Winter 2005

02/12/2005 | Physics to Pharmaceuticals -- Jeanne Stuckey (Life Sciences Institute)

Since 1895, X-rays have been used to peer inside matter allowing us to probe the mysteries of physical structures. One of their myriad uses is to examine diseased molecules to locate their area of malfunction. How can understanding these malfunctions lead to possible drug development? How do we find chemicals to fix a broken body?

02/19/2005 | Supermarket Biology -- Daniel Klionsky (Life Sciences Institute)

Are you candy bar literate? Are Pop-Tarts high in sugar? Do you know anyone who is lactose-intolerant? Why is oil liquid and butter solid? You probably deal with more biological topics than you realize in your everyday life. Discover the biology you need to know to make your way safely through the supermarket.

03/12/2005 | Cosmic Genesis: How Physics Drives the Structure of the Universe -- Fred Adams (U-M Physics)

How do the laws of physics enforce the production of our universe and the subsequent formation of galaxies, stars, and planets, including some like our Earth? Starting with the laws of physics and the big bang event, we will see how this chain of creation ultimately produces the tiny chemical structures and vast celestial landscapes necessary for life to gain a foothold.

03/19/2005 | How Do We Know the Big Bang Really Happened? Early Evidence -- Timothy McKay (U-M Physics)

During the first half of the 20th century, astronomical observations and physics theory combined to suggest that the universe began in a hot, dense, nearly uniform state. It has been expanding and growing more complex ever since. Determine the evidence which led to this extraordinary conclusion, ridiculed by opponents as the "big bang theory". Figure out some logical consequences of the big bang; the predictions of the theory.

04/02/2005 | How Do We Really Know the Big Bang Happened? Case Closed -- Timothy McKay (U-M Physics)

In physical science, theories are often tested by predicting observations yet to be made. Correct predictions, when tested against observation, are evidence supporting the validity of the theory. A series of strong predictions for the big bang model of the origin of the universe have been confirmed, since 1990, firmly establishing it as the standard model of cosmology. What are these observations that are so convincing? What mysteries remain?

04/09/2005 | The Quest to Discover New "Earths" -- John Monnier (U-M Astronomy)

The discoveries of giant planets around other stars have changed the way we think of our solar system -- we no longer know what a "normal" planetary system is anymore. Astronomers are now debuting new observing methods to find out more. But with the new excitement comes a growing impatience: Where are all the Earth-like planets? How are we going to find them?

04/16/2005 | Solar Neutrinos: The Problem, Its Resolution -- Timothy Chupp (U-M Physics)

For 40 years, physicists have searched for solar neutrinos, the only direct evidence of nuclear reactions in the core of the sun. Solar neutrinos are detected in huge underground experiments, but were detected at rates much less than expected from the sun's power output. This deficit of solar neutrinos has finally been explained: the neutrinos disguise themselves before they are detected, and the nuclear reaction rate in the sun's core is indeed consistent with the current luminosity.

04/23/2005 | The Art of Physics Demonstrations -- Mark Kennedy, Harminder Sandhu, Warren Smith (U-M Physics)

Have you ever wondered how lecture experiments are invented? Observe a practical overview of demonstration presentation techniques, constructions and fabrication of apparatus. The young at heart, the curious experimenter and science teachers will especially find the presentation entertaining.

05/07/2005 | Gravitational Waves - Ripples of Space -- Keith Riles (U-M Physics)

Gravitational waves are minute disturbances of space itself, first predicted by Einstein. They are believed to arise both from violent events, such as the Big Bang or the collisions of black holes, and from quieter phenomena, such as the steady spin of a bumpy neutron star. Become familiar with the nature and sources of these tiny ripples of space, along with prospects for their direct discovery in the next few years.

05/14/2005 | How to Catch a Gravitational Wave -- Keith Riles (U-M Physics)

Scientists worldwide have constructed gigantic laser interferometers, kilometers long, to detect gravitational waves coming to us from our own galaxy and from very distant galaxies. These new instruments, including the U.S. LIGO and LISA interferometers, can detect distortions of space a thousand times smaller than a proton. Discover how these detectors work and their formidable technological challenges, along with results of first searches.

05/21/2005 | Into the Dark: The Long Term Future of Our Dying Universe -- Fred Adams (U-M Physics)

What will happen when the Universe burns out? We will examine the evolution of planets, stars, galaxies, and the universe itself over time scales that greatly exceed the current cosmic age. After several trillion years, the supply of interstellar gas grows depleted, and the galaxy loses its stars. As the galaxy disperses, dark matter particles annihilate keeping the old stellar remnants warm. On longer time scales, black holes lose their mass as they emit Hawking radiation. After the largest black holes have evaporated, the universe slowly slides into darkness. Or does it?