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A time-lapse video of the new California Academy of Sciences building being constructed. The building re-opened on September 27, 2008 and designed by world-renowned architect Renzo Piano, the new Academy is one of most eco-friendly buildings in the world and was awarded a LEED Platinum certification after its completion.
Dangling from branches over water, they watch and wait for fish to swim close to the surface before plunging their heads into the water. Arboreal (tree-dwelling) snakes who eat fish are very rare. To date, Steinhart Aquarium at the California Academy of Sciences is the only aquarium in the world to have this species on display. Visitors to the Academy can find the snakes in the Water Planet exhibit. (Video filmed by Richard Ross.)
Dr. Bob Drewes explains the importance of Afrocarpus mannii, an evergreen tree native to São Tomé Island in the Gulf of Guinea.
Scott Moran, Lead Project Manager for the construction of the new California Academy of Sciences, gives a tour of the new facility, which opened in fall 2008.
The destruction of coral reefs, trawling and the use of seahorses in Chinese medicine is leading to their decline. How do we stop this near-mythical sea creature from becoming extinct? "Wired" interviews Academy researcher, Healy Hamilton, to discuss this unique fish and the dangers that threaten them.
Bio-inspiration is when engineers and scientists look to nature for ideas. Locally, researchers at UC Berkeley are developing an uber-adhesive based on a gecko's feet.
The Academy's inaugural show in the Morrison Planetarium is Fragile Planet. This 30-minute round trip to the outer reaches of the universe reveals how special Earth really is.
Visitors begin their voyage at the Academy, lift off through the atmosphere to gain an astronaut’s view of Earth, then travel to the Moon, Mars, and beyond to search for habitats that might host extraterrestrial life. Narrated by Sigourney Weaver and interwoven with talks by a live presenter, Fragile Planet will redefine your sense of "home." For more information about show times, visit the Morrison Planetarium.
2011 Best Fulldome Program at the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival Life: A Cosmic Story, is a high-speed ride through the history of life. Narrated by Jodie Foster, with an exceptional soundtrack. Come explore the age-old mystery: How did life on Earth begin? Opened November 6, 2010.
Our living roof supports only native plant species. Jessica Van Den Berg, a grad student a SF State, wondered what types of insects those plants would attract.
Peter Gleick, scientist and freshwater expert, talks about his latest book: Bottled and Sold: The Story Behind Our Obsession with Bottled Water.
Click here for information on our new exhibit Built for Speed, open now through Sept 29, 2013.
Aquarium biologists travel to Costa Rica to gather animals for Academy exhibits.
The Academy presents a talk by Patrick Blanc, world-renowned botanist and inventor of the vertical garden, and creator of Drew School's 'living wall' -- the largest such installation in the U.S. The talk will focus on describing his design approach and philosophy behind his incredible creations -- vertical gardens that now number over 200 throughout the world. Patrick is both a research scientist working for the French National Center for Scientific Research and an artist. He is known as the "inventor of the vertical garden" and is renowned for transforming naked city walls and homes into havens for biodiversity. Drew School's 1,720 sq. ft. project will be his largest installation in the United States. His work is featured in places like Quai Branly Museum inaugurated by the president of France in 2006, Madrid's Caixa Forum Museum with 20,000 plants and 300 species, and Hotel Pershing Hall in Paris.
Three local scientists discuss their work in the Gulf after the spill.