What matters to you.
Sign Out
Play Live Radio
0:00
0:00
NEXT UP:
 
Top

Forum Network

Free online lectures: Explore a world of ideas

Funding provided by:
sftp_logo.png

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/

  • drought16x9.jpg

    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.
    Forum Network
    Partner:
    Science for the Public
  • pills16x9.jpg

    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.
    Forum Network
    Partner:
    Science for the Public
  • fish16x9.jpg

    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
    Forum Network
    Partner:
    Science for the Public
  • science2.png

    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.
    Forum Network
    Partner:
    Science for the Public
  • Glide_reflection_1.jpg

    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 "")
    Forum Network
    Partner:
    Science for the Public
  • welcome-905562_960_720.png

    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).
    Forum Network
    Partner:
    Science for the Public
  • nature-art.jpg

    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.
    Forum Network
    Partner:
    Science for the Public
  • titlecard.png

    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.
    Forum Network
    Partner:
    Science for the Public
  • brainresearch.png

    New Ways of Imaging the Brain

    Thu, Aug 16, 2018
    A visit to the Jasanoff Lab at MIT reveals advances in imaging the brain. Dr. Jasanoff and several research associates in his lab explain the importance of this research and several innovative approaches used in this lab to improve brain imaging.
    Forum Network
    Partner:
    Science for the Public
  • pexels-photo-459728.jpeg

    Take Action! How We Can Save the Environment

    Thu, Jun 21, 2018
    This is the third in the Science for the Public's Science-Civic-Media Literacy series at Belmont Public Library, Belmont MA. Wendy Jacobs, Emmett Clinical Professor of Environmental Law, and Director of the Emmett Environmental Law and Policy Clinic at Harvard Law School discusses how citizens can utilize the law to restore protective regulations for our environment. This video includes a link to the Clinic’s excellent online manual that contains all the information concerned citizens need to guide environmental action. Image: [Pixaby](https://pixabay.com/en/power-plant-industry-chimney-2411932/ "Pixaby")
    Forum Network
    Partner:
    Science for the Public
Load More