Science for the Public is committed to improving public knowledge of science and public appreciation for the contributions of science to social progress.
The D-Lab at MIT: The People's Engineering Team
The award-winning D-Lab's unique approach to improving lives in the poorest nations
Public Acceptance of Wind Energy in Massachusetts: Factors, Implications
Why public acceptance of wind power can differ from one community to another
Two Paul Steinhardt Projects: The "Cyclic Universe" and "Quasicrystals"
One of our foremost physicists discusses two projects: the cyclic universe and quasicrystals
Brain Map: How the Brain Orchestrates Motion
The awesome brain work necessary for picking up a pencil
Medicating ADHD: Diagnosis and the Long-Term Effects of the Medications
The potential danger of long-term use of ADHD drugs
Solar Magnetic Storms and Space Weather
How the Sun's magnetic storms can affect electric grids and electronic communications
More has been learned about the origin and structure of the cosmos in the last century than in the entire history of humanity. And new discoveries are made constantly, thanks to the skills of the international science community and the great technological advances that make it possible to probe the universe. Here are SftPublic lectures and conversations on leading areas of investigation.
Two Paul Steinhardt Projects: The "Cyclic Universe" and "Quasicrystals"
One of our foremost physicists discusses two projects: the cyclic universe and quasicrystals
Solar Magnetic Storms and Space Weather
How the Sun's magnetic storms can affect electric grids and electronic communications
Mapping the Milky Way
An amazing 30+ year project and the discovery of two new Milky Way spiral arms
Update from the Large Hadron Collider: The Higgs?
Finding the Higgs is one of the greatest triumphs in the history of science...
The Core of the Moon
Did the ancient moon have a magnetic field like Earth's? And why do scientists need to know?
The Earth, its geology and its ecosystems…The more we learn about our planet the more we see the interdependence of geology, atmosphere, climate and life. These scientists explain the many great phenomena that affect our planet. And they also explain the human impact on the Earth.
The Role of the Ocean in the Global Carbon Cycle
The complex relationship between marine life and the chemistry and circulation of oceans
Impact of Climate Change on Birds and Plants of Massachusetts
A discussion of the exceptionally well-documented climate change in Massachusetts
Accelerated Climate Change: Can Nature Adapt?
Changes in habitat and breeding patterns due to rapid climate change...
The Politics of Food's Environmental Footprint
Calculating the impact of large-scale food production on the environment...
Restoration of Severely Contaminated Lands
Sometimes polluted land can be restored. Some case histories...
In this collection of presentations, interviews, and resources we consider the management of the resources that are necessary for modern life. We examine our resources in terms of the issues that we must resolve and the innovations that are being introduced from many areas of science and technology.
The D-Lab at MIT: The People's Engineering Team
The award-winning D-Lab's unique approach to improving lives in the poorest nations
Public Acceptance of Wind Energy in Massachusetts: Factors, Implications
Why public acceptance of wind power can differ from one community to another
Science Outreach Programs for Youth
How university educational outreach programs encourage high school students' interest in science
Cooler Smarter
A co-author of the new book from the Union of Concerned Scientists describes how individuals can substantially reduce their carbon footprints while creating a healthy lifestyle...
Solar Energy the Third Way
Efficient production of solar energy with solar thermo-electric generators (STEGs)...
Innovations in Clean Water Technology
Desalination offers a solution to the water shortage problem...
It’s still very hard to define life, but science has made great strides toward revealing many of its characteristics and processes. Here are some basics about the most complex phenomenon we know: life’s origin, characteristics, structure, and states of animacy.
"Shocking" News from Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vents
In probably the most extreme environmment on Earth, organisms are thriving. Peter Girguis explains how.....
The Evolution of Photosynthesis
How photosynthesis --and life-- emerged in Earth's ancient chemical environment
The Human Genome Project
The challenge for genomic studies today is how to manage the vast collection of data
The Jurassic Genome
Genetic material in ancient fossils yields an amazing profile of extinct organisms
Understanding How Life Began
Molecules in meteorites met with an optimal chemical environment on Earth
Discoveries in genetics, cell biology and virology are clarifying the roles of heredity and environment in health and the defenses of cells against disease and infection. Innovations in bio-engineering suggest very hopeful developments for prostheses and regeneration. But scientists are also warning about pollutants, climate change, food production practices, certain medications, and stress. This collection addresses the great advances in medical research.
Brain Map: How the Brain Orchestrates Motion
The awesome brain work necessary for picking up a pencil
Medicating ADHD: Diagnosis and the Long-Term Effects of the Medications
The potential danger of long-term use of ADHD drugs
See What I Mean? Visualizing in Science
Visual representation is essential for the communication of science concepts and data
Long-Term Health Threats of BPA and Other Endocrine Disruptors
Endocrine disruptors such as BPA cause developmental problems and disease. How does this damage occur?
Beyond the Gene: Epigenetics Revealed
New understanding of the complex relationship between genes and the epigenome
The Advent of Personalized Genomic Medicine
Genomic medicine will revolutionize health care, but it also introduces a challenge for data management
As a world society, it seems clear that we have arrived at a point in our history when there must be a major increase in the capability of ordinary people to cope with the scientific and technological culture that is shaping their lives and the lives of their children.
—Leon Lederman, Nobel Laureate in physics.
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