Can Seagrasses Weather Ocean Warming? 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 urgent need to conserve these undersea meadows. Barnabas Daru, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology; Curator of the Ruth O’Brien Herbarium, Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi.
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
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...
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
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.
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Dr. Baumgartner describes how a warming climate some 20 million years ago led to a major environmental development: the emergence of the famous grasslands of Kenya and other areas of East Africa. The grasses and other plants introduced a better and more abundant form of nutrition for many creatures. As flora and fauna diversity thrived, so did evolution –including that of our earliest human ancestors. Dr. Baumgartner explains those changes and also how scientists use fossils to reconstruct...
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Philip Lieberman, Ph.D., George Hazard Crooker University Professor Emeritus, Brown University. Dr. Lieberman is one of the foremost authorities on the evolution and distinction of human language. In this discussion, he addresses numerous misunderstandings. First, he explains what language is and how the cognitive and physical apparatus for language evolved. He then discusses the issue of whether Neanderthals developed real language. Finally, he explains the distinction between real language...
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
The accelerating pace of glacial melting in Greenland and in Antarctica will increase sea level rise in different areas of the globe. But the locations most affected are often counter-intuitive. Further, the rapid melting affects the land under the glaciers in unexpected ways. Dr. Gomez discusses the dynamics of these melting patterns and how scientists study them. Natalya Gomez, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Earth & Planetary Sciences, McGill University, Canada; Canada Research Chair in the...
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Dr. Shawn K. Kelly explains a challenging project underway: the design and testing of a wearable brain stimulation and recording device that will target neural circuits with great accuracy. This device will help in the development of precise therapeutic interventions to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
The detection in 2017 of gravitational waves created by the collision of two neutron stars is a major resource for astronomers. Dr. Berger discusses the wealth of information from this event: the confirmation of Einstein’s predicted gravitational waves; new insights about the structure of neutron stars; and the accuracy of Hubble’s Constant. Edo Berger, Ph.D., Professor of Astronomy, Harvard University; Science Advisor, Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study; Distinguished Visiting Research...
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
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 considers the combination of socioeconomic factors and certain (BET) proteins in both breast and prostate cancers. This mix of social and biological drivers of certain cancers is of increasing interest in medical research. Dr. Denis explains how this broader research is designed and tested –and how it...
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Dr. Douam is an expert on viruses and vaccines. He explains how scientists unravel the mechanisms by which viruses such as covid-19 invade cells and and overcome the body’s defenses. Dr,. Douam describes the challenge of developing effective vaccines. The use of humanized mice –mice engrafted with human tissues– has advanced the understanding of human immune responses against viral pathogens and improved the development of vaccines. Florian Douam, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of...
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
I Wonder Why? Magic, Mystery and Mathematics in the Mundane. Dr. Mahadevan shares his extraordinary gift for revealing the underlying structures of objects, systems and processes in Nature. One does not need to be a mathematician to appreciate the extraordinary properties of what seems ordinary when Dr. Mahadevan demonstrates how to look, how to think in a whole new way. Lakshminarayanan “Maha” Mahadevan,Ph.D., Lola England de Valpine Professor of Applied Mathematics; Professor of...
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Contemporary Science Issues and Innovations: How Ocean Acidification Harms Shellfish - Dr. Cameron marine ecologist and carbonate chemist. She studies the impacts of ocean acidification and warming on marine bivalves and their fisheries. In this discussion Dr Cameron explains the cause of ocean acidification, the harm to ocean life, and especially to shellfish. She also describes what can and must be done to address ocean acidification. Louise Cameron, Ph.D., Postdoc Investigator, Marine...
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Dr. Diaz Artiles describes how space life in zero gravity affects the human body and how space engineers are taking on the challenge. Her field of bioastronautics develops engineering innovations like artificial gravity, specialized spacesuits, and physical analyses of the effects of space environment on the human body. As we move toward colonization of space, this is the science to watch! Ana Diaz Artiles, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Aerospace Engineering, Texas A&M University...
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Dr. O’Dwyer says that “ecological systems are the archetypal complex systems.” He describes how these systems, regardless of scale, and despite their diversity, share underlying signatures and patterns. How the components of ecosystems interact and adapt to their environments is a matter of intense study today when so many species are under threat by environmental and climate changes. James O’Dwyer, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Plant Biology, University of Illinois (Urbana); Hrdy Fellow,...
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Neural Disruption and Motor Dysfunctions. Dr. Crittenden describes the complex neural mechanisms that make ordinary movement possible. She explains how neural disruptions cause Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and other dysfunctions. This research uses sophisticated analysis, very advanced technology, and genetic engineering. Jill R. Crittenden, Ph.D., Scientific Advisor, McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT.
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Matt Fernandes and his team at SEAS look to Nature for examples of quality engineering, And one of their investigations is attracting attention. The skeletal structure of the Venus Flower sea sponge (a.k.a. glass sponge) can bear extraordinary weight. And Fernandes hopes to apply this unique structure to next-generation architecture and engineering design.
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Dr. Basu explains the growing concern in medical circles that climate change is introducing unexpected diseases and other health conditions. He describes how medical training is changing to prepare future professionals. Gaurab Basu, MD, MPH, Primary physician and Co-Director, Center for Health Equity Education & Advocacy (CHEEA) Cambridge Health Alliance; and Instructor Affiliate, Department of Global Health & Social Medicine Harvard Medical School.
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Director of MIT's Global Engineering & Research Laboratory (GEAR) Amos Winter speaks with Yvonne about his work providing low-cost prosthetic feet to underdeveloped nations as well as his de-salinization projects in India and elsewhere. Dr. Winter discusses the humanitarian commitment of the GEAR Lab, some of the award-winning innovations that have produced real changes for people in developing nations - and even here in the US for Native American reservations. 00:39:16
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
The typical American diet can be considered a health threat. The combination of processed food, excess red meat, high salt and excess sugar are associated with the high incidence of obesity, diabetes-2, heart disease, certain cancers, and other diseases. But there is a solution. Walter C. Willett, M.D., Dr. P.H., Professor of Epidemiology and Nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Guest Amy Bower, Ph.D., Senior Scientist; Chair Dept of Physical Oceanography, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). Dr. Bower explains the structure and dynamics of deep ocean currents and their vital role in maintaining the Earth’s climate. She discusses the importance of long-range international studies on these very complex currents. Dr Bower focuses especially on one of the major systems, the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) and the implications of a slowdown in...
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Most children in the world are not healthy, and many –especially in impoverished nations or communities– suffer very serious illnesses. Dr. Hamer explains why the World Health Organization is the indispensable lifeline for children around the world. 00:25:28
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Dr. Cziczo explains the difference between millions of years of natural warming cycles and the more recent anthropogenic warming caused by the production of more CO2. He discusses the implications of atmospheric CO2 buildup and the limitations of geoengineering and sequestration as solutions to this problem. Daniel Cziczo, Professor and Head, Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Science, Purdue University. Recorded at Purdue University. 00:34:24
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Dr. Martini explains the relationship between dark energy and the acceleration, and also the sophisticated instruments that measure the universe’s expansion. He is the Instrument Scientist for the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI). The DESI will produce a five-year survey of over 35 million galaxies and quasars to better understand the nature of cosmic acceleration. Dr. Martini also describes his extensive work on the evolution of galaxies and active galactic nuclei (AGN). 00:46:11
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Dr. Madin provides an expert’s understanding of jellyfish –those maligned creatures that are such a nuisance to those who flock to ocean beaches. This summer the stories focus on the lion’s mane jellyfish, the largest known species. Just how large, how dangerous? The attention this species has attracted has also raised interest in the great diversity of jellyfish and other marine invertebrates. Laurence Madin, Ph.D. Marine Biologist, WHOI Senior Science Advisor; and retired Deputy...
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Dr. Zoeller has been a leader among researchers emphasizing the need for much stronger regulation of endocrine disruptors. He discusses the chemistry of prenatal and infant brain development and the ways in which endocrine disruptors –even in very low dosage– impact the hormones involved in development. He also addresses the tension between federal regulators and the scientific community on this issue. Guest: R. Thomas Zoeller, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus of Biology, University of...
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Erika Spanger-Siegfried, climate analyst for Union of Concerned Scientists, provides an update on the growing threat of rising seas to coastal cities and smaller communities. She discusses the need to prepare for coastal communities to prepare for more frequent coastal flooding.
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Maria Ivanova and Candace Famiglietti detail the very serious consequences of the international wildlife trade. While there has been much media attention on the health consequences of wildlife food markets, the authors provide a much broader picture. Wildlife for exotic pets, wildlife in high fashion. In their article and in this interview, they discuss the abuse inherent in wildlife trade, and the impact on ecosystems and environment, economies and human health. Maria Ivanova, Ph.D., Associate...
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Physics Beyond the Standard Model at the Large Hadron Collider: The Standard Model is incomplete. The projects at the Large Hadron Collider search for the missing information. Markus Klute’s group played a central role in the discovery of the Higgs boson in 2012, and continues the search for subatomic particles that can reveal the origin of the universe and the nature of matter. In this update on the LHC Dr. Klute explains how the LHC experiments probe for unknown particles. And he discusses...
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Spillover, the transfer of viruses from wild animals to humans, is a by-product of hunting, wild-animal trade, and proximity of humans to wild creatures. Dr. Jonathan Runstadler explains how spillover can cause pandemics in the modern global community, and why control of these viruses requires an understanding of the relationship between humans and these animal disease reservoirs. Guest: Jonathan A. Runstadler, DVM, PhD, Professor of Virology, Immunogenetics, Disease Ecology, Cummings School of...
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Dr. Sameer Sonkusale’s Nano Lab at Tufts University is a major hub of nano-tech research in medicine and medical engineering. The nano-scale represents a unique space for physical processes and the Tufts Nano Lab has developed many distinctive innovations. Dr. Sonkusale discusses how such innovations provide detailed monitoring of medical problems and the development of precise delivery of medications to affected areas of the body.
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
The Impact of Air Pollution On Health. Dr. Jonathan Levy discusses the increasing and serious health issues associated with air pollution, particularly in urban areas. Health and environmental scientists are particularly concerned about the effects of particulate matter (PM2.5), which enters the bloodstream via the lungs, on human health. The result is seen in rising rates of heart disease, asthma, and cognitive problems.
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Cell Architecture: Self-Organization and Scale. Regardless of any cell’s size, its components (organelles) are always proportional. Scientists do not know how size of cells and their organelles are determined. Cells just self-assemble effortlessly. Biophysicist Jane Kondev, Ph.D. discusses this mystery –one of the most challenging in Nature– and how scientists try to unravel the cell’s self-assembly code.
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Herbal Medicines Decoded: How Medicinal Plants Soothe and Cure. Professor Jing-Ke Weng’s lab at MIT and the Whitehead Institute focuses on the distinctive chemistry and genetics of medicinal plants. Dr. Weng explains the process, the discoveries, and the challenge of simulating plant chemistry for large-scale medical purposes.
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Mathematical Prediction of a Sixth Mass Extinction. Dr. Daniel Rothman explains how mathematical modeling clarifies the intricate dynamics of our planet’s carbon cycles and geophysical components. His model shows the relationship between ancient mass extinctions and the likely sixth extinction of the future.
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Nectar, Pollen, and the Health of Bees. Professor Lynn Adler, Ph.D., explains how some bee infections may be transferred via plants that bees visit, and how some types of nectar and pollen may help to reduce certain pathogens.
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
In an era when science has contributed so much to the progress of humanity, there is a resurgence of anti-reason and rejection of scientific facts. These challenges call for a mental adjustment: the scientific attitude. Dr. Lee McIntyre explains how to adapt that attitude and why it is necessary today.
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
How Science Fiction Has Inspired Science. David Toomey, Ph.D. examines the relationship between science and science fiction. In particular he explains how science fiction often anticipates discoveries in science.
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
The Great Potential of Offshore Wind Farms. Dr. Andrew 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...
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Psychiatric Drugs: Why They Often Fail Us Over Long Term. 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...
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Mass Extinctions. Dr. Andrew 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.
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
12/11/18 Professor Markus Klute provides an update of the work at the Large Hadron Collider (CERN), where he is a member of of the team involved in the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment. He explains the complexity of the LHS - the challenges of both engineering and data collection– and the great importance of the investigation of the most fundamental level of the universe.
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
11/27/18 Dr. Andrew Rosenberg explains how the present administration impedes environmental and health regulations, rejects facts about climate change, and undermines the work of science-related government agencies. He also explains what the informed public can and must do to diminish resistance to scientific facts and information (and how the UCS helps in that effort).
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
11/15/18 Dark Matter and Other Cosmic Mysteries - Dr. Julian Munoz discusses the decades-old problem of identifying the nature of dark matter in the universe. He has led a collaboration that is exploring the possibility that charged dark matter particles interact with normal matter by electromagnetic force. He explains a related collaboration, called EDGES; together, these very new investigations are offering a real possibility of solving the dark matter mystery.
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
11/13/18 00:34:02 The Geometric Basis of Structure and Motion - 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.
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
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).
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Dr. Philippe Grandjean, 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...
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
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. 08/30/18
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Dr. Alan Jasanoff discusses his book, "The Biological Mind: How Brain, Body, and Environment Collaborate to Make Us Who We Are". In his new book and in this discussion, Dr. Jasanoff explains why the brain must be considered within its biological, natural and social environment. The tendency to see the mind as completely autonomous, a view he calls the “cerebral mystique” doesn't hold up. Jasanoff’s discussion includes brain dysfunctions as well as recent trends such as brain...
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Dr. Julie Guthman discusses the important role of California’s massive strawberry crop, the toxins used to protect the crop from pests and fungi, and the effect of toxins on the environment and health.
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
Dr. Andrew Kemp explains the cycles of ocean rise and fall over the past 2000 years. For most of that time these changes were due to natural forces; but the present sea level rise is due to human-produced climate change.
Topics: Science For The Public: Contemporary Science Issues, Belmont Media Center, Belmont, Massachusetts,...
