Archive for January, 2009
Methane on Mars? Moooooooo!
Methane on Mars? Really? What does that mean? If you know anything about the source of most of Earth's atmospheric methane gas, you already know the answer: possible life.
Post on Jan 30, 2009 by Ben Burress
Reporter's Notes: Putting a Price on Nature
Natural capital isn't something we hear about very often, and it certainly isn't a new idea. Aldo Leopold and other conservationists recognized the role that natural ecosystems play in our lives as early as the 1940's. But understanding and measuring that role hasn't been easy.
Post on Jan 30, 2009 by Lauren Sommer
Zoos as Centers for Conservation
When you think of a zoo, what comes to mind? Animals in habitats? Children? Goat petting? Have you ever thought of zoos as supporters of wildlife conservation in the field?
Post on Jan 29, 2009 by Amy Gotliffe
Meditating on Change: January 20th and The Herd Effect
The psychology of the inauguration fascinated me; more so because my experience of mob dynamics came from working at San Quentin State Prison where I have seen the Herd Effect in human populations.
Post on Jan 26, 2009 by Cat
Science: a Prodigal Son Returns to the White House
Regular citizens of our tribe–scientists and other seekers of the truth in its many forms– it’s time we came out of the shadows.
Post on Jan 23, 2009 by Jim Gunshinan
Reporter's Notes: Birds vs. Planes
Dave Feliz calls it "the bird highway in the sky." Feliz works for California Department of Fish and Game, as area manager for the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, and he's talking about the Pacific Flyway. Millions of migratory birds travel the same route every year, called the Pacific Flyway, stretching from the north slope of [...]
Post on Jan 23, 2009 by David Gorn
Amateur Molecular Biologists
When I think of an amateur biologist, I imagine a bird watcher. Or perhaps someone investigating a stream or counting fish. What I don't think of is people tinkering with life in their garages. And yet some folks are doing just that.
Post on Jan 21, 2009 by Dr. Barry Starr
Reporter's Notes: New Life for Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Researchers call stem cell technology a "revolution" in medicine, along the lines of the development of antibiotics in the 1940s, or the manufacturing of insulin and other therapies from recombinant DNA breakthroughs.
Post on Jan 16, 2009 by David Gorn
Globe At Night: Measuring Light Pollution with Human Eyes
Want a chance to do some "citizen" science, contribute to an international investigation, and have some fun to boot? An opportunity is coming up in March: Globe At Night. All you need is your eyes….
Post on Jan 16, 2009 by Ben Burress
Science Event Pick: The Great Tennessee Monkey Trial
On January 22nd, there will be a staged re-enactment of the legendary trial that brought the debate to the forefront, staged at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco. The play will feature content based entirely on the transcripts of the trial. Good ol' Ed Asner will be starring.
Post on Jan 15, 2009 by Kishore Hari
It's 2020: do you know where your iEverything is?
Welcome to 2020: PG&E produces 80% of it's energy from renewable fuels, oil is $250 a barrel, and natural gas comes to us from a foreign country, Alaska.
Post on Jan 13, 2009 by Jim Gunshinan
Kicking off 2009: the Year of Science
This week we welcome guest blogger Judy Scotchmoor, Assistant Director (Education and Public Programs) at the University of California Museum of Paleontology, and co-founder of the Coalition on the Public Understanding of Science (COPUS).
Post on Jan 12, 2009 by Craig Rosa
Reporter's Notes: Tracking Urban Lions
It's amazing that such large animals can live so near to urban areas and remain unseen – particularly since these animals inspire such fear and alarm whenever there is a reported sighting.
Post on Jan 09, 2009 by David Gorn
Traveling DNA
A billion years ago or so, mitochondria were free living bacteria. Then our ancestors hijacked them and now they do our bidding. And mitochondria aren't the only cells that got hijacked.
Post on Jan 08, 2009 by Dr. Barry Starr
Mountain Gorillas and their Human Guides: A Symbiotic Relationship
In the natural world, there are many symbiotic relationships, those in which two species benefit from each other. Humans, it seems, are rarely part of such a partnership, so it was all the sweeter to believe I had discovered one.
Post on Jan 08, 2009 by Amy Gotliffe
Top Questions Asked at Cal Academy's Naturalist Center
Academy visitors can walk into the Naturalist Center during open hours, explore the library, conduct research, and connect with staff members as well as other visitors. It is an often overlooked treasure.
Post on Jan 08, 2009 by Cat
O Say Can You Cesium-133? The Leap Second of 2008
Did you make good use of the extra second you received in 2008? A little extra sleep perhaps? Did you notice the extra time?
Post on Jan 03, 2009 by Ben Burress
Reporter's Notes: Last Minute Rules
The Bush Administration has recently passed dozens of so-called "midnight regulations" – last-minute rules and amendments. Many of those new laws affect the environment, including a change to the Endangered Species Act that has California environmentalists deeply worried.
Post on Jan 02, 2009 by David Gorn
Twitter
Facebook
EveryTrail
YouTube
Flickr
Google +
iTunes Video
RSS Video
RSS News
iTunes Audio
RSS Audio
