Pnas Science Sessions

Jennifer Golbeck discusses the intersection of computer science, sociology, and social networking.

Physicist David Weitz discusses the material properties that make chocolate to-die-for.

Bo Begole discusses ubiquitous computing, behavioral modeling, and smart environments that can anticipate people's information needs.

Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution Wayne Clough discusses his goal to educate the public about the Smithsonian's groundbreaking scientific research projects.

Roger Beachy discusses the role of genetically modified crops in feeding the world's growing population.

Zvonimir Dogic discusses how viruses can be coaxed into forming self-assembling, polymer membranes.

Won-Yong Song and Jiyoung Park discuss the urgent problem of arsenic-tainted rice in Southeast Asia, and genetically engineered rice plants that would be safe to consume and could help remediate arsenic-contaminated groundwater.

Liza Moscovice discusses what her study on baboon behavior reveals about the evolution of cooperation in humans.

Robina Shaheen and Mark Thiemens discuss an oxygen isotope signature that reveals how carbonates on Mars form in the absence of life.

Cheryl Lyn Walker discusses the role of a cellular protein, called ATM, in offsetting oxidative damage.

Benjamin tenOever discusses his team's prize winning discovery that could be the key to developing a universal influenza A vaccine.

NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins discusses "personalized medicine," a novel approach in which doctors diagnose and treat patients using detailed information about each individual.

Susan Stipp discusses her PNAS research article that reveals whether the ash cloud from the 2010 eruption of Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull volcano posed a threat to aircraft, and if the widespread airport closures in Europe were warranted.

Jim Jensen, Executive Director of the Office of Congressional and Government Affairs, a branch of the National Research Council, discusses how scientific research shapes public policy.

Kei Koizumi, Assistant Director for Federal Research and Development at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, discusses some aspects of the President's 2012 research budget.

Nate Lewis dicusses the design principles and applications of electronic artificial noses.

Peter Schiller discusses a device that could one day restore sight to the blind by directly stimulating the visual cortex.

PNAS Editor-in-Chief Randy Schekman discusses the journal's new option to publish online-only research articles.

Rutledge Ellis-Behnke discusses his research in nano-healing, a technology that halts bleeding and helps the brain and body to recover from injury and disease.

David Hillis explains how phylogenetics can be used to solve criminal cases involving the intentional transmission of HIV via unprotected sex.