Greetings to all Fans, Supporters, and all who Accept Science as the best tool we have to understand the Universe!
I have been away for awhile (but not completely out of touch with what has been going on)! There have been various periods in my life where it became necessary to leave the comfort of home and people you agree with and take action. I suggest to you that this is a time like that. There are plenty of ways to make a difference. Please find some and do something. My return to the keyboard has been pretty strongly impacted by what some are calling "The War on Science". There are many sources out there that are far better sources of information and understanding than I am on this. This edition of the SciSchmooze is essentially a collection of suggestions for you to look at, and hopefully be inspired by. Here are some things that might inspire or inflame... (Note: I'm not sure which is the most important item. Please check at least a few of them and let me know what you think.)
From Galileo To Dr. Fauci: The History Of Science Denial And Conspiracies
Truth, Lies, and the Consequences of Science Denial
The ignorant pundit is absolutely certain; the true expert understands their own limits and how to ask the right questions "With genuine expertise at a premium, the presence of experts who overstate their conclusions adds noise to the information environment, making it harder for decision-makers to know what to do. The challenge is to filter the signal from the noise."
The Great Quack Revival Why do hucksters prosper in troubled times? "In 2019, the Pew Research Center found 86 percent of Americans felt confident in the work of the country’s scientists. That figure declined during the pandemic, and though it rebounded slightly by 2024, it remains lower than its pre-COVID levels"
NIH director is replacing his top outside advisory board "One of the dismissed ACD members called the mass removal of experienced members, who typically serve for several years, “a profound loss.”"
Renowned geneticist says NIH under Trump is ‘untenable’ and he and staff were ‘muzzled’
How Trump’s ‘gold standard’ politicizes federal science “Transparency” sounds positive, but this rule instead prevented the EPA from using some of the best available science to protect human health.
As always there is an amazing number of choices available to go and meet people and share thoughts on "science". Here are a few that I think are worth checking out in the next week. One big opportunity is A Five-Day Celebration of the New Space Age at Chabot!! There are others to consider though…
After Dark: From the Ground Up - 07/31/2025 06:00 PM
Vintage Computer Festival - 08/01/2025 10:00 AM
First Friday Nights at CuriOdyssey - 08/01/2025 05:00 PM
First Saturday: Free Tour of the Santa Cruz Arboretum - 08/02/2025 11:00 AM
More of what inspired this week's SciSchmooze!!!
Trump Hates Science (skip from 3:00 to 3:32)
Researchers Investigate the Allure of Narcissistic Leaders During Childhood “[Narcissists] impress others as being ‘personalities’; they are especially suited to act as a support for others, to take on the role of leaders and to give a fresh stimulus to cultural development or to damage the established state of affairs.”
The Training Set for Our Future Scientific Discoveries (a bit of a deeper dive into what the future may hold)
When you hear of discoveries of new items found in the solar system you might want to consider that Tunguska is healing, a reflective volcano from space after 100+ years!
Have a great week learning new cool things about our amazing universe and get involved in its exploration and defend the best tool we have for figuring it all out... SCIENCE!
herb masters
Here's 10 quotes about Science’s Value to Society
Upcoming Events:
Click to see the next two weeks of events in your browser.
Tuesday, 07/29/2025
Healthy Homes - 07/29/2025 02:00 PM
Anza Meeting Room San Francisco
In this workshop, led by the San Francisco Environment Department, you’ll learn how to make non-toxic cleaners, identify harmful ingredients in store-bought products and discover safer alternatives. Plus, learn about effective non-toxic pest control methods and how to safely dispose of hazardous household products through local collection programs. Depending on availability, attendees may also receive free Healthy Homes cleaning supplies to get started on their journey to a healthier home.
See weblink to register
Climate talks: Reuse revolution part two - 07/29/2025 03:30 PM
San Francisco Public Library San Francisco
Join for part two of Climate Talks: Reuse Revolution, a discussion about tackling the plastic pollution crisis, featuring experts in reuse policy making. Whether or not you made it to part one, you’re welcome to jump in and be part of the conversation!
Part two will explore how reuse is a powerful tool in fighting climate change and building healthier communities through reuse advocacy.
Space is limited! Please RSVP early to secure a spot.
Wonderfest: Gravity as a Quantum Computer - 07/29/2025 07:00 PM
Hopmonk Tavern Novato
By allowing space and time to bend, Einstein’s theory of gravity, General Relativity, explains how apples fall, how planets move, how the universe expands, and how black holes form. Quantum Mechanics, on the other hand, describes subatomic physics - in a very different language that seems incompatible with General Relativity. Yet, unlike any other classical theory in physics, General Relativity “knows” about Quantum Mechanics. Einstein’s theory allows us to compute how many quantum states a black hole has, and how much quantum information fits in the universe.
Speaker: Raphael Bousso, UC Berkeley
Wednesday, 07/30/2025
Ancient Skies, Modern Tools: Stellarium in the Classroom - 07/30/2025 10:00 AM
Astronomical Society of the Pacific
A three workshop series for astronomy educators to learn to use the free astronomy visualization software Stellarium in the classroom. Experienced educators from the ASP will showcase Stellarium’s applicability for presenting and creating student-centered labs and activities to explore basic astronomical phenomena. Each workshop in the series builds on the previous one. Registration includes all three workshops, not sold separately.
Workshop 1: *Introduction and Basics*, Workshop 2: *Stellarium as a Teaching Tool*, Workshop 3: *Participant Showcase* Each workshop is 1.5 hours long. Participants should expect to spend around 2 hours between the workshops on relevant assignments.
Space Week: Family Adventures in Space - 07/30/2025 10:00 AM
Chabot Space and Science Center Oakland
Get ready for a full day of epic space adventures! From astronaut training and rocket launches to rover building and habitat design, you’ll explore what it takes to live and work in space. Earn mission stamps as you complete challenges and fill your mission log to win stellar prizes!
Designed for explorers ages 5 - 12 with an adult caregiver. All ages and abilities welcome.
Resistant Reefs, Resilient Communities: Science for Collective Survival - Livestream - 07/30/2025 11:00 AM
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
As ocean temperatures rise, coral reefs face increasing threats, but not all corals respond the same way. Some show remarkable resistance to heat stress. In this talk, I share recent work identifying heat-tolerant coral colonies in Belize and discuss how these findings can inform the future of reef conservation and restoration. Yet resistance is not just ecological, it is also social. Just as we seek corals that can survive environmental extremes, we must also build systems that support the persistence and success of underrepresented communities in science. Speaker: DeVant’e Dawson, Stanford University
Register at weblink
Causes and consequences of variation in fish movement strategies - Livestream - 07/30/2025 03:00 PM
Bodega Marine Laboratory
Join us for the UC Davis Bodega Marine Laboratory Seminar Series, featuring speakers from within the marine sciences community and beyond.
Speaker: Hank Baker, UC Berkeley
Register at weblink to receive connection information
Astronomy on Tap: Baton Rouge - Livestream - 07/30/2025 05:00 PM
Astronomy on Tap
Our Cosmic Oasis and the Search for Life Beyond
Speaker: Dr. Carlos Gary-Bicas
Hunting Ghost Particles Across the Universe
Speaker: Dr. Hanyu Wei
Birdy Hour: The Avian Microbiome - Rethinking Bird Ecology from the Inside Out - Livestream - 07/30/2025 06:00 PM
San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory
During this birdy hour, Amy will explore a new perspective on bird ecology: the microbiome. She'll discuss what we currently know about the microbial communities that live in and on birds, and how these microbes may influence health and development. Focusing on our local population of California gulls, Amy will share results from her Master's thesis comparing the microbiomes of gulls nesting at Mono Lake and San Francisco Bay, and consider what these patterns might tell us about gulls living in different environments. Speaker: Amy Parsons, San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory
Register at weblink
Thursday, 07/31/2025
Space Week: Family Adventures in Space - 07/31/2025 10:00 AM
Chabot Space and Science Center Oakland
Get ready for a full day of epic space adventures! From astronaut training and rocket launches to rover building and habitat design, you’ll explore what it takes to live and work in space. Designed for explorers ages 5 - 12 with an adult caregiver. All ages and abilities welcome.
Mission Schedule (See weblink for times) Astronaut Briefing: Astronaut Training: Build Your Own Rover: Rocket Launch: Habitat Building: Space to Relax:
Planning for robust energy and industrial systems: modeling challenges and solutions - Livestream - 07/31/2025 12:00 PM
Stanford University
Modern energy systems are increasingly interdependent, spanning electricity, fuels, industrial inputs, and emerging technologies. How can we build planning models that meaningfully account for this complexity? How do we ensure these tools remain tractable at scale while still capturing the spatial and temporal detail needed to evaluate weather-driven renewables, extreme events, and evolving system needs?
This session will examine the evolving frontiers of capacity expansion modeling, especially under conditions of deep uncertainty and rapid transformation.
Jesse D. Jenkins, Associate Professor at Princeton University, will present ongoing research from the ZERO Lab,
Register at weblink
Math: The Universe's Code or Human Creation? - 07/31/2025 05:00 PM
Lawrence Hall of Science Berkeley
Is mathematics a human invention, or is it woven into the fabric of reality? Join an engaging panel of physicists and mathematicians as they explore whether math is a universal truth waiting to be uncovered or a tool of human creativity. This fun and thought-provoking discussion, open to all curious minds.
Panelists: Kenneth A. Ribet (Professor of Mathematics - Fermat Prize Winner)
Mina Aganagic (Professor of Mathematics and Physics) Raphael Bousso (Professor and The Chancellor's Chair in Physics) Steven Kahn (Dean of Mathematical & Physical Sciences) Moderated by Stephen Sharpe (Cal Alum '83)
Please register for this in-person only event. Room: Auditorium
Unveiling the Universe: Recording Your Journey Through Astrophotography - 07/31/2025 05:30 PM
Chabot Space and Science Center Oakland
Do you want to learn how the amazing space images are made by the Hubble or James Webb Telescopes? Have you ever wanted to take photos of the Milky Way? Get your astrophotography questions answered by Chabot Staff and learn how to identify things in the night sky while learning how to get started in astrophotography as a hobby.
NightLife Goes West - 07/31/2025 06:00 PM
California Academy of Sciences San Francisco
Denim, cowboy boots, and a mechanical bull. This ain't Texas - it's NightLife, with a whole lot of Western flair.
After Dark: From the Ground Up - 07/31/2025 06:00 PM
ExplOratorium San Francisco
Dig into the science right beneath our feet! Even a handful of earth contains entire civilizations, from viruses and microbes to worms and plants. Get your hands (and minds) dirty at this After Dark and learn about soil science, seeds, all the life cultivated by the ground, and how soil health impacts our climate. Plus our members-only event Pairings: Corn, where you can enjoy a bite of chocoyotes (masa dumplings).
How we built the world's largest digital camera - RESCHEDULED -
Stanford Linear Accelerator (SLAC) Public Lecture Series Menlo Park
Register to watch in person in the Kavli Auditorium, or watch the lecture live on our YouTube page. If you previously registered for this date, please re-register. See the weblink.
Editor's Note: This event has been rescheduled for August 7, 2025.
Friday, 08/01/2025
Vintage Computer Festival - 08/01/2025 10:00 AM
Computer History Museum Mountain View
Come and explore an extraordinary showcase of historical computers, from pristine originals to ingenious modern hacks. Computer enthusiasts around the world look forward to the annual Vintage Computer Festival.
Additional ticket options for both days and youth
Space Week: Family Adventures in Space - 08/01/2025 10:00 AM
Chabot Space and Science Center Oakland
See days listed above.
First Friday Nights at CuriOdyssey - 08/01/2025 05:00 PM
CuriOdyssey San Mateo
Note: CuriOdyssey is a gem. I’m sorry if you lie too far to make the trip to see it! You really should!!! Check out the new Nature Story Loop! Swing into the weekend with music, food trucks, animals, and fun! On the first Friday of every month, from 5 pm until 8 pm, parents and kids celebrate together at CuriOdyssey.
Enjoying animal presentation, science activities, and dance to some of your favorite hits.
First Friday: CosmoCon - 08/01/2025 06:00 PM
Chabot Space and Science Center Oakland
Designed for families and adults. All ages and abilities welcome.
Join fellow dreamers, visionaries, and cosmic creators as we step into a future where humanity thrives among the stars. Through storytelling and world-building, we’ll imagine and build the universe we want to live in. With a Costume Contest, Star Trek Improv Show, cocktail making robots, AfroComicCon Pop Ups, and a screening of our newest planetarium show, Worlds Beyond Earth, narrated by Lupita Nyong’o, plus so much more, this is a night you do not want to miss
See weblink to sign up
Saturday, 08/02/2025
Vintage Computer Festival - 08/02/2025 10:00 AM
Computer History Museum Mountain View
Come and explore an extraordinary showcase of historical computers, from pristine originals to ingenious modern hacks. Computer enthusiasts around the world look forward to the annual Vintage Computer Festival. Additional ticket options for both days and youth
Space Week Festival: Day 1 - 08/02/2025 10:00 AM
Chabot Space and Science Center Oakland
See weblink for full schedule
Members 50% off
First Saturday: Free Tour of the Santa Cruz Arboretum - 08/02/2025 11:00 AM
Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden Santa Cruz
On the first Saturday of each month, the Arboretum offers a docent or staff-led tour of the Arboretum. Sometimes you will see New Zealand, South Africa, California, and Australia. Sometimes you might see combinations of several gardens or the developing World Conifer Collection or Rare Fruit Garden.
Arboreteum cost is $10 General, $8 Seniors, $5 Ages 4 - 17
City Public Star Party - 08/02/2025 08:30 PM
City Star Parties - Tunnel Tops Park San Francisco
Come join the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers for free public stargazing of the Moon, planets, globular clusters and more!
The event will take place in Tunnel Tops National Park, parking is located adjacent to Picnic Place (210 Lincoln Blvd for GPS) with the telescopes setup in the East Meadow.
Dress warmly as conditions can be windy or cold in the Presidio. Rain, heavy fog or overcast skies cancel the event. Check the SFAA website for a cancellation notice before leaving for the star party.
Sunday, 08/03/2025
Space Week Festival: Day 2 - 08/03/2025 10:00 AM
Chabot Space and Science Center Oakland
See weblink for event schedule Members 50% off
Wednesday, 08/06/2025
Complex luminescence displays of the Caribbean Sea Firefly - Livestream - 08/06/2025 11:00 AM
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
Does the thermal environment induce transgenerational plasticity in the porcelain crab, Petrolisthes cinctipes? - Livestream - 08/06/2025 03:00 PM
Bodega Marine Laboratory
Thursday, 08/07/2025
Bay Day - 08/07/2025 11:00 AM
ExplOratorium San Francisco
From Prototype to Publication - AI Initiatives for Newsrooms - 08/07/2025 05:30 PM
swissnex San Francisco San Francisco
After Dark: Beneath the Bay - 08/07/2025 06:00 PM
ExplOratorium San Francisco
NightLife: BAIDDF Pre-Party - 08/07/2025 06:00 PM
California Academy of Sciences San Francisco
How we built the world's largest digital camera - 08/07/2025 07:00 PM
Stanford Linear Accelerator (SLAC) Public Lecture Series Menlo Park
Friday, 08/08/2025
Intro to AI-Driven World: Good, Bad, & The Ugly - 08/08/2025 10:00 AM
TBA San Francisco
The Astrobiological Exploration of Enceladus - SOLD OUT - 08/08/2025 07:30 PM
Lick Observatory Mt. Hamilton
Saturday, 08/09/2025
Family Nature Adventures: Fungus Among Us - Exploring the Secret Life of Mushrooms! - RESCHEDULED - 08/09/2025 10:30 AM
Chabot Space and Science Center Oakland
Family Nature Adventures: Reptile Roundup - Discover the Cold-Blooded Creatures of the Forest! - 08/09/2025 10:30 AM
Chabot Space and Science Center Oakland
Tule Doll Workshop - 08/09/2025 01:00 PM
Lawrence Hall of Science Berkeley
Music of the Spheres - Theory of planet formation, structure, and evolution - 08/09/2025 08:00 PM
Lick Observatory Mt. Hamilton
Monday, 08/11/2025
Strange Worlds: Asteroids, Meteors & Meteorites - 08/11/2025 06:00 PM
Science Buzz Cafe Sebastapol
The Most Powerful Zoom Lenses in the Universe - 08/11/2025 07:30 PM
California Academy of Sciences San Francisco