Menu

Archives

QuantumQuestions

Quantum Questions

/ , , , /

Quantum physics describes the realm of the very small with exquisite accuracy. However, quantum experiments can give such strange results that physicists often need to assume disparate "interpretations" of quantum physics in order to make sense of what they observe.

Amid this quantum uncertainty, it’s become fashionable for the names of everyday products and services to include the word "quantum."  When is this valid, and when is "quantum" just a nonsense buzzword? From "quantum computing" to "quantum biology" to "quantum jumping", this presentation will put you in a super-position to tell the difference.
WHAT: Quantum Questions & Quantum Quackery
WHO: Dr. Miriam Diamond, Research Associate, Stanford Linear Accelerator Center
WHERE: HopMonk Tavern, 224 Vintage Way, Novato [http://www.hopmonk.com/novato/tasty-food/]
WHEN: 2018-05-27 — 7:00pm, Sunday, May 27, 2018
HOW:

This event is FREE, but please consider a modest (or immodest!) contribution to nonprofit Wonderfest via the Eventbrite box, below.

NorthernDeLights

Northern DeLights – May 19

/ , , /

The Northern Lights (aurora) can appear as a deep red glow here in California. In Alaska, it more often appears as a bright green band, glowing across the night sky. Scientists are still researching why these dynamic lights look the way they do. Come learn more about the underlying reasons for auroras, their connection to the activity on the Sun, and how photographers are helping us better understand the different ways these lights manifest ... and delight.
Our speaker, physicist Laura Peticolas, is Scientist and Associate Director of Education & Outreach at Sonoma State University.

Dr. Laura Peticolas

WHAT: Northern DeLights: From Deep Red Glow to Shimmering Green Curtain
WHO: Dr. Laura Peticolas, Assoc. Director of Education & Outreach, Sonoma State Univ.
WHERE: Cushing "Mountain" Amphitheater, Pan Toll Road at Ridgecrest Blvd, Mt. Tamalpais State Park
Map: [http://goo.gl/maps/iRRFR]
WHEN: 2018-05-19 — 8:00pm, Saturday, May 19, 2018
HOW: Mt. Tamalpais State Park closes at sunset; on May 19th, that's ~ 8:15pm. Thereafter, vehicles will not be admitted. Please note these new rules:
  •    Vehicles can exit the Park until 10:30pm; after that, remaining vehicles may be cited.
  •    After sunset, vehicles lacking a dashboard Astro Program parking pass may be cited.
  •    Print a FREE Astro Program parking pass at this Eventbrite website.
This FREE science event is presented by Wonderfest, the Friends of Mt. Tam, the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers, and Mt. Tamalpais State Park. Optional sky tour and telescope viewing will follow.
Bring a flashlight and — even though mountaintop weather (above the fog) is often warmer than down at sea level — wear warm clothes in layers. If rain or wildfire threatens, call 415-455-5370 after 4pm on event day.
Jane-movie

Why Study Apes? – Mar27

/ , , /

Jane Goodall may be the world's foremost expert on our genetic and behavioral kin, the chimpanzees. She is certainly a brave and thoughtful steward of planet Earth. In the 2017 documentary Jane, we see the young, untrained researcher challenge scientific consensus on the road to revolutionizing people's understanding of the natural world.
Alongside the Cameo Cinema's screening of the highly acclaimed Jane (99% Fresh at RottenTomatoes), Wonderfest presents UC Davis anthropologist Kelly Harcourt on "Why Study Apes?" Dr. Harcourt studied mountain gorillas (with, among others, Dian Fossey) in central and east Africa. Since 1989, she and her husband have produced numerous scientific and popular publications, including their 2007 book, Gorilla Society.

Dr. Kelly Stewart Harcourt

WHAT: JANE & Why Study Apes?
WHO: Dr. Kelly Stewart Harcourt, Research Associate, UC Davis
WHERE: Cameo Cinema, 1340 Main Street, St. Helena, CA [http://www.cameocinema.com/index.html]
WHEN: 2018-03-27 — 5:00pm, Tuesday, March 27, 2018
HOW: Purchase tickets for this special Science On Screen event via the Cameo Cinema box office "Tickets" link, below.
Tickets
virus

The Secret Life of Viruses – Feb 17

/ , , /

Viruses are infectious agents that exist in the twilight zone between the living and the non-living. Despite their tiny genomes and diminutive nature, viruses hold the power of life and death. They also contain remarkable molecular tools, some of which researchers have learned to harness to understand and control the fundamental powers of biology. Stanford's Bob Siegel will shine light on the basic structure and function of viruses. He'll also explore those features that distinguish viruses from the living organisms they commandeer.

Dr. Robert Siegel, MD PhD, is Professor of Microbiology & Immunology at Stanford University. He has won nearly a dozen awards for excellence in teaching.

Dr. Robert Siegel

WHAT: The Secret Life of Viruses
WHO: Dr. Robert Siegel, Professor of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford
WHERE: Alameda Free Library, 1550 Oak Street, Alameda, CA 94501
WHEN: 2018-02-17 — 2:00pm, Saturday, February 17, 2018
HOW:

This collaboration with the Alameda Free Library has no admission charge. But what value does this knowledge have FOR YOU? Please contribute to Wonderfest accordingly, ... and deduct it from your taxes. Help nonprofit Wonderfest to spread the scientific outlook via the "Tickets" box, below.

MissionMars

MISSION: MARS – Feb 20

/ , , /

The first human mission to Mars will be the greatest adventure of the 21st-century. As with all expeditions, its success will depend on planning. The first steps are already under way: achieving longer spaceflight missions, planning for deep space journeys beyond the Moon, and exploring extreme terrestrial environments as Mars “analogs.”
Dr. Pascal Lee will discuss progress made around the world — from the Arctic to Antarctica, from basement labs to the International Space Station — to achieve the first human voyage to Mars. He will explore the what, why, how, when, and who of our first journey to the Red Planet.

Dr. Pascal Lee

WHAT: MISSION: MARS
WHO: Dr. Pascal Lee, Planetary Scientist [http://www.pascallee.net/bio/]
WHERE: Box HQ, 900 Jefferson Avenue, Redwood City, CA
Map: [https://goo.gl/maps/h6bMNQm5AHA2]
WHEN: 2018-02-20 — 7:30, Tuesday, February 20, 2018
HOW: Free parking is available in the large, multistory lot adjacent to Box HQ. Just be sure to validate your parking stub during registration in the Box lobby. This entire event has no admission charge. If you'd like to support nonprofit Wonderfest, please use the "Tickets" box, below.
PleaseExplain

The Human Drive to Explain

/ , , , , /

Stephen J. Gould described humans as “the primates who tell stories.” Psychologist Robyn Dawes took it one step further, arguing that we’re "the primates whose cognitive capacity shuts down in the absence of a story.” Why are we so motivated to find a good story or explanation? Is this tendency beneficial? Cognitive psychologist Tania Lombrozo will suggest that our "drive to explain" itself explains some of the most remarkable human achievements, but also some of our failings.
Dr. Tania Lombrozo is Professor of Psychology at UC Berkeley, where she directs the Concepts and Cognition Lab. She is also an affiliate of the Department of Philosophy and a member of the Institute for Congitive and Brain Sciences.

Dr. Tania Lombrozo

WHAT: The Human Drive to Explain
WHO: Dr. Tania Lombrozo, Professor of Psychology, UC Berkeley
WHERE: Franklin Room at Aduro Biotech, 740 Heinz Avenue, Berkeley [http://www.aduro.com]
Map: [https://goo.gl/maps/CjmjWXUNNKk]
WHEN: 2018-02-08 — 6:00pm, Thursday, February 8, 2018
COLLABORATORS:
Bay Area Skeptics [http://baskeptics.org]
HOW:

This FREE event is co-presented by Wonderfest and the Bay Area Skeptics (BAS). Please use the Eventbrite box, below, to support these nonprofit organizations in accord with the value that this event has for you. Donations will be shared equally between Wonderfest and BAS.

JenniferDoudna

Gene Editor Wins ’17 Sagan Prize, Jan 17

/ , , /

Wonderfest has awarded the 2017 Carl Sagan Prize for Science Popularization to Dr. Jennifer A. Doudna, Professor of Chemistry and of Molecular & Cell Biology at UC Berkeley. The Sagan Prize, funded by Aduro Biotech, is presented specifically to recognize and encourage Bay Area researchers who "have contributed mightily to the public understanding and appreciation of science."
Dr. Doudna is globally known for her discovery and development of the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system which the New York Times says has "revolutionized humans' ability to edit DNA," allowing genetic changes that can be passed on to future generations. Dr. Doudna's numerous and rich science popularization efforts include a TED talk, RadioLab & Science Friday interviews, and a best-selling popular book on gene editing and its implications.
Dr. Doudna will receive the Sagan Prize — including its $5000 cash award — from Wonderfest founding Board member Dr. Eugenie Scott during a ceremony in Berkeley on January 17, 2018.

Dr. Jennifer Doudna

WHAT: Jennifer Doudna Receives 2017 Sagan Prize
WHO: Dr. Jennifer Doudna, Professor of Chemistry and of Molecular & Cell Biology, UC Berkeley
WHERE: To Be Announced, Berkeley, California
WHEN: 2018-01-17 — 7:00pm, Wednesday, January 17, 2018
HOW: By invitation only. Please email Wonderfest director Tucker Hiatt <tucker@wonderfest.org> by 1/14/18 to request an invitation.

Load More