Lecture series to preview impact of 21st century science

The newest advances in medicine and aging, the next generation of computers and recent discoveries about the origin of the universe will highlight a series of public lectures on "21st Century Science," sponsored by the University of Chicago's Graham School of General Studies.

The lectures will be held from 7:30 to 9 p.m. one Monday a month from March through May on the 6th floor of the Gleacher Center, 450 N. Cityfront Plaza Drive in downtown Chicago. Cost for the series is $60, or $25 for individual lectures.

The lecture series is the brainchild of University of Chicago astronomer Douglas Duncan, co-discoverer of sunspots on stars other than the sun, leader of numerous tours to view eclipses and the Northern Lights and commentator on public radio station WBEZ-FM.

"Science in the 20th century has transformed not only the content, shape and texture of our physical environment, but the very way in which we perceive these surroundings, ourselves, others, and the universe itself," Duncan said. "Science in the 21st century promises to profoundly affect our everyday lives and world view in equally dramatic and seemingly unimaginable ways."

Sean Carroll, Assistant Professor in Physics, will lead off the series on March 19. Last year Carroll received fellowships from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to support his theoretical research in cosmology and related topics. Carroll will explain how astronomers have detected the remnant radiation from the big bang that began the universe and the subtle ripples in space that led to the formation of the first galaxies.

Dr. David Weiss, Clinical Instructor in Orthopedics, Surgery and Rehabilitative Medicine at the University Hospitals, will describe the medical outlook on April 23. Weiss is a specialist in rehabilitative medicine who has treated a variety of top athletes. He will discuss the ability of modern medicine to diagnose and treat problems that arise from injury or aging. He also will talk about steps people can take that will enhance their health and allow them to remain active as they age.

Rick Stevens, Professor in Computer Science at the University and Director of the Mathematics and Computer Science Division at Argonne National Laboratory, will offer his technological insights on May 21. He also co-directs the Computation Institute, a joint effort between the University and Argonne. Stevens specializes in developing new uses of computers. His talk will envision what life will be like beyond the current high-impact computer technologies that include the World Wide Web, e-mail and Palm Pilots.

To register for the lecture series, call 1-800-997-9689.

Additional Contacts:

Laura M. Dini
(773) 702-8135
lmdiniAuchicago.edu

Ruth Opad
(773) 702-6255
RuthopadAmidway.uchicago.edu