What are the biological processes behind functions of the mind? How are neuroscience and cognitive science helping us to understand emotion, memory, and language -- even the mysterious mechanisms of consciousness itself?
Why is the Hubble Space Telescope, after an extraordinarily inauspicious beginning, now one of astronomy's great triumphs? How are its superb images revolutionizing our thinking about the Earth and its place in the universe?
Mammalian embryos inherit some genes from each parent that have been permanently silenced. Mothers appear to silence genes that promote an embryo's growth, while fathers silence genes intended to limit growth. What evolutionary purpose does this unusual "imprinting" serve?
Rescheduled to 11/28/2000 due to inclement weather.
Phytoplankton play a significant role in the Earth's climate system. Could ocean fertilization be used to stimulate the growth of these microscope plants and reduce global warming? Or would this lead to unintended and undersirable consequences?
Have scientists finally achieved a "grand synthesis" view of cancer, explaining both the diversity and commonality of the diseases bearing that name? Are we poised for a final assault on cancer that promises to prevent, detect, dispose, and treat one of humankind's worst afflictions?
What special factors led to the relatively rapid domestication of plants and animals only in a few places around the Earth? How have archaeology and ancillary sciences accounted for this remarkable development, second only to the harnessing of fire?
Astounding coincidences surround us, even affecting where we live and work. But can a bit of quantative thinking show that things aren't so surprising after all?
Can a microscopic roundworm, which uses smell to regulate many aspects of its behavior and development, help us understand aspects of human behavior? Which of our olfactory behaviors are set by genetics and developmental programs and which are changed by our experiences?
