Fireside Chat: Bias
2021-09-25 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Fireside

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

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

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.

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Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Failure in Human Disease
2021-10-02 21:00 - 22:00, 2021-10-30 10:00 - 11:00 | 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.

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Classical Concert
2021-10-03 07:00 - 08:00, 2021-10-10 07:00 - 08:00, 2021-10-17 07:00 - 08:00, 2021-10-24 07:00 - 08:00, 2021-10-31 07:00 - 08:00, 2021-11-07 07:00 - 08:00, 2021-11-14 07:00 - 08:00, 2021-11-21 07:00 - 08:00 | The Lighthouse Café

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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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Virtual Teaching Tactics to Help a Divided World
2021-11-13 10:00 - 11:00 | 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

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Immunotherapy: Harnessing the Weapon Within
2021-11-13 21:00 - 22:00 | Auditorium
Immunotherapy: Harnessing the Weapon Within
In 1890, a bone surgeon by the name of William B. Coley was profoundly moved by the loss of a 17-year old patient (Bessie Dashiell) to bone cancer and endeavored to find an effective treatment for the disease. Amidst reviewing hospital records, Coley learned of a patient with a similar disease who recovered after (dramatic pause…) coming down with an infection.
“Say what now?”
Yes… Coley (after verifying that wasn’t a singular case) went on to treat malignant tumors with injections that induced infections. While he was successful in some cases, an explanation for the positive outcomes wasn’t available at the time. Today, we understand that components of the toxins Coley used tuned his patients’ immune systems, stimulating responses that lead to tumor regression. The understanding of our innate defense system’s potential in fighting cancer has instigated the development of a marvelous form of treatment – immunotherapy.
In this presentation I aim to introduce the principles that underlie immunotherapy, discuss various forms of the treatment like immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and dendritic cell vaccines, and explain the challenges involved in harnessing our immune systems in the war against cancer

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Choking on Red Pills: A Biological Take on Modern Dating Dynamics
2021-11-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Auditorium
The basic tenet of biology is reproduction to continue the species. Evolution and genetics has programmed every species’ to follow behaviors to ensure the next generation. Sometimes this has resulted in seemingly contradictory behaviors like male spiders sacrificing themselves after mating.
Given this pattern of programming in sexually reproducing species, it is flabbergasting that some people are choosing to exit the mating pool consciously. These movements (Men Going Their Own Way, Involuntary Celibates, parts of The Manosphere, etc) espouse very different interactions in the mating game, primarily to exit it. Collectively using the term “Red Pill” (a reference to The Matrix) this philosophy claims to now be awakened to the truth of how society oppresses men.
This presentation will explore initially the biology of sexual reproduction in vertebrates and humans then look to reconcile or at least understand better the current society/cultural situation.
Presentation by Dr. Stephen Gasior (Xootfly)

Dr. Stephen L. Gasior

Reference work in the library

Previous lectures on film

Podcasts

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Virtual Teaching Tactics to Help a Divided World
2021-11-20 21:00 - 22:00 | Auditorium
Virtual Teaching Tactics to Help a Divided World

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, socioeconomic 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.

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

Organic Chem Basics: Diels-Alder and similar reactions
2021-11-27 10:00 - 11:00 | Auditorium
Organic Chem Basics: Diels-Alder and similar reactions
The 2021 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Dr. Benjamin List (Max PLack Institute) and Dr. David MacMillam (Princeton University) for “the development of asymmetric organocatalysis.” One of the first reactions that they found could be catalyzed by purely organic compounds was the Diels-Alder reaction. The Diels-Alder reaction is a well-known example of a fundamental class of reactions in organic chemistry, and it can proceed unaided, be catalyzed by metal-containing compounds, or most recently catalyzed by purely organic species. We’ll talk about what makes the Diels-Alder reaction special, and how it has been catalyzed in the past, and why the recent Nobel prize is seen as a jump forward.

Dr. Mike J. Shaw

Reference work in the library

Previous lectures on film

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