New Directions in Greening InfrastructureAs the effects of climate change become more obvious, moving away from fossil fuels has only become more urgent. But to do so, new energy sources - and new infrastructure - are desperately needed.Please join us on Wednesday, March 20 from 12:00pm-1:30pm for a panel discussion, “New Directions in Greening ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Toward Holistic Bioimaging to Elevate Human HealthHolistic imaging of diverse functional, anatomical, and molecular architecture that span multiple levels, from cells to an entire system, remains a major challenge in biology. In this talk, I will introduce a series of technologies that enable integrated multiscale imaging and molecular phenotyping of both animal tissues and human clinical ...
We introduce an empirical framework for valuing markets in environmental offsets. Using newly-collected data on wetland conservation and offsets, we apply this framework to evaluate a set of decentralized markets in Florida, where and developers purchase offsets from long-lived producers who restore wetlands over time. We find that offsets led ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Virtual Tour: Caltrain Electric Trains Deep DiveIn advance of the in-person tour of Caltrain’s new electric trains, join us for a deep dive into the ins and outs of this electrification project. This is an opportunity to learn more about the project and ask questions prior to the tour.Sebastian Petty / Transportation Policy Manager, SPURBrent Tietjen ...
Where: Cost: Free
Berkeley Geographers’ multifaceted perspectives on California’s environmental changeBerkeley Geographers have a long and proud history of research on the hydroclimate and geomorphology of California. In this talk by Geography faculty, we will feature work by Berkeley Geographers on this topic, including changes in the distant past, rainfall and other hydrological trends in modern times and future, and ...
People concerned with the environment have long advocated for public policies that reflect that concern for the conservation of natural resources, and preservation of natural spaces. That advocacy comes from a recognition that 1) the environment can’t speak for itself in political processes, and 2) public policy is still the ...
Why slow down as you get older?Caroline Paul has always filled her life with adventure: From mountain biking in the Bolivian Andes to pitching a tent, mid-blizzard, on Denali, she has never been a stranger to the exhilaration the outdoors can hold. Yet through it all, she has long wondered, ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $20 General $10 Members
Communicating Algorithmic Science to the PublicAlgorithms increasingly pervade every aspect of daily life. The importance of this societal development is widely acknowledged, but how much does the public understand about the underlying science? This panel discussion brings together a theoretical computer scientist with science communicators specializing in math and computer science, to explore the question ...
The need for security surrounds us with phishing emails, mobile phone scams and enterprise breaches all too familiar. Privacy concerns have become part of our culture from privacy statements (few read) on every website to high-profile social media CEOs testifying before the Senate. AI is impacting nearly every industry and ...
They say that music soothes even the savage beast, and while we can’t vouch for any beast-related benefits, we are excited to welcome the brain-tingling Dan McCalley and Shell Space to the stage for this month’s Nerd Nite!Dan McCalley - “A New Era in Mental Healthcare: Brain Stimulation Therapy for ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $10 Advance, $15 at door
The UFO Movie THEY Don’t Want You to See - LivestreamIn an age when misinformation, alternative facts, and conspiracy theories have become mainstream, UFOs have become one of the most talked-about phenomena throughout popular culture. What is in our skies? What do we know, and how do we know it? And most importantly: Are we being visited?Join us for a ...
Where: Cost: Free
At the Tipping Point: Promise to Our Planet 2024As we witness the far-reaching effects of climate change, from the retreat of Arctic ice to unprecedented heatwaves and ecological shifts, we acknowledge that we stand at a critical juncture. "At the Tipping Point'' delves into the dynamics of complex systems, emphasizing that seemingly small efforts can spark monumental change, ...
Where: East Palo AltoCost: Free
What Black Holes Reveal About Gravity’s Strangest Properties - LivestreamFrom hunting for black holes in the night sky, to discovering a new class of gravitational waves produced by black hole binaries, to studying how black holes obey the rules of quantum mechanics, three astrophysicists will expose how these mysterious massive objects hold the key to a fascinating new understanding ...
Dive into the ancient world with an incredible panel of experts discussing fossils, paleontology, and local digs! Learn more about the tooth discovered in Santa Cruz last year from Santa Cruz Museum’s Collections Manager Kathleen Aston, explore current research happening with paleontologist Wayne Thompson, and get some great insights into ...
Where: Pacific GroveCost: $20 General adv. , $15 Members, Free for Students
After Dark: IlluminationExplore the wonders of light with 650+ interactive exhibits and brilliant conversations led by scientists. Play with your brain’s perception at Adapting to Color, investigate the mystery behind the Monochromatic Room, and prepare to have your mind blown by Bright Black. Don’t miss the talk between science journalist Joshua Sokol ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $19.95 General, Free for members
NightLife is a DragSashay into a night of greatness and glam as we celebrate the undeniable impact and artistry of drag.
Where: San FranciscoCost: Varies
Why It's Not Too Late: Rebecca Solnit and John King on the Climate Stories we TellWriter, historian, and activist Rebecca Solnit is the author of twenty-five books on feminism, environmental and urban history, popular power, social change and insurrection, wandering and walking, hope and catastrophe. She co-edited the 2023 anthology Not Too Late: Changing the Climate Story from Despair to Possibility. Her other books include ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Astronomy on Tap Santa Cruz: A Cosmic Perspective on the Future of Life on EarthWe Live in a universe that is 13 billion years old. When considering the age of our universe, humans and human civilization have only been around for the blink of an eye. We may take it for granted that civilization and life on Earth will to continue to flourish indefinitely. ...
Join us on a journey through history, as we take a look at the lives and often overlooked contributions of the women who came before us. From groundbreaking research to pioneering discoveries, we will shed light on the work of trailblazing women who defied societal norms and made significant contributions ...
The Importance of Islands to Avian Evolution - LivestreamIslands play a key role in both the evolution of new avian species and the extinction of others. Because islands are isolated land masses, species which arrive on islands evolve separately from their parent group and through genetic drift eventually become unique. At the same time, because island species are ...
Human’s fascination with owls was first documented in the cave paintings at Chauvet in southern France. With their forward gaze and quiet flight, owls are often a symbol of wisdom, knowledge, and foresight. But what does an owl really know? And what do we really know about owls? Some 260 ...
Join us for a dynamic discussion about the future of Al governance - what’s behind the hype, who’s at the table, and what’s at stake for our society.Panel: Martha Minow, Harvard University; DJ Patil, First US Chief Data Scientist; Jennifer Chayes, UC BerkeleyRoom: Booth Auditorium
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Designing Advanced Nanocatalysts by Looking at Atoms and Molecules on Reactive SurfacesClarification of the nature of active sites at both solid-gas and solid-liquid interfaces has been a long-standing question in surface chemistry, holding paramount significance in crafting innovative catalytic materials that demand minimal energy consumption. A bimetallic Pt alloy, or mixed catalyst, is an excellent platform to uncover the contentious role ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Can Psychedelics Catalyze Genius in the Sciences and Arts?Dr. Bruce Damer is a scientist who had a major breakthrough, catalyzed by his ayahuasca and other psychedelic experiences, in which he saw how life might have originated. Presented to colleagues and appearing in published journal articles, the vision has crystallized into solid science that grapples with one of the ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: $25 - $55
Saturday, 03/23/24
Morning Hike at Skyline Ridge Open Space PreserveJoin POST for this guided hike at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve! A POST Representative will share a few words about POST’s decades of conservation success before hiking groups leave to explore a moderate to strenuous 4.5 mile hike with 800 feet of elevation gain.POST has made many contributions towards ...
Where: Los AltosCost: Free
RocketfestBlast off to Chabot Space & Science Center for a day filled with hands-on fun! The Center is hosting our first-ever Rocketfest. These feats of engineering allow us to send satellites into orbit, study Earth’s upper atmosphere and eventually send humans to other planets. Discover more about rockets through hands-on ...
Where: OaklandCost: TBA
Junipers Junior Naturalist Family Flower DayWant to learn more about flowers? How to identify them? Figure out what pollinates them? Do some observational drawing? Join us for a day all about flowers at Bouverie Preserve. We will stroll through the various habitats of the preserve to find all the flowers we can. And who knows ...
Where: Glen EllenCost: Free
Native vs. Non-native at VasonaMeet various native and non-native animals of Santa Clara County. Learn about the critical roles the native animals play and the negative effects the non-native ones play. Have an up-close interaction with some amazing critters!Ages 7 - 12A registered adult must accompany their child(ren)
Take a relaxing walk in an area that often has striking sunsets while learning about the Don Edwards SF Bay Refuge. Image DetailsExperience the salt marsh at twilight on an easy stroll along refuge trails (about .6 miles). At the setting of the sun we will observe the beginning of ...
Where: FremontCost: Free
Very Small Interplanetary Spacecraft - Crazy and Crazier - LivestreamThis research project began with a simple question: what is the smallest spacecraft that can deliver a cell phone camera to within one diameter of a near earth asteroid, take a few thousand pictures, and then return to earth and download the images? Two proposed solutions have emerged, both weighing ...
Where: OaklandCost: Free
When Worlds CollideOur solar system used to be a much more violent place, with early planets crashing into each other to create the worlds we see today. The talk is about how we use supercomputer simulations to study these cataclysmic giant impacts, and how high-resolution advances are helping us to tackle unsolved ...
Where: San JoseCost: Free
Sunday, 03/24/24
Coastal Walk at Pillar Point BluffJoin Peninsula Open Space Trust for a beautiful walk at Pillar Point Bluff just north of Half Moon Bay! You will be guided by POST ambassadors who will share details about the area’s interesting natural history, from the coastal scrub habitat to the Fitzgerald Marine Preserve which hosts tide pools ...
Exploring the High-Redshift Universe with Millimeter-Wave Line Intensity MappingAnswering outstanding questions in cosmology - such as understanding the physics of inflation, dark energy, and reionization - requires observations of ever-increasing volumes of the universe. In this talk I will discuss a new technique for measuring large volumes at high redshift: line intensity mapping (LIM) of far-IR emission lines ...
AI and Science for Climate SymposiumJoin us at the forefront of innovation and environmental stewardship at the University of California, Berkeley for a pivotal symposium. This gathering will convene experts across the fields of artificial intelligence and the natural sciences to explore groundbreaking interventions in climate change technology.This symposium will have two foci:Accelerating Discovery:Â Development of ...
How and why do corporations decline? Blackberry (98% FRESH at Rotten Tomatoes) offers a tragicomic portrait of decline in Earth's foremost business smartphone maker. Following this special Science on Screen presentation of BlackBerry, UC Berkeley's Dr. Don Moore will illuminate the psychological challenges that face all businesses and, in fact, ...
Where: St. HelenaCost: TBA
Uncovering the Ocean's Deepest Secrets - LivestreamWe are thrilled to accompany author, Susan Casey in "Uncovering the Ocean's Deepest Secrets". In her latest book, The Underworld: Journeys to the Depths of the Ocean, she embedded for seven years with explorers and marine scientists as they endeavored to unravel the deep sea’s many mysteries.Is the giant squid a ...
This talk will cover Achlorophyllous plants, Fungal Molds, and other Fun Gis that just can't seem to live without each other. All photos were taken by me throughout California and Oregon. These plants and fungi truly opened my eyes to the intricacies of symbiosis. I'm excited to share my finds ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Wednesday, 03/27/24
Beyond the Initial Cure: Expanding Horizons of Orphan Drug Indications - LivestreamThe Inflation Reduction Act stands as key legislation aimed at improving the accessibility of medicines, yet it has introduced some potential unintended consequences on biotechnology innovation and patients suffering from orphan diseases. In response, the Orphan Cures Act has emerged as a proposed bill dedicated to bolstering research and development ...
 The seafloor plays a critical role in global carbon cycling, and thus is important to global climate change studies, including those on warming trends and ocean acidification. On smaller size scales, carbon cycling assessments are used to evaluate aquatic ecosystem health and trophic status. The oxygen flux between the seafloor ...
Where: Cost: Free
Assessing Image Coding in the High to Nearly Visually Lossless Quality Range - LivestreamThe past decades have witnessed rapid growth in imaging as a major form of communication between individuals. Due to recent advances in capture, storage, delivery, and display technologies, consumers demand improved perceptual quality while requiring reduced storage. In this context, research and innovation in lossy image compression have steered towards ...
Where: Cost: Free
AI and Science for Climate SymposiumJoin us at the forefront of innovation and environmental stewardship at the University of California, Berkeley for a pivotal symposium. This gathering will convene experts across the fields of artificial intelligence and the natural sciences to explore groundbreaking interventions in climate change technology.Click on weblink for listing of keynote speakers ...
Where: BerkeleyCost:
Leveraging Medical Discourse to Answer Complex QuestionsWe review the literature on medical discourse and attempt to build a computational model of it. Medical discourse sheds a light on communication structure of patient-doctor and other communication scenarios in healthcare and should be leveraged to facilitate and automate this communication when it is possible and practical. We propose ...
Where: Mountain ViewCost: Free
Electric Vehicle Charging Basics Workshop - LivestreamJoin us for an electric vehicle (EV) online workshop focused on EV charging.Learn about the best ways to find and use public chargers.Discover different available charging speeds, charging options for multi-family dwellings.We'll guide you through the available rebates for Bay Area residents. This webinar is available in Spanish and English.Register ...
Baleen whales are some of the largest animals that have ever existed on our planet. They have enormous energetic needs that can only be satisfied by feeding on large schools of dense prey that are patchily distributed in the oceans. Using a suite of emerging technologies we have developed new ...
Designing new polymer membranes with a set of previously unachievable transport properties will have an enormous impact on various applications, including energy-efficient separations, energy storage and health-related devices. The advancement of these technologies is dependent on polymer membranes which selectively transport only desired penetrants while maintaining chemical stability. Molecular transport ...
Where: Cost: Free
Reinventing Cities: Can zero-carbon development play a role in San Francisco’s recovery?San Francisco has entered two City-owned sites in the fourth edition of C40 Cities Reinventing Cities Competition, a global design and development competition to transform underutilized urban sites into innovative, zero-carbon and resilient developments. The competition invites teams of architects, designers, and developers to submit proposals for sustainable development projects ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
The Psychology of Misinformation and Its Remedies - LivestreamIn the battle against misinformation, having truth and facts on your side is often still not enough. People are stubbornly - and seemingly inexplicably - willing to believe things that are obviously not true. What are the underlying psychological reasons for this, and what can be done to address them?Join ...
Where: Cost: Free
Perlmutter, Campbell and MacCoun on Third Millennium Thinking: Creating Sense in a World of NonsenseJoin a Nobel Laureate physicist, a psychologist and a philosopher for a conversation about the tools and frameworks that scientists have developed to keep from fooling themselves, to chart a course through the profusion of possibilities, to better understand the world, and to make intelligent decisions. These trust-building techniques, which ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $20 General $10 Members
After Dark: See for YourselfDive into the world of emotions, thoughts, and other fascinating human phenomena tonight! Learn about the science behind your feelings, and investigate how human interactions shape our society. Do you trust a stranger to help you unlock a safe? Can you work with your friends to win at the cooperative ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $19.95 General, Free for members
NightLifeCalling all creatures of the night: explore the nocturnal side of the Academy at NightLife and see what's revealed. With live DJs, outdoor bars, ambiance lighting, and nearly 60,000 live animals (including familiar faces like Claude, our alligator with albinism), the night is sure to be wild.Step inside the iconic ...
Join California magazine Editor-in-Chief Pat Joseph in conservation with Professor Stuart Russell, head of UC Berkeley’s Center for Human-Compatible Artificial Intelligence, about both the tremendous promise and considerable perils of artificial intelligence.In 2023, TIME magazine counted Stuart Russell among the 100 Most Influential People in AI. He is co-author with ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: $40 General, $35 Cal Alumni & BAMPFA members
Randall Stafford, MD, PhD, will talk about general recommendations for adult vaccinations, benefits and risks, new technologies like MRNA vs traditional vaccines, and considerations for travel and those living with chronic disease.Randall Stafford, MD, PhD, is director of the Program on Prevention Outcomes and Practices in the Stanford Preventive Research Center.Register ...
Where: Cost: Free
Oumuamua: Watching the scientific process unfoldHumanity's first discovered interstellar visitor, Oumuamua, was found in 2017 while it was already on its way out of our solar system. The sparse data astronomers could gather over the span of 2.5 months included a few surprises and mysteries. In this talk, Dr. Mathews will outline the observations, the ...
Where: Los AltosCost: Free
Science Is a Piece of Cake: Astronomy Cake-offDo you know your astronomy? Learn about all the planets and stars in our (rare night of fog-free) Bay Area sky via ... cake! KQED's Check, Please! Bay Area producer Cecilia Phillips is hosting a cake bake-off, where celestial bodies serve as our visual inspiration. Enter in the competition as ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: In Person: $20 / Livestream: Free.
Friday, 03/29/24
Public Astronomy Viewing NightsSonoma State University hosts astronomical viewing nights open to the public. Events are weather dependent. Check the weblink for cancelations prior to attending.
Where: Rohnert ParkCost: Free
In Town Star Party - CANCELEDCome join San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA) for an evening of stargazing.Event details:Events are held at the parking lot of our headquarters, Houge Park San Jose. The event duration is 2 hours. SJAA volunteers will share night sky views from their telescopes.Please refrain from bringing your own telescopes (Binoculars are ...
Roar into spring with dinos and fossils! Learn about different kinds of fossils and prehistoric animals and plants. You can even trace your lineage in the phylogenetic tree.
Where: Pacific GroveCost: Free
Sunprint Kit Celebration at the Lawrence Hall of ScienceCelebrate Spring Break with solar science! We’ll have a printmaking station all week featuring our Sunprint® Kits paper in Forces That Shape the Bay. Use your creativity, a variety of fun materials, and the sun’s power to express yourself and create stunning art. On Sunday, April 7, come back from ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free with admission
Through the Looking Glass PilotHelp us test a new activity for your future scientists aged 6 and under. Explore nature with various optical tools that can focus far beyond what our eyes typically see. Zoom in and zoom out with microscopes, periscopes, binoculars, and lenses carrying different magnifying powers. Which tools will you choose ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free with museum admission ($20 for guests 3+)
Stewardship Saturday: Experiencing Fish KitchenJoin us for this exclusive behind-the-scenes opportunity to visit The Marine Mammal Center, observe patients being fed and support our hard-working volunteer crews with some extra help during our peak patient season. During these busier months, our patients can consume up to 1,000 pounds of fish per day! That’s a ...
Where: SausalitoCost: Free
Afternoon Hike at Mindego HillJoin Peninsula Open Space Trust for a beautiful 5-mile hike from the Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve to the top of the POST-protected Mindego Hill. You will be guided by POST ambassadors who will share details about how we protected this beautiful property featuring panoramic views of redwood ridges and ...
Where: Redwood CityCost: Free
A Night for Beginning AstronomersThe SFAA is hosting a night dedicated to our members beginning in visual astronomy. Beginners will bring their optical instruments and experienced members will be present to provide assistance. Cosmic delights for the evening include: Jupiter with its Great Red Spot visible and its moon Io casting a shadow, an ...
Where: Mill ValleyCost: Free
Sunday, 03/31/24
Through the Looking Glass PilotHelp us test a new activity for your future scientists aged 6 and under. Explore nature with various optical tools that can focus far beyond what our eyes typically see. Zoom in and zoom out with microscopes, periscopes, binoculars, and lenses carrying different magnifying powers. Which tools will you choose ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free with museum admission ($20 for guests 3+)
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 ...
Where: San JoseCost: Free
Science on Tap: Ancient EcologyDive into the ancient world with an incredible panel of experts discussing fossils, paleontology, and local research and digs! Learn more about the tooth discovered in Santa Cruz last year, current research and digs happening in the county, and get some great insights into other fossils, bones, and more. It’ll ...
Where: Pacific GroveCost: $20 General, $15 Members, Free for Students
Monday, 04/01/24
Through the Looking Glass PilotHelp us test a new activity for your future scientists aged 6 and under. Explore nature with various optical tools that can focus far beyond what our eyes typically see. Zoom in and zoom out with microscopes, periscopes, binoculars, and lenses carrying different magnifying powers. Which tools will you choose ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free with museum admission ($20 for guests 3+)
Climate change is increasing hydrological variability and water stress in many regions, leading urban water planners to invest in expensive new water supply infrastructure. These costly investments raise water bills, challenging affordable water access for low-income populations. Adaptive infrastructure planning, in which planners develop infrastructure incrementally if-and-when needed, has the ...
Some of the greatest triumphs stemming from research in symbolic systems are computer algebra systems, particularly those addressing non-numeric problems that arise in nearly every discipline of mathematics: logic, geometry, calculus, differential equations, transforms, group theory, statistics, and beyond. This talk will demonstrate some of the immense power of such ...
The American winner-take-all congressional district system empowers politicians to engineer electoral outcomes by manipulating district boundaries. To date, computational solutions mostly focus on drawing unbiased maps by ignoring political and demographic input, and instead simply optimize for compactness and other related metrics. However, we maintain that this is a flawed ...
Elizabeth Villa, Ph.D. is a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and a Professor of Molecular Biology at the University of California San Diego. She completed her Ph.D. in Biophysics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as a Fulbright Fellow and became a Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellow at the Max ...
Akshai Baskaran will share learnings of his journey from studying at Stanford (BS Chemical Engineering ‘15, CISAC Honors Program) to management consulting at Bain & Company and finally making his mark at climate companies, including Impossible Foods (plant-based meat), Brimstone (carbon-negative cement), and Gravity (industrial and commercial carbon measurement and ...
The contemporary humanities is largely concerned with the social and political function of texts and images, often at the expense of the meta-discipline’s long engagement with the uncanny, the visionary, the paradoxical, the otherworldly, and the abject. But it may be these latter concerns that become most salient in the ...
Astronomers have recently discovered thousands of exoplanets in orbit around other stars. What are these different planets like? Are any hospitable to the development of life? Answering these questions leads us to delve into the rich chemistry that accompanies the formation of new solar systems. Powerful telescopes including JWST are ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $15 General, $12 Members & Seniors
Tuesday, 04/02/24
Through the Looking Glass PilotHelp us test a new activity for your future scientists aged 6 and under. Explore nature with various optical tools that can focus far beyond what our eyes typically see. Zoom in and zoom out with microscopes, periscopes, binoculars, and lenses carrying different magnifying powers. Which tools will you choose ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free with museum admission ($20 for guests 3+)
Reaching 1 Million Electric Vehicle Chargers by 2030 - LivestreamThe California Energy Commission says California needs 1.01 million electric vehicle chargers by 2030 to support 7.1 million passenger plug-in vehicles. But the Bay Area and California are way behind in meeting those goals. A particular challenge has been installing EV charging in multifamily buildings like apartments and condos. Peninsula ...
Atomically thin two-dimensional heterostructure provides an exciting platform to realize strongly interacting electron and hole fluid in the ground state. With the combination of both repulsive and attractive Coulomb interactions, the quantum electron-hole fluid can host a variety of novel correlated phenomena of multiparticle charge complexes. I will discuss the ...
The space between the stars is not empty but filled with a very dilute gas. In spite of the extremely low temperatures and densities, these clouds contain a surprisingly rich chemistry, as evidenced by the detection of more than 300 different molecules, from simple to complex and from gas to ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Driving Climate Solutions: Amazon’s Path to Net-Zero CarbonKara Hurst leads Worldwide Sustainability at Amazon. Utilizing Amazon’s scale, speed and innovation, the Sustainability organization includes teams executing the work of The Climate Pledge; Sustainable Operations; Sustainability Science and Innovation; Social Responsibility and responsible supply chain management; Circular Economy; Sustainable Products, packaging and shopping; Sustainability Technology; Sustainable Transportation; and ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
State of the Industry Panel: AI and AR, SuperchargedPlease join the Stanford Accelerator for Learning for an exciting panel discussion featuring industry experts from Meta, Niantic (creators of Pokemon Go), Xreal, and Magic Leap on the integration of AI and augmented reality and the future of immersive learning experiences. After the discussion, get hands-on with interactive demos featuring ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Panel Discussion on Private Sector and Climate ChangeRausser College of Natural Resources and Haas School of Business are hosting a panel discussion on the private sector’s role in helping to fight climate change with speaker Kara Hurst, Chief Sustainability Officer at Amazon.Register at weblinkEditor's Note: The webpage for this event now lists the times as 4:00 - ...
The popular notion of a black hole "sucking in everything" from its surroundings only happens very close to a black hole. Far away, the pull of the black hole is identical to that of anything else of the same mass. However, black holes do give rise to many remarkable phenomena ...
Wonderfest Science Envoys are 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:Stanford biologist Mila Pamplona-Barbosa on Biological Rhythms: From Ants to You - How can ants possibly organize their behavior? An ...
Where: NovatoCost: Free
Wednesday, 04/03/24
Through the Looking Glass PilotHelp us test a new activity for your future scientists aged 6 and under. Explore nature with various optical tools that can focus far beyond what our eyes typically see. Zoom in and zoom out with microscopes, periscopes, binoculars, and lenses carrying different magnifying powers. Which tools will you choose ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free with museum admission ($20 for guests 3+)
With the acceleration of the global biodiversity and climate crises, the need to protect and sustainably manage ocean resources has never been greater. However, the science needed to integrate ocean protection and sustainable production in the blue economy remains underdeveloped and contested. The scientific divide and the knowledge gaps still ...
Where: Cost: Free
Spring Break at the Lawrence Hall of Science - The Shocking Nature of Wildfires Science ShowSoak up the sun and celebrate Spring Break with special events, extended hours, and more at The Lawrence! Bring your suntan lotion and dig in the sand in our Forces That Shape the Bay outdoor exhibit, featuring Sunprint® Kits, beach chairs and umbrellas for relaxing, and fun games and beach-themed ...
Art, Ecology, Poetry: Playing with Facts, Fact-Checking Creativity - LivestreamSometimes information isn’t enough. Facts don’t always engage people in the ecological or environmental questions of our time. Sensory experiences, memories, humor, and cultural knowledge can be just as important as numbers or statistics when it comes to mattering to people not versed in scientific language or drawn to empirical ...
Cristina Paulino is a first-generation academic from Portugal, who did her undergraduate in Biochemistry at the Heinrich-Heine University, Germany. She obtained her PhD at the the Max-Planck Institute (MPI) of Biophysics, Germany, in 2014. Here, she became proficient in cryo-electron microscopy under the supervision of Werner Kühlbrandt and her interest ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Silicon Valley Dejargonizers, a toastmasters club meeting - LivestreamHow would you explain wifi to kids? How would you explain your genealogy all the way from early humans?How does raising interest rates control inflation?Would you like to get the skills to explain such complex topics in simple terms?At Silicon Valley Dejargonizers, a toastmasters club at District 101, we practice ...
Where: Cost: Free
Global Demographics: A Window onto our Rapidly Changing FutureEconomist Adele Hayutin will take us on a worldwide tour of population developments and their dramatic consequences.China’s population is declining as Africa’s is soaring. The workforce is shrinking in many places and growing more slowly almost everywhere else. And the number of people 65 and older will more than double ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: $10 General, $5 Members
Myths of AstronomyMuch of what we think we know about space comes from film and television, but Hollywood's job is more often to entertain than to educate. In this fun and informative presentation, Dr. Thomas Targett will sort fact from fiction, taking a tour through the worlds of Star Trek, Star Wars, ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
Thursday, 04/04/24
Through the Looking Glass PilotHelp us test a new activity for your future scientists aged 6 and under. Explore nature with various optical tools that can focus far beyond what our eyes typically see. Zoom in and zoom out with microscopes, periscopes, binoculars, and lenses carrying different magnifying powers. Which tools will you choose ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free with museum admission ($20 for guests 3+)
 “Non-local†mathematics - which describe longer-range dependencies in time or space than classical, local mathematics - are important in a broad range of scientific disciplines. In hydrogeology, for example, one prediction challenge described by non-local mathematics is “anomalous†solute-transport behavior, defined by characteristics such as concentration rebound, solute retention, early ...
From massive forest fires in California to hurricanes in Louisiana, receding coastlines in Massachusetts and devastated fisheries in Alaska, the climate catastrophe is already here.Discussion of the climate crisis has always suffered from a problem of abstraction. Data points and warnings of an overheated future struggle to break through the ...
Ellen is spearheading the integration of Mastercard's Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy into the organization. As part of this work, she is driving climate leadership for Mastercard-wide programs and commitments, such as reaching net-zero emissions by 2040, and helping accelerate the company’s impact in climate action initiatives like Priceless ...
Spiking neural networks (SNN), a class of brain-inspired models of computation, are well equipped with spatiotemporal computing power critical for a wide range of applications. Moreover, recent advancements in neuromorphic computing have led to large-scale industrial neuromorphic chips with promising ultra-low energy event-driven data processing capability. Nevertheless, major challenges are ...
Does vitamin C really prevent the common cold? Was red meat really declared a carcinogen by the World Health Organization? Is red wine really good for your heart? Are eggs good for you or bad for you? There’s a lot of “conventional wisdom†about food and nutrition out there … ...
Europe is witnessing a significant shift, shaped by the emergence of Gen Z as a driving feature of the European labor force. The ascent of activists and entrepreneurs heralds a potential revolution in businesses operating on the old continent. Understanding and integrating the unique values and approaches of Gen Z, ...
Join us on Thursday, April 4, as SRI Chief Executive Officer David Parekh sits down with Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times editor and writer David Leonhardt to discuss his new book, Ours Was the Shining Future: The Story of the American Dream, and how innovation, ingenuity, and investment fueled America’s technological and ...
NightLife Intersections: FashionStrut don’t walk for NightLife’s most fashion-forward event. We're serving more than looks in a night all about weaving connections through fashion. Discover the important role fashion plays in artistic expression and how it can be used to connect communities. See it all in action with an engaging panel conversation ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Varies
After Dark: See for YourselfUncover the history, geography, and ecology of the Bay tonight! Investigate the past and present of local landscapes, all while enjoying spectacular views of the waterfront and cityscape all around you. Immerse yourself in history with our map collection, experience Bay Area topography through our 3D model, and take a ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $19.95 General, Free for members
The Birds of Oregon - LivestreamOur speaker is Ivan Phillipsen, who with Steve Robertson, founded Wild Latitudes travel. The GGBA Travel Program has been working with Wild Latitudes for seven years now, and in that time Ivan has become a favorite tour leader among our members whohave traveled with him.Thus far Ivan has run four ...
Ever wondered how chemistry weaves its magic into every fiber of our existence? Why does mint taste cool? What's the chemistry behind your favorite skincare product? How do molecules shape the taste of your food, or even, the feelings of love? Each week, we'll explore such fascinating questions with the ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Friday, 04/05/24
Bair Island Walking TourJoin Peninsula Open Space Trust for a walking tour at Bair Island! 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 can do to contribute.This easy 1 mile walk with little to no ...
Where: Redwood CityCost: Free
Through the Looking Glass PilotHelp us test a new activity for your future scientists aged 6 and under. Explore nature with various optical tools that can focus far beyond what our eyes typically see. Zoom in and zoom out with microscopes, periscopes, binoculars, and lenses carrying different magnifying powers. Which tools will you choose ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free with museum admission ($20 for guests 3+)
Big Earth Hackathon Kickoff and Keynote AddressCome celebrate the beginning of this year's Big Earth Hackathon: Wildland Fire Challenge. Hear about some of the challenges facing our society under the threat of wildfires, and hear a keynote address from Seth Schalet, CEO of Santa Clara County Firesafe Council.
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Polar Topological Defects - Fundamentals to ApplicationsTopological defects such as vortices and skyrmions have recently gained significant interest in solid state materials as ferroic materials (ferromagnets and ferroelectrics) have become a test-bed to realize and control these nanoscale structures. Although this phenomenon is being investigated as a pathway to energy efficient information storage, broader applications in ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
First Friday Nights at CuriOdyssey Kick off Earth Month at our April First Friday! Join us for an amazing start to Earth Month! Dance to some of your favorite pop and rock hits while enjoying animal presentations, tacos from Lilo's Kitchen, and pupusas from Antojitos Salvadoreños. Kids will be able to do fun nature-based activities like ...
Where: San MateoCost: $15.95-$19.95
Saturday, 04/06/24
Spring BioBlitz at the Palo Alto BaylandsJoin the Environmental Volunteers for a Spring BioBlitz in the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve and Byxbee Park.Spring is a wonderful time for flowers, pollinators, as well as courting or nesting birds. Join us to learn about some of our native and non-native species, become a community scientist and help us collect ...
Where: Palo AltoCost: Free
Spring flowers at Bouverie PreserveJoin us for a 3-hour docent-led nature walk at the 535-acre Bouverie Preserve in Glen Ellen. You will be in small groups while strolling through and appreciating the unique beauty of our oak and riparian woodland habitats.The trails are wide, unpaved, uneven, and some have steps or inclines. Wear sturdy ...
Where: Glen EllenCost: $20 Suggested Donation
Bringing Back the Natives Garden Online TourView via Zoom or YouTube. Links will be emailed 1 week before the events.Register at weblink. Registration includes both days of the online tours as well as both days of the in-person tours.
Where: Cost: $15 Donation Requested
Climate Change at Chrissy FieldJoin the Climate Change at Crissy Field tour to explore the breathtaking, 180-degree views of San Francisco Bay from Crissy Field and to discuss the threat of climate change and sea level rise to Crissy Field’s beauty. You will see the recent restoration that converted the US Army airfield to ...
Where: SFCost: Free
Through the Looking Glass PilotHelp us test a new activity for your future scientists aged 6 and under. Explore nature with various optical tools that can focus far beyond what our eyes typically see. Zoom in and zoom out with microscopes, periscopes, binoculars, and lenses carrying different magnifying powers. Which tools will you choose ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free with museum admission ($20 for guests 3+)
Zero Waste FestJoin us for Zero Waste Fest hosted by Race to Zero Waste! Walk/run around Chrissy Field, wetsuit repair demo, food, yoga, education stations, silent disco, paddle boarding and other water activities on the Bay provided by City Surf Project.
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
Instrument Petting ZooGet up close and personal with musical instruments and get inspired by the power of music! UC Berkeley student group The Music Connection will introduce visitors to woodwind, brass, percussion, and string instruments professional musicians use. Learn about how they work, how to hold them, and even try playing the ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free with museum admission ($20)
Workshop: Healthy HomesThe SF Department of Environment provides tips to having a healthy home. Learn more about: Identifying factors contributing to indoor air pollution, Safer cleaning and disinfection alternatives and methods, Choosing safer cleaning products, Managing pests without using poisonous products, Safe disposal of household toxics.
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
Nike Missile Site Veteran Open HouseVeterans of the Nike program come to the site to share their stories with visitors and give guided tours of SF88 between the hours of 12pm - 3pm The SF-88 Nike Missile Site is the most fully restored Nike missile site in the country. During the tense years of the Cold War, from ...
Where: Mill ValleyCost: Free
Workshop: Solar Oven CookingLearn how to harness the power of the sun’s energy for cooking. Teacher and solar-cooking enthusiast Laura Chinn-Smoot will share a presentation followed by a demonstration of solar cooking and techniques. We are hoping for sun to actually cook. Please bring a sun hat and sunglasses if possible. The presentation ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
Starry Nights Star Party - RESCHEDULEDThe San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA), working with the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority (OSA), is glad to co-host a public star party at Rancho Canada del Oro (RCDO) Open Space Preserve. This site, just 30 minutes south of downtown San Jose, features dark skies. It's dark enough to ...
Where: Morgan HillCost: Free
Sunday, 04/07/24
Bringing Back the Natives Garden Online TourView via Zoom or YouTube. Links will be emailed 1 week before the events.Register at weblink. Registration includes both days of the online tours as well as both days of the in-person tours.
Where: Cost: $15 Donation Requested
Through the Looking Glass PilotHelp us test a new activity for your future scientists aged 6 and under. Explore nature with various optical tools that can focus far beyond what our eyes typically see. Zoom in and zoom out with microscopes, periscopes, binoculars, and lenses carrying different magnifying powers. Which tools will you choose ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free with museum admission ($20 for guests 3+)
Monday, 04/08/24
Eclipse Viewing PartyOn April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will be visible from a narrow “path of totality†arcing from Mexico to Texas to Maine. During this stunning phenomenon, the moon will completely cover the disc of the Sun, revealing the full glory of the Sun’s outer atmosphere - its corona.Not ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free with admission
Experience the Solar Eclipse With San Mateo County LibrariesDuring a solar eclipse, those of us on Earth watch the sky grow dim and dark as the moon passes between us and the sun. The 2024 solar eclipse passes eastward from Mexico, across the United States and through Canada. San Mateo County won’t see a total solar eclipse - ...
Where: Cost: Free
Solar Eclipse LiveThe SETI Institute and Unistellar are proud to present a special three-hour SETI Live event. Hosts Beth Johnson, Planetary Scientist & SETI Institute's Communications Specialist and Tom Esposito, Astronomer at the SETI Institute and Space Principal at Unistellar who will be joined by an exciting slate of scientists and observers along the path of ...
Where: Cost: Free
Solar Eclipse Viewing - SOLD OUTThis spring, here in the Bay Area, catch our last chance to experience a solar eclipse in our own back yard until 2045! Experience this amazing celestial event from Chabot’s Observation Deck, where we’ll have a stellar view of the sun as it passes through 34% totality over Oakland. Enjoy ...
Spring Break at the Lawrence Hall of Science - Eclipse Viewing PartySoak up the sun and celebrate Spring Break with special events, extended hours, and more at The Lawrence! Bring your suntan lotion and dig in the sand in our Forces That Shape the Bay outdoor exhibit, featuring Sunprint® Kits, beach chairs and umbrellas for relaxing, and fun games and beach-themed ...
Solar Eclipse @ Foothill College ObservatoryWhile we won't see the 2024 total eclipse here in the Bay Area, we do have something that's still very special: A partial eclipse of the sun!Many Peninsula Astronomical Society members have traveled east to see the total eclipse, but a dedicated crew of PAS Foothill telescope operators will be ...
Computing the News: Data Journalism and the Search for Objectivity - LivestreamFaced with a full-blown crisis, a growing number of journalists are engaging in seemingly unjournalistic practices such as creating and maintaining databases, handling algorithms, or designing online applications. “Data journalists†claim that these approaches help the profession demonstrate greater objectivity and fulfill its democratic mission. In their view, computational methods ...
Speaker: Andrew Davies, Harvard UniversityRoom: Auditorium
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Physics Career PathwaysAs a APS Career Mentoring Fellow, our very own Dr. Alexandra Miller will discuss Physics career pathways.Speaker: Alexandra Miller, Sonoma State University
Geothermal energy has undergone a renaissance over the past 15 years, as many new technologies and new countries have joined the industry. Climate change concerns have focused attention on renewable energy, supported by a global ambition to address greenhouse gas reduction. Geothermal developments have accelerated in many parts of the ...
There has been a precipitous rise in suicide behaviors among youth in the U.S. over the past decade. Barriers to treatment, calamitous environments, hopelessness, and associated traumas are among the potential contributors. Additionally, artificial intelligence may hold premise for identifying modifiable risk factors. This talk will address these and other ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Strange Synergies: Generative AI and the Playful Mind - LivestreamPlease join the Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation for another semester of Design Field Notes. As part of our ongoing course DES INV 95, this speaker series invites a dynamic group of designers, artists, and academics in design-related fields to share their work and practice with our students and public.Speaker: ...
In 1972 Phil Andersen articulated the motto of condensed matter physics as “More is different.†However, for most condensed matter systems many more is quite similar to more - this is why computer simulations of relatively small systems give insight into far larger systems. There are, however, systems in which ...
Engineering Stem Cells and Extracellular Components for Tissue Regeneration and Translational MedicineThis presentation is providing an overview of the ongoing research at the UC Davis School of Medicine, Center for Surgical Bioengineering (CSB). CSB focuses on engineering stem cells and biomaterials to develop novel regenerative therapies for a variety of diseases, with the focus being on the birth defect program in ...
Anyone who has fallen off the conveyer belt of mainstream health care and into the shadowy corners of illness knows what a dark place it is to land. Where is the infrastructure, the information, the guidance? What should you do next? Susannah Fox draws on 20 years of tracking the ...
Where: Cost: $10 General, Free for Members
Why coastal fog matters to ecosystems from a basic and applied perspective - LivestreamFog is a key ingredient to the summertime climate of coastal California. It offsets heat and water stress through shading and direct water inputs in terrestrial ecosystems. Fog events can also moderate stream temperature in sensitive riparian habitats. I will present highlights from three separate research projects that each examined ...
Where: Cost: Free
Collective Climates | CED Talks - Activist Infrastructure ImaginariesIn this CED take on TED Talks, three faculty from across the College of Environmental Design share their experiences working alongside communities on issues of climate resilience and repair. They ask, “How can we use our humanity, expertise, and position to benefit impacted communities?†Charisma Acey (City & Regional Planning), ...
As climate change intensifies, there is an increasing exposure of electricity distribution grids to the threat of climate-induced extreme events, such as wildfires. What factors shape the grid vulnerability to wildfires and how to adapt grids to the increasing wildfire threat in an affordable and equitable manner remain unknown. To answer ...
 Scientists have known for decades that climate change is an existential crisis. For just as long, critics say there has been a complete failure of our institutions to rise to the challenge. Governments have struggled to meet even modest goals. Fossil fuel interests maintain a stranglehold on political and economic ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $20 General, $10 Members
We are lucky to be a community museum in an area that is rich in natural and cultural histories. An extension of Science on Tap, History on Tap will delve into the always interesting and often complex stories of the people and communities who have shaped our region. The inaugural ...
Where: Pacific GroveCost: $20 General adv. , $15 Members, Free for Students
​​Step into the world of illusions at After Dark! Join us for a throwback to the Victorian era with artist Melissa Ferrari. Using a magic lantern projector and hand-painted slides, Melissa will take us on a journey with creatures that may - or may not - be real. Then keep ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $19.95 General, Free for members
Join us for an in-person evening talk with Buck Institute Fellow Sidharth Madhavan to hear about his research on the biology of aging and Buck’s efforts to end the threat of age-related disease. As a Ph.D. Fellow in the Newman Lab Sidharth Madhavan investigates the propensity for small energetic metabolites to modulate proteostasis in Alzheimer’s ...
This topic dives into the core of consciousness through the lens of anesthesia and neuroscience, focusing on the biochemical interactions and neural circuits that shape our awareness, cognition, and perception. By examining how various neurochemicals, receptors, medications interact, we will aim to understand phenomena such as alertness, awareness, and perception. ...
Coding is the last step in writing a program. The first step is deciding what we want to achieve and how. The best methods for working through subsequent steps consist in using simple mathematics. Few programmers know how to do this or where to learn it. This lecture will use ...
WHAT: The Birth of the Science CommunicatorWhat is a science communicator? The era of once-a-decade outliers like Carl Sagan is long gone. In this current era of internet-borne disinformation and science denial pandemonium, science communication has emerged as a vibrant and painfully necessary field, with an army of science scholars focusing ...
Where: Cost: Free
Friday, 04/12/24
Behind-the-Scenes Look at Pupping Season - LivestreamIt’s pupping season at The Marine Mammal Center: a time when our pens are filled with young animals in various stages of rehabilitation in preparation for their return to the ocean.Please join Veterinarian Dr. Alec Ortiz Colosi as he describes a typical day at The Marine Mammal Center during our ...
Dynamic Control Of Active MatterThrough the magic of ‘active matter,’ which converts chemical energy into mechanical work to drive emergent properties, biology solves a myriad of seemingly impossible physical challenges. I will present my lab’s efforts to develop new fluid mechanics models to direct the flow of matter enabled by the use of “active†...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Public Astronomy Viewing Nights - CANCELEDSonoma State University hosts astronomical viewing nights open to the public. Events are weather dependent. Check the weblink for cancelations prior to attending.
Where: Rohnert ParkCost: Free
Saturday, 04/13/24
Stewardship Saturday: Investigating Tidepools for Ocean HealthThis free program for youth ages 13-18 features rotating themes exploring the science of the Marine Mammal Center.Join Latino Outdoors, Greater Farallones, and The Marine Mammal Center as we head to the shore to study tidepools and adventure along one of our local beaches. Through this event youth will have ...
Where: Bodega BayCost: Free
Love our Earth FestivalDon’t miss the 3rd annual LOVE OUR EARTH FESTIVAL, Saturday, April 13, from 10 am to 2 pm at Bloomhouse, a vibrant community-gathering spot at 2555 Pulgas Ave in East Palo Alto. Admission is free. We’ll learn how to Go Electric to Build Healthy and Resilient Communities, from people who ...
The historical foundations of cancer risk assessment were based on fundamental scientific errors that were never corrected, all within the framework of an extraordinary appeal to the authority of the radiation genetics community, led by Hermann J Muller. Even though these individuals were greatly talented and accomplished, they were driven ...
Where: Cost: Free
Family Nature Adventures: FlowersLearn about local flowers and how to identify them in a hands-on workshop. Then, put your flower spotting skills to the test as our Chabot educators guide you to the best blooms in the area.
Where: OaklandCost: $25 Adults w/children, $15 Youth age 3+
Foothills Family Nature WalkJoin us at Foothills Nature Preserve for a family-friendly nature walk, guided by EV docents. Please click the link above to register via EventBrite. Participation is free, but space is limited.
Attend the STEM Education Outreach Fair hosted by Seed Spoon Science! Seed Spoon Science is a group of faculty and undergraduate researchers dedicated to inspiring new generations to pursue an education and career in STEM. We are working with the Seymour Center to host a community outreach science fair with ...
Where: Santa CruzCost:
The Great Blue Herons of Golden Gate ParkNancy H. DeStefanis, American environmental educator, field ornithologist and lecturer, presents the lifecycle of the magnificent Great Blue Herons which breed at Blue Heron Lake (formerly Stow Lake) in Golden Gate Park. She discovered the first nest in 1993. To date 297 chicks have fledged there. DeStefanis, Founder and Executive ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
Afternoon Hike at Mindego HillJoin Peninsula Open Space Trust for a beautiful 5-mile hike from the Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve to the top of the POST-protected Mindego Hill. You will be guided by POST ambassadors who will share details about how we protected this beautiful property featuring panoramic views of redwood ridges and ...
Where: Redwood CityCost: Free
Jazz Under the StarsJazz Under the Stars is a FREE monthly public stargazing event! Occurring on the Saturday nearest the 1st quarter moon (check our Events Page), join us in building 36 on the 4th floor observatory for a night of smooth jazz, bright stars, and a lot of fun! We play our jazz ...
Take a relaxing walk in an area that often has striking sunsets while learning about the Don Edwards SF Bay Refuge. Image DetailsExperience the salt marsh at twilight on an easy stroll along refuge trails (about .6 miles). At the setting of the sun we will observe the beginning of ...
Where: FremontCost: 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
Starry Nights Star Party - CANCELEDThe San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA), working with the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority (OSA), is glad to co-host a public star party at Rancho Canada del Oro (RCDO) Open Space Preserve. This site, just 30 minutes south of downtown San Jose, features dark skies. It's dark enough to ...
Where: Morgan HillCost: Free
Monday, 04/15/24
Generative AI and Digital Transformation in JapanWith the rapid advances in the last couple of years, generative AI has attracted a great deal of attention in advanced economies. The U.S. seems to be betting on its positive potentials while Europe is generally more apprehensive about its harmful aspects. Japan has arguably been one of the most ...
Speaker: Dr. Panning is a professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at UCSF. Dr. Panning's Lab studies mammalian stem cell epigenetics, focusing on X-inactivation and chromatin modifiers. Her website: https://bms.ucsf.edu/people/barbara-panning-phd.
Where: Rohnert ParkCost: Free
Heterogeneity in Collective BehaviorAggregations of social animals, such as flocks, schools, herds, and swarms, are beautiful examples of self-organized behavior far from equilibrium. Such collectives have been the focus of a significant research effort in recent years, from many different perspectives. Biologists aim to understand the evolutionary benefits of acting together; physicists treat ...
Speaker: Dan Jurafsky, Stanford UniversitySee weblink for instructions to gain entry to the building.Room 126
Where: StanfordCost: Free
The Policy Challenge of AI Safety Rapidly advancing AI has prompted a wide spectrum of views about AI safety, ranging from existential fears to skeptical dismissals of “doomers.†Meanwhile, few are tracking the actual policy work that is starting to address these concerns. As the first day of a set of discussions about AI and society, the Hoover Institution ...
Are there any circumstances under which the United Kingdom’s government should consider changing the law to allow intentional genome editing of human embryos for serious genetic conditions? British parliamentarians will debate this question when the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act is renewed shortly.On the plane home from Hong Kong, immediately after ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
COVID-19: Do We Still Need To Be Concerned? - LivestreamKen Polse, Professor Emeritus, Optometry, and John Swartzberg, Clinical Professor Emeritus, Infectious Diseases & Vaccinology, will discuss the current state of Covid in the U.S. and our community, the new isolation and quarantine guidelines in California, the value of the updated Covid vaccine, the role of medications like Paxlovid in ...
Where: Cost: Free
Investigating cosmic origin and evolution with CMB-S4 The red-hot glow of the primordial universe, after 13.8 billion years of redshift, is observed today by our telescopes as the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB). Spatial variations of CMB intensity and polarization across the sky provide a record of conditions in the early universe, possibly encoding signatures from cosmic inflation ...
Luis Hernandez-Nunez is a Warren Alpert Distinguished Scholar, a Branco Weiss fellow, and a Life Sciences Research Foundation (LSRF) postdoctoral fellow at the laboratory of Florian Engert at Harvard University. Luis' research is focused on the circuit mechanisms for heart-brain interactions in zebrafish. Luis has also been awarded a Burroughs ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Commercializing low-carbon cementCanary Media reports that nearly all US energy grid capacity installed in 2024 will be carbon-free. What are the next levers in decarbonizing our global economy? Presented from the viewpoint of Sublime Systems, a venture-backed MIT spin-out, we examine a groundbreaking manufacturing technology poised to revolutionize the industry. This technology, ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Physical systems that can learn by themselvesIn 1972 Phil Andersen articulated the motto of condensed matter physics as “More is different.†However, for most condensed matter systems many more is quite similar to more - this is why computer simulations of relatively small systems give insight into far larger systems. There are, however, systems in which ...
Radio and TV journalist Ira Flatow produced his first science stories back in 1970 during the inaugural Earth Day. Since then, he has worked for Emmy Award-winning science programs and covered science for a number of high-profile news organizations, and has hosted the popular public radio program “Science Friday†for ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $50 General, $30 Members in person, $20/$10 online
Sara Morawetz (Media Artist) on "Measuring by Measuring Against: Experimental Methods in Artistic Practice" Leah Rosengaus (Director of Digital Health at Stanford Health Care) on "Towards Digital Health: Realizing the Promise of Care Transformation at Stanford Medicine and Beyond" Marisa Olson (Media Artist) on "The Meaning of Postinternet"Room: ...
“Dear Human at Future’s Edge: Science, Creativity and Climate Futures†is a conference focused on the intersection of climate science, ecopoetry, and the arts. The program will celebrate two recent companion publications: the Fifth National Climate Assessment report, the U.S. Government’s preeminent report on climate change impacts, risks, and responses, ...
The emergence of generative language models, such as the one powering ChatGPT, has sparked widespread interest due to its potential implications for the future of work and society at large. The drive to automate decision-making is reaching high-stakes applications like military applications and mental health care, where non-zero error rates ...
Recent experiments have measured the effect of gravity on antimatter with the first “directâ€, i.e., freefall-style or Galilean Leaning Tower of Pisa-style measurements. In agreement with theory and indirect experiments, these experiments, performed by CERN’s ALPHA collaboration, show that antimatter, specifically antihydrogen atoms, fall downward with an acceleration within about ...
For 45 years, Rob has been developing high-resolution records to understand past climatic and oceanic variability, aiming to discern human impacts on our climate. The Dunbar Lab is studying carbon dioxide uptake in the Ross Sea and ice sheet changes in East Antarctica and the Antarctic Peninsula, while innovating methods ...
Wonderfest Science Envoys are 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:• Stanford computer scientist Teddi Worledge on Verifying AI with Attributed Sources - So-called large language models (LLMs) provide information and make judgments ...
Where: NovatoCost: Free
Astronomy on Tap Tucson #97: Giant Rockets, Giant Telescopes, and Giant Exoplanets, oh my! - LivestreamThe dawn of giant rockets delivering giant telescopesSpeaker: Daewook KimSearching for Snapshots of Giant Exoplanet MigrationSpeaker: Arvind Gupta On tap this month, we have NSF NOIRLab postdoc Dr. Arvind Gupta talking about giant exoplanet migration and University of Arizona optical sciences professor Dr. Daewook Kim telling us about the future ...
Curious about the best ways to introduce children to the benefits of mushroom hunting?Melany Kahn quells common fears and puts the “us†in mushrooms, by weaving simple education through playful, fungi-finding adventures. It’s never too early to learn, and never too late to start a family interest in mycology.Melany will ...
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the largest and most complex telescope ever put into service in space. The Webb telescope is an infrared telescope designed to look back in time to when the first stars and galaxies formed.  It was developed by a collaboration between NASA, the Canadian ...
Where: Cost: Free
Transforming Climate Anxiety into Climate Action at WorkAre you worried about the climate crisis and don’t know where to begin to take action? A good place to start is your workplace. Companies wield enormous influence and they have an important role to play in reducing emissions and advocating for climate policy. When employees speak, companies act!According to ...
AI for healthcare has the potential to revolutionize how we practice medicine. However, to do this in a fair and trustworthy manner requires special attention to how AI models work and their potential biases. In this talk, I will cover the considerations for building AI systems that improve healthcare.Speaker: Roxana ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Engineering Extracellular Matrix Viscoelasticity to Probe Cellular ResponsesIn the body, cells are surrounded by a scaffolding of biopolymers that provide physical support and biochemical cues, known as the extracellular matrix (ECM). Hydrogel cell culture models have been used to reveal that properties of the ECM, notably matrix stiffness, can regulate a host of cellular behaviors, such as ...
I will discuss what motivated me to write a new book on the origin story of toxins made by plants and other organisms that humans use (and sometimes abuse) and I will give an overview of this general audience book.A deadly secret lurks within our spice racks, medicine cabinets, backyard ...
Recovery in the Anthropocene: When and how do populations survive disturbance? - LivestreamGlobal change is making acute disturbances such as novel infectious disease and extreme environmental changes increasingly common. These events can lead to mass mortality, shifting species distributions, and altered ecosystem function.  They can also select for adaptive traits, sometimes leading to evolutionary rescue. Survival and recovery depend on several factors ...
Clean fuel and stove interventions, like other health or development programs, require users to continually purchase the product, and affordability remains a major barrier. To ease financial constraints, microcredit has been the most commonly pursued tool, yet many low-income individuals need a safe place in which to save, not necessarily ...
Susan Glass, a poet and professor who has been blind since birth, has been mapping her surroundings by birdsong since childhood. Hear her account of how learning bird sounds has enabled her to experience the joy and beauty of birding while being a person who visually impaired.Register at weblink to ...
Where: Cost: Free
NERD NITE SF #141: Changing Clothes, Climates, and… Birds?Spring is in the air and with the changing of the seasons come deeper questions about what it means to “change.†Change can be as mundane as putting on new clothes - or as complex as getting into an elaborate cosplay. Change can be as world-spanning as human-made climate shifts ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $10 Advance, $15 at door
Given that the extent of the observable universe has yet to be mapped out, some might wonder why some physicists have introduced the concept of a multiverse into their models. Â This talk will examine why some eminent physicists, such as the late Nobel laureate Steven Weinberg, have been attracted to ...
An Emergency Medicine doctor thrives in the chaotic, bustling environment of the ER. Join Dr. Steve Garcia as he offers a glimpse into his non-traditional path to becoming a physician. He will describe the training of Emergency Physicians and how they diagnose and treat all patients in the Emergency Room, ...
Where: San RafaelCost: Free
Thursday, 04/18/24
Consciousness & Reality Colloquium (Bioelectricity: The Body's Cognitive Glue) - LivestreamMany theories of consciousness postulate specific features of the nervous system that enable it to support minds. These features also exist in other types of biological cells, which are a kind of agential material, that harness bioelectricity: a biophysical modality that evolution was using as cognitive glue from the time ...
The early-stage climate technology ecosystem is flourishing, and an increasing number of entrepreneurs and scientists are bringing forward startup companies with promising solutions for some of our hardest challenges. Many of the climate problems that once seemed nearly impossible to address - decarbonizing cement, storing low-carbon power for days, replacing ...
Is the Planet Full? What We Need to Know about Overpopulation - LivestreamThe human population reached eight billion people in 2022 and may reach ten billion later this century. A relatively small (and rich) fraction of those billions are able to cause climate change at a global scale. However, with so much focus on the challenges of climate change, another catastrophe is ...
Satellite communications experience many unique challenges in closing the link budget and providing reliable and resilient data throughput. These challenges range from overcoming the vast distances to managing atmospheric perturbations to generating unique modulations that are both spectrally and power efficient. In this discussion we will briefly cover these various ...
Where: Rohnert ParkCost: Free
Electric Fireside Chat with Dahlia Myers - LivestreamJoin us for an inspiring conversation between Tyrone Jue, Director of the San Francisco Environment Department, and Dahlia Myers, youth activist with the Sunrise Movement. Don’t miss this chance to learn from their insights and experiences!
What do you think about when you think about the Exploratorium? Cow eye dissections? Colorful Shadows? The Tactile Dome?Like you, the Exploratorium has glowed up since your last visit. Whether you were here pre-COVID or just last week, our galleries are constantly evolving with brand-new exhibits and experiences. Some have ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $19.95 General, Free for members
The Energy and Resources Group at UC Berkeley has, from its inception a half century ago, educated many of today’s experts and policymakers about the truly interdisciplinary nature of global challenges and solutions. Dr. Peter Gleick, a member of one of ERG’s early cohorts, especially took to heart the idea ...
Policies meant to control the spread of COVID-19 during the height of the pandemic devastated some portions of the economy and student learning, and critics say they resulted in mental health and substance abuse problems, domestic violence and the discontinuation of treatment for other health conditions. Many say these policies ...
Where: San RafaelCost: $10 General, $7 Members, Free for Students
Wild Stories from the History of Bird Migration Research - LivestreamWe’ve all heard amazing facts about bird migration - the long distances that birds travel, the ways that they navigate, etc. But did you ever wonder how we figured all of this out? While working for the American Ornithological Society, Rebecca Heisman became fascinated with the varied and creative techniques ...
Where: Cost: Free
AI for Learning Photorealistic 3D Digital Humans from In-the-Wild Data - LivestreamTraditionally, creating 3D digital humans requires lengthy efforts by digital artists, and often costly 3D scanning by special multi-view scanners. Learn how recent generative AI technologies allow the learning of photorealistic 3D representations from a collection of in-the-wild 2D images, such as internet photos. We'll dive deep into our recent ...
Where: Cost: Free
Edison and the Eclipse that Enlightened AmericaJust a couple of weeks after the historic total solar eclipse of 2024, author David Baron will share a pertinent tale from the distant past. In the summer of 1878, a similar eclipse traversed America’s Wild West, darkening the frontier while rousing the ambitions of an entire nation. The event ...
Join SOMA’s own Taye Bright and Harte Singer to hear exciting stories about discoveries made from year one of the California Fungal Diversity Survey, insights from the rare fungi challenges, DNA sequencing initiatives for the Sonoma Mycological Association and much more. Come learn about the power of community mycology and ...
When the ecologist Carl Safina took in a wounded baby screech owl, he expected that she’d be a temporary guest, soon to be released. But the tiny creature - named Alfie - took a long time to heal. Carl and his wife Patricia could never have predicted that when Alfie ...
Quantum Science With Rare-Earth Ions In CrystalsRare-earth ions in crystals, when strongly coupled with optical and superconducting resonators, form a novel platform that facilitates the exploration of quantum many-body physics and the development of light-matter interfaces for the future quantum internet. Through the utilization of a large ensemble of Ytterbium-171 ions doped into a high-cooperativity nanophotonic ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Bioenergy Recovery Facility at EBMUDYoung Professionals in Energy is pleased to partner with EBMUD to host this site visit tour of renewable energy infrastructure right here in the Bay Area! This will be the first of a series of site visits YPE will offer in 2024, look for similar events in the near future!The ...
Born at the dawn of the new millennium, attosecond “photography†has opened the door for capturing sub-atomic motions as they evolve in time. Control of the oscillating electric field of light has permitted the attosecond control of electrons with unprecedented precision in space and time.Fundamental quantum phenomena, such as electron ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Public Astronomy Viewing NightsSonoma State University hosts astronomical viewing nights open to the public. Events are weather dependent. Check the weblink for cancelations prior to attending.
