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2012 Longwood Seminar Schedule
Tuesday, March 6, 6:00–7:30 pm
Patience and Patients: Understanding the spectrum of Alzheimer’s disease
As human life expectancy increases, so does the possibility that a family member or friend will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Fortunately, researchers are continually learning more about what causes this debilitating condition and discovering new ways to help patients cope with symptoms. At this seminar, you will hear from faculty members who will share insight about the disease and tips for caring for a loved one.
Tuesday, March 20, 6:00–7:30 pm
Singing in the Shower to Shaking in Your Boots: The science of emotion
As the childhood song goes, “If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it,” but do you ever truly wonder why you’re happy? Have you thought about where our emotions come from and why they make us feel the way we do? A panel of Harvard faculty members whose research sheds light on the range of human emotion will explore the science behind the smiles and tears.
Tuesday, April 3, 6:00–7:30 pm
Panning for Therapeutic Gold: Cancer genetics
The end of 2011 marked the 40-year anniversary of President Nixon declaring the War on Cancer. Though a cure has not yet been discovered, the understanding of genetics is revolutionizing cancer research and improving the ways in which we can battle one of medicine’s most challenging diseases. At this seminar, Harvard researchers will discuss how far we have come and where the field is heading in revealing the causes of cancer and our potential to develop transformative therapies.
Tuesday, April 24, 6:00–7:30 pm
Haute Culture: Tailoring stem cells to make us well
Harnessing the body’s ability to repair itself, regenerative biology is advancing medicine each day. Our bodies contain stem cells that have the remarkable ability to transform into many different kinds of cells and act as tiny “handymen” to repair damaged tissues. Faculty members will share their expertise and explain how this field of study may dramatically shape the future of medicine.
Harvard Medical School is a short walk from the Longwood stops on both the Green D and E lines and the #39 bus. Parking is available at public garages in
the Longwood Medical area.
In today”s 24-7 world, it”s common to feel anxious, overburdened and stressed periodically. At this seminar, you’ll hear from doctors who will explain how the body responds to stressful situations, and describe how stress affects psychological and physiological well-being. Faculty members will also share insight about how stress can be effectively managed.
Living Long, Living Well: Aging with flourish
As life expectancy continues to rise throughout the US, many of us can look forward to a longer life. In this seminar, you will learn about the biology of aging to help explain the changes that take place in the body as people age, as well as hear practical advice from a physician about how to live a long and healthy life.
From Vision to Touch: Exploring the five senses
The senses make it possible to explore our surroundings and communicate in the world, but do you understand their role in the body? At this seminar, a panel of Harvard faculty members who specialize in each of the five senses will share their expertise on touch, vision, hearing, smell and taste, and in some cases will discuss ways the senses can be leveraged to affect our health.
Food for Thought: Genetically modified nourishment
Since the early 90’s when it was first produced in the US, the value of genetically modified (GM) food has been challenged and debated. In this seminar, you will learn about how GM foods are produced and how the process may change in the future. The relative benefits and controversies surrounding GM foods as well as policy issues associated with their production will be discussed. Faculty members knowledgeable about GM goods will share what is known about the technology and how it may in time be used to address worldwide problems, such as hunger and disease.
