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Science for the Public

Science for the Public is a grassroots nonprofit organization committed to the promotion of adult science literacy. The organization hosts public presentations by scientists at Boston Public Library, a community science TV series, and online science resources. Citizen participation is actively encouraged in the development of our programs and resources. Today, many of the most pressing issues of modern life require the expertise of scientists. Citizens must therefore have a reasonable understanding of science in order to function as responsible members of society. Further, as the pace of scientific discovery accelerates, modern citizens must be able to grasp new concepts and information that are reshaping our perspectives. Although the issue of science literacy is now being addressed at the K-12 level, there is no science curriculum for the adult population. And it is the adult population that votes, pays taxes and raises children.

http://www.scienceforthepublic.org/

Going to Mars? Better Take Some Gravity

Tue, Sep 19, 2023

There is plenty of hype about travel to Mars, even living on Mars. However, zero-gravity takes a real toll on the human body.
Dr. Lackner is a prominent expert on the physical impact of zero-gravity as experienced by astronauts. He also investigates the effects of artificial gravity as developed in the famous Ashton Graybiel Lab. He discusses what happens to the humans living on space stations, long periods of travel in zero-gravity, and the scientific efforts to develop artificial gravity.

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Are We Alone in the Universe?

Tue, Jul 25, 2023

Dr. Livio explains how developments in astronomy have altered our sense of human uniqueness. He describes the “Copernican Principle” that suggests that we humans are not especially unique. And scientific discoveries, including evolution, other planets and galaxies, have led to the expectation of other intelligent life in the universe –and indeed, even the notion of multiple universes. But scientists have also discovered that the conditions necessary for complex life may be rare. Here, we learn what we might expect.

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What Your Food Ate

Tue, Jul 18, 2023

A clear explanation of how conventional agriculture damages soil and reduces the nutritional value of crops. David Montgomery and Anne Biklé discuss how regenerative agriculture restores the soil, improves food nutrition, and ultimately health. What Your Food Ate is an essential resource for all those who care about the well-being of humans and environment.

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Microbial Ecosystems: The Foundation of Life on Earth

Thu, Jun 1, 2023

Microbial ecosystems sustain all forms of life -including humans—in all environments. However, there are many unknowns about how these diverse and complex communities form, evolve and survive. The study of microbial ecosystems requires biology –and a lot of physics and chemistry, all combined. Dr. Cordero’s lab is a leading force in this field. Dr. Cordero explains the physics and chemistry involved in the formation of these amazing -and essential- ecosystems. This is one of the most fascinating (and demanding) areas of science today.

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Unusual Brain Adaptations

Wed, May 31, 2023

Dr. Fedorenko's lab specializes in unusual language-related adaptations and capacities. She discusses a case of normal first language acquisition despite the absence of the left temporal lobe, a brain region necessary for language development and processing. In this case, the right brain compensated for the missing temporal lobe in the left brain. The child proved exceptional in language skill. Dr. Fedorenko also describes other work in her lab's _Interesting Brains Project_

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How Deep-Sea Mining Threatens Fundamental Ecosystems

Tue, May 16, 2023

Drs. Huber and Orcutt explain the vital role of marine microbial ecosystems as the foundation for all other ocean life. They lead some of the most important research on this intricate marine relationship. Problematic technologies such as deep-sea mining and ocean carbon sequestration will create serious disruptions on these ecosystems, and the impact will inevitably extend to many other lifeforms in the marine universe. Image:WHOI

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Why AI Can Seem Sentient

Wed, May 10, 2023

The AIEX project at the Applied Ethics Center at UMass-Boston investigates our interactions with AI, especially our tendency to imagine that technologies such as chatbots have human-like awareness. Although projecting consciousness on non-sentient objects is an ancient human tendency, AI introduces worrisome complications. Dr. Eisikovits discusses the psychological effect of communicating with sophisticated AI technologies, and explains why we need guardrails to protect against both manipulation and misinformation.

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Social Media and Mental Health

Tue, Feb 21, 2023

As the negative effects of social media increase, parents, educators, and health professionals are searching for solutions. Teens are especially susceptible to the problem. Dr. Jacqueline Sperling describes the addictive nature of social media and its impact on self-esteem and attention span. She offers some possible solutions.

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Virus vs Host: An Enduring Battle

Tue, Feb 14, 2023

The virus-host struggle is one of the most fascinating in Nature. Virus-based illnesses –smallpox, measles, polio, flu, covid—have been a major force in human history. But modern science has developed effective protective vaccines that have saved millions of lives. Viruses will continue to be a threat, and that keeps experts busy. Dr. Connor explains how viruses invade selected organisms, how immune systems fight against the invaders, and how vaccines provide vital protection against virus diseases.

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Coastal Wetlands and Salt Marshes

Tue, Jan 17, 2023

Coastal wetlands and salt marshes are major ecosystems . They also absorb and store large amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), which, combined with CO2 absorbed in ocean ecosystems, is called “blue carbon." These ecosystems are especially important in this era of climate change, but there is still much to learn about the absorption systems. Dr. Fulweiler discusses how she and her colleagues are working to measure this process. The Fulweiler team is also developing a citizen-science participation project.

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