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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/

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    How to Talk to a Science Denier

    Tue, Mar 8, 2022
    Philosopher and popular author Lee McIntyre discusses his latest book, **How to Talk to a Science Denier**. This is a must-read for people who confront denialism on the one hand, and misinformation/disinformation on the other. Dr. McIntyre provides examples of various types of denialism together with a strategy for dealing with this serious problem. In an era when scientific facts and scientific thinking are essential for saving civilization as well as our planet, we need a plan for dealing with denialism. This book might be the starting point.
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    Great Adaptations

    Tue, Feb 8, 2022
    William Detrich’s pioneering research on the Antarctic icefish was among the first efforts to reveal how certain DNA features enable some creatures to adapt to extreme environmental conditions. As climate change accelerates extinctions, that genetic advantage of certain species is of great interest. Relatively few creatures have that endowment. Dr. Detrich explains what the genetic advantage is, how it works, and what species seem to be predisposed to successful adaptation in extreme conditions. In recognition of his outstanding discoveries, an Antarctic island near Palmer Station has been named Detrich Island in his honor.
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    How "Clean" Is Blue Hydrogen Energy?

    Tue, Jan 11, 2022
    Among the numerous “green” (clean) energy resources being developed, one that has received significant government and industry support is “blue” hydrogen. But this alternative fuel is actually very questionable. According to a major analysis by climate scientists Robert Howarth (Cornell Univ) and Mark Jacobson (Stanford Univ), “the greenhouse gas footprint of blue hydrogen is more than 20 percent greater than burning natural gas or coal for heat and some 60 percent greater than burning diesel oil for heat,” Dr. Howarth explains what blue hydrogen is, how it is produced, and why we must consider the environmental and climate risks of developing this particular resource.
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    Dark Energy & the Cosmic Expansion

    Tue, Dec 14, 2021
    Arjun Dey is a core member of the Dark Energy Spectroscropic Instrument (DESI) survey project, the largest cosmic cartography project ever undertaken. DESI will provide the most precise measurements to date of the expansion history of the universe and the role of dark energy. In this program, Dr. Dey discusses the enigma of dark energy and the accelerating expansion of the universe, the scope of the DESI project, and the broad impact it will have on astrophysics and cosmology.
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    Human Earth

    Thu, Dec 9, 2021
    Back in August (2021) we talked with Andrew Knoll about the development and forces of our planet based on his recent book, of A Brief History of Earth: Four Billion Years in Eight Chapters. We ran out of time and couldn’t discuss the last –and very important—chapter, “Human Planet” –the story of the Anthropocene. Dr. Knoll very kindly agreed to discuss this topic separately and in this program we take up the Anthropocene and how the November COP26 international meeting underscores the human impact on our planet.
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    Formation and Diversity of Planetary Systems

    Mon, Nov 8, 2021
    The sophistication of modern telescopes and advances in data collection combine to make planetary systems one of the most exciting areas of astronomy. Dr. Najita explains how astronomers today investigate the formation and structure of planetary systems, and especially the great diversity of these systems. She also describes the role of citizen science in this ongoing discovery.
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  • The Menace of Agrochemicals

    Mon, Oct 18, 2021
    Sheldon Krimsky, distinguished professor, popular author and public advocate, discusses the environmental and health issues of agrochemicals, especially glyphosate (Roundup). He also explains the related issues of GMOs.
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  • The Real Key to Feeding the World

    Mon, Sep 20, 2021
    Industrial agriculture –“Big Ag”– destroys soil on a massive scale and is a major source of atmospheric CO2, environmental toxins, and ecosystem collapse. Contrary to corporate claims, it is not the best or only way to feed the world. David Montgomery discusses the numerous myths of industrial agriculture and explains how farmers around the world are restoring, through regenerative agriculture, soil and environments, and harvesting much healthier food. In addition, restorative methods are the best form of carbon capture, which is essential for dealing with global warming.
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    Galileo & the Science Deniers

    Tue, Sep 14, 2021
    Dr. Livio discusses his newest book Galileo and the Science Deniers (2020), a timely account of Galileo's struggle for recognition that the planets orbit the Sun. His proof conflicted with Church’s Aristotelian doctrine, which maintained that the Earth was the center of the universe. Galileo was condemned and severely punished by the Inquisition. Dr. Livio considers the similarity between the resistance to scientific facts in Galileo’s era and anti-science today --a very timely discussion.
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    Science for the Public
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    A Brief History of Earth: Four Billion Years in Eight Chapters

    Mon, Aug 23, 2021
    Today, an understanding of how our planet works is necessary for everyone concerned about the plight of Earth. Professor Knoll has been a leader in demonstrating the interconnections between Earth’s geological, chemical, biological processes and history. He discusses these interrelationships in his new book, A Brief History of Earth. He also addresses the distinction between historical natural changes and current catastrophes that are due to human actions.
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