Abstract

Arguably, the most dramatic geochemical distinction between the Earth and Moon has been the virtual lack of water (hydrogen) in the latter. This conclusion was recently challenged on the basis of geochemical data for lunar materials that suggest that the water content of the Moon might be far higher than previously believed. We have measured the Cl isotope composition of Apollo basalts and find that the range of isotopic values 25 times greater than for Earth. The huge isotopic spread is explained by volatilization of metal halides during basalt eruption, a process that could only occur if the Moon had H concentration ~104 to 105 lower than Earth, implicating that the lunar interior is essentially anhydrous.

Abstract
Since their discovery in 1856, Neandertals have generally been considered a different species or inferior offshoots from the subsequent European line with no contribution to the people who followed them. Yet, a variety of anatomical, genetic and behavioral traits link Neandertals with their European successors. Along with new information from biology and culture, it is becoming increasingly difficult to exclude Neandertals from those who followed them in Europe.

Dealing With Danger: How Innercity Youth Cope With the Violence that Surrounds Them. by Howard Pinderhughes, University of California, San Francisco. Thursday, 18 November 2010, 5 p.m.

Abstract
Land cover change driven by human activity is profoundly affecting Earth's natural systems with impacts ranging from a loss of biological diversity to changes in regional and global climate. This change has been so pervasive and progressed so rapidly, compared to natural processes, scientists refer to it as "the great transformation". Urbanization or the 'gray wave' of land transformation is being increasingly recognized as an important process in global climate change. A hallmark of our success as a species, large urban conglomerates do in fact alter the land surface so profoundly that both local climate and the basic ecology of the landscape are affected in ways that have consequences to human health and economic well-being. Fortunately we have incredible new tools for planning and developing urban places that are both enjoyable and sustainable. A suite of Earth observing satellites is making it possible to study the interactions between urbanization, biological processes, and weather and climate. Using these Earth Observatories we are learning how urban heat islands form and potentially ameliorate them, how urbanization can affect rainfall, pollution, and surface water recharge at the local level and climate and food security globally.

Spring 2011

Abstract:
Do the media merely "reflect" the real world -- as Hollywood and network executives would have us believe -- or do they cause real-life problems as well?  Children and teenagers spend an average of 7 hours a day with media: how much of an impact does that have on their attitudes and behavior?  Seventy percent of babies in the U.S. are parked in front of a TV set for at least an hour a day – does it help their language development?  The answers lie partially in some voluminous and difficult media research and partially in the realm of common sense.  This talk will try to illuminate what we know about the impact of the media on children and adolescents, what we don't know, and what we need to do to find out.  The topics of infant videos and child development, violence, advertising, obesity, sex & sexuality, drugs, and new technologies will be explored, along with videotaped clips to illustrate the problems and some of the solutions.  Several suggestions for parents and for schools will be presented.

Abstract:
This talk will cover the unique electronic properties and new devices fabricated from fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, semiconducting polymers and small molecules. This talk has been made possible by three recent Nobel Prizes that have been awarded for the discovery of new forms of carbon: the carbon cage molecule buckminsterfullerene (Smalley et al, 1996), the discovery of organic semiconductors (Heeger, et al, 2000) and now for graphene (Geim and Novoselov, 2010). These discoveries have opened the door to a wide variety of carbon based electronic devices. Almost every electronic device built out of inorganic semiconductors such as silicon and gallium arsenide has been fabricated using organic (carbon based) materials. Organic devices have reached the market, such as the new cell phone AMOLED display screen recently advertised on television. The potential exists to fabricate flexible carbon based electronic devices in large quantities using roll to roll printing techniques. Technical hurdles must be overcome before these new electronic devices find widespread use. For example, the charge carrier mobility in organic materials is significantly lower than in inorganic semiconductors, focusing research towards improving the electrical and material properties of organic materials.

Abstract:
The Mission of Public Health in the United States of America is the fulfillment of society's interest in assuring conditions in which people can be healthy (Institute of Medicine). This mission can be daunting in an ever changing world with constant emerging threats and extreme resource limitations. This Lecture will discuss how public health works with communities, the medical establishment, and business to address health threats. The direction the field of public health is heading will be illustrated with lessons from the past as well as ongoing improvements including solicitation of community input and partnership. The importance of translating scientific results into policy that is communicated clearly to the public will be emphasized.

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Archive of Distinguished Public Talks: 2009-2010

Archive of Distinguished Public Talks: 2008-2009

Archive of Distinguished Public Talks: 2007-2008

Archive of Distinguished Public Talks: 2006-2007

Archive of Distinguished Public Talks: 2005-2006