Office of Public Affairs
Columbia University
New York, N.Y.   10027
(212) 854-5573

Robert Nelson, Senior Science Writer

FOR USE UPON RECEIPT

"Science Relevant to Human Experience"
Symposium Nov. 19 at Columbia University

Scientists will explain diverse subjects of popular interest - earthquakes, how the heart and ear work, infectious diseases - at a symposium Nov. 19 at Columbia University.

The symposium, "Science Relevant to Human Experience," is free and open to the public. Sponsored by the National Academy of Science, the symposium takes place from 2 to 5 P.M. in a new location, Altschul Auditorium in the School of International and Public Affairs, 420 West 118th Street. The organizers are Torsten Wiesel, president of Rockefeller University, and Wayne A. Hendrickson, professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics at Columbia.

"So often, scientists speak only to peers and don't attempt to communicate the importance and vitality of their work to a larger audience," Professor Hendrickson said. "Here, prominent scientists can talk directly to the public about work that affects everyday life."

Four scientists will present overviews of their work:

• Lynn R. Sykes, Higgins Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Columbia, will look at efforts to predict earthquakes. In 1990, the seismologist reported that moderate quakes in nearby faults preceded large California quakes.

• Charles S. Peskin, professor of mathematics at New York University, will discuss computer simulations of heart function. The work, drawing on fluid mechanics and anatomy, has helped improve the design of artificial heart valves.

• A. James Hudspeth, professor and head of the Laboratory of Sensory Neuroscience at Rockefeller University, will discuss the biomechanical basis for hearing, including a look at mechanoelectrical transduction by hair cells.

• Barry R. Bloom, Weinstock Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, will examine some emerging infections.

Please publicize this event. You are also invited to cover. Call Bob Nelson at (212) 854-5573 for more information.

EVENT:
"Science Relevant to Human Experience," a public symposium
sponsored by the National Academy of Science.

DATE:

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2 to 5 P.M.

PLACE:

Altschul Auditorium, School of International and Public
Affairs, Columbia University, 420 West 118th Street.

11.8.96
18,997