2009 Spring Science Strand

2009 Spring Term

Science Strand

Coffee and Health: the Perks and Risks

Wednesday, April 1, 9:30
Victoria Drake, OSU Linus Pauling Institute Research Associate, will examine the health effects associated with coffee drinking. Coffee is a complex mixture that contains more than a thousand different chemicals. In addition to caffeine, Victoria will discuss antioxidants, hypoglycemic agents, and many other bioactive compounds in coffee, and review the potential health benefits and risks of this popular beverage. Basic information about nutritional epidemiology will also be presented.

Several web sites were referenced during Victoria Drake's presentation "Coffee and Health: the Perks and Risks."

Host: Ron Coffey

Visit to Hesthaven Nature Center

8590 Oak Creek Drive, West Corvallis

Wednesday, April 8, 9:30; and Friday, April 10, 2:30
Join a group visit to this local gem, 5.75 acres developed by the Audubon Society since 1993. An educational docent will provide background to the museum exhibits and then indicate native plants and seasonal happenings during a half-mile amble along the Center trails. Wear stout shoes, and come prepared for the forecast weather. The group is limited to 30, but a waiting list will be maintained in case someone cancels near the date. Parking is limited, so we will car pool from the Congregational Church at 9:15 AM and return by 11:45 AM. The tour is free, but you may make a donation at the Center. $5 is suggested.
Host: Denis Jarvis

Humor in Medicine

Wednesday, April 15, 9:30
David R. Grube, Physician, Philomath Family Medicine, will discuss the therapeutic benefits of “humor” as medicine. Using clinical anecdotes, true stories , cartoons, personal experiences, and malapropisms, Dr. Grube's presentation reminds us that real life can be funnier than anything one could ever imagine or invent. “The arrival of a clown has a greater influence on the health of a town than 20 asses laden with drugs.”
Host: Don Rounds

Geographic Information Systems: The World at Your Fingetips

Wednesday, April 15, 1:30
Explore our earth with GIS and learn about geospatial technologies at work in your neighborhood, city, and global community. This class will cover GIS principles and uses, including visual demonstrations of online mapping technologies and geovisualizations. Michelle Kinzel is a PhD student in Geosciences at Oregon State University, with an interest in GIS in education, science, and conservation.

Website List for ALL related to GIS and Mapping Presentation, April 15, 2009 by Michelle Kinzel

Host: Denis Jarvis

Introducing and Breeding of a New Berry

Wednesday, April 22, 9:30
Maxine Thompson, OSU Professor Emeritus, Department of Horticulture, will tell about a new research project she has developed since retiring. She found that retirement meant new opportunities. Thompson chose to introduce a new berry and initiate a breeding program to select varieties adapted for the Northwest. Edible-fruited blue honeysuckle bush promises to be an exciting new crop with unique flavors, especially prized for processed products.
Host: Don Rounds

Evolution of Human DNA: The Genome's Eye View

Thursday, April 23, 1:30
Dee Denver, OSU Assistant Professor of Zoology, will describe the "genomic perspective" and basics of the human genome. Discussion will range from the motivations underlying genome projects for humans and other organisms to the scientific strategies for obtaining complete genome sequences. The class will conclude with the topic of "the quest for the $1,000 human genome" whose goal is to make personalized genomics a reality in the near future and be an important aspect of our health care. Rescheduled from Winter 2009 Term.
Host: Ron Coffey

Atoms and Artifacts: OSU Reactor Archaeological Studies

Wednesday, April 29, 9:30
Leah Minc, OSU Assistant Professor, Radiation Center, Neutron Activation Analysis Research Coordinator, will describe current research that utilizes the OSU reactor to analyze ancient artifacts. Through sensitive trace-element studies, archaeological remains can be traced back to their geographic source, enabling archaeologists to determine where the objects were originally produced. Such provenance studies have contributed significantly to our understanding of the past, including insights into Aztec political economy and Inca state religion.
Host: Len Maki

Genetically Engineered Crops: Greener than You Think

Wednesday, May 6, 9:30
Walt Ream, OSU Professor of Microbiology, will describe transfer of genes into plants from Agrobacterium, nature's genetic engineer. Agrobacterium has influenced plant evolution, revolutionized agriculture, and improved the course of human history. Topics will include the Agrobacterium-based gene transfer technology, used to create genetically engineered crop plants, for example to cure crown gall disease. The pros and cons of engineered crops widely cultivated today will be discussed.
Host: Ron Coffey

Pest Control Challenges in West Africa

Wednesday, May 13, 9:30
Paul Jepson is the Director of Integrated and Plant Protection Center (IPPC), and OSU Professor of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology. In February 2008, he spoke to ALL about IPCC in the Northwest. He spends part of each year in West Africa and this time will illustrate some of the challenges of crop production and pest management there, where climate, evolution, and adaptation have combined to make the problem harder. He will describe progress through collaborative research and education networks with examples from Morocco, Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso, and the Arabian Peninsula.
Host: Denis Jarvis

Science Research Projects at Crescent Valley High School

Wednesday, May 20, 9:30
Adam Kirsch, science teacher at Crescent Valley High School for over 8 years, will introduce students who will describe their science fair research projects. The projects involve original endeavors exploring a wide range of problems in physics, chemistry, biology and ecology. Examples may include new insecticides, bacterial bioluminescence, tree fire resistance, human powered generators, and renewable energy. Drive to Crescent Valley High School and locate room F21.
Host: Ron Coffey

Where have all of the Salamanders Gone?

Wednesday, May 27, 9:30
Deanna (Dede) Olson, U.S. Forest Service Research Ecologist, will describe the extinction event which is currently underway on Earth affecting many species of amphibians (frogs, salamanders, etc.). While the effects of habitat loss, climate change, disease, invasive species, and chemical contaminants offer a bleak outlook, strides in scientific understanding and conservation efforts are unprecedented.
Host: Len Maki

A Potential New Treatment for Tuberculosis

Wednesday, June 3, 9:30
Tuberculosis is one of the world's worst infectious diseases, taking approx. 1.5 million lives every year. Luiz Bermudez, Head of the Biomedical Sciences Department, OSU College of Veterinary Medicine, has been working with a compound called mefloquine, currently being used to combat malaria. His research team has isolated a component within this drug, which shows the least toxicity and also attacks tuberculosis. It is critical to use this component which would attack TB more quickly than current treatments.
Host: Don Rounds