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Our Speakers on Bright Horizons 3 are:
Paul Davies, Ph.D., James Kennedy, Ph.D., and Lawrence Krauss, Ph.D.

Program

Q&A: The Physics of Star Trek
Speaker: Lawrence Krauss, Ph.D.

Enjoy a 30-minute question and answer session with the author of The Physics of Star Trek®.

"The essential tubeside companion for the fans of the vemnerable Star Trek series." — Washington Post

An Atom From Boston
Speaker: Lawrence Krauss, Ph.D.

Standing somewhere between natural history and biography, Dr. Krauss lays out the life history of an single atom from the beginning of the universe to the end. Life is a journey, and this atom’s journey runs from nuclear physics to chemistry to cosmology, with passages through geology and biology along the way. Whether you are an atom afficianado, or more a "universe in a grain of sand" type, sit with Dr. Krauss for a refreshing look at an atom.

Einstein’s Biggest Blunder, A Cosmic Mystery Story
Speaker: Lawrence Krauss, Ph.D.

A review of the revolutions that have taken place in cosmology over the past decade, including the discovery of Dark Energy, which permeates space and drives cosmic expansion. Tune in to Dr. Krauss and develop a deeper understanding of space, time, and gravity - one that is apt to change your picture of the universe.

The Undiscovered Country
Speaker: Lawrence Krauss, Ph.D.

Recent discoveries have implications for our understanding both of the future of our universe and life within it and for our understanding of fundamental physics. Join Dr. Krauss as he covers the fate of the Milky Way, what lies beyond the event horizon, and cosmic phenomena of the next 100 billion years.

The Birth of the Cosmos
Speaker: Paul Davies, Ph.D.

Sit back, relax, and take a 360° look at the origin of the cosmos. What’s the evidence for a big bang? What happened before the big bang? How did the big bang unfold? Get the big picture with Paul Davies.

Relics of Creation
Speaker: Paul Davies, Ph.D.

The afterglow of creation, the formation of galaxies, the synthesis of the chemical elements and the origin of life will contribute to our look at the evolving sum and substance of the universe. And while we’re in an inquiring frame of mind—are the laws of physics a relic?

Program (continued)

The Ultimate Fate of the Universe
Speaker: Paul Davies, Ph.D.

Simple question, basic human nature, complex possibilities — we’re all curious about the fate of the universe. Join Dr. Davies as he delves into the expansion of the universe, dark matter and dark energy, multiverses and bubble universes, the far future of the universe. Is its ultimate fate big freeze, big crunch or big rip? You’ll come away with food for thought, if not dinner table conversation.

Are we Alone?
Speaker: Paul Davies, Ph.D.

Given the dependence of the existence of life on the exact form of the laws of physics, humanity seems an unlikely element of the universe. Onward, then, to Dr. Davies’ discussion of astrobiology and the search for life in the universe and SETI.

Wine and Health
Speaker: James Kennedy, Ph.D.

Rising out of the good earth and water, sustainably farmed, viewed as promoting wellness for millenia, wine sounds like it’s good for health. Is it? Where do wine risks and benefits balance out? Are "better" wines better for you? Dr. Kennedy will talk about health implications of how wine is made and recent research on the role of wine components in biological activity. Get a handle on the antioxidants, resveratrol, oak, polyphenols, tannins, anthocyanins et al that allow wine drinkers to toast “Salud!”.

Pinot Noir
Speaker: James Kennedy, Ph.D.

Take a sideways look at one of the world’s great red wines. Legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff said: “God made cabernet sauvignon whereas the devil made pinot noir”. Hear what Jim Kennedy has to say on the history and development of Pinot noir as one of the finest wines in the world. You’ll come away with a picture of the fascinations and scientific challenges, technology and art swirling in a glass of pinot.

Sensory Analysis of Enological Products
(An Introduction to Wines and Winetasting)
Speaker: James Kennedy, Ph.D.

Well, yes, we’re talking about winetasting. Of course, Dr. Kennedy takes a scientist’s methodical approach to the chemical, biological, anatomical, and neurological aspects of the analysis and appreciation of the products of fine winemaking. Learn what wine writers look at when they evaluate a wine (and what descriptive words are used in serious contemplation of wine versus impressionistic bombast). Advance your knowledge of areas often overlooked at wine tastings: defect recognition, tasting memory, and sensory technique.

The Science of Wine and Wine Production
Speaker: James Kennedy, Ph.D.

Consider enology through the eyes of a scientist. Learn unique aspects of grape varietals, and the inside scoop on how wine grapes are grown and wine is made. Pick up insights on the influence of geology and weather on grapes. You’ll also get Dr. Kennedy’s first-hand view of enological research, and his thoughts on what and where the next advances in wine science will occur.