Photo © Stephen Hart

Readings/Lectures/Showings
November 2006

NSWA Events Calendar

Please E-mail NSWA with suggested announcements.

Some events may require advance registration or admission fee. Check with the Sponsoring organizations for further details. Please send additions or corrections to deafrost atsign gmail dot com – and feel free to submit events for future calendars. Please put “NSWA-to be posted” in the subject line.

 

Evolution of the Event Page:

Hyperlinks to the University of Washington’s Office of Research “Featured Events,” the UW Alumni Association Events, and the UW Events Calendar top a list of links for the UW departmental seminar series. All are now found in a new NSWA page. (Jump there now) A fundamental evolutionary rule: intermediate forms are few in number, brief in time.

Nanotech-O-Rama
Monday, November 20, 6:30 p.m.
Learn about some of the exciting local research going on at a very small scale. Francois Baneyx, director of the University of Washington’s Center for Nanotechnology, will provide an overview of a field that ranges from medicine to materials. He'll also answer questions about whether nanoparticles are going to be the death of us all. We'll hear from three scientists working on protein folding, nano-bar codes, tissue engineering and “smart” materials for drug delivery. This event is free to all!
University of Washington, Bagley Hall, Room 154, (see L-12 on campus map)
http://www.washington.edu/home/maps/campusmappg.pdf

Monday, November 13, 6:30 p.m.:
NSWA Board Meeting, University of Washington Faculty Club

Thursday, December 7, 7:30 p.m.:
SAVE THE DATE for the NSWA HOLIDAY PARTY!

Tuesday, November 7, 8:00 a.m.:

Join PATH for a breakfast tour to learn how it is improving health worldwide from its headquarters in Seattle. During this hour-long event, you will enjoy a light breakfast and a tour of PATH’s product development shop. This hands-on experience takes place once a month. One or two spots may still be open for the November tour; the next tour will be on December 7th. Please contact Jennifer Adrian at jadrian@path.org or by phone at 206-788-2472 for information on an upcoming tour.
http://www.path.org/

Wednesday, November 8, 5:30-6:30 p.m.:
Dr. Dennis Schatz, Vice President for Education, Pacific Science Center and Co-Director, Washington State Leadership and Assistance for Science Education Reform (LASER, K-8) would like to explore how can we make science more pervasive in society – not just something that happens in school, but something people pursue in their free time. Dr. Schatz has received numerous honors that relate to science writing, including the 1996 Distinguished Informal Science Educator Award from the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and the NSTA 2005 lifetime achievement award (Distinguished Service to Science Education). He is the author of 18 science books for children, including the popular Totally Series of six books (Totally Dinosaurs in 2000 to Totally Sea Creatures in 2003). The UW Forum for Science and Ethics Policy (FOSEP) invites you to participate in the discussion group, “Making Science as Pervasive as Sports in Society.” Dinner and beverages will be provided. UW Health Sciences Building, T-478.
http://www.fosep.org/

Wednesday, November 8, 7:30 p.m.:
Award-winning science writer and naturalist John Moir reads from and signs his new book, Return of the Condor: The Race to Save Our Largest Bird from Extinction. This visit is co-sponsored by the Washington Ornithological Society and the Elliott Bay Book Company.
For more information on the Washington Ornithological Society, please see http://www.wos.org.
Elliott Bay Book Company. http://www.elliottbaybook.com/events/index.jsp

Wednesday, November 8, 7:30 p.m.:
Dead Sea Scrolls: An Interfaith Dialogue
Pacific Science Center hosts an exhibition featuring the Dead Sea Scrolls from September 23-January 7. Considered by many to be the most significant archeological find of the 20th century, these biblical and sectarian manuscripts date from 250 B.C.E. – 68 B.C.E. Apparently the library of a Jewish sect, they are the earliest known manuscripts of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), written primarily in Hebrew and Aramaic. A lecture series presented by Pacific Science Center at Town Hall explores the context and science of this exhibition. A distinguished panel of local religious leaders—Rev. Alexander Brunett, Archbishop, Diocese of Seattle; Hisham Farajalla, President, Islamic Center of Washington; and Rabbi Daniel S. Weiner, Senior Rabbi, Temple De Hirsch Sinai—join in a conversation about the “Ancient Roots of Faith,” moderated by Bryce Seidl, CEO, Pacific Science Center. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Avenue (at Seneca Street), Seattle, WA. Tickets are $15 and are available on-line through www.pacificsciencecenter.org, at any Pacific Science Center ticket booth in advance, or on the day of the event at Town Hall an hour before the lecture.
http://www.pacsci.org/dss/lectures.html

Wednesday, November 8, 7:30 p.m.:
Award-winning author Thomas Homer-Dixon argues that five “tectonic stresses” are accumulating underneath the surface of today’s global order—energy stress, economic stress, demographic stress, environmental stress, and climate stress. The effect of these stresses is multiplied by the rising connectivity of our societies and could potentially cause a cascading collapse of systems vital to our well-being. His new book The Upside of Down shows that this outcome is not inevitable and in fact, a less severe breakdown could open up extraordinary opportunities for creative reform of our societies. Co-sponsored by Town Hall Center for Civic Life. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Avenue (at Seneca Street), Seattle, WA. Downstairs. Admission is $5 at the door
http://www.townhallseattle.org/calendar.cfm

Thursday, November 9, 6:30 p.m.:
Alaska Conservation Series - Tongass and Chugach National Forests
Beautiful, lush and remote, the Alaska rainforest between the communities of Ketchikan and Kodiak comprises the world’s largest remaining intact expanse of coastal temperate rainforest. Commercial fishing and tourism are mainstays of the local economy and the bounty of the land and sea feeds most rural families who live a traditional subsistence way of life. Guest speakers scheduled for this session of the Alaska Conservation Series include David Harsila of the Alaska Independent Fisherman’s Marketing Association, Tim Bristol, director of the Alaska office for Trout Unlimited, and Amy Gullick, photographer and lecturer. The series is co-sponsored by The Mountaineers and REI. This event is at The Mountaineers Building, 300 Third Ave W. Seattle. For more information and a listing of presenters please visit or call 206-284-6310 (Burke)
www.mountaineers.org/conservation/

Thursday, November 9, 7:00 p.m.:
The UW Alumni Association and College of Engineering host “Not a Drop to Drink,” as part of their engineering lecture series, “Engineering our Quality of Life.” This presentation is based on the collaborative work of UW professors Drs. Sinclair Yee, Clement Furlong and others to develop an inexpensive, portable optical analytic tool to evaluate potential biochemical contamination of food or the environment. UW Kane Hall, Room 110.
http://go.washington.edu/uwaa/events/2006eng_lectures/details.tcl

Saturday, November 11, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.:
Are you curious about certification for medical writers? The Northwest Chapter’s Education Committee of the AMWA is sponsoring a panel discussion that features experienced, certified medical writers who have worked in the field and have been through a variety of training courses. The panelists are: Wendy Alexander, BELS Certified, Past President AMWA NW, Medical Writer at DVx, and Adi Ferrara, AMWA Certified, Past President AMWA NW, Freelance Medical Writer and Editor. The issues: Why Get Certified? What is the Process? Can it Help Your Career? And of course, bring all those questions you haven’t yet asked. The no-host luncheon will be held at the Crab Cracker, Banquet Room, Downtown Kirkland, 452 Central Way (Near the corner of 85th & Lake St) 425-827-8700. 
Please RSVP to arushisinha@hotmail.com so that they can have an approximate headcount or if you have any questions.
http://www.crabcracker.com/crabcracker.htm
http://amwanw.org/

Monday, November 13, 7:00 p.m.:
Dr. Joan Roughgarden, a Stanford professor of Biological Sciences and Geophysics, and an Episcopalian, speaks at Seattle First Baptist tonight about reconciling theories of evolution and the wisdom of the Bible. Her book, Evolution and Christian Faith: Reflections of an Evolutionary Biologist, is informed by her years of research on lizard biology and by her faith’s tradition. This reading and book signing is presented as part of the Seattle Spiritual Synthesis series with Seattle First Baptist Church. The event is free, no advance tickets. Seattle First Baptist Church is located at 1111 Harvard Avenue (at Union). For information on this evening, please call Elliott Bay at (206) 624-6600.
http://www.elliottbaybook.com/events/index.jsp

Tuesday, November 14, 4:00 p.m.:
Dr. Jonathan Losos, Professor of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at Washington University and Harvard University will discuss “Ecological and Evolutionary Perspectives on the Biological Diversity of Caribbean Anolis Lizards.” Understanding the biological diversity we see around us requires knowledge both of the evolutionary origin of that diversity as well as the ecological processes that maintain it. Caribbean lizards in the genus Anolis are an ideal system to take such an integrative approach: evolutionary radiations have occurred independently on each of the Greater Antilles, producing ecologically similar communities on each island and 150 species throughout the region. Phylogenetic studies reveal the course of evolution, and ecological experiments illustrate the ongoing processes that may have driven this diversification. UW Physics/Astronomy Bldg, A102

http://protist.biology.washington.edu/bio2/news/seminars/pdf/JonathanLososflyer2.pdf

Tuesday, November 14, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.:
“Collaborations in Life Sciences Research” is a complimentary, half-day, fast-paced event hosted by Washington Biomedical and Biotechnical Association to explore the latest breakthroughs and discoveries from some of Washington’s most talented researchers and medical professionals. The program agenda includes sessions on new vaccines; genomics, proteomics and biomarkers; and diabetes and obesity. The conference is billed as “A summary of new opportunities for patients and physicians in the region to get involved in programs which provide options for participation in cutting-edge clinical research in these areas.” The participants and sponsors list includes: Allen Institute for Brain Science; Benaroya Research Institute; Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; Harborview Medical Center; Institute for Systems Biology; Northwest Association for Biomedical Research; Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; Pacific Northwest Research Institute; PATH; Providence Medical Research Center;  Puget Sound Blood Center; Seattle Institute for Biomedical and Clinical Research; Seattle Biomedical Research Institute; Swedish Medical Center; University of Washington School of Medicine; Virginia Mason Medical Center; Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Association; and Washington State University. The conference will be at Town Hall, Seattle. Registration for this program began on Monday, October 9, 2006 12:00 AM and ends on Sunday, November 12, 2006 11:59 PM. For further information, contact the conference organizers at (206) 341-0423 or WAbiomed@comcast.net
http://www.cmiregistration.com/user/org/program.jxp?id=70218&org=9004

Tuesday, November 14, 2:30 p.m.:
Dr. David Deamer, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry (Recalled), UCSC, will discuss “Self-assembly processes in the prebiotic environment.”  Dr. Deamer’s laboratory is exploring self-assembly processes and polymerization reactions of organic compounds in natural geothermal environments and related laboratory simulations. They have found that RNA-like polymers can be synthesized non-enzymatically from ordered arrays of mononucleotides in lipid microenvironments. Chemical activation of the mononucleotides is not required. Instead, synthesis of phosphodiester bonds is driven by the chemical potential of fluctuating anhydrous and hydrated conditions, with heat providing activation energy during dehydration. In the final hydration step, the RNA is encapsulated within lipid vesicles. The reaction has been shown to occur not only in a laboratory setting, but also on mineral surfaces of a hydrothermal volcanic site on Mt. Lassen. They are now extending this approach to template-directed synthesis of RNA, in which lipid-assisted polymerization serves as a model of an early stage of evolution toward an RNA World. Dr. Deamer is hosted by the Astrobiology Program. UW Physics/Astronomy Auditorium, A-118.
http://depts.washington.edu/astrobio/news/events.html

Wednesday, November 15, 7:00 p.m.:
Award-winning photographer Paul Bannick’s presentation at the Burke Museum in September SOLD OUT. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy “Wild Wings: A Look at Northwest Habitats through Owls and Woodpeckers.” You can preview his work at www.paulbannick.com. Tickets are $5; seating is limited so advance ticket purchase is recommended. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 206-543-9681 or email burked@u.washington.edu. UW Burke Museum.
http://www.washington.edu/burkemuseum/events/lectures.php

Wednesday, November 15 at 6:00 p.m.:
Terry Tamminen has been involved with understanding and applying forms of environmental protection as an organizer/activist (founder of the Santa Monica BayKeeper) and as a government official (a former secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency). He brings these perspectives, and more, to bear in his new book, Lives Per Gallon: The True Cost of Our Oil Addiction. Elliott Bay Book Company.
http://www.elliottbaybook.com/events/index.jsp

Wednesday, November 15, 7:30 p.m.:
Dead Sea Scrolls: ‘Bringing the Scrolls Back to Life’
Bruce Zuckermann, Professor School of Religion and Director of Archaeological Research Collection at University of Southern California will talk about the process of preserving and restoring the ancient. The lecture is presented by Pacific Science Center at Town Hall. Tickets are $15 and are available on-line through http://www.pacificsciencecenter.org, at any Pacific Science Center ticket booth in advance, or on the day of the event at Town Hall an hour before the lecture.
http://www.pacsci.org/dss/lectures.html

Wednesday, November 15, 5:00 – 8:30 p.m.:
The Pacific Northwest Bio/Technologies Alliance quarterly meeting will be held at the Seattle Biomedical Research Institute (SBRI). On this occasion they are holding their third annual Emerging Bio/Technologies panel discussion. This year’s panel discussion is the result of collaboration with and support from the SBRI. The discussion topic is “Emerging Technologies in Global Health.” A panel of physicians, scientists and directors with broad expertise in disease treatment, scientific research, and administration of global health efforts will be asked to address four key questions:

SBRI is located at 307 Westlake Avenue N, Suite 500. Registration is required for this event. Please pre-register using their registration page. Parking is available only on the street and nearby pay lots. Please note that the featured talks will begin at 6:15 PM.
http://www.pnwbiotech.org/meetings.htm

Friday, November 17 at 7:30 p.m.:
Poet William L. Fox traveled to the NASA research camp at the Haughton Crater in the Canadian Arctic, where researchers test equipment and human endurance in hopes of someday putting the knowledge to practice in exploration and possible colonization of Mars. Mr. Fox will read from his new book, Driving to Mars: In the Arctic with NASA on the Human Journey to the Red Planet. Fox’s previous books include Terra Antarctica and Driving by Memory.
http://www.elliottbaybook.com/events/index.jsp

 

Saturday, November 18 – Sun., November 19, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00

The Burke Museum has a new weekend program that puts you in touch with current scientific inquiry while you are in the gallery—with UW students as your interpreters. This weekend’s program is “Burke 101: Evolution of Mammals.” For information, contact burke101@u.washington.edu or call 206-616-4415. Sponsored by The Lucky Seven Foundation.

http://www.washington.edu/burkemuseum/events/index.php

 

Monday, November 27, 7:00 p.m.:

Science on Tap brings Dr. Peter Vitaliano, UW Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, to the Pub at Ravenna Third Place to engage the audience in a discussion of "Stress, Aging and the Effects on our Body: is Care-giving Hazardous to Your Health?" Science on Tap is an increasingly popular venue, so arrive early if you want a seat!

www.scienceontap.org

Wednesday, November 29, 7:30 p.m.:
Dead Sea Scrolls: Discovery, Purchase & Reconstruction
Weston Fields, Executive Director, The Dead Sea Scrolls foundation and Chair of the Department of Biblical Studies at University of the Holy Land, Jerusalem talks about the scrolls’ rediscovery in a lecture entitled “How the Dead Sea Scrolls Were Uncovered and Saved.” Tickets are $15 and are available on-line through www.pacificsciencecenter.org, at any Pacific Science Center ticket booth in advance, or on the day of the event at Town Hall an hour before the lecture.
http://www.pacsci.org/dss/lectures.html

Thursday, November 30,
Joana Ramos, MSW, an independent consultant in oncology social work will facilitate the UW Forum for Science and Ethics Policy (FOSEP) discussion group on “The Ethics of Tissue Transplantation.” Ms. Ramos’s talking points for the evening address the minimum age for bone marrow and stem cell donation and, in part, the shortage of minority donors. The location is still to be determined. Dinner and beverages will be provided. For more and updated information see the website.
http://www.fosep.org/

Monday, December 4, 7:30 p.m.:
Freeman Dyson is a physicist and mathematician, famous for his work in quantum mechanics, nuclear weapons design and policy, and theoretical work in futurism. Called “one of the world’s most original minds” by the London Times, Dyson’s new book, a collection of 29 previously published book reviews, essays and speeches, is entitled The Scientist as Rebel. Dyson shows how science is characterized by its rebellion against the restrictions of local cultures and that the best way to understand science is by understanding those who practice it. The Seattle Science Lectures are presented by Town Hall with Pacific Science Center, University Book Store, and Elliott Bay Book Company.  Media sponsors are KUOW 94.9 Public Radio and The Seattle Post-Intelligencer. The Seattle Science Lectures are sponsored by Microsoft. Downstairs at Town Hall, enter on Seneca Street. Tickets are $5 at the door only. Town Hall members receive priority seating.
http://www.townhallseattle.org

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