The Falconer Natural History
2007 Spring Lecture Series

Sponsored by the
Atmospheric Sciences Research Center at the University at Albany

You are cordially invited to attend a series of free public lectures to be held TUESDAY EVENINGS at 8:00 p.m. in the John J. Sullivan Auditorium, CESTM Building, University at Albany, 251 Fuller Road, Albany, New York

March 27 Prof. Pedro L. Silva Dias, University of São Paulo, Brazil -“Climate Change in the tropics: perspectives from a scientist and a coffee farmer” -Historical information of coffee farming in Brazil clearly indicates a particularly close relationship and awareness of coffee farmers on weather/climate. Climate change now poses new challenges to the coffee production and requires innovative actions: perspectives from a scientist and a farmer.

April 3 No Lecture – Spring Break

April 10 Dr. George Hidy, Envair/Aerochem – “Electricity Production and Climate Alteration” Electricity has a Jekyll-Hyde character in relation to greenhouse gas and aerosol emissions and climate alteration. Electrical energy is as “fundamental” to modern society as air and water. However, its production involves byproducts involved in climate forcing. New generation technologies offer important alternatives for minimizing air quality and climate impact, whose deployment needs to be fostered in the U.S., overshadowing today’s political and economic barriers.

April 17 Prof. Peter McMurry, University of Minnesota – “Nanoparticles in the Environment: Effects and New Measurement Approaches" – A growing body of evidence suggests that nanoparticles from primary combustion sources may be more toxic than larger particles of the same composition. Also photochemically-produced nanoparticles can increase concentrations of cloud condensation nuclei, thereby affecting the earth’s radiation balance. The study of these phenomena requires the development of new instruments for measuring the physical and chemical properties of sub–20 nm particles down to 1 nm and neutral molecular clusters smaller than 1 nm. The application of these instruments to study the impacts and effects of nanoparticles on climate and lung deposition will be presented.

April 24 Prof. Günter Oberdörster, University of Rochester - "Engineered Nanoparticles: Perceived Or Real Risks?” -Serious concerns have been expressed about risks posed by nanomaterials, their potential to cause undesirable effects, to contaminate the environment and specifically adversely affect susceptible parts of the population when they are exposed. Information about the toxicity of nanomaterials combined with the knowledge of potential human and environmental exposure will be necessary to determine real or perceived risks of nanomaterials. Examples will illustrate on the one hand, an awareness of possible acute adverse effects and potential long-term consequences of nanoparticle exposure; while on the other hand, the intriguing possibilities that nanoparticles offer for beneficial applications in nanomedicine.

May 1 Dr. Thomas Sever, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center - “Discovering Ancient Maya Ruins from Space" - Traditional archeological survey techniques are often ineffective in the dense, tropical forests of Guatemala. Using Space-Age technology and computer modeling we are locating ancient cities, roadways, canal systems, and farming areas beneath the vegetation of the ancient Maya landscape. This information is providing insight into ancient Maya adaptation and the effects of human-induced activity upon local and regional climate that ultimately contributed to the Maya Collapse in the 9th century AD.

May 8 Dr. Praveen Amar, Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) “Mercury Pollution from Coal Combustion : Problem and Solutions” - Mercury, a potent neurotoxin, is particularly damaging to the development of the fetus, infant, and young child. Recent evidence indicates that it may also have adverse cardiovascular effects in adults. Coal-burning power plants are the largest source of mercury emissions in the US. Dr. Amar describes the nature, fate and transport of mercury emissions, its adverse health effects through consumption of fish, costs and benefits of reducing emissions, and the emerging federal and states policies to address this serious environmental problem.

Donations to sustain the Natural History Lectures may be made out to the "University at Albany Foundation" and mailed to the
University at Albany Foundation (Room - UAB-201), 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222.
Gifts are tax deductible. Address donations "Attention: Ray Falconer Fund"