Archive for 2009
Shooting the Moon
Launching a spacecraft bound for the Moon with the deliberate intention of striking the Moon in a spectacular impact! Sounds like something out of a Jules Verne novel…
Post on May 08, 2009 by Ben Burress
Those Intermittent Renewables – Part 1
When it comes to renewable power, California has had one main message: bring on the solar power, bring on the wind turbines! California and the country are heading fast towards a clean energy future. But renewables aren't perfect.
Post on May 08, 2009 by Rachel Zurer
Go Go Geo! USGS Open House, May 16 and 17
Have you hugged your local geoscientist lately? Science events blogger Kishore Hari gives you his top picks for the 9th Triennial Open House at the USGS, 10 am – 4 PM on May 16th and 17th.
Post on May 07, 2009 by Kishore Hari
What's the Scoop on Kitty Poop?
I am a cat owner who cares about the environment. What to do about their poop presents quite a conundrum.
Post on May 06, 2009 by Amy Gotliffe
Breaking News on the Drakes Bay Oyster Controversy
Today, the National Research Council issued its long-awaited report on the Drakes Bay Oyster Company… is their operation harming the environment or not?
Post on May 05, 2009 by Amy Standen
KQED's Health Dialogues launches discussion on health care reform
In his 100th day press briefing a few days ago, President Obama reiterated his desire to enact health care reform by the end of 2009 and called on all Americans to submit our ideas. So, Health Dialogues decided to let Washington know what Californians think.
Post on May 05, 2009 by Craig Rosa
Turning Lemons Into Energy Efficient Homes
While new housing is stalled in the United States, there is lots of funding-in the billions of dollars-on the way for weatherization, residential energy efficiency, and renewable energy through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Post on May 01, 2009 by Jim Gunshinan
Reporter's Notes: Swine Flu and You
As this story is being produced, the reports on swine flu are changing hourly. Cases are popping up closer and closer to home, and the CDC is updating several times a day on the spread of the virus, and plans to fight it. The $64,000 question is how worried we should be.
Post on May 01, 2009 by Amy Standen
Swine Flu – A Virus or a Bacteria?
Swine Flu has been blanketing the news as of late. On April 29th, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported the first US fatality occurring in Texas. The CDC has determined that this swine influenza A(H1N1) virus is contagious and spreading from human to human. Yet at this time, they do not know how easily the virus spreads between people. At our museum, we have taken this very seriously and staff has been asked to stay home if symptoms arise.
Post on Apr 30, 2009 by Cat
Apply now for the QUEST Science Education Institute
Applications are due May 15 for the 2009-2010 QUEST Science Education Institute.
Post on Apr 30, 2009 by Jessica Neely
Superconductivity: an Arsenic-Laced Future?
In February of last year scientists discovered a new champion in their quest for a better superconductor, a material based on iron and, curiously enough, arsenic.
Post on Apr 28, 2009 by Christopher Smallwood
Tracking Genetics in Popular Culture
In the last couple of weeks, on another blog of mine there has been a surge in our answers about genetic chimeras. Usually this means that somewhere in the world, a certain episode of CSI is being shown.
Post on Apr 27, 2009 by Dr. Barry Starr
Reporter's Notes: Let's Weatherize!
Since people seem to nod off a bit when I say I'm working on a story about energy efficiency, I've had to re-tool my pitch. "It's a story about how installing solar panels or a wind turbine is the last thing you should do to green your house," I say, perhaps a little over-dramatically.
Post on Apr 24, 2009 by Amy Standen
Springtime on Mars
It's spring again, that time of year when my thoughts return to… blasts of carbon dioxide gas jetting up from beneath the frigid layer of dry ice below
Post on Apr 24, 2009 by Ben Burress
Have the Energy Munchies? Curb your "Snackwell Effect"
Stanley Jevons first described this conundrum in 1865, when he observed that new efficient steam engines decreased coal consumption, which led to a drop in coal prices. But the lower prices meant that more people could afford to use coal, and so coal consumption increased.
Post on Apr 21, 2009 by Jim Gunshinan
Reporter's Notes: Goodbye to the Bevatron
Much as I tried to get Stewart Loken to wax poetic about the demise of the Bevatron, the truth is that he – and, I'll bet, a lot of scientists – just don't think that way.
Post on Apr 17, 2009 by Amy Standen
UC Berkeley Gets Its Science On: Cal Day 2009, April 18
On Saturday April 18th, the University opens up to the public…lectures, interactive events, tours, all of the campus museums (most of which aren't usually open to the public)… and it's all free.
Post on Apr 17, 2009 by Kishore Hari
When a Cosmo's More Than a Cocktail: Yuri's Night at Cal Academy
208 parties in 46 countries on eight continents celebrated Yuri Alexyevich Gagarin between April 6 and 12th of this year. Who is Yuri and why does he deserve such accolades?
Post on Apr 15, 2009 by Cat
Reporter's Notes: California at the Tipping Point
The conventional wisdom is that a warming planet means more wildfires–and in many cases the conventional wisdom is right. But globally it's a more complex question.
Post on Apr 14, 2009 by Craig Miller
Reporter's Notes: Smart Grid at Home
I've never paid much attention to my electric meter. For most of us, it's just that box on the side of the house with a small white disk spinning inside, keeping track of our energy use. But over the next three years, all the meters for PG&E customers will be getting a major upgrade to a new, digital SmartMeter.
Post on Apr 10, 2009 by Lauren Sommer
Twitter
Facebook
EveryTrail
YouTube
Flickr
Google +
iTunes Video
RSS Video
RSS News
iTunes Audio
RSS Audio
