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Free online lectures: Explore a world of ideas

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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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    Psychiatric Drugs: Why They Often Fail Us Over Long Term

    Tue, Apr 23, 2019
    More than one in five Americans now takes a psychiatric medication. Yet, as our use of these medications has soared, so too has the burden of mental disorders in our society. Why would this be so? Unfortunately, research has shown that long-term outcomes for medicated patients are poor. As a result, new initiatives are emerging that lessen the use of medications and focus instead on creating supports that help children and adults struggling with mental difficulties get well and stay well. Photo: [Cappi Thompson on Flickr](https://www.flickr.com/photos/34637679@N04/40258997254)
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    The Great Potential of Offshore Wind Farms

    Tue, May 7, 2019
    Dr. Myers explains why and how offshore wind farms will be a major source of renewable energy. Although a number of European countries have built offshore wind farms, the U.S. has been slow to develop this resource. We learn that the east coast of the US is one of the best areas in the world to locate offshore wind farms, and that that location would in principal supply enough energy for the entire US. Dr. Myers discusses the engineering and logistical aspects of developing wind farms and the exciting future for this area of renewable energy.
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    Mass Extinctions

    Tue, Apr 9, 2019
    Dr. Knoll describes the causes of the previous five extinctions on Earth and the possibility of a sixth. He explains how the specific causes of different mass extinctions tend to impact ecosystems in distinct and unexpected ways. He discusses the threat of a sixth mass extinction. A key issue is how well evolutionary mechanisms can adapt to this type of destruction.
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    Innovative Solutions to Antibiotic Resistance

    Tue, Mar 26, 2019
    Dr. Dantas discusses the present crisis of antibiotic resistance, its causes, and how this problem manifests itself in very different areas of the world. He explains the innovative technical and biological approaches of the Dantas Lab toward a solution to antibiotic resistance, including a possible cure for MRSA, a particularly deadly staph infection. Dr. Dantas also talks about the importance of serendipity in scientific breakthroughs.
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    Why the Earth Needs Its Oceans

    Mon, Mar 18, 2019
    Dr. Mahadevan discusses the crucial relationship between oceans and atmosphere, and how that partnership makes the Earth a life-sustaining planet. She describes how excess CO2, ocean warming and acidification all threaten that balance. Image: Pixabay
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    Andrew Rosenberg: The War on Science

    Tue, Nov 27, 2018
    Dr. Andrew Rosenberg discusses how the present U.S. administration impedes environmental and health regulations, rejects facts about climate change, and undermines the work of science-related government agencies. He also offers suggestions for what an informed public can do to diminish resistance to scientific facts and information.
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    The Geometric Basis of Structure and Motion

    Tue, Nov 13, 2018
    Geometry determines the limits of structures and motion. Knowing how those constraints work is very important for modern biology, physics and chemistry, engineering and materials science. Dr. Streinu and Dr. Borcea discuss that relationship between geometry and science, and their forthcoming book on the subject. Thumbnail by Kelvinsong - [Own work, CC0](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=23285453 "")
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    How Many Languages Can You Learn?

    Thu, Oct 11, 2018
    How does the brain acquire and process language? How about multiple languages? And how about a whole lot of languages? Dr. Fedorenko describes what cognitive science knows and what is still to be learned. She and her associates focus on how the brains of multilingual people (polyglots) process very different types of languages. They also investigate those rare individuals who learn dozens of languages (hyperpolyglots).
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    Art and Nature: A Special Exhibit

    Thu, Aug 30, 2018
    Susan Heideman and Michelle Lougee, currently in a joint exhibit at the Maud Morgan Arts Chandler Gallery in Cambridge, discuss their respective artworks and artistic approaches to nature’s variety. They also describe some similarities in the way that artists and scientists look at nature.
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    How Delayed Release of Industry Data on Chemical Toxicity Impacts Public Health

    Tue, Aug 21, 2018
    A prominent endocrinologist discusses the health and environmental impact of perfluorinated compounds (PFAS, PFOS), chemical compounds used in many products -from popcorn bags to fire-fighting foam to upholstery materials. These compounds are now found globally -- in people, animals, and environment. They affect, among other things, the brain, kidneys and the immune system, and are associated with a number of diseases. The producers of PFOAs were aware of the toxicity of these chemicals even in the late 1970s, but only recently have scientists been able to obtain that data. Because PFAS remain in the body over the lifespan, the withholding of data for decades has undermined medical research.
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