Science on Tap: Human Immunodeficiency Virus
 
Monday April 10th
2017 6:00 PM
Jack Quinn's Irish Pub and Restaurant
21 South Tejon (map)
 
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a lentivirus that causes HIV infection and over time, acqired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The CDC estimates there are approximately 37 million people worldwide currently living with HIV. Since its discovery in 1983, HIV has been rigorously studied with many potential therapeutics and vaccines being designed and tested. There are therapeutics targeting nearly every life cycle stage of the virus. Current vaccine trials against HIV have achieved an efficacy of approximately 30%, too low for a viable vaccine. Dr. James M Kovacs will outline a vaccine approach that he has pioneered, specifically a phase two efficacy clinical trial.

 
Ecological Consciousness and Climate ChangeAsoka Bandarage Ph.D.
 
Thursday, April 13, 2017 4:00-6:00 pmSlocum Commons130 E. Cache La Poudre Street
 
Asoka Bandarage, Ph.D. is a visiting Professor at Colorado College, and participant in several recent Freethinker events. She will present a lecture on the political-economic causes of the climate crisis, impacts on populations and the philosophical shift need to bring about ecological consciousness as well as a socioeconomic system based on interdependence and partnership. It will address contemporary social movements, particularly those arising out of the global south, that are leading efforts toward social justice and ecological sustainability.
 

Asoka Bandarage, author of the book, Sustainability and Well Being: The Middle Path to Environment, Society and the Economy.
 

Who Speaks for Earth?Cosmos: A Personal Voyage
Episode 13 [1980] Earth Day 2017April 2210:00 to 2:15 PMPPLD East Library5550 North Union
 

We are now entering the 47th year of a movement that continues to inspire, challenge ideas, ignite passion, and motivate people to action.

Along with your other Earth Day visits, consider Joining ...

Hundreds of thousands of people who will gather in their streets around the world to defeat the role of science in modern society.
In the face of a growing climate of scientific denial, it is more critical now than ever that we promote science both in and outside of the classroom. Just us for a rally and march on downtown Colorado Springs
You can expect 30 minutes of speeches about the importance of science and public participation in guiding our scientific future. Our local event will be at:

Earth Day Cleanup (with Pikes Peak Atheists and Pikes Peak Atheist Families)
April 23
10:00-Noon
Stetson Park
4870 Jedadiah Smith Road (map) 
 
 
We will park in the Stetson Park parking lot and walk to the trail.
 
Join us for our first group cleanup effort of the year, along the section of creek that Pikes Peak Atheists has adopted. We are responsible for the Sand Creek Trail (and creek) from Stetson Hills, south to Barnes Rd. Stetson Park (and Stetson Elementary School) are located along that section of trail and will allow for easy access and parking.

Volunteer Opportunity with One Nation Walking Together
April 2910:00 am to 1:00 pm3150 North Nevada
 
In connection with our charity drive for One Nation Walking Together, we will be doing a volunteer day with them to help sort the donations that they receive.

Good guys in Hollywood recognized by good guys in the press
Sunday April 30

 
Meet author Michelle Evans The X-15 Rocket Plane, First Wings into Space
April 30, 6:00 - 8:15 pm Airplane Restaurant 1665 Newport Road
 

Dr. Jeremy BonoUsing CRISPR to Change DNA
Monday May 8, 2017The program starts at 6:30 PM with food and drinks served at 6:00 PMJack Quinn's in Downtown Colorado Springs21 S. Tejon
 
 
Much of the extraordinary diversity that characterizes the natural world results from the process of adaptation. My research focuses on determining how adaptive processes, such as changes in DNA, shape diversification in populations, and ultimately how this can lead to the formation of new species. My lab is currently investigating the molecular basis of incompatibilities between male and female molecules that occur within the female reproductive tract after mating between different species of fruit flies. This contributes to understanding the genetic basis of speciation, and is relevant to research into human fertility and the control of insect pests that threaten human health and agriculture.