August 10, 2007 – Washington, DC –Beginning this September, the Marian Koshland Science Museum of the National Academy of Sciences will bring top scientists and policy experts together in a series of public programs to discuss important scientific issues of the day, including the global burden of infectious disease, the latest breakthroughs in energy technology, and scientific and ethical issues surrounding stem cell research. On the cultural side, the Princeton Laptop Orchestra will appear at the museum in their debut performance in Washington, D.C.
The schedule of public programs follows:
Global Burden of Malaria
Thursday, Sept. 27, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Malaria is the most prevalent vector-borne disease in the world, causing more than 2 million deaths each year, mostly among young children. Keith Carter from the World Health Organization and David Smith from the National Institutes of Health will examine the impacts of malaria on public health worldwide and the challenge of modeling and controlling how the disease is spread. Admission is $5.
Thursday, Oct. 4, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
As politicians and pundits debate how to combat global warming, a range of new and improved energy technologies have become available with the potential to increase efficiency and lessen possible harms to the environment. At this event, technology and policy experts will discuss such technologies and examine possible barriers to implementing and adapting them. The panel includes: Robert Marlay, deputy director, U.S. Climate Change Technology Program; Robert Fri, visiting scholar and senior fellow emeritus of Resources for the Future; Christopher Flavin, president, Worldwatch Institute; and Bill Prindle, deputy director, American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. Admission is $5.
The Great Influenza: The Story of the 1918 Pandemic
Thursday, Oct. 11, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
The infamous 1918 influenza pandemic killed as many as 50 million people -- more than any other disease outbreak in history. It was by no means the first lethal flu pandemic, and most experts believe it will not be the last, especially in this age of frequent global travel. Join award-winning author John Barry as he traces the influenza pandemic of 1918 and identifies lessons learned. Admission is $5.
Understanding Stem Cells: Science and Policy
Thursday, Oct. 18, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Research on stem cells holds great promise for treating some of the world's most devastating diseases, yet using human embryonic stem cells for these purposes is mired in controversy. John Gearhart from Johns Hopkins University will discuss what stem cells are and their potential for medical advances. Jonathan Moreno from the University of Pennsylvania will examine the scientific and ethical issues surrounding stem cells. Admission is $5.
Princeton Laptop Orchestra: Come Unplugged
Thursday, Nov. 8, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
How can a group of musicians turn their laptops into instruments? Find out how when the Princeton Laptop Orchestra makes its debut in Washington. Using their laptops and specialized computer-based language, PLOrk will give a live performance of their unique musical genre, followed by a discussion of how they use technology as a basis for their work. Admission is $5.
Nanotechnology and Infectious Disease
Thursday, Nov. 15, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Nanotechnology has led to the development of scientific instruments that make it possible to manipulate and probe objects that are 1,000 times smaller than the microcircuits of the most advanced computers. How is the power of these technologies being harnessed to treat diseases? Learn more with Esther Chang, a microbiologist at Georgetown University's Lombardi Cancer Center. Admission is $5.
The Marian Koshland Science Museum engages the general public in an exploration of the current scientific issues that affect their lives. The museum's state-of-the-art exhibits, public events, and educational programs provide information that stimulates discussion and provides insight into how science supports decision-making. Located at 6th and E streets, N.W., the museum is easily accessible by metro at the Gallery Place/Chinatown and Judiciary Square stops.
Tickets and additional information are available through the museum at 202-334-1201 or the events page; advance ticket purchase is recommended for all events. Reporters who wish to cover these programs should pre-register.