After an extended era of stable energy supplies, from a variety of fossil fuels that began with the industrial revolution change is in the wind. New costs of fossil energy are coming to the forefront that includes: future carbon constraints, the need to pursue more non-conventional sources, and re-distribution of wealth. Continue reading “Agriculture & Energy”

In May 2009, NASA astronaut and University of Chicago alumnus John Grunsfeld boarded the last Space Shuttle to visit the Hubble Space Telescope. Dr. Grunsfeld successfully upgraded the telescope with new cameras and instruments and made repairs to allow the telescope to begin a new journey of discovery. During the course of 12 days in orbit the Hubble Servicing Mission 4, or STS-125, allowed two teams of astronauts to perform 5 space walks. In this talk, Astronaut Grunsfeld will describe the adventure of working in orbit on the Hubble Space Telescope and the exciting scientific results that the new instruments are providing.

The dependence on oil and other fossil fuels for over 80% of our energy and the continued emission of carbon dioxide threatening stable climate are captured in a single term: sustainability.

At no other time in history have we been this close to translating basic scientific discoveries into novel therapeutic strategies to benefit humankind. However, the traditional missions of academic institutions and the pharmaceutical industry are almost diametrically opposed. Have we reached the point where ‘publish or perish’ is being replaced by ‘patent and prosper’? Participants had a timely discussion with Dr. Mary Hendrix, President and Scientific Director, Children’s Memorial Research, about the role of industry competitiveness in biomedical research and its impact on the future of health care.

The Moon has been a source of awe, worship and inspiration for mankind since the dawn of time. From its use as a calendar to JFK’s enthusiastic call for its exploration, the Moon has been a constant in the life of our planet and our species. Yet after six moon landings and countless probes there are still mysteries to be solved and questions to be answered about our understanding of the Moon and its true potential for humankind.

Until recently our understanding of the minds of other species that share this planet was little more than guess work; however, new technological and scientific methods have advanced to the point where some of these important questions are now able to be addressed.