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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/

Carbon Capture & Conversion

Mon, Jul 19, 2021

Even if we could switch today to entirely renewable energy, it will be necessary to remove trillions of tons of CO2 from the atmosphere. Of the various methods being developed, the carbon capture and conversion system Dr. Khan and his colleagues have devised is of particular interest. This capture and conversion system has a more efficient CO2 capture mechanism and the system can produce useful products.

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Beyond the Standard Model? The Latest from Fermilab

Mon, Jun 7, 2021

There are many unknowns about the structure of the universe. Researchers in the field of particle physics have long anticipated new discoveries that will lead to “new” physics – beyond the Standard Model. In April 2021, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab), announced exciting first results from the Fermilab’s Muon g-2 experiment. Fundamental particles called muons behaved in a way not predicted by the Standard Model of particle physics. If confirmed, the results are expected to reveal some of the biggest questions about the universe.

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Can Seagrasses Weather Ocean Warming?

Mon, Jun 14, 2021

Dr. Daru discusses the vital importance of seagrasses in maintaining the health of the oceans: how seagrasses sustain marine life, stabilize shorelines, and reduce ocean acidification. He explains the impact of rising ocean temperature on seagrasses and the concern about how well seagrasses can adapt to the increasing ocean heat. Image: Belmont Media Center

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Living Dirt: Soil’s Microbe Ecosystems

Mon, May 10, 2021

Concern about environment and climate change has increased interest in the fundamental importance of soil. Dr. DeAngelis describes the microbes that preserve soil health, the complex interdependence of these microbial ecosystems and the larger environment, and how healthy soil contributes to healthy climate.

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Ancient Environmental Shifts and Evolution

Mon, May 3, 2021

Dr. Baumgartner describes how a warming climate some 20 million years ago led to the emergence of the famous grasslands of Kenya and other areas of East Africa. The introduced a better and more abundant form of nutrition for many creatures. The shift from forest/jungle to grasslands promoted species diversity and evolution, including that of our earliest human ancestors. Dr. Baumgartner explains how scientists use fossils to reconstruct the complex historical record of the Miocene.

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Human Language Versus Animal Communication

Mon, Apr 26, 2021

Dr. Lieberman is a leading authority on the evolution of human language. In this discussion, he explains how the cognitive and physical apparatus for language evolved. He addresses the distinction between human language and the communication systems of diverse animals. He also discusses the issue of whether Neanderthals developed real language. Image: Belmont Media Center

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The Long Reach of Polar Glacial Melts

Mon, Apr 12, 2021

The accelerating Arctic and Antarctic glacial melts will affect sea levels and land masses in different areas of the globe unevenly – and often far from the polar regions. Natalya Gomez, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at McGill University discusses the impacts of the glacial melts. Image: [Belmont Media Center](https://scienceforthepublic.org/earth/the-long-reach-of-polar-glacial-melts)

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A Wearable Brain-Stimulation Device

Mon, Mar 22, 2021

Dr. Kelly explains a challenging project underway: the design and testing of a brainwave recording (EEG) device that targets neural circuits with great accuracy. This device will help in the development of precise therapeutic diagnoses and treatments of brain damage and disorders. Image: Belmont Media Center

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Neutron Stars and Gravitational Waves

Mon, Mar 8, 2021

The detection in 2017 of gravitational waves created by the collision of two neutron stars was a major breakthrough for astronomers. In this talk Dr. Berger discusses the confirmation of Einstein’s predicted gravitational waves; new insights about the structure of neutron stars; and the means to determine the accuracy of Hubble’s Constant. Image: Sam Willis, Pexels.com

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Probing the Causes of Cancer

Mon, Feb 22, 2021

Dr. Denis is a leading researcher in the study of breast cancer, with a particular focus on the disproportionate occurrence of breast cancer in economically and socially stressed minorities. He studies the combination of socioeconomic factors and certain (BET) proteins in both breast and prostate cancers in his research. This mix of social and biological drivers is of increasing interest in medical research. Dr. Denis explains how this broader research is designed and tested –and how it will affect the fight against cancer today. Image: Belmont Media Center

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