QUEST Community Science Blog
The Reverential and the Precious: Human Anatomy as Art
It may take an unusual muse to be deeply inspired by the body's insides. Artist Sara Nilsson possesses just such a muse–as well as the skill to create breathtakingly beautiful, anatomically accurate cross-sections of the human body with quilled paper.
Post on Aug 14, 2012 by Danna Staaf from QUEST Northern California
Mars Science Laboratory's Touchdown on The Red Planet
Last Sunday, NASA scored a long-distance touchdown…on Mars! The Mars Science Laboratory, nicknamed "Curiosity" is the largest, most complex spacecraft ever to have set down on the Red Planet.
Post on Aug 10, 2012 by Ben Burress from QUEST Northern California
What Is That Unusual Smell In Walnut Creek?
The city's hospital sits at the site of an ancient sulfur spring.
Post on Aug 09, 2012 by Andrew Alden from QUEST Northern California
Fracking Gives Hydrogen Fuel Cells New Life
In 2009, U.S. Secretary of the Department of Energy Steven Chu dismissed zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell vehicles as an impractical alternative to electric cars. Now an abundant supply of natural gas, from which hydrogen can be extracted, is changing Chu's mind, but that natural gas comes from the controversial hydraulic fracturing process.
Post on Aug 08, 2012 by C.K. Hickey from QUEST Northern California
Doubt and Denialism: Vaccine Myths Persist in the Face of Science
Many people continue to doubt the evidence for climate change, evolution, and vaccine safety, even though the scientific consensus on these issues is rock solid. Among the most troubling evidence-resistant theories is the long-debunked yet persistent myth that vaccines cause autism—a completely unfounded belief–leading to general doubts about vaccine safety, with dangerous public health consequences.
Post on Aug 08, 2012 by Liza Gross from QUEST North Carolina
Stunning Solar Visualizations: The Sun's Van Gogh-like Artistry
While nearly all eyes are focused on Mars, two astophysicists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center have been quietly staring at the sun instead.
Post on Aug 07, 2012 by Danna Staaf from QUEST Northern California
Rethinking Reproductive Biology
Everyone knows that women are born with all the eggs they can ever make, right? Well, a recent study shows that everyone just might be wrong.
Post on Aug 06, 2012 by Dr. Barry Starr from QUEST Northern California
Newly Discovered Stem Cells Cause Clogged Arteries
Scientists thought they understood how arteries hardened and clogged, but they may have been wrong. New research indicates that a previously unknown type of stem cell is actually the underlying cause of clogged arteries. If confirmed, it could lead to new therapies.
Post on Aug 06, 2012 by Jennifer Huber from QUEST Northern California
The Pleasures of Backyard Bird-Watching
Get to know your feathered neighbors and find out how you can contribute to avian science and research.
Post on Aug 03, 2012 by Sharol Nelson-Embry from QUEST Northern California
We Are the Desert: Tackling California's Water and Electricity Woes
As we approach the limits of our power and water, we will face some wrenching decisions with geological dimensions.
Post on Aug 02, 2012 by Andrew Alden from QUEST Northern California
Prescription Drug Disposal: Who Should Foot the Bill?
A new ordinance in Alameda County requires the pharmaceutical industry to pay for disposal of extra medicine. The regulation is part of a larger movement to shift responsibility for waste disposal from local governments to companies that make products like paint, medicine and batteries.
Post on Aug 01, 2012 by Melissae Fellet from QUEST Northern California
Avatars and the Mirrorbox: Can Humans Hack Empathy?
Virtual avatars are one thing. But what about real bodies? Would identifying with another person's body make you behave more like that person? If the body belongs to a different gender, age, or ethnicity than yours, would you become more empathic to others in that group?
Post on Jul 31, 2012 by Danna Staaf from QUEST Northern California
Do Constellations Change Over Time?
Do the constellations—the patterns made by the stars in the night sky—change over time, and if so, how long have they resembled what we see today?
Post on Jul 27, 2012 by Ben Burress from QUEST Northern California
What Shall We Do About Earthquake Weather?
If we can't shake this discredited notion, let's speak it instead with a smile.
Post on Jul 26, 2012 by Andrew Alden from QUEST Northern California
Picturing Biodiversity: Cultivating an Eye for Conservation
Environmentalists have long relied on spectacular photography to show people why wilderness is worth preserving. The nonprofit ARKive builds on that tradition, using the power of wildlife imagery, from photos to film, to promote conservation of the world's threatened species, now approaching 17,000 plants and animals, based on the latest IUCN estimates.
Post on Jul 25, 2012 by Liza Gross from QUEST Northern California
Illustrating Science: Int'l Science and Engineering Fair Student Projects Beautifully Visualized
ISEF student projects can be just as esoteric as Nobel laureates' research. But this year, those of ISEF's student scientists lucky enough to be paired with professional artists will see their research translated into compelling and accessible posters for the public.
Post on Jul 24, 2012 by Danna Staaf from QUEST Northern California
Pregnant Women Face Big Questions With Cheaper DNA Sequencing
In the very near future, a pregnant woman will be able to learn a whole lot more than she currently can about the fetus she is carrying. And she can find out in a way that poses no risk to the fetus.
Post on Jul 23, 2012 by Dr. Barry Starr from QUEST Northern California
Arrow Gobies, Ghost Shrimp and Bubble Snails: Teachers Explore the Unique Biodiversity of San Francisco Bay
Dedicated teachers spend a week of their summer vacation delving into science, climate change, and San Francisco Bay ecology.
Post on Jul 20, 2012 by Sharol Nelson-Embry from QUEST Northern California
Geological Outings Around the Bay: Sunol Regional Wilderness
The Franciscan rocks of Sunol Regional Wilderness are star players at the frontier of plate tectonics.
Post on Jul 19, 2012 by Andrew Alden from QUEST Northern California
Getting Back on a Bike: Exploring San Francisco on Two Wheels
I spent a sunny Wednesday cruising through the city alongside a great San Francisco native on a bike tour facilitated by Streets of San Francisco (SoSF) – which is not anywhere near a normal activity for me.
Post on Jul 19, 2012 by Cat from QUEST Northern California
