Engineering
KQED Science
Activists Push for Public Review of Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant
An environmental group claims there are unanswered questions about the seismic safety of the Central Coast plant.
KQED Science
Berkeley Lab Tackles Global Vaccine Delivery Problem with Portable Solar-Powered Fridge
Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a portable vaccine solar-power fridge designed to run without power for five days, so vaccines are still viable when they are delivered in remote countries.
KQED Science
‘Bionic Eye’ Allows Some Blind People to See Light
A California woman recently became the first person in the West to receive a new type of bionic eye, an implant that will help her see for the first time in nearly three decades.
KQED Science
As More Crude Oil Rolls In, a Push for Better Track Inspection
In response to concerns about the risks of crude by rail, Union Pacific has begun to boost its rail inspection program by dispatching vehicles with lasers that can find tiny track imperfections.
KQED Science
25 Years After the Loma Prieta Earthquake, Are We Safer?
Bay Area taxpayers have spent billions of dollars over the last quarter-century to make our bridges, water pipes and power supplies safer in an earthquake. Experts say that means the Bay Area is much better off now. At the same time, the work is far from over.
KQED Science
With Drought, New Scrutiny Over Fracking’s Water Use
The drought is putting a spotlight on water use around California, including for hydraulic fracturing. How much water does fracking use and will it increase as companies tap into the Monterey Shale, estimated to be the largest oil resource in country?
KQED Science
Anti-Fracking Activists in California Take Fight to County Ballots
Activists are hoping local residents will do what state legislators haven’t done -- shut down the controversial oil production technique known as hydraulic fracturing.
KQED Science
PG&E Tests Tech Adapted From NASA’s Mars Rover
The sensor is based on a tool that's mounted on NASA's Mars Curiosity rover.
KQED Science
Drought Rallies Support for California Water Projects
Water worries persist -- and may be driving support for a multi-billion-dollar water bond.
KQED Science
Researchers Have Vision-Correcting Computer Screens in Their Sights
What if everyone could clearly see their phone and computer screens without wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses? Researchers have developed new vision-correcting display technology that could help make this a reality.
KQED Science
Small Fire at Chevron Refinery Ruled an Accident
The fire started early in the morning on July 16, and firefighters put it out in about an hour.
KQED Science
Drought-Stricken California Town Struggles to Keep the Water Flowing
From heavy machinery to hand-held flour sifters, this town is pulling out all the stops to save its water.
KQED Science
With DARPA Support, Lawrence Lab Seeks to Develop Brain Implant to Treat Memory Loss
Misplace your car keys? Forget to buy milk at the store? For those coping with a memory-impairing disease or injury, memory loss can be debilitating. New therapeutic brain implants could help patients overcome memory deficits.
KQED Science
Carbon-Tracking Satellite Will Monitor Earth’s ‘Breathing’
The data could yield a much more precise picture of how accumulating greenhouse gases will affect the planet.
KQED Science
Drought Outlook: ‘Disastrous Consequences’ If 2015 Is Dry
A new report echoes some of the worst fears of a fourth straight drought year.
KQED Science
Apple Jumps Into Health and Fitness Market
With a new tool for consolidating health data, such as weight and sleep patterns, the company enters a $2 billion industry.
Mindshift
Robots in the Classroom: What Are They Good For?
Some educators are experimenting with using robots in the classroom to engage students and help explain abstract concepts that students often misunderstand. ...Read More
KQED Science
California’s Monterey Shale: Bonanza or Bust? Nobody Really Knows
There's more than meets the eye to the reported reassessment of the state's next big oil play.
