Science Evenings with IDEAS

Winter/Spring 2013 Schedule:

All events are free, open to the public.  Note time, day of week and location of each event.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

The Effects of Drugs of Abuse on the Human Brain

Stephen Dewey, PhD, has put virtually every drug of abuse to the test on the brain to tell the story of what these substances do to brain function and structure. The findings have led to a deep understanding of how the brain can so easily and permanently be altered by chronic exposure to drugs and suggests that even occasional use can permanently alter the inner workings of the brain.

In this talk, Dr. Dewey will look at how the adolescent brain differs from the adult brain and how drug exposure during adolescence produces different effects than it does in the adult brain.  He will describe the direct effects of various drugs of abuse, including legal drugs like caffeine, alcohol, and stimulants like Ritalin, on brain metabolism and chemistry, and examine how the environment influences the addictive process and how particular cues produce relapse to drug seeking behavior.  Finally, he will discuss the state-of-the-art medical imaging techniques used to non-invasively investigate brain chemistry.

Dr. Stephen Dewey is a faculty member of the Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine, conducting his research at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research.  His research on drugs of abuse on the brain has appeared on 20/20, Dateline, Good Morning America, ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN and FoxNews. John Stossel did an hour-long show called “Help me, I can’t help myself”  on 20/20 that featured Dr. Dewey talking about his expertise: the effects of drugs on the brain.

Dr. Stephen Dewey
Director, Laboratory for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroimaging, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, North Shore-LIJ Health System
Professor, Department of Molecular Medicine
Hofstra North Shore LIJ School of Medicine

Location: The Helene Fortunoff Theater
(Monroe Lecture Center, California Avenue, South Campus)
Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m.
To watch a video presentation by Dr. Dewey of  “This is your brain on drugs” visit http://thisisyourbrainondrugs.org/?page_id=231
or visit the Feinstein Institute website: http://www.feinsteininstitute.org/Feinstein/Laboratory+for+Behavioral+and+Molecular+Neuroimaging

Tuesday, March 5, 2013
A Darwin Day Event: This event is cosponsored by the Hofstra Bioethics Center and the Hofstra Department of Philosophy, of which Dr. Moreno is a graduate.

The Battle Over Science in America: How Biology is Changing Our Politics

We have entered what is called the “biological century” and a new biopolitics has emerged to address the implications for America’s collective value system, our well-being, and ultimately, our future. In his book, "The Body Politic," Moreno recognizes and assesses this new force in our political landscape—one that fuels today’s culture wars and has motivated politicians of all stripes to reexamine their platforms. As Moreno explains the most contentious issues, he also offers an engaging history of the intersection between science and democracy in American life, a reasoned analysis of how different political ideologies view scientific controversies, and a vision for how the new biopolitics can help shape the quality of our lives.

Books, signed by the author, will be available for purchase.

Dr. Jonathan D. Moreno
Professor, Ethics, Medical Ethics and Health Policy, History and Sociology of Science, and Philosophy,
University of Pennsylvania

Location: The Helene Fortunoff Theater
(Monroe Lecture Center, California Avenue, South Campus)
Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m.
To learn more about Dr. Moreno,  visit his website.   http://www.jonathandmoreno.com/  

Monday, April 22, 2013

A Special Earth Day Celebration Event
The Marvelous Water Molecule: What You Need to Know

The water molecule is the most abundant molecule in and on the Earth, is essential for life as we know it, and makes earth the blue planet.  Hurricane Sandy reminded all of us of the power and impact of fresh and salt water on our daily lives.  If not for the unique properties of the water molecule, flowing water would not exist on earth – water would exist only in its gaseous phase.  Dr. Fanelli will help us understand the matchless properties of the marvelous water molecule and the critical need to preserve and protect our water resources: ponds, lakes, rivers, oceans, and glaciers.

Dr. Sean Fanelli
Acting Dean, School of Education; Director, Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies, School of Education,
Hofstra University

Location: The Helene Fortunoff Theater
(Monroe Lecture Center, California Avenue, South Campus)
Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m.
To learn more about Dr. Fanelli,  visit: http://www.hofstra.edu/academics/colleges/soeahs/soeahs_news_fanelli121412.html

Photo: Charles Merguerian