National Academies to Host Public Programs on Science, Technology, and Medicine in Irvine, Calif

Date: Oct. 2, 2006

Contact: Janet DeMint, Program Administrator

949-387-6622; e-mail <voicesatbeckman@nas.edu>

National Academies to Host Public Programs on

Science, Technology, and Medicine in Irvine, Calif.

IRVINE, Calif. – A new series of events at the National Academies' Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center will explore the far-reaching role of science, technology, and medicine in our lives. Distinctive Voices@The Beckman Center highlights innovations, discoveries, and emerging issues in an exciting and engaging forum, providing a unique opportunity to learn from some of the best minds in the world -- including Nobel laureates and other award winners -- as they discuss the science and technology behind today's hottest topics.

The public programs will be held on weeknights, followed by a dessert reception and dialogue. The Beckman Center is located at 100 Academy Drive, Irvine, Calif. Admission and parking is free, but advance registration is required. For more information, visit www.voicesatbeckman.org or call 949-387-6622. A list of programs follows.

Van Gogh's Paint: Was It Special?

Tuesday, Oct. 17, 6:30 p.m.

Explore recent scientific research into Vincent van Gogh's paint surfaces, materials, and techniques. Did he add or do something special to his paint to achieve his hallmark vivid colors and graphic strokes of thick paint? Understand the science behind the art with Dr. Leslie Carlyle, head of conservation at Tate, London.

Communicating Science with David Clark: Recreating the Past, Exploring the Future

Wednesday, Nov. 1, 6:30 p.m.

Join Emmy award-winning documentary filmmaker David Clark as he explains how he presents science and natural history for different formats, ranging from cable TV to five-story IMAX screens. View Clark's stunning footage from around the world and learn about techniques for telling cinematic tales.

The Power of the Sun with Walter Kohn

Tuesday, Nov. 28, 6:30 p.m.

Solar electricity is a scientific project whose time has come. Understand how this promising technology could help us deal with one of man's greatest challenges: the need for more energy. See a film on solar electricity and discuss it with one of the greatest physicists of our time, Walter Kohn, winner of the 1998 Nobel Prize in chemistry.

Rational Comedy for an Irrational Planet

Wednesday, Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m.

Get ready to laugh! Brian Malow will give a live stand-up performance of his own brand of science-flavored comedy. Malow is a nationally known comic, writer, and insect photographer whose routine on Neil Armstrong was heard aboard the space shuttle.

Nanomedicine Fighting Cancer

Wednesday, Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m.

Papyrus writings from 1500 BC describe cancer and attempts at its treatment. After our long history of difficulty developing therapies for this devastating human disease, why the excitement about nanomedicine? Learn about nanoparticles and their potential to revolutionize cancer therapy from Dr. Mark Davis, a member of the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Experimental Therapeutics Program, Duarte, Calif.

Distinctive Voices@The Beckman Center is supported by The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Fund of The National Academy of Sciences and The National Academy of Engineering.

The National Academies comprise the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine, and National Research Council. They are private, nonprofit institutions that provide science, technology, and health policy advice under a congressional charter.