google searches for racial animus to area-level ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Thursday, 11/01/12
SPARC at 25: Past, Present and FutureThis panel will discuss the origins and evolution of the SPARC processor on its 25th anniversary. When a small startup -- Sun Microsystems -- decided to develop their own microprocessor in the mid 1980's, it chose a Reduced Instruction Set Computers (RISC) architecture. The 1987 debut of the Sun-4, the ...
Where: Mountain ViewCost:
Planetary Lake LanderDeglaciation subjects lakes to interannual variability, affecting lake habitat, biogeochemical cycles, and biodiversity. Investigating its impact contributes to a better understanding of the changes currently affecting Earth's glacial lake ecosystems. From an astrobiology perspective, it may bring new insights into the evolution of Mars habitability during comparable geological periods. From ...
Since Fall 2002, the Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering has hosted the Silicon Valley Leaders Symposium (SVLS). The Symposium hosts industry and technology leaders to talk about business and technology trends. It also features prominent leaders who discuss broader societal and political issues that shape our life and society.Speaker: ...
Experience the wildlife and natural beauty that make Younger Lagoon an exceptional local treasure on this docent-led tour to the lagoon and its beach habitat. Learn about the ongoing research and habitat restoration work that help this vital ecosystem thrive. Tour includes a short hike and is best suited for ...
Ever wonder how plants live? Or how worms produce compost? Curious about solar beads and solar cookers? Get hands-on with science to find out! Join Cal scientists for some cool, food-related investigations at East Bay farmers' markets during the Bay Area Science Festival.
Mr. Toshiyuki Kondo, President and CEO of Toray Composites (America), Inc., discusses carbon fiber composite materials and their applications in transportation. Toray Industries in Japan has led the development and commercialization of these materials over a 40-year period and now holds the largest share of the world market for carbon ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
A Crash Course on Creativity PARC ForumA Crash Course on Creativity PARC ForumTina Seelig, Executive Director, Stanford Technology Ventures Program1 November 20125:00-6:30pm (5:00-6:00 presentation and Q&A, followed by networking until 6:30)George E. Pake Auditorium, PARCCreativity often feels like a mystery. Whether we are struggling to generate fresh ideas or staring at problems with no solutions in sight, ...
When the realms of art and science intersect, what will emerge? View original, stunning and astonishing images of scientific investigation, and meet the scientists who created them. Spanning two spacious gallery rooms, the wonders of research and discovery are presented through photography, video, painting, sculpture, conversation and demonstration.Practice the art ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Cafe InquiryMeet up with rationalists, skeptics, and freethinkers south of San Francisco.Cafe 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!
Nerd Nite SF and the Aquarium of the Bay have teamed up to bring you an evening of science, cocktails, and music on the Bay! Begin with a private event at the Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39 where you can learn about the Bay ecology and see sharks, ...
Neuroscience is providing new insights into the structural and functional components of the brain, which in turn are raising new questions about aging, disease, creativity, language and emotions. Join the Director of the UCSF Memory and Aging Center Dr. Bruce Miller, Cognitive Neuroscience Affiliate and San Francisco Conservatory of Music ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $20
What Is a Mushroom Anyway?MSSF past President J.R. Blair will speak about the role of mushrooms in the life cycle of the fungal organism, the role of fungi in the environment, and how other organisms, such as plants and animals, interact with and are affected by fungi.
What would you do if your child were diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder? Come learn about one mother's struggle to mobilize research that could potentially help her daughter and others with a rare form of albinism.We will screen the film, RARE, co-directed by award-winning filmmaker Dr. Maren Grainger-Monsen and ...
After Hours is the monthly evening event where adults 21 and older enjoy science, technology, entertainment, and cocktails together with their friends. Explore the entire museum with other adults under moody lighting and music. Enjoy Blood Orange Tech-tinis from our no-host bar, as you explore science & technology and celebrate ...
Understanding Adult and Pediatric Eating DisordersEating disorders cut across socioeconomic lines and affect people at all stages of life. This talk will focus on how eating disorders are diagnosed, their prevalence, and current treatments.Speaker: Debra Safer, MD, Stanford Medical Center
Art in a Digital Age is a one-day conference featuring artists, scholars, and institutional leaders discussing the nature of art in a digital age. How are habits, institutions, and arts practices changing? How does the digital realm inform our experience of older art forms? What role can the academy play ...
Why does your heart beat faster when you exercise? What do those "power" drinks do for you when you're sweating? Investigate what goes on in your body during everyday exercise while scaling some of the city's most scenic inclines and sauntering through hidden alleyway flats. We'll experiment with balance, learn ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $25 adults, $10 under 18
Efficiency and Environmental Impacts of Electricity Restructuring on Coal-fired Power PlantsWe investigate the impacts of electricity market restructuring on fuel efficiency, cost of coal purchases, and utilization among coal-fired power plants using a panel data set from 1991 to 2005. Our study contributes to the literature in two aspects: (1) the use of more data from recent years allows us ...
With the increasing global demand for more efficient lighting solutions, light emitting diodes (LED's) have gained widespread adoption in both consumer and industrial lighting markets. While LED's have proven efficiency and longevity, such performance enhancements are highly correlated to their operating temperatures. While LED's do not produce infrared (IR) radiation, ...
Efficiency and Environmental Impacts of Electricity Restructuring on Coal-fired Power PlantsWe investigate the impacts of electricity market restructuring on fuel efficiency, cost of coal purchases, and utilization among coal-fired power plants using a panel data set from 1991 to 2005. Our study contributes to the literature in two aspects: (1) the use of more data from recent years allows us ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Planes, trains, and emissions: A study of aviation and high-speed rail demand and their climate impactsThe continuous growth of global air transportation has significant implications for strategies to reduce CO2 emissions of the transportation sector. There is evidence to suggest that high-speed rail (HSR) might offer a competitive, lower-carbon alternative to aviation, particularly for short-haul intercity travel. From an aviation systems planning perspective, the introduction ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Research in Energy Innovataion: the Need to Fill Gaps and Manage UncertaintyPanel: Laura Diaz Anadon, Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy & Associate Director, Science Technology and Public Policy (STPP), Director, Energy Technologies Innovation Policy (ETIP), Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of GovernmentBldg 90, Room 4133
When the realms of art and science intersect, what will emerge? View original, stunning and astonishing images of scientific investigation, and meet the scientists who created them. Spanning two spacious gallery rooms, the wonders of research and discovery are presented through photography, video, painting, sculpture, conversation and demonstration.Practice the art ...
Soon astronomers expect to find alien "Earths" by the dozens in orbit around distant suns. Before the decade is out, telltale signs that these planets harbor life may be found. If they are, the ramifications for all areas of human thought – from religion and philosophy to art and biology ...
Where: OaklandCost: $23 General/$20 Members advance, $29 at door
Pigs and Turkeys: Friend or Foe?Reg Barrett, Goertz Distinguished Professor of Wildlife Management at UC Berkeley, will talk about feral pig and wild turkey populations in the Bay Area. The author of over 170 studies and publications concerning wildlife management, Reg will discuss the history, status and management strategies for wild pigs and wild turkeys ...
Scientists are superheroes too! While they can't leap tall buildings in a single bound or shoot weird web goo out of their wrists, they do take steps towards solving the big problems our world is faced with today. Meet five local scientists who are changing the way we understand the ...
Dr. Tomas Zobrist will recap his experience working at the Stewart Observatory Mirror Laboratory (SOML) helping to build the world's largest astronomical telescopes, including LBT, GMT, and LSST. He will provide a brief explanation of the fabrication process, starting from 5 kg chunks of glass to producing light-weighted, monolithic telescope ...
Where: San MateoCost: Free
Saturday, 11/03/12
Biology and Mathematics in the Bay Area (BaMBA) Annual SymposiumThe Biology and Mathematics in the Bay Area (BaMBA) annual symposium is now in its eighth year. The talks by keynote speakers will be followed by a poster session.Keynote speakers: Jun Song (UCSF) Monica Nicolau (Stanford) Alex Mogilner (UC Davis) Zev Bryant (Stanford)Participation in BaMBA is free and open to ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Tending the Wild: Native Plants and Native PeopleAll the Native American tribes (Wappo, Pomo, and Miwok) whose territories surrounded Pepperwood relied upon plants for their survival and used them in every aspect of their lives. Join anthropologist and Pepperwood Cultural Resources Coordinator Benjamin Benson and Autumn Summers, program coordinator for the California School of Herbal Studies, as ...
Observe migratory and more recent winter arrivals- shorebirds, ducks, and waders, and learn about their unique adaptations as we walk the trails surrounding this Petaluma wetland – the site of PRBO's San Francisco Bay Research Center & Headquarters. DIRECTIONS: Take Lakeville exit off Hwy 101; follow Lakeville eastbound and turn ...
Where: PetalumaCost: $10 Donation, Free to PRBO Members
Hike Sonoma Mountain!Located on the northwest flank of Sonoma Mountain, SSU's Fairfield Osborn Preserve is a wonderful place to explore oak woodlands, shady fir forests, and a rare fishless perennial stream. Trained naturalists lead visitors on hikes with excellent panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and (for the adventurous) plenty of opportunities to observe and ...
Where: PenngroveCost: $3 per person. Cost goes toward education programs
Climate Action and Adaptation Tour at the EcoHouseDraw inspiration to reduce your impact on climate change, and climate change's impact on you. We'll present ideas for do-it-yourself projects with a tour that features our toolshed built with 4 different natural building methods--strawbale, rammed earth, clay, and cob--all topped with a living roof; our ground-breaking constructed wetlands and ...
AT&T Park will become a science wonderland when the Bay Area Science concludes again with this FREE science extravaganza. Last year, over 21,000 attended the festival finale and we expect even bigger crowds this year.The event showcases the intrigue and pure fun of science with a non-stop program of interactive ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
From Light Bulbs to Legislation: an interactive climate change seriesIn this three-session introductory series, we'll explore the many layers of climate solutions, from urban farms to personal action plans. All are welcome to sign up and those who have attended previous Ecology Center climate workshops are also encouraged to participate in this new series. Session 3: EcoHouse Climate Mitigation and ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Run of SalmonYears later and many millions of dollars invested, the endangered Chinook population is not recovering in ways hoped. What have scientists recently discovered? Is it something in the water? Find out more and feel free to share information with Ranger Linda.
Willow Garage's PR2 robot returns to The Tech Museum for an interactive program. Here's your chance to meet this powerful research robot who can see, talk, pick up objects, and even dance around! Create your own programs for the robot and then see your code come to life. Program the ...
Where: San JoseCost: Free with admission
History of the DeltaLearn about the history of the delta - from the early 1800s up to 2012 - from framing, discovery of gold, railroad building, and levee building to the present time with Ranger Bill. 1,000 miles in scope, 60-80 man made islands, and a population that exceeds 500,000! Historical. Educational. Informative.
Explore the Academy inside and out, gathering inspiration, resources and activities to bring science to life in your classroom.Choose when you arrive from a variety of hands-on workshops, behind-the-scenes tours, or activities in our exhibits. Meet Academy researchers and educators, experience the exhibits after hours, and learn about our many ...
Join our evening social, lecture, and art event dedicated to the critically endangered leatherback sea turtle! This species is 100 million years old, dives to depths of a mile, and is the largest and most wide-ranging of all sea turtles. But they could become locally extinct in our lifetimes. What ...
The famous K/T extinction event (death knell of the dinosaurs) shows that, even today, the collision of Earth with a small world gone astray can refresh the face of our planet. Impacts were much larger and more frequent on the early Earth. In all likelihood, impacts posed the greatest challenge ...
Where: Mill ValleyCost: Free
Sunday, 11/04/12
Headlands Helping Hands: FREE Family Stewardship DayPartner up with NatureBridge to help grow and protect the Marin Headlands for all generations with family stewardship days throughout the seasons. Together we can make a difference with projects ranging from non-native plant removal, beach cleanups, and native plant nursery stewardship. All stewardship programs are FREE, family friendly, and ...
Willow Garage's PR2 robot returns to The Tech Museum for an interactive program. Here's your chance to meet this powerful research robot who can see, talk, pick up objects, and even dance around! Create your own programs for the robot and then see your code come to life. Program the ...
San Francisco's creative nature inspired innovation long before the silicon chip: Some of the world's most influential inventions were dreamed up by San Franciscan tinkerers. Explore seven surprising stories of innovation-from tech to tunes to treats-that exemplify San Francisco as a hotbed of creative thinking for nearly two centuries. We'll ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $25 adults, $20 under 18
Dinner to Dye For at Interface Art Gallery Interactive workshop and Dinner. After a delicious meal, we will use the food byproducts from our meal (onion skins, avacado pits, carrot tops, etc.) to dye fabrics. Tickets here.
