Contributions from this Station
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
Scientist Superheroes: The US Government's Crisis Science Team
If your town were suddenly struck by an earthquake or hurricane, you could count on the arrival of police, firefighters, and medical technicians to aid in the emergency response. As of this past January, the US government has added a new team of responders to this list—scientists.
Post on May 13, 2013 by Peter Lollo
Exploring Caves in California: An Otherworldly Experience
While most people are out enjoying the warmer weather spring offers, there are some who cannot wait to make their way underground. With the rainy season behind us, California Caverns are opening up for those who aren't afraid of the dark.
Post on May 07, 2013 by Rachael Rufino
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
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
Post on May 03, 2013 by Sean Greene
The State of the Universe: Matter and Age Up, Dark Energy Down
The European Space Agency's Planck mission has generated a map of the infant universe that refines our understanding of what it's all made of and has upped its age by 100 million years.
Post on May 03, 2013 by Ben Burress
Geological Side Trips from Interstate 80: Through Folsom to Loomis
An hour of crowded freeway or a jaunt through granite, greenery and history? The choice is yours.
Post on May 02, 2013 by Andrew Alden
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
Another Try For California's Second National Conservation Area
Just north of the Bay Area is a vast and varied expanse of land and water that could be in line for new federal protections. The proposed Berryessa-Snow Mountain National Conservation Area would link wilderness zones and other lands in five counties. But it’s been a tough sell in some parts.
Audio Report on Apr 26, 2013 by Craig Miller
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
Antiques Roadshow of the Solar System
As a space-faring culture, we have now left our marks across the solar system, on planets, moons, asteroids, and in the empty space between them. Some of these “marks” are yet-functioning robotic spacecraft. Some are litter, scattered about the place like so many discarded soda cans, plastic grocery bags, depleted batteries, and defunct electronic devices. Are we trashing our solar system?
Post on Apr 19, 2013 by Ben Burress
Gallegos Winery and the Hayward Fault
The new BART extension will bring riders to one of the best exposures of the Hayward fault.
Post on Apr 18, 2013 by Andrew Alden
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
