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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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    Earth Life and Weird Life

    Thu, Dec 17, 2015
    Dr. David Toomey is author of _Weird Life: The Search for Life That is Very Very Different from Our Own_. Professor Toomey explains how scientists have had to revise the concept of life since the discovery of organisms in very extreme environments on our planet, and how that discovery is shaping astrobiology—the search for life on moons and exoplanets.
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    Quantum Computing, Quantum Biology

    Tue, Dec 1, 2015
    Dr. Seth Lloyd explains the progress of quantum computing and his pioneering role in the field, his concept of the universe as a quantum computer, and the increasing interest in quantum mechanisms in biological systems such as photosynthesis. He also talks about his book for general readers, _[Programming the Universe](http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Universe-Quantum-Computer-Scientist/dp/1400033861 "")_.
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    How the Brain Produces Language - And What Can Go Wrong

    Tue, Nov 17, 2015
    **Dr. Frank Guenther** explains some basics about the complexity of both normal speech and speech disorders such as stuttering. He also discusses his work on a brain-computer-interface system that aims to make communication possible for patients with locked-in syndrome, and his work on the leading computational model (DIVA) for speech production.
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  • Renewable Energy Progress

    Tue, Nov 10, 2015
    Jeff Deyette, senior energy analyst of the Union of Concerned Scientists, gives an update on the rapid transition to renewable energy across the US, which progresses despite the well-financed resistance of the fossil fuel industry.
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    What’s Up at the 2015 Large Hadron Collider

    Tue, Oct 27, 2015
    Boston University's Dr. Tulika Bose explains how the collider works and what the collisions produce. The 2010-2012 run brought confirmation of the long-sought Higgs boson. This time, with nearly double the collision energy (13 TeV) scientists anticipate some entirely new discoveries. Dr. Bose is the trigger coordinator for the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment at CERN (Photo: [Image Editor/Flickr](https://www.flickr.com/photos/11304375@N07/2046228644 "Flickr"))
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    Soil: The Skin of the Earth

    Tue, Oct 6, 2015
    We take soil for granted, but it a vital component of the global ecosystem. Dr. Kurtz explains how soils evolve, diversify and enable plant and animal life. And why there is increasing concern today about threats to soil, the “skin” of the Earth.
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    The Formation of Stars and Planets

    Tue, Sep 15, 2015
    **Dr. Kenyon** explains the formation of stars and planets and also the significance of the New Horizons flyby mission to Pluto. The New Horizons Pluto mission, as he indicates in the article below ("In Focus: New Horizons...."), will provide important information about the "fossil record" of our own solar system as the data are processed over the next year or so.
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    Origami: An Art and a Science

    Tue, Sep 8, 2015
    Origami is not limited to art. In this lecture, **Dr. Mahadevan** explains the geometrical basis of origami and how origami is widespread in structures throughout Nature. He also shows the recent applications of origami in engineering and technology. (Photo: origami omega star by [Thaumaturgisto](http://thaumaturgisto.deviantart.com/art/origami-omega-star-292049881 ""))
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    Understanding Coastal Ecosystems

    Thu, Jun 18, 2015
    Northeastern's Brian Helmuth shows us how marine scientists investigate the effects of climate change on seacoast species, including mussels and oysters. The Helmuth Lab is very committed to outreach designed for students and the general public, and its online resources include virtual reality tours to many areas around the world.
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    The Role of the Oceans in Climate

    Tue, Jun 16, 2015
    Learn about the complex and vital relationship between the oceans and Earth's climate. Researchers at Woods Hole describe how they gather climate and monsoon data via remote sensors in the oceans, and find out more about how international teams work on research cruises.
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