Biology
Saved From Living Death: How Genetically Modifying Chestnuts Could Bring Them Back
The American chestnut was the king of the trees in forests in the eastern U.S. until a fungus from Asia brought them down. We are getting very close to making a resistant American chestnut. Now the question is whether or not we should plant it out in the wild.
Post on May 20, 2013 by Dr. Barry Starr from KQED Science
Next Meal: Engineering Food
Are the benefits of genetically engineered foods worth the risks? This half-hour QUEST Northern California special explores the pros and cons of genetically engineered crops, and what the future holds for research and regulations.
Video on May 07, 2013 by Gabriela Quirós from QUEST Northern California
Scrounging for Research Dollars
If you’re a scientist these days, getting the money to do your research is a lot like getting into Stanford or Yale. Assuming you aren’t rich or connected, being incredibly skilled, hardworking and accomplished isn’t enough. You need to get lucky too.
Post on May 06, 2013 by Dr. Barry Starr from KQED Science
Post on May 03, 2013 by Sean Greene from KQED Science
Top Cats: How Pumas and Other Apex Predators' Populations Affect The Big Biodiversity Picture
Apex predators exert far-reaching effects on ecosystems that surface just decades after their disappearance. Santa Cruz researchers hope to understand how human activities and development affect how pumas use the landscape to help mitigate conflicts and plan for the species' long-term survival.
Post on May 01, 2013 by Liza Gross from KQED Science
Fund Basic Research, It’s For Your Own Good
The budget proposal by the Obama administration is a mixed bag in terms of funding for science.
Post on Apr 22, 2013 by Dr. Barry Starr from QUEST Northern California
Brain Mapping: From the Basics to Science Fiction
Obama's BRAIN Initiative directs $100 million in public money toward basic brain research. But what's the goal?
Audio Report on Apr 19, 2013 by Amy Standen from KQED Science
Fire Safety without Harm
Last week, scientists and regulators from more than 20 countries gathered in San Francisco to discuss the latest research on flame retardants. The conference lasted four days, but the theme of the meeting was clear from just a few talks: Do we need toxic chemicals to achieve fire safety?
Post on Apr 17, 2013 by Liza Gross from KQED Science
Dabbling and Diving Ducks: Catch the Spring Show
Ducks are getting ready to make their seasonal migration away from San Francisco Bay. Come see them in their breeding finery before they're gone for the summer.
Post on Apr 12, 2013 by Sharol Nelson-Embry from KQED Science
Beavers Return to San Jose
A family of beavers has taken up residence in the Guadalupe River, across from the HP Pavilion.
Post on Apr 11, 2013 by Samantha Clark from KQED Science
Side Trips from Interstate 5: Great Valley Rivers and Grasslands
It takes a million years to make a land this big and flat. Take a few hours to experience it.
Post on Apr 11, 2013 by Andrew Alden from KQED Science
DNA Ancestry Tests: Simultaneously Powerful and Limited
Don’t count on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) ancestry tests giving you a broad understanding of your own family history. They won’t.
Post on Apr 08, 2013 by Dr. Barry Starr from KQED Science
Navy Training Raises New Concerns for Whales off California Coast
As the whale migration season reaches its peak, new concerns arise over naval training exercises off the California coast.
Audio Report on Apr 05, 2013 by Lauren Sommer from KQED Science
Peregrine Falcon Chicks Hatch On Easter Sunday in San Jose
Peregrine falcon nest cameras in San Francisco and San Jose have been giving citizens the unique chance to watch these animals up-close since 2005.
Post on Apr 05, 2013 by Rachael Rufino from KQED Science
Richard Misrach’s Cancer Alley: Documenting the Poisoning of America’s Wetland
In the new exhibition on display at Stanford's Cantor Arts Center, "Revisiting the South: Richard Misrach's Cancer Alley," the Berkeley photographer takes a hard look at the environmental consequences of our dependence on petroleum.
Post on Apr 03, 2013 by Liza Gross from KQED Science
Resurrection Biology: The Reality of Bringing Back Extinct Species
There has been a lot of buzz of late about bringing back extinct species like mammoths or passenger pigeons. While it might be a good idea to start thinking about these possibilities, we are years or even decades away from being able to actually pull this off with most long dead animals. The problem isn’t [...]
Post on Mar 25, 2013 by Dr. Barry Starr from QUEST Northern California
Scientists Celebrate a Long-Dead Whale
Why is a rotting whale on the Antarctic seafloor exciting to geologists?
Post on Mar 21, 2013 by Andrew Alden from QUEST Northern California
Yes, Your Cell Phone Conversation Does Drive People Mad
It's well known that talking on your cell phone compromises your ability to perform simple tasks like walking and driving. Now it turns out cell phones impact cognition in bystanders as well: listening to another person talk on their cell phone isn't just incredibly annoying, it also interferes with your memory and concentration.
Post on Mar 20, 2013 by Liza Gross from QUEST Northern California
Science on the SPOT: The Glowing Millipedes of Alcatraz
More than a million visitors visit Alcatraz every year, but a recent discovery has revealed another attraction that lives within the shadows of this historic prison.
Video on Mar 19, 2013 by Jenny Oh from KQED Science
Rescuing Injured Wildlife
Wild birds, injured on the beach, get a helping hand from dedicated staff and volunteers. Here's the story of one injured water bird.
Post on Mar 15, 2013 by Sharol Nelson-Embry from QUEST Northern California
