This presentation details recent progress in our laboratory toward the synthesis and evaluation of historically underemployed fluorinated functional groups that have been made more accessible using the TCICA/KF approach to oxidative fluorination. A major theme will be our recent merging of SF5 radical chemistry with strain-release functionalization of [1.1.1]propellane and ...
It is more difficult to access the Earth’s interior a few miles below our feet than it is to explore the surface of another planet hundreds of thousands to million miles away. Drilling has made it possible to explore the Earth’s interior and thus, go deep. But the thrill to ...
Over the last half decade, the capabilities of large language models (LLMs) have leapt from preschooler to undergraduate and beyond. This talk reviews recent progress in teaching LLMs to do science and reasoning, and speculates as to what it will mean for the future of theoretical physics if these trends ...
Junctions comprising individual molecules “wired” between nanoscale electrodes approach the limit of miniaturization for electronic circuits used in computation and data storage. While model studies of these atomically precise systems expose molecular structure-charge transport property relationships critical for the development of useful electronic components (e.g., wires, switches, or diodes), the ...
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: $40 General, $30 Members, $8 Students in person
Going the Distance - One Humpback's Journey of Migration - LivestreamPlease join us as we embark on a global travel - virtually - along one humpback whale’s migration. You won’t want to miss the journey as chronicled by the marine biologists behind the discovery of this epic cetacean story. Transcending borders and species we will hear from Dr. Aylin Akkaya ...
Wonderfest Science Envoys are early-career researchers with enhanced communication skills and aspirations. Following short talks on provocative modern science topics, these two Science Envoys will answer questions with insight and enthusiasm:UC Berkeley astrophysicist Daniel Brethauer on Astronomically Rocking Out to Heavy Metals - The gold in jewelry, the uranium in a nuclear power plant, the ...
Where: NovatoCost: Free
Wednesday, 04/30/25
Spring Bird Walk - SOLD OUTJoin Chris Carmichael in search of both resident and migrant birds in the Garden’s many bird friendly micro habitats. Chris will be joined by Susan Greef, Garden Member and avid birder. Beginning and experienced bird watchers are welcome. Limited to 15 participants.
Deep-sea research presents formidable challenges globally, but these are amplified in developing countries where financial constraints, limited infrastructure, and bureaucratic hurdles often hinder scientific exploration. In the Philippines, a nation surrounded by some of the world’s most biodiverse yet understudied deep-sea environments, researchers must navigate these obstacles with innovation and ...
Where: Cost: Free
Presenting the 2025 AI IndexThe AI Index, currently in its eighth year, tracks, collates, distills, and visualizes data relating to artificial intelligence. The Index provides unbiased, rigorously vetted, and globally sourced data for policymakers, researchers, journalists, executives, and the general public to develop a deeper understanding of the complex field of AI. Led by ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Whole Earth SeminarSpeaker: Eyal Rahav, Isreal Oceanoghraphic and Limnological Research Institute
In conjunction with the launch of the new Sustainable Mobility Center at Stanford University, Energy Transition Leadership Seminars presents Mathias Carlbaum, President and CEO of International Motors (formerly Navistar), who will share his perspectives on decarbonizing the trucking industry, covering both technological solutions and market developments. Attendees will gain insights ...
Applying single cell genomics to microbial communities at the JGIThis seminar traces my journey to the DOE Joint Genome Institute, highlighting how microbial diversity has shaped my research, from algal genomics and airborne microbial ecology to lowbiomass communities and viral detection. I’ll describe my role in JGI’s singlecell and metagenome groups, including bioinformatics user support, then delve into two ...
Panning for evolutionary gold in threespine sticklebacks: why are there nuggets and why do the nuggets recur?The genetic and molecular mechanisms that underlie the amazing diversity of living species have long been uncertain and contentious. We have developed stickleback fish as a model system to reveal how new traits evolve in natural populations. Our genetic studies show that dramatic changes in morphology, color, and disease susceptibility ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
The Nuts and Bolts of Teaching Astronomy - LivestreamIn this 90-minute introductory workshop, join experienced teachers who have taught astronomy in grades K-12 to cover the “nuts and bolts'' of what an astronomy unit or class could look like. From creating a curriculum map, to selecting resources, and sample lab activities and experiments to consider, this workshop will ...
Where: Cost: Free
Misclassification: The Hidden Source of Hallucinations in Language ModelsPretrained Language Models (LMs) generate plausible-sounding errors, so-called hallucinations, at surprisingly high rates in certain domains. We cast the problem of generating valid responses as a binary classification task: distinguishing acceptable outputs from plausible but erroneous ones. Even in standard supervised learning with both positive and negative examples, some errors ...
What did Ice Age environments look like? Sedimentary ancient DNA is increasingly becoming a powerful tool for studying ancient plants, animals, and even microbes. In this presentation, we will travel back in time to the Ice Age environments of Alaska and Yukon Territory and explore what sedimentary ancient DNA can ...
Where: Santa CruzCost: Free
Healthcare Simulation Lab! Empowering future medical providers through healthcare simulationThe ever-popular VAMC SF Healthcare Simulation Lab returns! After a short presentation on the use of simulator technology, basic life support, and team dynamics in healthcare simulation, we will dive right into a simulated scenario to work as a team and save a life!Speaker: Derrick Duarte and Karrina Mock, VA ...
JWST Reveals a Hidden World of Mini Asteroids One significant threat to life here on Earth is the possibility that a massive asteroid will collide with our planet and destroy life as we know it. To understand the possibilities, large surveys of the sky have found around 95% of ...
Recent adventures in evolution and diseaseThe genetic and molecular mechanisms that underlie the amazing diversity of living species have long been uncertain and contentious. We have developed stickleback fish as a model system to reveal how new traits evolve in natural populations. Our genetic studies show that dramatic changes in morphology, color, and disease susceptibility ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Searching for Alien Earths - LivestreamThe detection of thousands of exoplanets orbiting other stars has revolutionized our view of the cosmos. Even our closest star, Proxima Centauri, harbors a small planet in its habitable zone. With the James Webb Space Telescope, we have started to peer into the atmospheres of rocky planets and get a ...
Astrophysicist and science journalist Adam Becker has his eye on the dreams of Silicon Valley’s billionaire elite - and he’s unimpressed. He says Silicon Valley’s “heartless, baseless, and foolish obsessions” - with escaping death, building AI tyrants, and creating limitless growth - pervert public discourse and distract us from real ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $22 General in person, $10 Online
After Dark: FermentationWe’re bubbling with excitement about fermentation and the amazing microbes that are capable of this process. You probably already know about alcoholic beverages, cheese, or kimchi, but you might be surprised to learn about the enormous variety of foods that are fermented. Discover the history and diversity of fermented foods ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $22.95
NightLifeWhen the lights dim, the museum comes alive at NightLife. With live DJs, craft cocktails, glowing lights, and 60,000 live animals (including familiar faces like Claude, our alligator with albinism), the night is sure to be wild.Plus, you can:Explore our two newest exhibits, Dino Days and Unseen Oceans: Roam among ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Varies
Friday, 05/02/25
Morning Hike at Rancho Cañada del OroJoin Peninsula Open Space Trust for an excursion where you’ll explore the Mayfair Ranch - Longwall Canyon trails of Rancho Cañada del Oro! You will be guided by POST Ambassadors who will share with you the history of the preserve, the region, and the importance of conservation in the area.The ...
The major processes controlling the inventory of the largest reduced carbon reservoir in the ocean, dissolved organic matter (DOM), are unknown. The average radiocarbon age of marine DOM coupled with some evidence of a surface ocean photosynthetic source, have led us to conclude that this reservoir accumulates in the ocean ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Materials, Systems and Spinoffs for Robots and AIThe hyper-connected environment where humans, smart devices and robots live in synergy together is rapidly being realized within our lifetimes. Flexible, wearable sensors and systems are generating greater amounts of data for AI algorithms to digest. Continued co-development of bio-integrable and even neuro-integrable sensory systems will augment human abilities and ...
Where: StanfordCost: Free
First Friday Nights at CuriOdysseyCome together as a family, visit early, and stay late!Swing into the weekend with music, food trucks, animals, and fun! On the first Friday of every month, from 5 pm until 8 pm, parents and kids celebrate together at CuriOdyssey.Enjoying animal presentations, science activities, and dance to some of your ...
Where: San MateoCost: $22.95 General, $17.95 Senior, Child, Student
First Friday: A GALAXY (NOT SO) FAR AWAYThis First Friday, join our team of cosmic rebels to celebrate “May the Fourth” early in our galaxy not so far away! Craft your own glowing sword, get a glimpse of distant planets through our historic 8” refractor telescope known as “Leah,” and discover the mechanics of robotics alongside a ...
Where: OaklandCost: $10 General, $5 Kids & Seniors
The Moon and Mars are humanity’s destinations in space this century. Why and how will we explore these worlds? When will we go? Where will we land, what will we see, and what will we do? And who will go? Dr. Pascal Lee is a leading planetary scientist working on planning ...
Where: San MateoCost: Free
Saturday, 05/03/25
Spring BioBlitz at the Palo Alto BaylandsJoin the Environmental Volunteers, in partnership with Nuestra Casa, 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, ...
Where: Palo AltoCost: Free
Stewardship Saturday: Investigating Tidepools for Ocean HealthJoin 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 you will have the opportunity to explore tidepools with experts in the field, learn more about the value tidepools have ...
First Saturday: Free Tour at the UC Santa Cruz ArboretumAround the World in 60-90 Minutes!On the first Saturday of each month, the Arboretum offers a docent or staff-led tour of the Arboretum.Sometimes you will see New Zealand, South Africa, California, and Australia. Sometimes you might see combinations of several gardens or the developing World Conifer Collection or Rare Fruit ...
Where: Santa CruzCost: Free with admission
CuriOdyssey Weekend Workshop: Nature ArtWe will be going out and about using natural materials to create your own unique art pieces. Through unique projects and outdoor exploration, you’ll learn how to transform leaves, rocks, and other natural elements into beautiful works of art.Ages 5 to 10 years old
Where: San MateoCost: $45-$55
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
Jazz Under the StarsJazz Under the Stars is a FREE monthly public stargazing event! Occurring on the Saturday nearest the 1st quarter moon, join us for a night of smooth jazz, bright stars, and a lot of fun! We play our jazz from CSM's own KCSM 91.1. Founded in 1964, KCSM has grown to ...
Where: San MateoCost: Free
Sunday, 05/04/25
Morning Hike at WavecrestJoin Peninsula Open Space Trust for a very easy 2-mile walk at Wavecrest Open Space in Half Moon Bay! We’ll walk through groves of trees and fields where we’ll have a great chance to spot a variety of birds, especially raptors! We’ll also walk along the coastal bluffs where we ...
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
Monday, 05/05/25
SynBioBeta 2025: The Global Synthetic Biology ConferenceReunite with 2,500+ Innovators and Recreate the Magic! Save the date for SynBioBeta 2025: The Global Synthetic Biology Conference, taking place from May 5-8, 2025, in the heart of California's Silicon Valley, San Jose. This event promises to be a transformative experience with over 180 content-rich sessions, 20+ diverse networking opportunities, ...
Does Automation Replace Experts or Augment Expertise? The Answer is Yes. - LivestreamDoes job task automation augment or diminish the value of labor in the tasks that remain? We argue that the answer depends on whether removing tasks raises or reduces the expertise required to perform the bundle of tasks that remain. Because the tasks that are expert in one occupation may ...
Where: Cost: Free
What have we actually learned after a decade of observing gravitational waves?Observationsl gravitational-wave astronomy initiated in 2015 when the LIGO detectors heard sounds of spacetime from two colliding black holes. A decade later, over 100 gravitational-wave signals have been observed, originating from all of the combinatorics of merging black holes and neutron stars. Ten years ago, most astronomers expected that by ...
This presentation explores the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the energy sector, detailing how leading global energy companies are harnessing AI in their operations. We will delve into practical strategies for identifying high-value AI use cases specific to the oil and gas industry, outline the essential components and ...
Over the last 25 years, the Lambda-Cold Dark Matter model (LCDM) - with 70% of the universe in the form of vacuum energy or equivalently Einstein’s cosmological constant, Lambda---has become the standard paradigm for cosmology. Until recently, it has proven consistent with an array of increasingly precise measurements of cosmic ...
Speaker: Matthew Stephens, University of ChicagoRoom: Auditorium
Where: StanfordCost: Free
Reflections on nearly 40 years of SSU Physics & AstronomyJoin us for the last What Physicists Do’ (WPD) lecture of the semester on Monday! And if things don't change, I am sorry but this will be the last ever WPD talk, as the series will end after 109 semesters.I will reflect on almost four decades at SSU, where I ...
Where: Rohnert ParkCost: Free
Stanford Energy Seminar - Four SpeakersMembrane-based lithium recovery: Composition and driving force effects in ion-selective separationsThe rapid growth of the electric vehicle market is driving a substantial increase in lithium demand, and with it, efforts to selectively recover lithium from unconventional sources such as lithium-ion battery waste and oilfield brines. Ion-selective membranes are of particular ...
In the past 30 years the study of exoplanets, or planets orbiting stars other than the Sun, has grown from an obscure area of science to one that now has engages thousands of astronomers, planetary scientists, geologists, chemists, and biologists and holds top billing in national and international conferences. Exoplanet ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $15 General, $12 Members and Seniors
