KQED Science Video Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The Physics of Sailing Sep 30, 2008

Show notes

Northern California has a storied, 500-year history of sailing. But despite this rich heritage, scientists and boat designers continue to learn more each day about what makes a sail boat move. Contrary to what you might expect, the physics of sailing still present some mysteries to modern sailors.

Your Photos on QUEST: Cris Benton Sep 30, 2008

Show notes

Join QUEST in our latest photography feature about viewers like you who love documenting science, environment and nature here in the Bay Area. Meet architect and photographer Cris Benton. To document the rich colors of the south San Francisco Bay's salt ponds, he places his camera in a very unique position: hoisted up in the air on a kite.

Autism: Searching for Causes Aug 19, 2008

Show notes

In California today, 37,000 people, mostly children, receive treatment for the most severe form of autism. This is a sevenfold increase from 15 years ago, prompting officials to call the situation a public health crisis. QUEST takes an intimate look at Northern California autism researchers as they study everything from saliva samples to carpet dust in hopes of cracking the mystery.

Cal Academy Comes to Life Aug 19, 2008

Show notes

A great migration is taking place as the California Academy of Sciences moves from its temporary home in downtown San Francisco to its new green building in Golden Gate Park. Join QUEST inside as Cal Academy scientists move live penguins, sharks, eels and millions of other scientific specimens. In the process, we'll see how this new building will showcase one of the greatest scientific institutions in the country.

QUEST Quiz: Water Aug 19, 2008

Show notes

How much water does it take to produce a steak? How much water does a leaky toilet waste? Test your water knowledge in this quiz.

Ghost Fleet Aug 12, 2008

Show notes

More than 70 retired military ships are anchored northeast of San Francisco in Suisun Bay. Most of them have been there for decades and are leaching toxic substances into the water. While a few have historic value, the rest are in line for scrapping - a process that environmentalists hope to speed up with a new lawsuit.

Macro Concerns in a Nano World Aug 12, 2008

Show notes

At 10,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair, you can't see nanoparticles, but you can find them in everyday products like sunscreen and clothing. But environmental and health concerns are mounting about exposure to nanomaterials, sparking a growing debate about their possible regulation.

Cool Critters: Hyenas Aug 12, 2008

Show notes

Hyenas are mostly scavengers, right? Wrong! Spotted Hyenas are extremely good hunters, and they can hunt alone or in a pack. Find out more interesting facts about the Spotted Hyena when QUEST visits with Oakland Zoo Keeper Lorraine Levy.

Science Flexes its Muscles Jul 29, 2008

Show notes

Athletes are racing to get the most out of the human body and are using new technology to do it. But there is a dark side. Anabolic steroids and other performance enhancing drugs have been injected into the mix. But how do they really work? And can new technology catch the cheaters?

Why I Do Science Jul 29, 2008

Show notes

For herpetologist Robert Drewes, studying frogs has been a lifelong affair. Find out why he does science.