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.
Where: Rohnert ParkCost: Free
Saturday, 04/20/24
Morning Hike from Skyline Ridge to Russian RidgeA POST Representative will share a few words about POST’s decades of conservation success before hiking groups leave to explore a strenuous 6.25 mile hike with 1100 feet of elevation gain.POST has made many contributions towards protecting Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve and Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve over the ...
Where: Los AltosCost: 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
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 ...
SPUR and the Yerba Buena Gardens Conservancy invite you to celebrate Earth Day with us at the Yerba Buena Gardens for a fun-filled, family-friendly day of live music, food, and interactive activities in partnership with YBCA, the Children’s Creativity Museum, Yerba Buena Ice Skating and Bowling Center, Yerba Buena Gardens ...
The COE has led a Teacher Leadership Institute program for the past five years that culminates in teachers sharing and celebrating the projects they completed as part of the program. This year, for the first time we are turning the portion of the program where teachers share their classroom projects ...
Where: Santa CruzCost: Free with admission
WhaleFest 2024Come Shake your Tail - Save a Whale and celebrate Earth Day at this WhaleFest at the beach. Dive deep into the realm of whales, learn about the critical importance of ocean conservation, and be inspired by our lineup of special guests and speakers who are leaders in marine biology ...
Where: PacificaCost: Free
Sunnyvale's Earth Day Festival Show your love for the planet by attending Sunnyvale's Earth Day Festival. It features the Grand Opening of our new Civic Center campus. The event will feature family-friendly, sustainability-focused activities and information from local organizations.  Attend the festival to enjoy: Civic Center ribbon cutting Sustainable arts and crafts for kids Cooking demonstration by ...
Where: SunnyvaleCost: Free
HOME ELECTRIFICATION FAIRThe benefits of switching from gas to electric can be enormous - long-term savings, healthier indoor air, cutting your climate footprint. And with new government rebates and tax credits 2024 promises to be a great year to go electric! The 2024 Home Electrification Fair is your one-stop shop for answers to ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Wild and Scenic Film Festival 2024The 2024 Wild and Scenic Film Festival combines stellar filmmaking, beautiful cinematography, and first-rate storytelling. These films explore nature, community activism, adventure, conservation, water, energy and climate change, wildlife, environmental justice, agriculture and more.This year’s program features the audience favorites from the nation’s premier environmental and adventure film festival, the ...
