Health
Born Too Soon: Preterm Births on the Rise
The United States has the highest rate of premature births of any developed nation in the world. But why? QUEST meets some of the Bay Area researchers working to answer that question.
Video on Jul 24, 2007 by Amy Miller from QUEST Northern California
Recreational DNA Sequencing
Last blog I talked about the current revolution in DNA sequencing. Within the next five years you'll probably be able to get all 6 billion letters of your DNA on a CD to look over at your leisure. Someone who read the blog asked me if I would have my DNA sequenced for 1000 dollars. [...]
Post on Jul 23, 2007 by Dr. Barry Starr
Big Plans for Big Oil
As Chevron hatches expansion plans for one of California's largest oil refineries, Richmond's Green Party mayor considers the future of her city, and the state.
Audio Report on Jul 13, 2007 by KQED QUEST staff from QUEST Northern California
Why Do Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears?
Mosquitoes are actually the most dangerous animals in the world, killing more than two million people per year. In the United States alone, there are 150 different species, each carrying a different type of disease.
Post on Jul 05, 2007 by Amy Gotliffe
Please Touch the Animals: Environmental Enrichment at Zoos
Zookeepers are using a lighter touch to keep their animals strong and healthy. From body work and acupuncture for giraffes, to pachyderm pedicures, come see how the Oakland Zoo is using alternative treatments to guarantee the well-being of its residents. You may view the "Please Touch the Animals: Environmental Enrichment at Zoos" TV Story online, [...]
Post on Jul 03, 2007 by Gabriela Quirós
How Buildings Evolve (or Devolve)
I wonder if homes in the past fifty years or so have undergone a similar evolution in architecture– or devolution, depending on your point of view– as churches. Dining with FriendsDuring my former career as a Catholic priest, I taught a few Religious Studies classes at a small college. My favorite text in one class [...]
Post on Jun 29, 2007 by Jim Gunshinan
What is in your DNA?
How deeply do you want to look into your DNA? Credit: U.S. Department of Energy Genome Programs Remember Jim Watson? The guy who co-discovered what DNA looks like? Recently he got to look at the 6 billion letters that make up his DNA. And maybe soon you can get a peek at yours. In a [...]
Post on Jun 25, 2007 by Dr. Barry Starr
Turning skin cells into embryonic stem cells
Last blog I talked about how I may have to be cloned to get my own embryonic stem (ES) cells. I was willing to deal with all of the associated ethical baggage because these sorts of cells would be so useful. They'll help cure many of my future ailments without my body rejecting these ES [...]
Post on Jun 11, 2007 by Dr. Barry Starr
Cleaning up Hunters Point
The Hunter's Point Naval Shipyard bears traces of a toxic — and historic– military legacy. It could also be the site of the new 49ers stadium. But cleaning up this 500 acre Superfund site is costly and time consuming. QUEST looks at how the site got that way, and how the Navy is cleaning it [...]
Post on Jun 07, 2007 by Amy Standen
Cleaning Up Hunters Point
The Hunter's Point Naval Shipyard bears traces of a toxic — and historic– military legacy. It could also be the site of the new 49ers stadium. But cleaning up this 500 acre Superfund site is costly and time consuming.
Audio Report on Jun 07, 2007 by KQED QUEST staff from QUEST Northern California
My Own Stem Cells
Unlike this cat, my future clone won’t grow beyond a few hundred cells. Last blog I talked about lucky IVF kids who will get to have their own personalized embryonic stem (ES) cells one day. So in the future they'll have cells to help treat their diabetes. Or Alzheimer's. Or Parkinson's. Or… And all of [...]
Post on May 29, 2007 by Dr. Barry Starr
Stem Cell Gold Rush
California's landmark stem cell research program made headlines nationally, but what is the latest story behind the science? QUEST investigates the potential for medical breakthroughs in the next decade and how the Bay Area is leading the way.
Video on May 29, 2007 by Josh Rosen from QUEST Northern California
Stem Cell Gold Rush
California's landmark stem cell research program made headlines nationally, but what's the latest story behind the science? QUEST investigates the potential for medical breakthroughs in the next decade and how the Bay Area is leading the way. Leave your comment or question below for Series Producer Josh Rosen on this story. San Francisco Bay Invaders [...]
Post on May 29, 2007 by Josh Rosen
Here kitty kitty…
Katie had me. With one paw on firmly on my shoulder and the other on my head, her teeth gently explored my hair. I knew if I pushed away, she would tighten her grip, so I sat still and breathed. She stepped back and examined me with her large, green eyes. I stroked the fur [...]
Post on May 23, 2007 by Amy Gotliffe
Why Some Houses Blow
I was talking with Matt Golden of Sustainable Spaces, a home performance contractor in San Francisco, at the annual Affordable Comfort conference in Cleveland last month. Matt is what I like to call a "friend of Home Energy," someone who is enthusiastic about our common cause: making homes healthier and more energy efficient. And Matt [...]
Post on May 18, 2007 by Jim Gunshinan
How to make ethical embryonic stem cells
One cell can be safely removed to make an embryonic stem cell line.One kind of stem cell is controversial– embryonic stem (ES) cells. The controversy comes from the fact that scientists have to destroy an embryo to get its stem cells. To people who view the 8-cell embryo as a life, this is not acceptable. [...]
Post on May 14, 2007 by Dr. Barry Starr
Sniffing Out Indoor Air Pollution
Most people think of their house as a sanctuary from toxic air, but indoor air pollution can be at least as potent — and often much more so — as what you breathe outdoors.
Audio Report on May 11, 2007 by KQED QUEST staff from QUEST Northern California
Curing diabetes with stem cells
Quite a title huh? But some new research in JAMA suggests that it is true. At least these 14 patients haven't had to inject insulin for 1-35 months (so far). These folks were all on their way to having Type 1 diabetes. As you probably know, Type 1 diabetes happens when a patient’s immune system [...]
Post on May 02, 2007 by Dr. Barry Starr
Video Games– Access for All (TV)
Can someone who's quadriplegic or hearing impaired play a video game? QUEST TV takes you to the international Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, where a group of gamers used colorful tactics to convince mainstream developers to make video games accessible for everyone.
Video on May 01, 2007 by Gabriela Quirós from QUEST Northern California
Video Games– Access for All
Can someone who's quadriplegic or hearing impaired play a video game? QUEST TV takes you to the international Game Developers Conference celebrated recently in San Francisco, where a group of gamers used colorful tactics to convince mainstream developers to make video games that are accessible for everyone. You may watch the Video Games– Access for [...]
Post on May 01, 2007 by Gabriela Quirós
