11:20

SCIENCE WEDNESDAYS

Course #SI108 Wednesdays: 1-2:20 pm 4 Sessions: May 12-June 2

O N L I N E Alex Beavers, Alan Grindal, Jack Merriam, and Laura Wazen The objective of science is to gain an understanding of nature. This enables us to develop tools that apply Nature’s Laws to improve our daily lives. Science Wednesdays is a series of lectures dealing with a broad range of sciences including physics, biology, health, and medicine. Gold Member: $63; Silver Member: $70. MAY 12: Quantum Field Theory: Is it the Best Description of Everything… So Far? with Alex Beavers Quantum Field Theory (QFT) has evolved over the last 100 years into quite possibly the “best unifying theory” in physics (at least in my humble opinion). QFT ties quantum mechanics with classical physics and special relativity. In QFT, all particles that make up matter are excitations of a quantum field associated with each particle. For example, electrons are excitations in an electromagnetic field. In this presentation, we will attempt to describe what QFT means.

MAY 19: Alzheimer’s Disease: Realities and Opportunities with Alan Grindal Alzheimer’s disease is increasing exponentially as our population ages. It is among the most feared conditions of our older patients. Early recognition is paramount. This presentation will discuss the spectrum of cognitive change and signs of progressing dementia. Issues of management in both the early and late stages of the disease will be emphasized. Finally, recent innovations in diagnosis and treatment will be presented. MAY 26: Understanding the Balance System with Laura Wazen Learn the anatomical structures in our body that allow the brain to determine where we are in space. Signs and symptoms of balance problems, as well as ideas on exercises and activities to keep one’s balance system in shape will be presented.

JUNE 2: What Makes the Sarasota Area so Vulnerable to Climate Impacts? with Jack Merriam Our low elevation, especially of our roads, makes us vulnerable to sea-level rise impacts such as sunny day flooding and storm surge. And our algal blooms are fed by nitrogen from air pollution from our cars as well as fertilizers and sewage pollution. We will review the science of these and other vulnerabilities.