Science Matters is a free, public, adult education series, held at the California Science Center, where we explore critical and often controversial science issues at the forefront of public concern.

Each program begins with a presentation that illuminates the science behind the issue. A panel of nationally renowned experts from diverse perspectives then discuss its societal implications and respond to questions from the audience.

Prescription Drugs: Good Medicine—Bad Behavior — Feb. 7, 2009
Seven of the top ten illegal drugs used in the United States are prescription medications. What is the science of such addiction and treatment, and how should we respond? Does the best solution lie with more prescription drug legislation to further restrict the drug supply, or through more intense public education to decrease demand? more>

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Your Genes: Choice or Chance? — October 25, 2008
Scientific research on the human genome has pitted the hopes for progress toward the eradication of disease against ethical concerns about manipulating the human genome and worries over public access to private data. Do the prospects for improved health and productivity outweigh other concerns? more>

The Science and Policy of Obesity — May 17, 2008
Speakers present the current science of obesity and discuss the ethics of different approaches to the obesity epidemic. Are we a society that controls what people eat? more>

Nuclear Energy — Timely Alternative or Time Bomb? — February 23, 2008
Nuclear fission reactors have long been controversial. Yet, considering the current concern over global climate change, pollution, and energy shortages worldwide, is their role changing? more>

The Science and Ethics of Fear — October 27, 2007
Fear is a universal emotion, yet poorly understood by the general public. In presenting both the science and ethics of fear, the speakers illuminated the arresting power of fear and the ethical implications of its use and abuse. more>

Global Climate Change and the Human Response — April 21, 2007
A science presentation explained the current science of global warming and the means by which scientists evaluate the effects of human activities and predict the impact of future climate change. In this light, panelists discussed the range of human responses to global warming and the potential roles played by government, business and private citizens. more>

Nanotechnology: Small world-Big issues —
January 27, 2007
How will society deal with the impact of this powerful yet infinitesimally small technology? Who will benefit from the fruits of nanoscience and who will monitor its effect? more>

Religion on the Brain — November 4, 2006
In our first Science Matters program of the year, a neurologist presented the latest findings in brain research about the neural processing of religious thought and experience. In light of this research, panelists discussed how we reconcile these different aspects of our brain in our understanding of the world. Are humans genetically hard-wired for critical thinking and religious spirituality, and what are the implications for the compatibility of science and faith in the human experience? Can we believe in science and still have faith? more>

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Reproductive Cloning — April 15, 2006
Popular news magazines report that for $30,000 you can clone your cat, and soon you will be able to clone your dog. Scientists and ethicists explained the current science of cloning and what's possible in the near future. In this light, a panel of experts discussed the responsibilities, obligations, and implications associated with reproductive cloning.

Defining Life and Death — January 21, 2006
How do we ascertain when life ends? In this program, scientists, physicians and ethicists reviewed various ways of measuring life, and discussed related legal, ethical, and cultural aspects of this question.

Promise and Pitfalls of Stem Cell Research — September 24, 2005
The first in this program series looked at the Promise and Pitfalls of Stem Cell Research.