Science in Society: Home

A Tall, Cool Drink of..Sewage? (News Item)

Science in Society — 2008-08-13T05:00:00Z

In response to the increasing demand (and shortage) of water, Orange County recently opened a new groundwater replenishment system that will funnel treated wastewater into the general supply. While the idea of drinking what essentially used to be sewage is alarming, the "recycled" water is filtered to the point that it is cleaner than rain. After these treatments, it is channeled into a lake water reservoir where it remains for at least six months, filtering again naturally through sand and gravel.

Scientists and the general population differ in their opinion about using treated wastewater for drinking. Some see it as a smart solution to a growing problem, especially in our increasingly eco-conscious society. Others are worried about risks to the public health, or are just plain squeamish about the water's origins. When thinking about the general "ick" factor, though, consider this-- following treatment at the plant, the "recycled" water tested more pure than a popular brand of bottled water.

A Dead Zone in the Gulf of Mexico (News Item)

Science in Society — 2008-08-04T22:14:18Z

Imagine an area the size of Massachusetts in the Gulf of Mexico that is completely devoid of marine life. This so-called "dead zone" develops each spring, driven by fertilizer runoff from the Mississippi river basin that empties into the Gulf. Given that ~50% of the nation's farmland empties into the Mississippi, it's easy to see that we're talking about a LOT of fertilizer.

Fertilizer contains high concentrations of nitrogen, an element that is normally "limiting" in a marine environment. Adding additional nitrogen to the water leads to explosive growth of algae. When the algae die, their decomposition uses up large amounts of oxygen. This depletes the water of dissolved oxygen, on which organisms like fish and shellfish depend. They must either move to different waters, or perish.

There is also the issue of harmful algal blooms, in which the algae produce neurotoxins that kill fish, dolphins, and other marine life. If the toxins build up in fish or shellfish, then other organisms such as birds and even humans may get sick.

The obvious solution is to drastically reduce fertilizer usage, but this is unlikely to happen anytime soon. Other tricks are being explored for "capturing" phosphorus and nitrogen, including building wastewater treatment plants that use algae to remove these elements (e.g. growing algae in a controlled environment). The algae would then be used as biomass to produce biofuels. But could this be done on a large enough scale?

Exploring Realities of Offshore Drilling (News Item)

Science in Society — 2008-07-25T19:05:24Z

Last Friday's NPR-Science Friday podcast features an interview with Boston University researcher and energy expert Robert Kaufman, exploring the economic realities of offshore oil drilling. President Bush recently reversed a longstanding ban on offshore drilling in an effort to increase oil supply and lower prices. For much of the US coastline, with the exception of several Gulf states, offshore drilling is off-limits.

Some interesting tidbits from the interview: Kaufman estimates that offshore drilling would only increase US oil production by 1-4% over the next decade, insufficient to make a dent in gas prices. In fact, he says opening up all protected lands for oil drilling would only be a drop in the bucket compared to our total energy needs.

Kaufman further speculates that one of the reasons that the oil lobby is pushing for access to the protected Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is to increase the economic "lifespan" of their expensive Trans Alaska Pipeline, which has essentially been paid for by all the oil it has already transported. So the push is not to increase oil supply, but rather to increase profit margin.

When one considers the environmental risks that come with drilling in protected Alaskan wilderness or offshore, it seems we really need to focus on conservation and renewable energy sources, not finding more oil.

The Ascent of Darwin: Commemorating the Origin of Species (Event)

Science in Society — 2008-07-18T21:20:00Z

By the time of his death Charles Darwin was one of the most celebrated –and one of the most notorious—scientists in the world. Today he is probably even more famous. Still controversial, Darwin has become an icon of modern science at the same time as his theories have become the basis of modern biology. This talk asks what are we to make of this public visibility, past and present. Janet Browne explores the different ways that Darwin and his famous book On the Origin of Species have been commemorated, and looks ahead to issues that may underlie the forthcoming anniversary celebrations.

This lecture is part of six months of programming organized by the One Book One Northwestern initiative. This year's book, The Reluctant Mr. Darwin, by David Quammen, was chosen celebrate the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birthday and the 150th anniversary of his famous study, On the Origin of Species. The One Book One Northwestern project is a community-wide reading program hosted by the Office of the President at Northwestern University, which aims to bring together individuals with different backgrounds to share and discuss a common topic.

Visit the One Book One Northwestern site for more information on the book and other events.

Gore Urges Change to Dodge an Energy Crisis (News Item)

Science in Society — 2008-07-18T05:00:00Z

In a speech yesterday, 2007 Nobel Laureate and former Vice President Al Gore called for a national effort to convert our electricity production from oil-based sources to renewable sources like wind, solar, and biofuels.

"Today I challenge our nation to commit to producing 100 percent of our electricity from renewable energy and truly clean carbon-free sources within 10 years. This goal is achievable, affordable and transformative. It represents a challenge to all Americans – in every walk of life: to our political leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, engineers, and to every citizen."

Can it be done? Monetarily, he claims that it will cost between $1.5 and $3 trillion - an amount that he says the United States will need to invest in new power plants anyway, just to meet the burgeoning demand for electricity. Scientifically, he points out that enough sunlight falls on the earth every hour which, if harnessed, could meet our energy needs for a year. The trick, of course, is harnessing the energy in an economically viable way.

A PDF transcript of his speech can be found here.

Developing new approaches for solar energy is a major focus of researchers at Northwestern and Argonne National Labs, through the ANSER project. Read a summary of the project.

Exploring a New Frontier: Stem Cell Research at Northwestern (Research Digest)

Science in Society — 2008-07-16T21:45:21Z

The Migration History of Humans: DNA Study Traces Human Origins Across the Continents (News Item)

Science in Society — 2008-07-10T19:17:32Z

Modern genetics is revealing an ever-clearer picture of mankind's ancestral migration out of Africa tens of thousands of years ago. This Scientific American article summarizes the science and the interesting conclusions of contemporary human evolutionary studies.

In addition to providing important details about our origins, these studies are changing our concepts of race. According to Pasteur Institute genetics researcher Lluis Quintana-Murci, “There is no race ... What we see [from the standpoint of genetics] is geographical gradients. There are no sharp differences between Europeans and Asians. From Ireland to Japan, there is no sharp boundary where something has changed completely.”

NCI Grant Launches Clinical Trials For Colon Cancer Screening (News Item)

Science in Society — 2008-07-10T05:00:00Z

Northwestern researcher Vadim Backman was recently funded by the National Cancer Institute to continue his work on technology that may lead to a less expensive and less invasive test to detect colon cancer.

Backman's group has developed a molecular flashlight, of sorts. Using light from a xenon bulb, they have devised a method to detect miniscule changes in a cell's structure that are diagnostic for cancer. The technique is able to detect these changes before they can be seen with a microscope. As is true for all cancers, early detection is a key factor in survival rate.

Backman, professor of biomedical engineering at McCormick, is also working on a screening method for pancreatic cancer. This project was featured in a recent SiS Research Digest article, found here.

The Environmental Impact of Corn-Based Plastics (News Item)

Science in Society — 2008-07-03T05:11:53Z

This Scientific American article explores the purported benefits of corn-based plastics (also known as polylactic acid, or PLA) over the more conventional petroleum-based plastic. The results may surprise you.

Although PLA is technically renewable, saves oil, and is less polluting to manufacture, its biodegradability is far from perfect. It's also a headache for recyclers because PLA "contaminates" the conventional plastic recycling process. The two must be separated, leading to higher costs for recycled plastic and lower overall demand.

Some experts have also suggested that the marketing of PLA as "green" plastic has led to rampant overpackaging and a proliferation of single-serving plastic containers.

A related 2006 Smithsonian Magazine article can be found here.

The Science of Stem Cells (Medill Reports)

Science in Society — 2008-06-27T19:43:19Z

Stargazing at Dearborn Observatory (Event)

Science in Society — 2008-06-26T20:25:00Z

The Dearborn Observatory's telescope is open to the public for viewing every Friday night from 9-11pm.

From 9 to 10pm: One hour session by reservation only. Your group will be able to use the telescope for the full hour.

From 10 to 11pm: Walk-ins are welcome but space in the dome is limited. Therefore, there is no guarantee of getting to use the telescope if we are very crowded.

Please call the Astronomy Department at (847) 491-7650 for more information or to place reservations.

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) and Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) (Event)

Science in Society — 2008-06-25T20:06:25Z

This conference is designed for caregivers, friends, family members and professionals who are interested in learning more about FTD and PPA.

The morning will feature seminars from experts in the field. You will have an opportunity to participate in the following discussions during the afternoon session.
• Legal and Financial Planning
• Advance Directives-Planning for the Future
• Making a Communication Notebook
• FTD and PPA Research - Current Trends
• Participating in FTD & PPA Research – What is Involved
• Finding Caregiver and Health Resources on the Web
• How to Respond Effectively to Behavior and Personality Changes
• Coping with Caregiver Stress
• Finding the Right Care

Please register by August 1st at 312-503-2486 or CNADC-Admin@northwestern.edu . The registration fee is $20 for caregivers and $75 for professionals. Financial assistance for caregivers is available through the Association for Frontotemporal Dementias. Please contact them in advance at 1.866.507.7222 or info@ftd-picks.org for an application. Reduced fee parking will be available.

Visit the Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center of Northwestern University website for more information and a complete conference schedule.

New ‘Photo Op’ For Ovaries May Solve Some Mysteries Of Infertility (News Item)

Science in Society — 2008-06-24T05:00:00Z

Northwestern University researchers led by Teresa Woodruff, director of the Center for Reproductive Research at the University's Feinberg School of Medicine, are approaching women's infertility from a new direction.

Woodruff and her team are looking at ovaries themselves, and how eggs are selected for ovulation, rather than the more traditional methods of studying genes and hormones. Frank Miller, professor of radiology at Feinberg, and his colleagues are developing a new way to image ovaries, allowing researchers to closely study an organ that, being small and deep, has previously been difficult to examine.

Woodruff's research was recently funded by a $6.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health.

Darwin and the Evolution of Reasons (Event)

Science in Society — 2008-06-23T19:40:42Z

Evolution by natural selection not only accounts for the apparent design of the biological world; it explains the emergence of intelligent designers like us, acting on reasons that we formulate and evaluate. Our capacity to be moved by reasoning is one of evolution's most potent products to date, unique in the biosphere, and a lens through which we can look back at the evolutionary process itself.

Visit the One Book One Northwestern site for more information on the book and other events.

Inside the Solar-Hydrogen House: No More Power Bills–Ever (News Item)

Science in Society — 2008-06-23T18:18:25Z

Scientific American has a feature story on a New Jersey resident that has not paid a gas or electric utility bill in two years - because his house is powered by solar-generated hydrogen. Part of the hydrogen he generates also goes to fuel his car.

The cost of this sunlight-capturing energy system? Approximately $500,000. But he thinks a similar system could be built today for only $90,000.

Is ADHD an Advantage for Nomadic Tribesmen in Kenya? (News Item)

Science in Society — 2008-06-16T05:00:00Z

A new study from Northwestern University's Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences suggests that the version of a gene associated with ADHD may actually prove beneficial for certain populations.

The study looked at the body mass index (BMI) and height of males from a tribe called Ariaal in northern Kenya. Some members of this tribe continue to live their traditional nomadic lifestyle, while others have recently settled and started to grow crops.

It turns out that those who are living the nomadic lifestyle with the genetic variant associated with ADHD fared much better than the settled tribesmen who also had the variant. According to Dan Eisenberg, lead author on the study, this suggests that it's "possible that, in a nomadic setting, a boy with this allele might be able to more effectively defend livestock against raiders or locate food and water sources, but that the same tendencies might not be as beneficial in settled pursuits such as focusing in school, farming or selling goods.”

Northwestern Transistors Blast Off Into Space, Hang Out At International Space Station (Research Digest)

Science in Society — 2008-06-13T19:20:00Z

Two programs partner to teach future scientists about genetics (Medill Reports)

Science in Society — 2008-06-13T17:35:49Z

Trees of life rooted in the Field’s DNA lab (Medill Reports)

Science in Society — 2008-06-12T21:25:22Z

Growing cells: Biotech firm creating products to regenerate body tissues (Medill Reports)

Science in Society — 2008-06-12T19:40:00Z

Why birds are birds: looking at dinosaur fossils to understand evolution (Medill Reports)

Science in Society — 2008-06-11T21:16:26Z

Paleoartists see bones and make dinosaurs (Medill Reports)

Science in Society — 2008-06-11T21:16:04Z

Design in the Age of Darwin: From William Morris to Frank Lloyd Wright (Event)

Science in Society — 2008-06-09T21:31:16Z

"Design in the Age of Darwin," a summer exhibit at the Block Museum, showcases the influence of Darwinian ideas and other evolutionary theories on architecture, art and design in the fifty years following the publication of Darwin's book, The Origin of Species.

This exhibit precedes six months of programming organized by the One Book One Northwestern initiative concerning this year's book, "The Reluctant Mr. Darwin," by David Quammen, and its subject, Charles Darwin. One Book One Northwestern events will kick off this September.

Visit the Block Museum website for more information, including hours, admission, and a slideshow of the exhibit. For Charles Darwin-related events and resources at Northwestern University, visit the One Book One Northwestern Web site here.

"Design in the Age of Darwin" is supported by the Terra Foundation for American Art, and is part of American Art American City, also sponsored by the Terra Foundation for American Art.

U.S. Experts Bemoan Nation's Loss of Stature in the World of Science (News Item)

Science in Society — 2008-06-06T14:53:31Z

Scientists attending the opening of the first World Science Festival in New York City had harsh words for US politicians and the low priority they have given science in recent years. Critics chided the government's stagnant federal funding for research, and the views of some officials that intelligent design is a scientific alternative to evolution.

Somewhat surprisingly, even the 2008 presidential candidates seem reluctant to tackle the tough scientific issues facing our country. The Science Debate 2008 initiative, supported by the National Academy of Sciences, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and hundreds of universities (including Northwestern), has invited the Clinton, McCain, and Obama camps to an organized debate on issues of science and technology. Thus far, none of the candidates have agreed to participate.

Eureka! Phil Messersmith's lab solves a sticky problem (Research Digest)

Science in Society — 2008-06-05T06:35:00Z

Shining a light on pancreatic cancer (Research Digest)

Science in Society — 2008-06-05T06:15:00Z

Is organic food really worth the extra cost? (Medill Reports)

Science in Society — 2008-06-05T03:50:00Z

Study: gene variation may predict breast cancer, aid in future genetic testing (Medill Reports)

Science in Society — 2008-06-05T02:50:00Z

Tackling the complex system of animal life (Research Digest)

Science in Society — 2008-06-04T18:15:00Z

Registration for Summer OLLI Courses (Event)

Science in Society — 2008-06-03T22:10:00Z

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute offers many "out-of-the-box" peer-led study groups about topics in the sciences (and other fields), including the upcoming special study group/tour "Seeing Argonne National Laboratory." Registration for OLLI’s summer session is ongoing NOW on a first-come, first-served basis. The session starts June 23rd and runs through August 1st. To register, see the OLLI summer catalog on-line here or call the OLLI office at 847-492-8204.

Mars Lander Transmits Photos of Arctic Terrain (News Item)

Science in Society — 2008-05-28T05:00:00Z

A 422-million-mile, 10-month journey to Mars ended Sunday with the successful arrival of the Phoenix lander on the Martian surface.

The mission, to the northerly arctic region of Mars, is designed to gather chemical data from soil and water that will allow researchers to better understand the geologic history of water on Mars. This data will also provide clues as to whether biological life ever existed on this now cold planet.

A full description of the Phoenix mission can be found on NASA's website, complete with pictures, mission updates, and a very cool video summarizing the mission.

Genetic-testing business is booming, and may do even better (Medill Reports)

Science in Society — 2008-05-28T04:30:00Z

Brain inflamed? Try celery. (Medill Reports)

Science in Society — 2008-05-27T16:17:50Z

Collaboration generates illumination (Research Digest)

Science in Society — 2008-05-23T16:30:00Z

Lymphoma Workshop: Understanding Lymphoma Basics and Current Treatment Options (Event)

Science in Society — 2008-05-23T15:30:00Z

The Lymphoma Research Foundation's Lymphoma Workshop programs provide the latest information about lymphoma, current treatment options and patient support topics to patients, survivors and their loved ones across the United States.

The Chicago Lymphoma Workshop, presented in collaboration with Northwestern's Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, is the premier patient education and networking forum in the region.

-Learn about your specific type of lymphoma and treatment options during the disease- and treatment-specific breakout sessions.
-Hear a variety of presentations and have your specific questions answered from our expert speaking faculty comprised of lymphoma specialists and patient support experts.
-Meet other people with your same type of lymphoma during breakfast, lunch and breakout sessions.

This program is free for lymphoma patients, survivors and loved ones; however, pre-registration is required. Parking is available at the hotel (parking charges apply). Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided for all registered attendees.

For more information, including how to register, please visit the event site here, contact the Lymphoma Research Foundation at 800-500-9976 or e-mail helpline@lymphoma.org.

Scientists See Supernova in Action (News Item)

Science in Society — 2008-05-23T15:12:40Z

In what several scientists have termed “winning the astronomy lottery,” Princeton researchers were able for the first time to witness a supernova, or the explosive death of a star, as it happened.

Supernovae happen when the hydrogen fuel powering the star’s nuclear reactor “furnace” runs out. During a star’s lifetime, hydrogen is converted to helium, then to oxygen and carbon, then finally to iron. As this process nears its end, the star’s core becomes so heavy that it collapses on itself and explodes. The explosion sends the matter of the star - carbon, oxygen, iron, nitrogen, and other elements - hurtling into space. It is theorized that many elements on Earth, including those that make up our bodies, originated from supernovae.

As is true with many scientific discoveries, good fortune played a key part in the observation. Researchers were observing the remnants of an old supernova in the galaxy NGC2770 using an X-ray telescope when the new supernova occurred. The initial x-ray blast of a supernova is the earliest event in the explosion, and had never before been captured.

Even in the cosmos, it pays to be looking in the right place at the right time!

Bush Signs Anti-Discrimination Bill (News Item)

Science in Society — 2008-05-23T15:04:26Z

On Wednesday, President Bush signed the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), a bill designed to prevent employers and health insurance companies from discriminating against individuals based on their genetic makeup, into law.

As reported in an earlier news story, this legislation was under consideration in Congress for more than a decade. It’s good to see that it’s finally here!

Monthly Cancer Support and Advocacy Information Fair: Prostate Cancer (Event)

Science in Society — 2008-05-22T21:03:50Z

Come learn about general cancer support groups, educational programs, and wellness activities. Each monthly fair has a featured topic as well as information for everyone interested in learning about valuable cancer resources.

This event is free and open to the public. Visit the event section of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center's website for more information about this monthly series.

Re:calling ‘Science as a Vocation’ (Event)

Science in Society — 2008-05-20T18:52:24Z

This weekend-long event, presented by Northwestern's Program in Science and Human Culture (SHC), examines the classic essay by Max Weber, "Science as a Vocation." The workshop will explore the relevance of Weber’s essay for scholars today, first, by examining its key concepts and arguments and, second, by rethinking these concepts and arguments in light of recent studies in the history, sociology, and anthropology of science. A panel discussion of the essay is scheduled for Thursday evening, and Friday will be dedicated to four working sessions on pre-circulated papers.

Please visit the SHC website for more information on Weber's essay, the papers for Friday's workshop, and other event details.

Third Annual Prevention Program: Osteoporosis (Event)

Science in Society — 2008-05-10T17:33:37Z

Empower yourself during this three part series addressing osteoporosis prevention. Northwestern Memorial experts will discuss bone health basics and provide participants with information on the steps to take to reduce the risk for osteoporosis. Gain a better understanding of how to keep your bones healthy, care for your bones as you age and prevent further complications if you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis.

This program is free of charge, but participants must register. To register, call NMH Health Resources at (312) 926-8400.

Third Annual Prevention Program: Osteoporosis (Event)

Science in Society — 2008-05-10T17:25:00Z

This program is free of charge, but participants must register. To register, call NMH Health Resources at (312) 926-8400.

Some Athletes’ Genes Help Outwit Doping Test (News Item)

Science in Society — 2008-05-06T19:08:19Z

With the summer Olympics just around the corner, a report in this month's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism is unusually timely. The report suggests that some illicit testosterone users have evaded detection because of their genes.

Researchers found that nearly two-thirds of Asian men and approximately 10% of Caucasian men lack the gene that converts testosterone into a form that can be detected in urine. Thus, these individuals can take extra testosterone without the fear of being caught via routine screening methods. Dr. Don Catlin, the chief executive of Anti-Doping Research, called it "...a license to cheat."

While there are more sensitive methods available to catch offenders, they are more expensive and time consuming. It remains to be seen whether this news will lead to genetic tests being required for elite-level athletes, or whether a different test can be developed.

It will be interesting to see how the International Olympic Committee responds to this news - and Major League Baseball, for that matter.

The Road to Genetic Testing: Curves Ahead? (Feature Articles)

Science in Society — 2008-05-02T17:30:00Z

As technology advances, the number of available genetic tests continues to grow. In fact, it is almost guaranteed that most people will be offered a genetic test sometime in their life. What do you need to know?

What is Personalized Medicine? (Feature Articles)

Science in Society — 2008-05-02T16:50:00Z

Medical advances based on genetics will produce more effective treatments, more effective diagnoses, and enable our physicians to provide an even more personalized approach to our healthcare—one informed by the ability to read our DNA.

What Darwin Saw Out Back (News Item)

Science in Society — 2008-04-28T01:41:47Z

Charles Darwin is widely recognized as the father of evolutionary theory. In recognition of his 200th birthday and the 150th anniversary of his seminal book, “The Origin of Species,” the New York Botanical Garden has launched a stunning exhibition of his life and scientific work.

The exhibit features a full-scale replica of Darwin's house and garden. His simple "at-home" experiments with plants provided him with key insights that contributed to his overall theory of evolution.

The New York Times article linked below includes a very informative slideshow, showcasing the exhibit. For those of you living in New York or planning to visit, “Darwin’s Garden: An Evolutionary Adventure,” runs through June 15.

Tests Confirm T. Rex Kinship With Birds (News Item)

Science in Society — 2008-04-28T01:39:26Z

By analyzing proteins extracted from dinosaur bones, researchers have concluded with high certainty that birds are the modern-day living descendants of dinosaurs.

The work, published in Science, supports a wealth of previous work examining the similarities of dinosaur and bird skeletons. Interestingly, several fossils from meat-eating dinosaurs were unearthed in the mid to late 1990's that contained evidence of feather-like plumage. Though the "feather theory" was not universally accepted at the time, the current findings from Tyrannosaurus rex bones definitely support the bird-dinosaur linkage.

Senate Passes Genetic Nondiscrimination Bill (News Item)

Science in Society — 2008-04-25T05:00:00Z

After more than a decade of legislative wrangling, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) is well on its way to enactment. The Senate passed the bill yesterday by a vote of 95-0, and the House of Representatives is expected to vote on the bill soon. The President has already stated he will sign it.

Passage of this bill is viewed as critical to realizing the promise of genetic medicine. The spectre of losing one's job or health insurance because of a genetic test result has led to many at-risk individuals choosing not to take potentially lifesaving tests.

GINA is also important for the future of genetics research. A 2007 poll from the Genetics and Public Policy Center at Johns Hopkins revealed widespread concern among potential participants in genetic research studies that insurers or employers might be able to gain access to their genetic information. A copy of the poll can be found here.

Witches, Mods, & Bioethicists (Event)

Science in Society — 2008-04-23T16:05:00Z

MHB faculty present weekly lectures every Thursday during the academic year on various ethical topics of interest. These lectures are open to all, inside and outside the Northwestern community. Please feel free to bring a lunch.

In this presentation, Tod Chambers will examine how an understanding of moral panics is important to the study of bioethics. He will argue that not only do we need moral and social boundaries, but we also need for these boundaries to be periodically violated.

Energy- The Challenge for the 21st Century (Event)

Science in Society — 2008-04-16T14:00:00Z

This symposium brings together leading national and international researchers from academia, national laboratories and industry to examine different aspects of the energy challenge, including nuclear energy, biofuels, solar energy and the energy market.

9:00-10:00 am "The World's Energy Problem and What We Can DO About It," Steve Chu, Director, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

10:00-10:45 am “Nuclear Energy in the US: Meeting the Challenges of the 21st Century,” Phillip Finck, Idaho National Laboratory

11:15-12:00 pm “Plentiful Biofuels from Crops with Benefit to the Environment and Without Conflict to Food Supply Is Within Our Grasp,” Stephen Long, University of Illinois

1:30-2:15 pm “Changes in the Energy Market and Their Impact on the Chemical Industry,” William Banholzer, The Dow Chemical Company

2:15-3:00 pm “Power from the Sun: The Advent of Mesoscopic Solar Cells,” Michaël Grätzel, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

3:30-5:00 pm Panel Discussion: speakers above, John H. Gibbons, former science advisor to President Clinton, and Northwestern faculty. Audience participation will be strongly encouraged.

5:00-6:00 pm Reception

Forced Abandonment and Euthanasia: A Question from Katrina (Event)

Science in Society — 2008-04-15T18:42:06Z