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Free online lectures: Explore a world of ideas

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Museum of Science, Boston

One of the world's largest science centers, the Museum of Science, Boston attracts 1.6 million visitors a year through vibrant programs and over 550 interactive exhibits. Its mission is to stimulate interest in and further understanding of science and technology and their importance for individuals and society. Other features include the Thomson Theater of Electricity; Current Science & Technology Center; Charles Hayden Planetarium; Gilliland Observatory; and Mugar Omni Theater. The Museum's exhibit plan, Science Is an Activity, has been awarded several National Science Foundation grants and profoundly influenced exhibit development at other major science centers.

http://www.mos.org

Early Universe and the Origin of Galaxies II

Wed, Sep 21, 2005

Frank Wilczek and Colin Normane examine the "arrow of time" of cosmic evolution.

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Museum of Science, Boston
Birth and Death of Stars and Planets II

Wed, Sep 28, 2005

Astronomer Michael Shara and planetologist Dimitar Sasselov explore the many varied changes that have produced our star and our planet as we examine the "arrow of time" of cosmic evolution. Eric Chaisson moderates.

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Museum of Science, Boston
Origin and Evolution of Life on Earth II

Wed, Oct 5, 2005

James Hanken, evolutionary biologist, talks about cosmic evolution- the modern scientific story of who we are and whence we came; the story of us.

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Museum of Science, Boston
From Stem Cells To Cancer Cells

Fri, Oct 21, 2005

Fernando Camargo discusses his research on how cancer arises, what can be done to stop it, and whether cancer is related to stem cells. The human stem cells found in our bone marrow have the amazing ability to develop into different types of cells such as blood or immune system cells. This happens in all of us everyday, but we know little about how it happens. Camargo's research centers on figuring out how stem cells travel down their path to become a new bone or blood cell. Recently, new theories suggest that stem cells have some of the same characteristics as cancer cells. Figuring out how stem cells replicate themselves, divide into specialized cells, or even give rise to a cancer would provide answers for research scientists and maybe treatments for patients.

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Museum of Science, Boston
Stem Cells 101 and Beyond

Fri, Mar 17, 2006

Divya Mathur and Chris Lengner from Rudolf Jaenisch's lab at the Whitehead Institute discuss the basics of stem cell research, as well as their latest findings.

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Museum of Science, Boston
NASA's Vision for Human Space Exploration

Wed, Apr 19, 2006

Neil deGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium, and Jonathan McDowell, astrophysicist at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center, discuss NASA's Vision, the benefits and disadvantages of manned versus robotic missions, and whether we should be spending money on space-related projects instead of addressing needs here on earth.

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Museum of Science, Boston
Exploring Space with Humans and Robots

Wed, Apr 26, 2006

Jeffrey Hoffman, a former space shuttle astronaut, discusses personal experiences of space flight and shares his thoughts on the synergy between human and robotic exploration of space. He points out that the vast majority of space exploration is currently performed by machines ranging from telescopes to robots. (Photo: ["STS-135 begins takeoff"](http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasahqphoto/5916678920/in/photostream/. Licensed under Public Domain via Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:STS-135_begins_takeoff.jpg#/media/File:STS-135_begins_takeoff.jpg "") by Bill Ingalls)

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Museum of Science, Boston
Positive Psychology: The Science of Happiness

Wed, Oct 4, 2006

Tal Ben-Shahar discusses current research on the science of happiness and introduces ideas and tools that can actually make a difference in one's life. break The study of happiness or of enhancing the quality of our lives, has been dominated by pop-psychology (much charisma, but relatively little substance) and academia (much substance, but isolated from most people's everyday lives). Positive Psychology, the scientific study of optimal human functioning, creates a bridge between the Ivory Tower and Main Street, making rigorous academic ideas accessible to all. Tal Ben-Shahar, instructor of the most popular course at Harvard University, discusses the findings of current research on the science of happiness and introduces ideas and tools that can actually make a difference in one's life.

Mental Health Month

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Museum of Science, Boston
Over My Dead Body

Fri, Sep 29, 2006

A panel discusses the fate of Mattatuck Museum's skeleton, Larry, and tries to resolve issues surrounding what happens to our bodies after we die, and who decides what is okay. Where is the line between respect for the human body after death, and the use of human remains for display and education? Where do museums fit in? For decades, Connecticut's Mattatuck Museum has grappled with difficult issues in relation to one of their most iconic artifacts, a skeleton known as Larry. Research recently revealed that the skeleton belonged to an enslaved man named Fortune, whose owner, a doctor, had preserved the bones upon Fortune's death. This program is part panel discussion and part forum conversation.

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Museum of Science, Boston
A Sustainable Transportation Vision for New England

Sun, Sep 17, 2006

Chella Rajan moderates a panel discussion on the important stakes that cities, states, employers, the environment, and the public have in future patterns and costs of transportation. Ideas contributing to a sustainable transportation vision in New England are considered, including new technology, smart land use, mixed-use land development, access to appropriate transport services, thoughtful urban design, and personal behavior.

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Museum of Science, Boston