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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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?" […]

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 […]

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 […]

  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 […]

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 […]