January 16, 2015
Aaron Moehlig
A Fresh Note on Capsaicums
In 1912 Wilbur Scoville published the first scientific report quantifying the spiciness of chili peppers (capsaicums). In doing so, he established the standard scale of spiciness that we still use today, the Scoville Heat Unit. Unlike Scoville, contemporary chemists can accurately measure the spiciness of a chili pepper without having the uncomfortable sensation that accompanies eating them.
This updated note on capsaicums will discuss the physical and chemical properties of capsaicin, the molecule associated with the burning sensation of chili peppers, as well as the analytical techniques used to accurately measure the amount of capsaicin in various chili peppers.
January 23, 2015
Anne Whitson
ALIENS: What Lives Inside Us?
January 30, 2015
Evan Houston
Amazing Avian: Birds are everywhere!
February 6, 2015
Woody Moses
Life by the Drop: The Plankton of Puget Sound
February 13, 2015
Bob Baugher
Understanding Suicide
February 20, 2015
Darin Smith
The Science of Being Sedentary
Humans were designed to be active. Our earliest ancestors needed to move to survive and, in turn, made physical activity into "an evolutionarily programmed necessity in our genes". Unfortunately, somewhere in the last
century, technological and societal changes have all but eliminated the need to be active and have made sedentary (e.g. sitting) behavior to be more attractive in our daily lives. This wouldn't be so bad except for the fact that
prolonged sitting apparently causes a long list of health issues including premature death. Hopefully that was enough to make you jump out of your seat! Come learn the facts about "sitting disease" and get some advice on how to
get up and get active.
February 27, 2015
Amelia Phillips
Big DATA
Big data is a broad term for data sets so large or complex that traditional data processing applications are inadequate. Challenges include analysis, capture, curation, search, sharing, storage, transfer, visualization, and
information privacy.
March 6, 2015
Paul Zarkowski
Psychotropics, Cognitive Functioning, and Academic Performance
Your brain contains a hundred billion neurons making a hundred trillion connections that have evolved over the past 8 million years. Many have become convinced they can improve on the function of the brain through the use of
modern pharmacology. i.e. Prescription and street drugs such as Adderall, Xanax, marijuana, and extreme energy drinks. Are they correct? Come hear about your brain on drugs.