Hello again, supporter of science,
Witaj ponownie, zwolenniku nauki,
[Over 6,000 people in the Bay Area speak Hungarian at home.]
Show your support for science this Thursday (July 17) by joining one of the hundreds of “Good Trouble Lives On” protests. Thursday is the 5th anniversary of the passing of civil rights leader and Congressman John Lewis. He coined the term "Good Trouble" as the action of coming together to take peaceful, non-violent action to challenge injustice and create meaningful change. Find the location of a nearby protest at GoodTroubleLivesOn
I asked an AI about recent cuts to research in medicine and other sciences. Here is a summary:
The National Institutes of Health budget faces a proposed 40% cut, potentially impacting thousands of grants and leading to a "brain drain" of researchers. Over 4,473 NIH grants are affected including research on sickle cell disease.
The National Science Foundation has already cancelled over 1,600 grants, impacting research on topics such as COVID-19 biology and misinformation.
Changes to federal funding for Medicaid and Medi-Cal (California's program) are expected to significantly impact millions of Californians, potentially leading to a loss of coverage and increased uncompensated care costs. Additionally, cuts to provider taxes and payment caps will likely reduce hospital and physician payment rates.
CLIMATE
Our featured image above shows a ‘red sprite’ over Mexico on 3 July 2025. Although reports date back to the 1800’s, the first photo of a red sprite was taken in 1989. While lightning is a low-altitude hot electrical discharge, red sprites are a cold fluorescent discharge at extreme altitudes. The photo shows what might be a combination of the two.
Including excessive amounts of red meat in your diet is conclusively bad for your health. ¿But what about the health of our planet? Similarly, the production of red meat releases more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than the production of comparable plant-based nutrition. Researchers at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Deutschland proposed taxing foods by their greenhouse emissions. The collected money would go to transitioning to a climate-friendly economy. Because they calculated lower income households would be hit hardest by this tax, dividends would be given to them to offset their contributions.
RAFFLE
We are offering it again. This coffee mug is disguised as a 450ml laboratory beaker that displays the chemical structure of caffeine. Just send an email before noon Friday to david.almandsmith [at] gmail.com with your guess of an integer between 0 and 1,000. Last time, Andrew guessed closest to the randomly-generated 383 to win an element clock.
MEDICINE / HEALTH
The highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has infected 70 people in the U.S., but none since February. Because of this pause in infections, RFK Jr.'s distrust of mRNA vaccines, and costs associated with vaccine development, our government has halted the development of a vaccine for people.
The results of a very small study of Parkinson’s Disease (10 Parkinson’s patients and 14 age-matched controls) were published last week. The study revealed human pegivirus (HPgV) in the brains of 5 patients but in none of the controls. In addition, those 5 patients had the most severe symptoms. The results strongly suggest causation rather than simply association. Stay tuned!
PALEONTOLOGY
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science has dinosaurs on display, so it was just serendipitous that they dug up a dinosaur fossil under their parking lot. When they dug a bore hole 233 m deep to learn whether geothermal heating would be practical, they found the fossil in the core sample. Best guess: thescelosaurus vertebrae from 67.5 million years ago.
Using a new technique called liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, researchers are now able to sequence peptides from fossil teeth that are millions of years old. Although the peptides are only portions of the original proteins, they provide enough information to deduce what full proteins they came from. The evolution of the proteins give paleontologists information helpful in tracking the evolution of the animal species.
A fossil of this 6cm Mosura fentoni was found in the Burgess Shale in Canada. Above is a reconstruction of this 3-eyed predator that had a circular mouth lined with teeth - sorta like a pencil sharpener. Living 500 million years ago, it is the earliest known creature with differentiated body segments. The fossil detailed how its heart circulated blood. It qualifies as our nightmare of the week.
THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK – My Picks
Sun and Earth: A Magnetic Connection Mon 7pm, Cal Academy of Science, S.F., $
Learning through Paddling Tues 7:45am, Marine Science Institute, Redwood City
Nerd Nite: Science of Solo Sex, The Princess Bride, & Photography Wed 8pm, S.F., $
After Dark: Exploring AI Thur 6 - 10pm, ExplOratorium, S.F., $
In Town Star Party Fri 9:30 - 11:30pm, San José
Bubblefest Sat 10am - 4pm, Chabot Space & Science Center, Oakland, $
Foothills Family Nature Walk, Sat 11am, Los Altos
Bubblefest Sun 10am - 4pm, Chabot Space & Science Center, Oakland, $
Tickets now on sale for SkeptiCal 2025 in Oakland on August 22nd. Ticket price goes up $25 on August 1.
BIOLOGY / ETHOLOGY
Center for Whale Research, NMFS NOAA
Orcas have been observed using tools; seaweed actually. Individuals in a pod of orcas off the coast of British Columbia tear off a piece of kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) and rub it between themselves and another orca. [Video] Grooming? Skin care? Confirming relationships; Simply feels good? Based on previous observations, i’m guessing it simply feels good. [Video]
“Living” inside the above microscopic dinoflagellate (Citharistes regius) is Sukunaarchaeum mirabile, a previously unknown type of organism. Similar to viruses, it has its own genome and relies on its host to survive. Unlike viruses, however, Sukunaarchaeum mirabile has all the cellular machinery needed to duplicate its own genome. The genome itself identifies Sukunaarchaeum as an archaeon. Apparently the dinoflagellate provides Sukunaarchaeum’s metabolic needs. ¿Is it living? The distinction between life and non-life is a false dichotomy. It’s like asking how long a stretch of asphalt must be before we call it a road. We can decide on an answer, but it will be arbitrary. From simple autocatalytic chemical processes billions of years ago to today’s cheetahs has been an enormously branched continuum.
FUN NERDY VIDEOS
Laxative and the Chiropractor - Cup O’ Joe - Joe Schwarcz - 4 mins
Solar System Size Comparisons - Global Data - 5 mins
Antarctic Mystery Particles - Science News - Sabine Hossenfelder - 5.5 mins
Orcas Aren’t Just Messing with Yachts - Bizarre Beasts - Hank Green - 6.5 mins
Finding Alien Life - Big Think - David Kipping - 18.5 mins
ISS Q&A with K-3rd Pupils - NASA - Anne McClain & Nichole Ayers - 20.5 mins
Living on the Moon [Space Architecture] - Dami Lee, Architect - 23 mins
Silver - Tales from the Periodic Table - Ron Hipschmann - 32 mins
Wonderful World of Fungi - Deutsche Welle Documentary - 34 mins
Fixing the Media Landscape? - StarTalk - Neil deGrasse Tyson, Gary O’Reilly, Harleen Kaur - 36 mins
Dino Birds - PBS NOVA - 50 mins
Black Holes & Reality - Huge Conversations - Cleo Abram & Brian Cox - 74 mins
Demonstrate on Thursday, chat with a stranger, and practice empathy,
Dave Almandsmith, Bay Area Skeptics
“I call him free who is led solely by reason.”
— Baruch Spinoza (1632-1677) Dutch philosopher
“Confirmation bias is an underexplored source of renewable energy.”
— Sabine Hossenfelder (1976 - ) German theoretical physicist
Upcoming Events:
Click to see the next two weeks of events in your browser.
Monday, 07/14/2025
The Sun and the Earth: A Magnetic Connection - 07/14/2025 07:30 PM
California Academy of Sciences San Francisco
From our daily routines to seasonal changes, there are so many ways to experience our relationship with the Sun. For something upon which we rely so heavily, there are still quite a few mysteries that surround it! One of the biggest questions scientists have about the Sun seems so simple: Why is the Sun’s atmosphere so hot? Finding the answer to this question is a driving force behind solar physics today, and the key to solving this mystery might just unlock a few other clues along the way.
Join Dr. Robinson on a journey that begins deep inside the Sun, where superheated plasma flows generate the Sun’s tangled magnetic field. Learn how the magnetic field shapes and is shaped by the diffuse Solar atmosphere, and how resulting magnetic explosions offer crucial insights into unveiling the secrets of the Sun’s atmospheric processes.
Soon to join NASA’s proud fleet of Heliophysics missions, the Multi-Slit Solar Explorer (MUSE) is designed to collect the signatures of bright magnetic events in the Sun’s atmosphere and analyze them with unprecedented spectral detail. New data from MUSE will help us better understand not only the Sun’s atmosphere, but also how Earth’s relationship with the Sun is dictated by dynamic Solar magnetism.
Speaker: Dr. Rebecca Robinson, SETI Institute: MUSE Mission Outreach
Tuesday, 07/15/2025
Stewardship Tuesday: Learning through Paddling - 07/15/2025 07:45 AM
Marine Science Institute Redwood City
Join the Marine Science Institute (MSI) and The Marine Mammal Center for a unique, hands-on adventure through our local wetland habitat! Paddle through the winding slough in a canoe as we discover the incredible wildlife that calls this ecosystem home. During this guided experience, you'll learn about the vital role sloughs play in supporting the health of the Bay and the marine mammals that rely on these habitats. We'll also discuss how human activity impacts these environments and how we are all interconnected. By the end of the event, we hope you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for wetland ecosystems and will have some goals for the next steps you can take on your conservation journey.
No canoeing experience is necessary! The MSI team will provide an introduction to basic paddling techniques, boat safety, and general water safety to ensure a fun and comfortable experience for all participants.
For high school students
The Impact on American Science and Medicine of the Current Administration - 07/15/2025 05:30 PM
Commonwealth Club San Francisco
Research funded by the federal government has been crucial in many of the defining technologies of our time: the internet, A.I., crispr, Ozempic, and the mRNA vaccines first used widely in the COVID pandemic. Between 2010 and 2019, more than 350 drugs were approved in the United States, and virtually all of them could trace their roots to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Now this administration is endangering our health by cutting funds to academic medical centers. Moreover, there are threats to Medicaid, as well as ongoing cuts to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Many universities have paused hiring due to the uncertainty at the NIH and are curtailing graduate programs. Biotech investors are warning of a contraction in medical innovation. NIH grants have been terminated on ideological grounds, which have resulted in clinical trials shutting down. Global health programs worldwide have been cut. A discussion on these destructive policies on medicine in our country is needed.
Speaker: Monica Ghandi, UC San Francisco
Wednesday, 07/16/2025
Ancient Skies, Modern Tools: Stellarium in the Classroom - 07/16/2025 10:00 AM
Astronomical Society of the Pacific
Join the ASP's Shanil Virani, Cosmic Engagement Specialist, for a 3-workshop Educator Series - Ancient Skies, Modern Tools: Stellarium in the Classroom
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* will cover the basics of using Stellarium and how it can be used to visualize various astronomical ideas such as constellations, the celestial sphere, daily motion of the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars, eclipses, retrograde motion, and more. After the workshop participants will use and play with Stellarium on their own and work through an example lab to familiarize themselves with the software.
Workshop 2: *Stellarium as a Teaching Tool* will highlight how Stellarium can be used to teach astronomical concepts rather than lecturing using slides. ASP staff will demonstrate how to generate data for students to then interpret so they can master basic astronomy ideas. After the workshop participants will brainstorm and then develop a Stellarium-based lab or activity they would like to use with their own students. July 30, same time
Workshop 3: *Participant Showcase* will invite participants to share and discuss the ideas they have worked on since Workshop 2, getting feedback from their peers and ASP staff. The labs participants come up with will live in a shared repository for all to access, use, and modify. August 13, same time
Each workshop is 1.5 hours long. Participants should expect to spend around 2 hours between the workshops on relevant assignments.
Participants will gain the following through participation in the workshop:
Strategies we have found to successful at engaging learners of all ages
Access to astronomy experts who will facilitate the workshop.
A certificate of completion for participating in 8 clock hours of professional development.
Stewardship Wednesday: Experiencing Fish Kitchen - 07/16/2025 11:30 AM
Marine Mammal Center Sausalito
Join us for an extra Stewardship Wednesday in the month of July! During this exclusive behind-the-scenes opportunity you will have the chance to support our hard-working volunteer crews. We will be preparing food for tour marine mammal patients and upkeeping kitchen sanitization tasks, allowing you a glimpse into what it is like to be one of our committed animal care volunteers. Our hope is that you leave this event with an increased understanding of patient needs, and some goals for what you can do to support our ocean.
For High School students
Exploring the Gravitational Wave Universe: New Discoveries and the Future of LIGO Astronomy - 07/16/2025 07:00 PM
San Francisco Amateur Astronomers San Francisco
Measuring gravitational waves is a revolutionary new way to do astronomy. They were predicted by Einstein but we did not have the technology to find them in his lifetime. In 2015, LIGO (the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) first detected one of these waves - a tiny ripple in space itself, generated by the collision of two black holes. Since then, LIGO and its international partners have measured nearly 100 signals. What can we learn from these bursts of energy from the mergers of black holes or the collision of two neutron stars? How is it possible to measure a wave which stretches our detector 1000 times less than the diameter of a proton? And what's coming next in our search for these tell-tale ripples in space?
Dr. Brian Lantz is a Senior Research Scientist at Stanford University.
In-Memory Computing SoC with Multi-level RRAM to Accelerate AI Inference - 07/16/2025 07:00 PM
Valley Research Park Mountain View
TetraMem will introduce its multi-level RRAM cell for in-memory computing. The talk will explain how TetraMem uses Multi-level RRAM to accelerate neural network inference applications. The speaker will demonstrate how TetraMem leverages its unique technology and expertise to increase precision, accuracy and energy efficiency of AI applications, including our methods to improve cell performance as recently published in Nature and Science.
Speaker: Wenbo Yin, TetraMem Inc
Attend in person or online (see weblink)
Joseph Belli on Diablo Range birds - Livestream - 07/16/2025 07:00 PM
Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance
Joseph Belli has hiked and explored the Diablo Range extensively since the 1970s. He holds a master of science in conservation biology and has worked as a wildlife biologist for the National Park Service. He has conducted surveys for the Bureau of Land Management and California State Parks, and has worked with California condors, California red-legged frogs, and other sensitive or endangered species. Belli’s writing has appeared in High Country News, the Ponderosa, and The Wonder of It All, a collection of stories from National Park Service employees and volunteers. He lives on a rural property in the Diablo Range. He has written two books: The Diablo Diary, and Beneath a Black and White Sky: A Year Among Condors at Pinnacles National Park.
Nerd Nite SF #153: The Science of Solo Sex, The Princess Bride, and Photography - 07/16/2025 08:00 PM
Rickshaw Stop San Francisco
This summer is heating up and we’ve got the hot HOT talks that you want to see! Join us to for a tour de force of trivia about the science of photography, the TRUTH about the Princess Bride, and new research about self-pleasure.
“1,000 People Masturbated… for Science!”
By: Danielle Bezalel
In a first-of-its-kind study, my research team and I surveyed over 1,000 people with vulvas to find out how using the Magic Wand vibrator daily impacts stress, pleasure, confidence, body image, relationship connectivity, sleep, and well-being. The results? Sexy and science-backed. This talk dives into what we learned, how we did it, and why pleasure deserves a seat at the research table.
Danielle Bezalel, MPH (aka DB), is a sex educator and the creator/host of the podcast Sex Ed with DB.
“Iocaine Scandal: Was Westley REALLY Immune?”
By: Trace Dominguez
Westley, (aliases: the Dread Pirate Roberts, Farm Boy) claims immunity from an Australian poison known as “Iocaine” but is this true? Can someone become immune to iocaine powder? Was this all an elaborate ruse to add to his mystique as the Dread Pirate? Science Communicator Trace Dominguez looks into this heinous poisoning and uncovers a surprising new angle on the death of Vizzini.
“Photography: How to See the World”
By: Yousef Hindy
Up until 150 years ago, if you wanted to see what something looked like, you had to go and see it for yourself or commission an artist to do a painting or sculpture. Today, you can see in perfect color what anyone or anything looks like on demand. How did we get here? In this talk we will explore how artificial and biological imaging work and how they let us see the world.
Yousef Hindy is an engineer at Applied Intuition
Thursday, 07/17/2025
Agentic AI Themed International Conference on Applied Data Science (ICADS) 2025 - Livestream - 07/17/2025 08:00 AM
IEEE Computer Society, Santa Clara Valley Chapter
Join us for the Fourth International Conference on Applied Data Science (ICADS 2025), organized by the IEEE Computer Society of Santa Clara Valley. This virtual event brings together global innovators in data science to share cutting-edge research and practical applications.
With keynote sessions, interactive workshops, and panel discussions covering topics related to GenAI and its application. ICASDS 2025 offers a dynamic platform for innovation and collaboration. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with experts and advance the field of data science from the comfort of your own home.
See weblink for agenda topics and speakers, and to register.
Lunch Break Science - Livestream - 07/17/2025 11:00 AM
The Leakey Foundation
Lunch Break Science is a dynamic live web series featuring fascinating short talks, engaging interviews, and lively Q&A with Leakey Foundation scientists. Each episode digs deeper into the latest human origins discoveries, with topics like Neanderthals, chimpanzee behavior, and more! Even better, you can interact with researchers during the show and have your questions answered on air.
See weblink to join
Expansion planning with resilience - Livestream - 07/17/2025 12:00 PM
Stanford Energy
The EARNEST Consortium, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is dedicated to identifying and advancing solutions for the future of the U.S. electricity system. As part of its public engagement, EARNEST is launching its first webinar series, focused on “U.S. Grid Reliability and Resilience.” This fifth session will highlight ongoing work by the EARNEST research team at Iowa State University.
Electric systems planners have been doing their work for a hundred years, to determine how to expand generation, transmission, and distribution systems, identifying the expansion in terms of what technologies to use, when and where to build, and at what capacities. However, there remains a need for integrating within planning processes investments benefiting costly “extreme events,” particularly those affected by climate change (e.g., high wind, extreme snow/ice, extreme cold, extreme heat, flood, droughts, and wildfires).
As part of the seminar, the research team will describe their proposed approach for an expansion planning tool for identifying a good balance between investments benefiting normal planning conditions, investments benefiting extreme events, and investments benefiting both. We illustrate the tool using a model of the MISO region, accounting for the August 10, 2020 derecho that swept through Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois and other parts of the Midwest, inflicting over $11B in damage.
Speaker: James McCalley, Iowa State University
Register at weblink to receive connection information
Raising AI: An Essential Guide to Its Use - 07/17/2025 05:30 PM
Commonwealth Club San Francisco
In a world in which artificial intelligence will change everything, we need a leader to illuminate the impact of “the automation of thought” on our way of life. How is the widespread use of AI impacting our world, our minds, and our future - not just as a technical innovation but as a mode of culture? Should we be afraid?
De Kai has been a trailblazer in the world of AI. He invented and built the world’s first global-scale online language translator that spawned Google Translate, Yahoo Translate, and Microsoft Bing Translator. He brings decades of his paradigm-shifting work at the nexus of artificial intelligence and society to help people make sense of their interactions with AI at both personal and collective levels - ethically and responsibly. While Hollywood narratives of AI destroying humanity might be overblown, the age of AI is reshaping the future of civilization.
What should each of us do as the responsible adults in the room? De Kai asks critical, overlooked questions requiring urgent attention.
NightLife - 07/17/2025 06:00 PM
California Academy of Sciences San Francisco
When the lights dim, the museum comes alive at NightLife. With live DJs, hand-crafted drinks, glowing lights, and 60,000 live animals (including familiar faces like Claude, our alligator with albinism), the night is sure to be wild.
Plus, you can:
Explore our two newest exhibits, Dino Days and Unseen Oceans: Roam among 13 life-size animatronic dinosaurs in our outdoor gardens then embark on a journey to the deep sea with interactive activations and glowing supersized models.
Step inside the iconic Shake House earthquake simulator and our four-story Osher Rainforest, where you can explore the Amazon’s treetops surrounded by free-flying birds and butterflies.
Venture into our aquarium exhibit Venom to encounter live venomous animals and learn the power of venom to both harm and heal.
Bask in the glow of one of the largest living indoor coral reef displays in the world: our 212,000-gallon Philippine Coral Reef habitat.
Take in the interstellar views from the Living Roof, then grab a bite from the Academy Café and head to the West Garden to drink and dine under the stars.
After Dark: Exploring AI - 07/17/2025 06:00 PM
ExplOratorium San Francisco
Explore AI through a new lens with Adventures in AI! Our summer exhibition allows you to play, learn, interact, and get curious about artificial intelligence. Join us at After Dark to immerse yourself in this brand-new exhibition and dive into how AI can influence - and enhance - human creativity. Can you outsmart a computer with your drawings? Or create shadow puppets that fit within the AI’s expectations? Put your observation and description skills to the test with an AI-powered game, enjoy a performance by a robot drummer and its human, and examine digital and physical currencies throughout history.
Friday, 07/18/2025
In Town Star Party - 07/18/2025 09:30 PM
San Jose Astronomical Association San Jose
Come join San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA) for an evening of stargazing.
Events are held at the parking lot of our headquarters, Houge Park San Jose. The event duration is 2 hours. SJAA volunteers will share night sky views from their telescopes.Please refrain from bringing your own telescopes (Binoculars are welcome). If you like to be a volunteer with or without a telescope please email at "itsp@sjaa.net".SJAA as an all volunteer-nonprofit org depends on the City of San Jose to use facilities at Houge Park. To maintain this relationship, we must provide facility-use data to the city. Therefore, we ask you to sign in (no traceable personal data collected) when you arrive at the event.
Saturday, 07/19/2025
Bubblefest - 07/19/2025 10:00 AM
Chabot Space and Science Center Oakland
Get ready to be blown away at Bubblefest! Step into a world of wobbly wonders and popping surprises as bubble experts showcase the coolest tricks and mind-blowing science behind bubbles. From rainbow-colored bubbles to bubble art masterpieces, find something awe-inspiring for everyone! Dive into the action with hands-on bubble experiments, watch bubbles dance with dry ice, and experience the thrill of being inside a giant bubble! And did you know bubbles hold secrets about stars and outer space?
Come join the bubbliest party in town with nonstop bubble fun for all ages!
Foothills Family Nature Walk - 07/19/2025 11:00 AM
Foothills Nature Preserve Los Altos
Join us at Foothills Nature Preserve for a family-friendly nature walk, guided by EV docents. Good for ages 6 and up; all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Register at weblink. Limited space
The Marine Mammal Center's 50th Anniversary Celebration, Northern Range - 07/19/2025 12:00 PM
Golden State Cider Taproom Sebastopol
Mingle with The Marine Mammal Center’s leadership and experts as well as like-minded ocean heroes. Buy your 50th swag at our retail stand. Watch our short celebratory 50th Anniversary reel, engage with our education tables and more! Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
This event is free and open to the public. Children are welcome.
Register at weblnk
Starry Nights Star Party - 07/19/2025 09:30 PM
Rancho Canada Del Oro Open Space Preserve Morgan hill
Join the San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA) and Santa Clara County Open Space Authority (OSA) for an unforgettable night of exploring the night sky. Our knowledgeable docents, members of SJAA, will be your guides to providing valuable insights into the wonders of our universe. The viewing site, Rancho Canada del Oro Open Space Preserve, is just 30 minutes south of downtown San Jose, and features darker skies than viewing from the city. It's dark enough to see the band of our Milky Way galaxy during the Summer months.
Gather with fellow space fans for an evening under the stars as we set up telescopes for an up-close experience viewing interesting objects in the nighttime sky. Connect with amateur astronomers and space enthusiasts to share in the excitement of observing the night sky in all its splendor. You may even see a meteor or satellite passing overhead. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn more about the heavens above or a seasoned stargazer seeking to deepen your knowledge, this event promises to spark curiosity and awe for the wonders of our cosmic backyard. Come join us for a star party that will leave you inspired by the beauty and science of astronomy.
Registration required (at weblink). See weblink for additional information.
Sunday, 07/20/2025
Bubblefest - 07/20/2025 10:00 AM
Chabot Space and Science Center Oakland
Get ready to be blown away at Bubblefest! Step into a world of wobbly wonders and popping surprises as bubble experts showcase the coolest tricks and mind-blowing science behind bubbles. From rainbow-colored bubbles to bubble art masterpieces, find something awe-inspiring for everyone! Dive into the action with hands-on bubble experiments, watch bubbles dance with dry ice, and experience the thrill of being inside a giant bubble! And did you know bubbles hold secrets about stars and outer space?
Come join the bubbliest party in town with nonstop bubble fun for all ages!
Trapeze Arts - 07/20/2025 11:30 AM
Lawrence Hall of Science Berkeley
Join us for our annual trapeze arts shows from returning favorites Les Aerielles and for one of our signature Five Dollar Days! Ooh and ahh as acrobats soar through the air and celebrate the human body and what it can do when put to music.
Trapeze shows at 12:00 noon, 1:00, and 2:00 p.m.
Monday, 07/21/2025
A Copilot for Social Promotion - 07/21/2025 06:45 PM
Valley Research Park Mountain View
The Social Promotion Copilot (SPC) is designed to autonomously engage with users on social platforms, leveraging advanced NLP and action-oriented automation. This chapter delves into its architectural foundation, focusing on the integration of Theory of Mind to enhance SPC’s ability to interpret user emotions, predict reactions, and tailor responses dynamically. By modeling mental states, SPC can distinguish between different user intents, such as seeking support, expressing dissatisfaction, or driving discussions. This capability enables more context-aware and persuasive interactions, making SPC a more effective tool for both social engagement and marketing strategies.
Beyond cognitive modeling, the chapter also examines the run-time execution framework, detailing how SPC processes textual tasks in real-time. The system selects optimal actions based on multi-modal inputs, including textual context, sentiment analysis, and platform-specific engagement patterns. Through a structured decision-making pipeline, SPC adapts its posting and response strategies to maximize visibility and interaction. By balancing automation with adaptive intelligence, SPC transforms from a simple content-promotion tool into an autonomous social agent, capable of managing long-term engagement and fostering meaningful digital interactions, which is confirmed by evaluation on social network sites.
Speaker: Boris Galitsky, Stavropol Agricultural University
Attend in person, or watch on online via Zoom or YouTube
Tuesday, 07/22/2025
Thursday, 07/24/2025
After Dark: Natural Intelligence - 07/24/2025 06:00 PM
ExplOratorium San Francisco
NightLife - 07/24/2025 06:00 PM
California Academy of Sciences San Francisco
Long-billed Curlew - Livestream - 07/24/2025 07:00 PM
Golden Gate Bird Alliance
Friday, 07/25/2025
Galaxies in Motion - SOLD OUT - 07/25/2025 07:30 PM
Lick Observatory Mt. Hamilton
Saturday, 07/26/2025
Outdoor Music of the Spheres - The Birth of Cosmic Behemoths: Insights into the Earliest Stages of Galaxy Cluster Assembly - 07/26/2025 07:30 PM
Lick Observatory Mt. Hamilton