Coral reefs are diverse, productive and valuable but highly threatened by global change stressors. My research group seeks creative ways to leverage microbial symbionts and trophic interactions to improve coral and reef health. This talk will describe these efforts and associated challenges, with a particular focus on the roles and ...
Alzheimer’s is a global health problem, with nearly 7 million people living with the disease in the United States alone. Tremendous gains have been made in the understanding of the science and basic biology underlying Alzheimer’s and other dementias. These advances are leading to great strides in strategies for prevention, ...
Program (the order of the speakers might change): Patricia Alessandrini (Stanford) on "Ada's Song: Artistic Research in Robotics from a (Cyber)Feminist Perspective" Alessandrini will speak about her work as a composer/sound artist, from the design of interfaces and instruments for inclusive performance to the development of the Piano ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Tuesday, 07/16/24
Enhancing In-Situ Denitrification - Batch and Column Tests to Pilot Barriers - LivestreamJoin us as Dick Raymond and Dr. Michael Lee speak on Enhancing In- Situ Denitrification. Nitrate levels in groundwater and surface water are elevated in many areas of the world because of anthropogenic sources of nitrogen to groundwater, notably discharge from septic systems and nitrogen-containing fertilizers from agriculture. Discharge of ...
Where: Cost: Free
Using Virtual Reality for Well-being, Social Connections, and Meaningful ExperiencesThis lecture delves into the past, present, and future of research on XR technology, which encompasses augmented, virtual, and mixed reality (AR, VR, and MR). We will cover what the technology is, how it works, and its various applications in education, socializing, healthcare, and beyond. We examine how various factors ...
The widespread adoption of large language models (LLMs) has sparked a revolution in the development of innovative solutions, with inference expected to account for 90% of the costs associated with LLM applications, compared to only 10% for training. This cost disparity, along with the environmental impact of inference and data ...
The afterglow of the Big Bang, known as the cosmic microwave background (CMB), is the oldest light in the Universe, emitted when the Universe was only 0.003% of its current age. This ancient light has traveled across space for nearly 14 billion years, carrying with it vital information about the ...
Wonderfest Science Envoys are early-career researchers with special communication skills and aspirations. Following short talks on provocative modern science topics, these three Science Envoys will answer questions with insight and enthusiasm:Stanford ecologist Chinmay Sonawane on How Scavenging Animals Protect Human Health - Wildlife is rapidly disappearing globally. But why should ...
Addiction and substance abuse are complex issues that sit at the intersection of psychology, policy, public safety, and public health. Cities across the US grapple with how to manage the need to treat those suffering while cutting off access to illegal and dangerous drugs. Writing good drug policy from the ...
Appendicularians are wondrous creatures found everywhere in the world’s oceans. They build complex houses they use as a safe home, as a filtration device to capture food, and as their marine Winnebago. Using these houses, the animals can remove tiniest particles down to the size of viruses from the water ...
Coral reefs are beautiful, valuable ecosystems that are being degraded by human activities. Microorganisms play key roles in coral health and disease. This talk shows how predators spread key coral microorganisms and explores how this might support reef resilience to warming seas.Speaker: Adrienne Correa is an associate professor in the ...
Where: Bodega BayCost: Free
Nerd Nite SF #144: Virtual Sex, Psychedelic Drugs, and the Philosophy of War It’s Hot Nerd Summer and we’re playing the hits! We’re bringing the traditional trifecta of “sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll†into the modern age with sexuality in video games, re-matriation of psychedelics, and the real life inspiration behind the darkly comedic film “The Men Who Stare at Goats.†It’s ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $10 Advance, $15 at door
One of the things we love most about birds is their wild array of plumage colors and patterns. Where does all that color come from? In this presentation, you’ll learn how pigments and microscopic structures in feathers create the kaleidoscope of beauty we find in the avian world. We’ll cover ...
Where: Cost: Free
Thursday, 07/18/24
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 ...
Where: Moss BeachCost: Free
SETI Live: Accidental Astronomy: How Random Discoveries Shape the Science of Space - LivestreamScientific discovery relies on luck sometimes, and nowhere is that more true than in astronomy. Supernova aren't predictable. New comets are discovered every month. Asteroids enter our atmosphere shortly after being found. So many of these discoveries rely on being or looking in the right place at the right time. ...
Where: Cost: Free
Lunch Break Science - LivestreamLunch Break Science is a dynamic live web series featuring fascinating short talks, engaging interviews, and lively Q&A with Leakey Foundation scientists. Each episode digs deeper into the latest human origins discoveries, with topics like Neanderthals, chimpanzee behavior, and more! Even better, you can interact with researchers during the show ...
Where: Cost: Free
Can small be the next big thing? Plasma Accelerator R&D at DESY In laser- or particle beam-powered plasma-based accelerators, electrons surf on waves and can reach multi-GeV energy levels in a few 10’s of cm. If one relies on conventional methods, this would require machines that are multiple football fields long. Although many challenges remain, this new technology is at the brink ...
Where: Menlo ParkCost: Free
Lessons from Texas, COVID-19, and the 737 Max: Effeciency vs ResilianceIn both computer science and economics, efficiency is a cherished property. The field of algorithms is almost solely focused on their efficiency. The goal of AI research is to increase efficiency by reducing human labor. In economics, the main advantage of the free market is that it promises “economic efficiency.†...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
History on Tap: Stories of Point PinosPoint Pinos is one of the most popular attractions in Pacific Grove, and like many local institutions, has a long and storied history to go along with it. While the rocky coast and rolling sand dunes at the southern entrance to Monterey Bay has long enchanted locals and visitors, the ...
Where: Pacific GroveCost: $20 General, $15 Members, Free for Students
After Dark: ExtraOrdinaryStep into the world of ExtraOrdinary! and let the stunning artworks transform you! Discover what happens when artists assemble objects not ordinarily used in art: shoes become faces, saxophones take flight, and cardboard whispers. And don’t miss Crochet Jam with local artist Ramekon O’Arwisters and a talk about Recology’s Artist ...
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 ...
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 ...
Where: Cost: Free
Friday, 07/19/24
Sunset Walk at Bair IslandJoin Peninsula Open Space Trust for a walking tour at the Bair Island Unit of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge! You’ll be guided by POST ambassadors who will share the history of this beautiful protected space, information about the species that live there, and what you ...
The first ever Global Skeptics in the Pub will be held on July 19Global Skeptics in the Pub will begin at 7pm local time in New Zealand on Friday, July 19, will go around the world, and end at 9pm local time in Hawai’i (24 hours later on the same calendar day)Note ...
Where: Cost: FREE
Saturday, 07/20/24
ExtraOrdinary! FestivalCome enjoy the summer’s most imaginative and playful exhibition! Immerse yourself in ExtraOrdinary! and the stunning artworks made from everyday objects. Don't forget to bring out your inner artist-scientist with our fun programs for all ages: tinker with cardboard and add to a collective creation, join a crochet jam, get ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free with admission
Plastic Free Recycling Center Tour - FULLJoin us for a free Berkeley Recycling Tour this Plastic Free July and dive deeper into the world of recycling. Discover how recyclables are prepared for markets, learn about source separation, and explore waste sorting processes. Plus, at the end of the tour, you’ll receive plastic-free giveaways.RSVP at weblink
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Stewardship Saturday: Experiencing Fish Kitchenoin us for an extra Stewardship Saturday in the month of July! During this exclusive behind-the-scenes opportunity you will have the chance to support our hard-working volunteer crews during our peak patient season. Our patients are consuming up to 1,000 pounds of fish per day during this time of the ...
Our age will be defined by the climate emergency. But contrary to the doomist narrative that’s taken hold, the world has already begun deploying the solutions needed to deal with it.On a journey across five continents, Climate Capitalism tracks the unlikely heroes driving the fight against climate change. From the ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $15 General, $46.45 with book
We live in two worlds: the outer world, where we exist, interact with others, and deal witheveryday life, and the inner world, where we dream, think, and imagine. Our mental imageryconnects these worlds, and how we connect them shapes our reality. The way we see the worldgoverns this connection. Viewing ...
The first ever Global Skeptics in the Pub starts July 19 and ends on July 20 (local time)Global Skeptics in the Pub will begin at 7pm local time in New Zealand on Friday, July 19, will go around the world, and end at 9pm local time in Hawai’i (24 hours later on the ...
The SkeptiCal Conference brings stimulating and entertaining speakers to a world-wide audience of science fans, critical thinkers, and, in the words of Carl Sagan, questioners of “extraordinary claimsâ€. Join us for two engaging days of speakers, interviews, and discussions. And test your wits on a round of SkeptiCal trivia, and ...
Where: Cost: $20 to $30
Sunday, 07/21/24
ExtraOrdinary! FestivalCome enjoy the summer’s most imaginative and playful exhibition! Immerse yourself in ExtraOrdinary! and the stunning artworks made from everyday objects. Don't forget to bring out your inner artist-scientist with our fun programs for all ages: tinker with cardboard and add to a collective creation, join a crochet jam, get ...
The SkeptiCal Conference brings stimulating and entertaining speakers to a world-wide audience of science fans, critical thinkers, and, in the words of Carl Sagan, questioners of “extraordinary claimsâ€. Join us for two engaging days of speakers, interviews, and discussions. And test your wits on a round of SkeptiCal trivia, and ...
