The Chicxulub Impact crater is the best-preserved multi-ring impact basin on Earth, and it has allowed scientists to study one of the most important and dramatic geological events in the Universe. In this seminar, I will be talking about the history of the science that led to the discovery of ...
Where: Moss LandingCost: Free
Nutrients in San Francisco Estuary: connecting science and managementSpeakers: Dr. David Senn, SFEIThe RTC Seminar Series brings leading local, national, and international scientists to a public forum at RTC to speak about the latest advances in science, and provides an opportunity for graduate students to present research in progress. The Series is open to the public. Join us ...
Building computers from bacteriophage: data, communication, logic within biologocal cellsModest amounts of computing within living systems would be useful. I'll review work published over the last 12 months introducing rewritable digital data storage within chromosomes, cell-cell communication via engineered DNA messaging, and Boolean logic gates that control the flow of RNA polymerase along DNA. A free and frank discussion ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to LeadThirty years after women became 50 percent of the college graduates in the United States, men still hold the vast majority of leadership positions in government and industry. This means that women's voices are still not heard equally in the decisions that most affect our lives. In Lean In, Sheryl ...
Bring your inner sixth grader to a meeting of the Bay Area Skeptics! Good teachers have used claims of the paranormal to teach scientific reasoning to elementary and middle school students. Join Bay Area Skeptics as Dr. Eugenie Scott guides you in formulating experiments to test paranormal claims. Audience participation ...
NuStar was launched into orbit in June of 2012. The telescope was lofted into orbit with a Pegasus rocket, which was itself dropped from the belly of an L-1011 airliner before igniting its rocket and going up, way up! The NuStar mission is to explore the high energy X-ray cosmos ...
Where: Santa RosaCost: Free
The Future of FoodThe Future of Food is about the intersection of food, politics, the environment, and personal health. Bittman will discuss "non-foods, like soda, and their impact, as well as how policy pushes foods, like wheat, meat, and dairy, that may be in no one's best interest" as well as "the sticks ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Thursday, 05/09/13
TEDxHayward: Applied Peace InnovationIn the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded ...
Go behind the scenes at Long Marine Lab. Learn about the work of scientists and their studies of dolphins, seals, sea lions, and whales. Tour is best suited for adults and children over 10 years of age. Space limited, free with admission. Reservations required: (831) 459-3800.
Fraud in PhotographyIn this talk, Mr. Edwards discusses the history and current status of photographic fraud and detection. Case studies range from the earliest forged photographs to historically famous cases to current fraud. Also considered are borderline cases where fraud may have been preformed or the photographer may have just wanted to ...
How can the relationship between scientists and politicians be improved, and how can that relationship benefit public policy? Award-winning journalist, author, and science educator Ira Flatow and a distinguished panel of scientists, social entrepreneurs, elected officials, and policymakers will discuss how public perceptions of the authority and reliability of science-and ...
Open your ears and your soul-this week we're exploring the intersection of sound and emotion with help from swissnex San Francisco. At interactive stations set up by scientist Eduardo Coutinho, listen to a plant make music, and explore how emotions are expressed differently in music and the human voice. See ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $12 General, $10 Members
Women and Under-represented Students of Color in STEM EducationThe global competitiveness of the United States and of California has been attributed, in part, to our aptitude in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). We are losing this lead. Despite the high demand and compensation in many STEM fields, there is a scarcity of women and under-representation of students ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $20 standard, $8 members, students free (with vali
Our Changing Seas: Voyage to an Earth that No One Has Seen Before Howard Spero, PhD, is a professor and Chairman of the Department of Geology at the University of California, Davis. He is a Fellow of the Geological Society of America, American Association for the Advancement of Science and the California Academy of Sciences. Dr. Spero conducts research at the interface between ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
'Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal' talk and book signing with Mary RoachBest-selling author Mary Roach returns to The Bone Room Presents for a talk and signing of her latest book "Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal."In "Gulp," "America's funniest science writer" (Washington Post) takes us down the hatch on a unforgettable tour of our insides. The alimentary canal is classic Mary ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: free
Hack the Sky? A Public Debate on Geoengineering Since the scale of the climate change crisis became clear, our response has focused on trying to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to maintain the climate at something like the pre-industrial status quo. But what if that is no longer possible? With the world's nations unwilling to reduce their emissions, a ...
Shark Attack and Attack on SharksDavid McGuire is Founder and Director of Sea Stewards. As a Research Associate of the Department of Aquatic Biology at the California Academy of Sciences, McGuire conducts a shark research program that includes population studies, movements, and fisheries impacts. This presentation will include a showing of McGuire's new short film and ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
Friday, 05/10/13
National Public Gardens DayCome celebrate National Public Gardens Day with UCBG! National Public Gardens Day is a celebration of America's public gardens and their important role in promoting environmental stewardship and awareness, plant and water conservation and education. Better Homes and Gardens magazine offers BHG readers a free admission coupon for two to ...
Join Ira Flatow for the live broadcast of National Public Radio's Science Friday, the weekly science radio program broadcast to more than one million listeners across hundreds of NPR's affiliate stations. The program's slogan is "making science radioactive."Berg Hall
Our world's most pressing challenges, such as Climate Change, energy insecurity, water insecurity, social inequity, and food insecurity are integrated challenges that are marked by scale, complexity, and urgency. In some ways, the state of the crisis is a manifestation of our current approaches and institutional structures. Our disciplines work ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
The Exploratorium: A Learning Laboratory for the 21st CenturySite, science and architecture converge to expand our notions of place, learning and landscape. The Exploratorium, the world-renowned museum of science and learning laboratory, founded and based in San Francisco, opens in April at its new location along the Embarcadero waterfront. Architect L'Italien and artist Lani will discuss how this ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $20 General, Free Members, $7 Students
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.
Where: SausalitoCost: Free
Rocks Don't Lie: Noah's Flood and the History of the EarthSpeaker: David R. Montgomery is a Professor of Earth and Space Sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle, where he leads the Geomorphological Research Group and is a member of the Quaternary Research Center. Montgomery received his B.S. in geology from Stanford University in 1984, and his Ph.D. in ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Green Expectations: Current Effects of Anticipated Carbon PricingMarkets respond not just to current emission policies but also to expectations of future emission policies. We show that a future carbon pricing policy has an anticipation effect which, in theory, increases emissions prior to the policy's start date. We then identify this anticipation effect in energy markets: coal futures ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Problems with and solutions to global sustainability: culture, biology, and sociopolitical practicesThis is the final event in the Berkeley Sawyer Seminar series on "Speciesism and the Future of Humanity," funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, featuring lectures and discussion with Paul Ehrlich and Clive Hamilton. Please RSVP to ematthes@berkeley.eduFeatured Speakers: Paul Ehrlich, Bing Professor of Population Studies and Director of ...
Join three certified science fiction and space nuts in an evening illustrating how storytelling and science come together in the most natural of ways. Structured around the "Scientific Method of Story," Jim Capobianco, Kevin O'Brien and Derek Thompson, an Apollo triumvirate of story knowledge, will illustrate their talk with images, ...
Where: OaklandCost: $23 General, $20 Members in advance; $29 at door
International Migratory Bird DayJoin PRBO biologists on this very important day for international migratory birds as we explore riparian habitat, check mist-nets for songbirds and observe biologists band and release songbirds. Meet at the Muir Woods National Monument parking lot for a shuttle ride to PRBO's mist netting station at Redwood Creek. (The ...
Where: Mill ValleyCost: Free for members
Guided Nature WalkExperience the beauty and rich natural history of Audobon Canyon Ranch's 535-acre Bouverie Preserve. 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 from two to five miles. Visitors of all ages are ...
Where: Glen EllenCost: Donations appreciated
Naturalist 101: Birding BasicsColorful, crafty, swift, and musical-birds are overhead and in our backyards-playing a major role in our ecosystem. There are songbirds, shorebirds, raptors and more. So what are you really seeing and hearing? Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day by learning the essentials of how to identify these amazing animals in this ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $15 General, $10 Members
New Frontiers in Computing ConferenceWhile social networks have already transformed the way a generation lives, the ways in which information is generated through social networks and ways in which that information is analyzed and used are now rapidly evolving. Understanding emerging technical avenues in social media and building on them is the goal of this ...
Where: StanfordCost: $25 - $50
SF McLaren Park BioblitzNerds for Nature is thrilled to co-host a BioBlitz day in McLaren Park, co-organized with Save McLaren Park, iNaturalist.org and Bay Nature Institute.After a free picnic lunch and and instructions for the event, we will break up into teams and expert naturalists will lead us on three-hour tours to identify, photograph, and geo-tag McLaren's flora and fauna.Learn ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
Majestic Redwood Sunset HikeTake a 1-mile adventure through the towering coastal redwoods to view the sun set over Monterey Bay. View historic logging areas and discuss the future of our remaining majestic redwood groves. Meet at the park entrance station on Pole Line Rd. Bring layered clothing. Reservations required. (408) 842-2341
Where: WatsonvilleCost: 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. These events are held in Crestview Park, San Carlos California. Dates and Sunset times are below. Note that inclement weather (clouds, excessive wind and showers) will cause the event ...
Where: San CarlosCost: Free
Deep Space IndustriesDeep Space Industries is a new company dedicated to exploring, characterizing, retrieving, and processing Near-Earth asteroids for fuel, building materials, and planetary defense.Speaker: Dr. Jim Luebke, Deep Space Industrites
Where: Mill ValleyCost: Free
Sunday, 05/12/13
International Migratory Bird Day Bring your family and friends to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day with PRBO! Meet many Bay Area organizations working to conserve migratory and other bird populations, take a walk with expert birders, observe PRBO biologists safely band and release songbirds during a mist-netting demonstration at Redwood Creek and play fun ...
Where: Mill ValleyCost: Free
Life on the Edge: Endangered Species Along the Coastal Trail HikeYou are invited to join Brent Plater of the Wild Equity Institute on a 5-mile hike along the edge of the North American continent. We will explore San Francisco's beautiful habitats and learn about the endangered species that call the area home. During the hike, we will search for Marbled ...
Where: San FranciscoCost:
Marine Science Sunday - Mahalo: Meet the Hawaiian Monk SealThe Hawaiian monk seal is the most endangered seal or sea lion in the United States. With a population of only 1,100 and declining dramatically each year, we may be the last generation to see and experience this magnificent animal. This month we celebrate Endangered Species Day with Mahalo: Meet ...
Where: SausalitoCost: FREE
Headlands Helping Hands: Mother's Day in BloomSpring has sprung with thousands of native plants and flowers hugging the hills. We'll head into the hills to identify blooms, practice field sketching techniques, and learn about popular pollinators. Then we'll stop by the Headlands Native Plant Nursery for a stewardship and seed planting project.
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. Younger Lagoon is excellent for bird watching and seeing animals that call the reserve's intact coastal dunes home, such as: bobcats, foxes, seabirds, raptors, and ...
Where: Santa CruzCost: Free with admission
Monday, 05/13/13
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
May LASER Event6:45pm-7pm: Socializing/networking.7pm - 7:25pm: Lucia Ayala Asensio (UC Berkeley) on "Fluid Skies - or how to combine art, history and cosmology"A collaboration between an art and astronomy historian, an astrophysicist and an artist.7:25-7:50pm: Sara Loesch-Frank (Lettering Artist) on "Follow the Glow: Metallic Leaf and Unusual Media in Art"Many people are ...
Cheryl Strayed's writing has appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies including The New York Times Magazine, Vogue and The Best New American Voices. Her debut novel, Torch, was a finalist for the Great Lakes Book Award and selected by The Oregonian as one of the top ten books of 2006 ...
Where: Mountain ViewCost: $22
Tuesday, 05/14/13
Life before genetics: autogenesis, information, and the outer solar systemThe investigation of the origins of life has been hindered by what we think we know about current living organisms. This includes three assumptions about necessary conditions: 1) that it emerged entirely on Earth, 2) that it is dependent on the availability of liquid water, and 3) that it is ...
3D Printing and Beyond: Disrupting Manufacturing through Incremental Fabrication?3D printing enables the fabrication of parts directly from digital models an effort mostly of independent of geometric complexity and with straightforward design rules. Its widespread adoption is creating a new ecosystem for designers, engineers, and kids alike, with new tools, business models, collaboration opportunities, and much more.No longer limited ...
This talk will provide an overview of major data mining areas and their practical application. It will cover the history of the development of data mining and will detail key techniques such as: Recommender Systems, Machine Learning, Graph Mining and Text Mining. Each technique will be illustrated with a practical ...
Where: San JoseCost: Free
Jaron Lanier, author of 'Who Owns the Future?' & 'You Are Not a Gadget'Lanier's expertise in computer science, music, and digital media helped him develop a profound understanding of technology and its impact on society.But with advancements come hardships and according to Lanier, we are facing greater challenges than ever before. The rise of digital networks has not only forced our economy into ...
Where: Palo AltoCost: $12 - $40
The Modern Origins Story: From the Big Bang to Habitable PlanetsThe scientific understanding of our origins began in earnest with Copernicus, Galileo, Darwin, and others, and has since evolved into a rich, detailed, and well-tested model. Direct observations of the infant universe now show that it was remarkably smooth compared to what we see around us today, with only tiny ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
Mathematics as metaphor: From curved spaces to quantum topologyMathematics seems to develop by revisiting a few basic motifs over and over again. This talk will describe some of these classical and modern motifs, their appearances in astronomy, chemistry and architecture, and their echoes in the paradoxes currently facing physics. It will be accessible to an audience of all ...
The true puffballs, or Lycoperdaceae (Agaricaceae, Basidiomycetes), are an extraordinary group of fungi. They are edible, medicinal, and have very fascinating ornamentation and characters. Stephanie Jarvis has been working on a monographic study of the puffballs of California for almost six years, recently becoming her Master's Thesis from San Francisco ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
The Social Network Effect Our brains, the historical and scientific evidence reveals, change in response to our experiences. Is it possible that the popular social networks of the modern day net are having profound impacts on the neural networks of our brains and on our psychological functioning? How are our virtual, social worlds changing ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $22/27 General, $20/25 Members
