Plant Immunity; Exoplanets – Mar 30
Wonderfest Science Envoys are early-career researchers with special communication skills and aspirations. Following short talks on provocative modern science topics, these two Science Envoys will answer questions with insight and enthusiasm:
• UC Berkeley plant biologist Chandler Sutherland on It’s Not Easy Staying Green: Understanding Plant Immune Systems — Every day, plants resist an onslaught of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and herbivores. However, plants can’t make antibodies or move immune cells around with a circulatory system, as we can. Understanding plant immune systems teaches us about how human immunity evolved, and is helping us learn how to protect our agricultural crops against disease.
• Stanford astrophysicist Alex Madurowicz on Imaging Extrasolar Planets — Technical advancements in the next decade will enable telescopic observation of smaller and fainter worlds that orbit other stars, including Earth-like planets. Going further, bold concepts for the next century completely reimagine the concept of a telescope — allowing resolution of details like continents, forests, and even extraterrestrial cities.
This event is free. But what value do these science insights have FOR YOU? Accordingly, please use the space below to contribute to nonprofit Wonderfest, and help to promote the scientific outlook broadly — as through our outstanding Science Envoy Program.
Rewilding; Mutualism – Apr 14
Wonderfest Science Envoys are early-career researchers with special communication skills and aspirations. Following short talks on provocative modern science topics, these two Science Envoys will answer questions with insight and enthusiasm:
• Stanford environmental scientist Luísa Genes on “Rewilding Tropical Forests” — Tropical forests are suffering from deforestation, hunting, and a series of other threats that lead to the vanishing of animal populations. To reverse these threats, not only must we conserve remaining protected areas, but also restore plants and animal communities in degraded forests. What is rewilding, and can it really restore tropical forests?
• UC Berkeley plant biologist Lorenzo Washington on “Barriers Between Friends” — Appreciating boundaries is an important part of all relationships. Understanding the mutually beneficial relationships at the boundaries between plants and microbes has increasing importance in agriculture. An investigation into the plant cell wall illuminates how plants make microbial friends — and may help fight famine.
This event is free. But what value do these science insights have FOR YOU? Accordingly, please use the space below to contribute to nonprofit Wonderfest, and help to promote the scientific outlook broadly — as through our outstanding Science Envoy Program.