Engineering
IBM's Watson Computer and the Future of Artificial Intelligence
Go behind the scenes of IBM's Watson and learn just how it beat the pros on Jeopardy.
Post on Nov 23, 2011 by Laura Khalil from QUEST Northern California
Is High-Speed Rail Grinding to a Halt?
In 2008, high speed rail seemed like a game changer, the kind of "Big Idea" that California is famous for. But three years later, the plan is in serious trouble.
Audio Report on Nov 18, 2011 by Amy Standen from QUEST Northern California
Exoskeletons Walk Forward
An exoskeleton suit may seem like science fiction, turning ordinary humans into super heroes, but wearable robots are moving forward into reality.
Video on Nov 15, 2011 by Chris Bauer from QUEST Northern California
Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct: Big Fixes for Big Quakes
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission is hard at work on a $4.6 billion, decade-long construction project to overhaul the Hetch Hetchy water system, which delivers water from the Hetch Hetchy reservoir in Yosemite National Park and five local reservoirs to 2.5 million residents in the Bay Area.
Video on Nov 08, 2011 by Sheraz Sadiq from QUEST Northern California
SF Beta Mobile Gaming Edition Showcases Startups
SF Beta brings together technologists, investors, bloggers and press who want to see what's on the cutting edge of startups.
Post on Nov 08, 2011 by Laura Khalil from QUEST Northern California
Geekli.st: A New Social Network In The Works For Developers
This new social network aims to provide a digital playground for developers looking to meet their peers.
Post on Oct 25, 2011 by Laura Khalil from QUEST Northern California
The Bay Area Science Festival Begins
The Bay Area Science Festival, a 10-day celebration of science, starts this week. There are over 50 exciting events throughout the Bay Area, including hikes, lectures, and concerts.
Post on Oct 24, 2011 by Jennifer Skene from QUEST Northern California
What Makes Us Conserve Energy? 6 Lessons from the Smart Grid
Smart meters are providing consumers with hourly and daily energy use information. But does it inspire conservation?
Post on Oct 07, 2011 by Lauren Sommer
In a Sea of Energy Data, Utilities Try to Inspire Conservation
Smart meters are providing California households with their hourly and daily energy use information for the first time. Consumers use less electricity, studies have shown, when they can see that data. But getting them to pay attention to energy in the first place may be the biggest hurdle.
Audio Report on Oct 07, 2011 by Lauren Sommer from QUEST Northern California
Science Hack Day Coming This November
Are you a mad scientist in training looking to meet your brethren? Science Hack Day is the perfect opportunity to meet fellow science geeks and create an awesome project in this 48 hour hackathon.
Post on Oct 04, 2011 by Laura Khalil from QUEST Northern California
One Fish Two Fish: Monitoring Marine Protected Areas
QUEST takes to the high seas with researchers Dirk Rosen, James Lindholm and their crew to study the underwater world off the California coast. In recent years, the state has established a network of marine protected areas to help fragile habitats and struggling fish populations bounce back. But are they working?
Video on Sep 27, 2011 by Chris Bauer from QUEST Northern California
QUEST Lab: Engineering Fire
In a dark lab at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, engineers and mathematicians are developing new burners and studying different flames in hopes of better understanding the power of fire and how to make the most efficient flame possible.
Video on Sep 27, 2011 by Chris Bauer from QUEST Northern California
Arse Elektronika Sex + Tech Conference Hits SF
If you're interested in learning about the intersection between sex and technology, Arse Elektronika's 5th annual conference is a must.
Post on Sep 26, 2011 by Laura Khalil from QUEST Northern California
As Renewables Boom, California Struggles to Quit Coal
California is known for its "green" reputation, so it might be a surprise that residents in Southern California still depend on coal power when they turn on the lights.
Audio Report on Sep 23, 2011 by Lauren Sommer from QUEST Northern California
Up, Up and Away: Escaping a Tsunami Vertically
Northwest disaster officials and communities propose new structures for people to get to safety when a killer tsunami wave is on the way, not by trying to outrun the wave, but by trying to out-climb it.
Post on Sep 21, 2011 by Cathy Britt from QUEST Northwest
Induced Seismicity: Man-Made Earthquakes
In California, more renewable energy comes from geothermal energy than solar and wind, combined. Today, a new technology known as Enhanced Geothermal Systems has the potential to extract even more heat and consequently energy to power steam turbines, but it’s not without challenges.
Video on Sep 20, 2011 by Sheraz Sadiq from QUEST Northern California
QUEST Lab: The Shaking Table at UC Berkeley
Khalid Mosalam and his colleagues at the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center's Shaking Table Laboratory are helping to make communities safer in an earthquake.
Video on Sep 20, 2011 by Amy Miller from QUEST Northern California
Megathrust Earthquakes
Experts warn that an offshore quake powerful enough to kill thousands and discharge a tsunami could hit the West Coast any time. QUEST Northwest talks with geologists and seismologists about cutting-edge research in earthquake prediction, and what it would look like if the next “Big One" hits close to home.
Video on Sep 20, 2011 by Lesley McClurg from QUEST Northwest
Making Better Land
Humans have been reclaiming land for thousands of years. Lately we have gotten better at reclamation, but nature continues to test our work.
Post on Sep 15, 2011 by Andrew Alden from QUEST Northern California
Five Tips To Protect Yourself From Being Hacked
Learn five simple things you can do to prevent your accounts from being hacked.
Post on Sep 13, 2011 by Laura Khalil from QUEST Northern California
