In the early 1970s, scientists began to suspect that new and strange forms of energy and matter called "super-partners" might exist. If physicists can find hard evidence, then superstring theory, an extension of the "Standard Model," would be less likely to be speculation. Dr. Gates will attempt to demystify the concept of supersymmetry, or SUSY.
Understanding of the Pre-Columbian Maya civilization has undergone significant changes over the past several decades. New archaeological research and key breakthroughs in deciphering Maya hieroglyphs have begun to clear away some of the mysteries surrounding this great civilization.
In January 2004, NASA’s twin robotic explorers Spirit and Opportunity landed on Mars. Expected to last for 90 days, the two rovers have been exploring the planet’s surface for more than two years now, searching for evidence of past water. Could conditions on Mars have supported life?
(Note: this lecture is being presented in addition to our regular Capital Science lectures)
The ubiquity of supermassive black holes in galaxies does not diminish their mystery. How and when were they made? How did they grow? What happens when black holes merge? Why do black holes share such an intimate connection with the formation of galaxies?
Why do we study the historical development of scientific knowledge, methods, and practices? Find out why recent theories in the earth and environmental sciences present challenges to what constitutes scientific consensus and dissent, and how this conflict affects the public, particularly with respect to the issue of global warming.
For many decades, the male-specific chromosome was understood to be a genetic wasteland of little import. Learn how recent genomic studies have revealed the Y chromosome's architectural beauty, evolutionary dynamism, and critical role in male fertility.
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