Health
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
In Search of the Bacterial Garden of Eden
Now that scientists are starting to get a handle on what kinds of microbes live in the human body and, roughly, how those populations differ from one individual to another, a key question will be whether there is such a thing as an “ideal” microbiome.
Audio Report on May 03, 2013 by Amy Standen from KQED Science
Post on May 03, 2013 by Sean Greene from KQED Science
Air Pollution Lurks Inside Your Home
Californians spend over 45 billion dollars each year on health impacts due to indoor air pollution. Scientists at Berkeley Lab have identified the indoor air pollutants with the greatest health consequences, and they are now looking for ways to improve indoor air quality.
Post on Apr 29, 2013 by Jennifer Huber 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
Bay Area Biotech Industry Braces for Gene Patenting Court Case
The Supreme Court is hearing a case on a key question: can you patent a human gene?
Audio Report on Apr 12, 2013 by Lauren Sommer 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
Nerve-Stimulating Headband May Prevent Migraines
Migraines affect about 30 million Americans, but anti-migraine medications are often ineffective or cause unpleasant side effects. New research indicates that migraines may be prevented by wearing a headband that stimulates the nerves around the eyes and forehead.
Post on Apr 01, 2013 by Jennifer Huber from KQED Science
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
Arsenic and Old Wells
Six years after the EPA's new arsenic rule for drinking water went into effect, poor communities in the San Joaquin Valley—who can’t afford the costs of complying with the stricter standard—face the highest risk of exposure to unsafe arsenic levels.
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Post on Mar 06, 2013 by Liza Gross from QUEST Northern California
The Science of Nudity: The Skinny on Showing Skin
News flash – as of February 1st, 2013 – public nudity is illegal in San Francisco. But well before the law went into effect, it generated a tremendous amount of debate.
Post on Feb 22, 2013 by Peter Lollo from KQED Science
Are Sleeping Aids Effective or Just A Placebo Effect?
Insomnia has become a major health concern worldwide. In the US, 60 million prescriptions for sleeping pills are issued each year and non-benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed type. However, recent scientific journal articles have raised concerns about using these sleep aids.
Post on Feb 18, 2013 by Jennifer Huber from QUEST Northern California
Pregnancy and Paternity: New Fetal DNA Testing
Imagine you are a woman in a committed relationship. The worst happens and you are raped and become pregnant. What are your options?
Post on Jan 14, 2013 by Dr. Barry Starr from QUEST Northern California
Think Before You Drink Grapefruit Juice
You should discuss with your doctor or pharmacist whether ingesting grapefruit could cause an unintentional drug overdose. Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice affects how the body metabolizes certain drugs, and the number of drugs that adversely interact with grapefruit has increased according to new research results.
Post on Jan 07, 2013 by Jennifer Huber from QUEST Northern California
Stanford Investigates the Hits that Cause Concussions
It's no secret that concussions are endemic in American football at every level, from peewees to the pros, but little is known about the hits that cause them. Stanford University is searching for answers.
Audio Report on Jan 04, 2013 by Sam Harnett from KQED Science
Should I or Shouldn't I? Wrestling with Giving Genetic Tests as Gifts
When 23andMe offered their DNA test for just $99, I started to think about giving it for Christmas presents.
Post on Dec 31, 2012 by Dr. Barry Starr from QUEST Northern California
Think Tiny: The Science of New Year's Resolutions
Want to keep a New Year's resolution? One Stanford researcher says to give up on lofty goals. Instead, focus on tiny habits.
Audio Report on Dec 28, 2012 by Lauren Sommer from QUEST Northern California
Conquering Fungophobia
Late fall rains signal the start of mushroom season, which can last until spring in the Bay Area. Though only experts should forage and eat wild mushrooms (following park rules about harvesting), anyone can appreciate the rich diversity of these ephemeral fruits of the forest.
Post on Dec 26, 2012 by Liza Gross from QUEST Northern California
Comments Do Matter (So Get Talking!)
Back in December I wrote a blog post asking scientists to comment online more often.
Post on Jan 28, 2013 by Dr. Barry Starr from QUEST Northern California