Ask a Scientist [topic: biological invasion] November 10, 2009

THIS MONTH'S TOPIC: Biological Invasion!

Humans are now moving around the world at a fantastic rate, carrying plants and bugs and diseases which have been trapped on separate continents for millions of years. The organisms we transport are changing our world — Sudden Oak Death and other pathogens are eliminating forests, human pandemics are shaking national economies, and invasive plants are homogenizing natural communities. There are striking parallels between these biological invasions and the 19th-century human disease outbreaks which spurred the science of epidemiology. Thankfully, solutions to our invasion crisis are as clear and simple as those early public health solutions. Daniel Gluesenkamp will give us an overview of this exciting stage in Earth’s evolution, review solutions to this challenge, and present examples of recent efforts to clean up our act.

ABOUT THE SERIES: Ask a Scientist is an informative, entertaining, monthly lecture series, held at a San Francisco cafe. Each event features a speaker on a scientific topic, a short presentation, and the opportunity to ask all those burning questions that have been keeping you up at night. No tests, grades, or pressure…just food, drinks, socializing, and conversation about the universe’s most fascinating mysteries.

ADMISSION IS FREE, but please support our generous hosts at Axis Cafe by bringing your appetite and enjoying dinner during the talk.

Official Website: http://www.askascientistSF.com