Science Circle

Virtual Teaching Tactics to Help a Divided World
2021-11-13 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Auditorium
Educators can be Covid-challenged to keep students and funds flowing, while promoting healthy and enriching academic options. Virtual World learning may provide immersive hands-on experience for engaging students and offering a sense of place and belonging, so important to student success and retention in online education. This presentation covers: evolution of virtual world learning, academic necessities for learning alternatives, socio-economic drivers and gains, fulfilling student desires for immersive experience, benefits of experiential learning, providing dimensional sense of space, sample in-world learning centers, forming partnerships between academia and emerging technology, effective gamification of learning, bridging the digital divide, and self-guided field trips to Virtual World campuses.

Bio: Dr. Steven R. Van Hook has developed and taught mixed-format courses in cross-cultural communications and global affairs for the University of California and other universities in the United States and abroad. He’s been a newspaper columnist, radio talk show host, TV news anchor, and television bureau chief in Moscow covering the fall of the Soviet Union. He has directed international public education campaigns through the United States Agency for International Development. He has a PhD specializing in transcultural learning, and is published in scholarly journals including SAGE, and UNESCO’s Prospects. Research website: http://wwmr.us

Non-members only need to register once.
Is this the first time you will attend a presentation with us?
Follow this link first.

Mars Exploration
2021-11-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Fireside
On their way to a robot planet:
Fry: So, this planet is completely uninhabited
Bender: No, it’s inhabited by robots
Fry: Oh see. The same way a warehouse is inhabited by boxes.
Mars isn’t inhabited by boxes, errr, I mean robots. They are better thought of as remote controlled sensory extensions of humans. Please join us at the Science Circle campfire to talk about Mars, the technology with which we explore it, and what we can look forward to from our exploration.

Non-members only need to register once.
Is this the first time you will attend a presentation with us?
Follow this link first.

Classical Concert
2021-11-07 07:00 - 08:00, 2021-10-31 07:00 - 08:00, 2021-10-24 07:00 - 08:00, 2021-10-17 07:00 - 08:00, 2021-10-10 07:00 - 08:00, 2021-10-03 07:00 - 08:00 | The Lighthouse Café

Has the global pandemic changed your view on others or society itself?
2021-11-06 21:00 - 22:00 | Auditorium
Has the global pandemic changed your view
on others or society itself?
“You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.” -Mahatma Gandhi
“A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both.” -Dwight D. Eisenhower

Non-members only need to register once.
Is this the first time you will attend a presentation with us?
Follow this link first.

Museums
2021-11-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Fireside
Which RL museum do you recommend to others?
This can be a local, national or foreign museum and can be a science, art, history, maritime or open air museum. Is the location exceptional or the architecture of the building? Share it with us.
Which one left an indelible impression on you? Tell us what you found and discovered. Perhaps you can share an image of what impressed you the most. Share the website of the relevant museum with us.
An example of museum development and innovation is the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The Night Watch “De Nachtwacht by Rembrandt van Rijn” is currently being restored and to inform, educate and share this process with the public, you can get a virtual tour here.
We look forward to your museum!
This FC topic is an idea of William Schmachtenberg, many thanks Bill.
Note: Please prepare, write your text prior to this Fireside Chat.

Non-members only need to register once.
Is this the first time you will attend a presentation with us?
Follow this link first.

Nuclear Energy
2021-10-30 21:00 - 22:00 | Auditorium
Nuclear Energy

The prospect of carbon-free electricity produced reliably and abundantly would incentivize investments in nuclear energy. Concerns over proper fuel disposal or recurrences of nuclear accidents with disastrous consequences also inhibit liberal employment of the energy source. Alternative power plant designs such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are being considered to improve safety and reduce construction costs. To what extent should we consider nuclear energy a solution to ensuring our energy needs are met in our struggle with climate change?
A presentation by Karthik P., Graduate Student

Non-members only need to register once.
Is this the first time you will attend a presentation with us?
Follow this link first.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Failure in Human Disease
2021-10-30 10:00 - 11:00, 2021-10-02 21:00 - 22:00 | Auditorium
Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Failure in Human Disease
Some two billion years ago, a seminal, endosymbiotic event occurred: a larger, anaerobic bacterial cell ingested a smaller, aerobic prokaryotic ‘germ’. This beneficial union of two life forms led to the evolution of more highly organized eukaryotic cells with mitochondria as subcellular organelles. These mitochondria still retain their own bacteria-like DNA – they also replicate themselves. As the metabolic power source for eukaryotic cells, mitochondria utilize (detoxify) oxygen to produce energy, an attribute that has made possible the rise of multi-cellular organisms and higher life forms. Mitochondria are vital to cellular life and therefore, to human life. Unfortunately, they can also be subject to genetically-based errors of metabolism.
The mammalian mitochondrial genome (circular, double-stranded DNA) encodes 2 rRNAs, 22 tRNAs and mRNAs for 13 polypeptides of the oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) system -this is the water brigade-like, mitochondrial-membrane bound, Electron Transport Chain that drives the proton pump, which in turn, drives production of ATP with a high energy phosphate bond to sustain cellular biochemistry (purposeful energy production and utilization required for sustenance of life processes).
Mitochondrial diseases have been recognized in the past 30 years as a group of genetic disorders characterized by defects in oxidative phosphorylation. These are attributable both to mutations in genes that encode structural mitochondrial proteins or proteins involved in mitochondrial function:

these mutations include genes in nuclear (chromosomal) DNA (nDNA) as well as mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).

Mitochondrial diseases as a group of inherited metabolic disorders are in fact, among the most common forms of inherited neurological disorders. Diagnosis is often delayed:

due to non-specific and varied symptom

which can range from fatigue and exercise intolerance to failure to thrive in children, autism, dementia, diabetes mellitus;

and finally, lack of suspicion for, or lack of awareness of mitochondrial diseases on the part of the diagnostician.

Advances in sequencing techniques of mitochondria have substantially improved diagnosis, particularly in children. In our REVIEW of HUMAN DISEASE of MITOCHONDRIAL ETIOLOGY, we will discuss common presenting symptoms – in particular, those involving organs with high energy requirements: central nervous system, cardiac and skeletal muscle, renal tubules, to name a few. Medical management of mitochondrial diseases will be considered along with some attention to “mitochondrial health”.
Presentation by Robert A. Hendrix, M.D.

Non-members only need to register once.
Is this the first time you will attend a presentation with us?
Follow this link first.

Biology and Racism
2021-10-23 21:00 - 22:00 | Auditorium
Biology and Racism
Rarely explored in conversations about race are the actual biological underpinnings of differences in skin color, eye color, hair, etc. This talk will explore the genetics and physiology of what creates these differences in appearance. And when possible, discuss the origins and “why’s” of these genes. Further discussion on concepts of “race” and population genetics will cover the history of human groups and how scientists try to grapple with the understanding of genetic heritage over time and geography. Finally, a commentary on what biology tells us about racism will close the presentation.
A presentation by Dr. Stephen Gasior

Non-members only need to register once.
Is this the first time you will attend a presentation with us?
Follow this link first.

Artificial Intelligence? The truth behind a fascinating buzzword.
2021-10-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Auditorium
Artificial Intelligence? The truth behind a fascinating buzzword.
Nowadays it is almost impossible to read newspapers or watch media without encountering the words “Artificial Intelligence or AI”. These words evoke in most people either scaring remembrances of sci-fi movies or anticipations of a bright future where human beings will be freed of any duty and will devote their time to leisure or personal growth. In the real world, AI has very little to do with what we normally perceive as intelligence. It is just a combination of powerful statistical methods, fast algorithms and great volumes of data. This combination is however very powerful and potentially the most powerful an also the most disruptive technology ever invented.
Presentation by Giuseppe Longo
Coordinator Master in Data Science
Professor of Astrophysics

Non-members only need to register once.
Is this the first time you will attend a presentation with us?
Follow this link first.

Online Anonymity; how important is it to you?
2021-10-16 21:00 - 22:00 | Fireside
Online Anonymity; how important is it to you?

“There is no guarantee that an anonymity-free Internet would be a kinder, gentler Internet.” –Author: Whitney Phillips
“The Internet, my fickle friend, my two-faced enemy, what would life be like without you? Where else can I be anonymously anyone and yet, have no anonymity at all?” -Author: Susan Schussler

Non-members only need to register once.
Is this the first time you will attend a presentation with us?
Follow this link first.

Alien Exosociology: Our Transgalactic Commonalities
2021-10-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Auditorium
Alien Exosociology: Our Transgalactic Commonalities
Recent military reports of unexplained objects flying in our skies have sparked renewed interest in alien visitors. Some scientists predict that we will have made contact with advanced civilizations on other worlds within 25 years. What might they be like, and — more importantly – how might they act? Steven Van Hook, a researcher in transcultural relations, will consider what universal social traits we could share in common with our galactic alien neighbors.

BIO:
Dr. Steven R. Van Hook, has taught courses in cross-cultural communications and global affairs for the University of California and other universities in the United States and abroad. He’s been a newspaper columnist, radio talk show host, TV news anchor, and television bureau chief in Moscow covering the fall of the Soviet Union 1990-91. He has a PhD specializing transcultural education, and has research published in scholarly journals including UNESCO’s Prospects.

Non-members only need to register once.
Is this the first time you will attend a presentation with us?
Follow this link first.

Alien Exosociology
2021-10-09 21:00 - 22:00 | Auditorium
ALIEN EXOSOCIOLOGY: OUR TRANSGALACTIC COMMONALITIES

Recent military reports of unexplained objects flying in our skies have sparked renewed interest in alien visitors. Some scientists predict that we will have made contact with advanced civilizations on other worlds within 25 years. What might they be like, and — more importantly – how might they act? Steven Van Hook, a researcher in transcultural relations, will consider what universal social traits we could share in common with our galactic alien neighbors.

Dr. Steven R. Van Hook, has taught courses in cross-cultural communications and global affairs for the University of California and other universities in the United States and abroad. He’s been a newspaper columnist, radio talk show host, TV news anchor, and television bureau chief in Moscow covering the fall of the Soviet Union 1990-91. He has a PhD specializing transcultural education, and has research published in scholarly journals including UNESCO’s Prospects.

Non-members only need to register once.
Is this the first time you will attend a presentation with us?
Follow this link first.

Precambrian-Cambrian Explosion of Marine Organisms: The Latest Fossil and Geologic Data from Virginia
2021-10-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Auditorium
Update to the Precambrian-Cambrian Explosion of Marine Organisms: The Latest Fossil and Geologic Data from Virginia
By Dr. William F. Schmachtenberg, SL: Dae Miami

Virginia contains excellent exposures of Late Precambrian and Early Cambrian rocks and fossils. In this talk, I will share pictures of those rocks and fossils and possible theories that can explain the explosion of life in the oceans during the Early Cambrian. There will also be pretty touristy landscape pictures for Chantal and others who love the mountains of Virginia! If time permits I would also like to discuss Perseverance rovers search for life on Mars and why Virginia may be a model for the search for life on Mars. So a little bit of something for everyone!

Non-members only need to register once.
Is this the first time you will attend a presentation with us?
Follow this link first.

Psychology & Personality
2021-10-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Fireside
Discussion Psychology & Personality
Psychology has emerged as an important topic for public discussion and education. It has gained new recognition as an important factor in politics, online behavior, domestic abuse, and crime. Psychology embraces not only mental illness but also personality types. It helps us understand the chaos of our times and provides tools for coping.

Non-members only need to register once.
Is this the first time you will attend a presentation with us?
Follow this link first.

What is it about The Science Circle and Second Life?
2021-10-02 10:00 - 11:00 | Fireside
Second Life and The Science Circle has been going strong for over 13 years. That is a longer time than almost any of today’s social media platforms.
What does Second Life and The Science Circle mean to you? How do they differ from social media? How is communicating or interacting with other people different in a virtual world than in other ways to meet online? How does it differ from being together in person?
This will be a relaxed and informal conversation about this topic. We would love to hear from you and your point of view on this fascinating social phenomenon.

Non-members only need to register once.
Is this the first time you will attend a presentation with us?
Follow this link first.

Classical Sunday Concerts
2021-09-26 07:00 - 08:00, 2021-09-19 07:00 - 08:00, 2021-09-12 07:00 - 08:00 | The Lighthouse Café

Panel: Bias
2021-09-25 21:00 - 22:00 | Auditorium
Bias
Whether it’s in areas like data forecasting or classifying images, computer algorithms are vulnerable to bias. In areas like the medical field or cybersecurity, where the employment of artificial intelligence is being explored, bias can be severely detrimental. How can bias be measured, how can it be prevented? What are the consequences and threats to society it may introduce?
Panel Host – Karthik Prathaban

Participants:
George Djorgovski
Skip Dahlgren

Fireside Chat: Bias
2021-09-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Fireside

Fireside Chat: Welcome to SC East!
2021-09-18 21:00 - 22:00 | Fireside
Come and get to know your fellow participants!
You are cordially invited to come and spend an hour with SC East participants and staff.
The idea of this event is for SC East to come together and get to know each other. You will also have the opportunity to make suggestions on what you would like to see in future East calendars.
Got a great subject idea?
Know an educational place in Second Life that needs a signal boost?
Come to this events to tell us all about it!

Non-members only need to register once.
Is this the first time you will attend a presentation with us?
Follow this link first.

The Past and Future of Virtual World Psychological Research and Development
2021-09-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Auditorium
The Past and Future of Virtual World Psychological Research and Development
Second Life is underutilised as a platform for wide-ranging psychological research and community development projects. That statement was also true in 2003 when Linden Lab created the virtual world. Although other virtual world platforms may offer advantages for academic research and community impact projects, none are as robust and established as Second Life. In this presentation, I describe several funded research and development projects I have led in Second Life, including reflections on past pilot work using the platform for people with autism. I reflect on successes and ideas that were abandoned along the way and the different people I have encountered on my professional virtual journey. I will also summarise some of the background published literature supporting a proposed research project with Science Circle, looking at communication styles in the virtual world. Questions, comments and challenges are encouraged.
By Dr. Simon Bignell, in SL Milton Broome
School of Psychology, University of Derby, UK

The Dynamic Geology of Asia-Oceania
2021-09-11 21:00 - 22:00 | Auditorium
The Dynamic Geology of Asia-Oceania
The dynamic geology of the Asia-Oceania region might be viewed as a metaphor for the history of the area itself. While living in harmony with earth, water, fire, and air during tranquil times, each generation is reminded of the tension and power inherent in these elements, in the form of earthquakes, violent seas, volcanoes, and typhoons, just as they are aware of the tension and power of the human forces in the area.
While we will concentrate on geology this hour, it is difficult not to look at geography as well, that is, the relationship of people to the land. The Asia-Oceania region is a complex array of blends and contrasts. Just as it hosts some of the oldest and youngest physical features, plus the tallest and deepest points on Earth today, the land was also host to some of the earliest and most recent human origins, plus some of the oldest and youngest human cultures.
EARTH. We will start with the tectonic forces that formed the area and that continue to slowly move beneath the land, remaining tranquil for the most part until upheaval and slippage lead to jarring events that transform both the life of the Earth and the lives of the people who live there. The numerous plates that make up the area continue to move, throwing up mountain chains that affect the region’s climate, as well as submerging whole continents such as Zealandia. The land of the region hosts bounties that support the world’s most populous and densely populated areas, but also can challenge their lives.
WATER. On the continents, towering mountain ranges and imposing deserts separate peoples, but mighty rivers bring them together. In the Pacific and Indian oceans, water both separates but also enables peoples to be a community. When earth and water combine to form tsunamis, the region’s shallow seas can exacerbate their destructive effects, but water so near land also provides climates that support the abundant plant, animal, and human life. While the rise and fall of the seas created passageways for early humans, the shallow seas that were once land hide a wealth of resources that create political tension in the area today.
FIRE. The ‘fire’ deep below the ground is the driver of the tectonic forces that shaped the Asia-Oceania region. There are more volcanoes in this region than anywhere on Earth, and when earth and fire combine in spectacular volcanic events, these forces can both destroy and create at the same time, including adding new land and creating the fertile soils that support the human populations that farm them.
AIR. Like the other elements, the air can seem remarkably tranquil, until it combines with water to create swirling storms that can wreak havoc on the land. And it is not always the combination of elements that create and destroy but also the absence of one or the other, such as when air contains too little water, leading to desertification, dust storms, and fires that sweep across areas with tinderbox conditions.
Join me as we explore the dynamic geology of the Asia-Oceania region, the harmony and tensions inherent in the earth, water, fire, and air that are influenced byt it, and how this affects the lives of the people who live there.

Presentation by Dr. Phil Youngblood

Dr. Phil Youngblood

Reference work in the library

Previous lectures on film

Podcast

Non-members only need to register once.
Is this the first time you will attend a presentation with us?
Follow this link first.

Titanoboa & Fireside Chat
2021-09-11 10:00 - 11:00 | Titanoboa exhibition
This is an abbreviated replay of June 5 presentation with a Fireside Chat attached.

The Science Behind Titanoboa
Dr. Alex Hastings will lead part of the tour discussing the world of Titanoboa, 60 million years ago. How and why was the snake so big? What else lived in those murky waters? Plus he’ll share what it was like finding Titanoboa fossils in the Cerrejon coal mine.

Linda Kelley’s Ecosystem
Linda will talk a little about what it takes to bring fossils to life and particularly building an ecosystem from what is shown and not shown in the fossil records. For her this entailed doing a lot of literature review and sussing out how all these things could plausibly fit together. In addition to the fauna that shared space with the Titanoboa, and the kinds of flora, this included reading about geologic changes during that period and estimates of Paleocene weather.

Creating an Animated Animesh Titanoboa for Second Life
Dr. Greg Bollella will discuss the process for creating, texturing, rigging, and animating an animesh object for Second Life. Most of the presentation will be an overview of the processes with more detail for a few very interesting techniques and observations. The workflow and tool-chain are important and will be presented. The tools used were, ZBrush, Maya, Photoshop, Substance Painter, and Substance Designer. Of particular interest is that no images were used in creating the textures for Titanoboa, only math!

Non-members only need to register once.
Is this the first time you will attend a presentation with us?
Follow this link first.
