Boston Seminar Series

Hippocampal memory formation, reactivation, and the role of sleep

Matthew A. Wilson
Professor of Neurobiology, MIT

Research in our laboratory has focused on the manner in which memory representations in the brain are formed, maintained, and used during behavior. By introducing arrays of microelectrodes into hippocampal and neocortical areas of freely behaving rodents we have been able to examine the coordinated activity of ensembles of large numbers of individual neurons and relate this ensemble activity to behavioral performance and memory. By examining subsequent changes in neural activity during sleep we have begun to examine the nature of memory processing and consolidation during these periods. The results, characterizing the interactions between the hippocampus the neocortex during behavioral tasks, and the possible role of temporal replay of recent experience during awake and sleep states in learning and the formation of memory will be discussed.

Technologies for Engineering Biology

Drew Endy
Assistant Professor, Biological Engineering, MIT

Our ability to program DNA is as important to our economy and security as is our current prowess at engineering electronic and information systems. This talk will describe developing technologies that make easier the engineering of genetic material. A discussion of the consequences of success may ensue.

If you cannot get SmarTrans to work, RSVP to Lori Tsuruda at lori_tsuruda@alum.mit.edu
or 617-308-9795

Strategic Choices: From Fighting Fires to Lighting the Way

Rebecca Henderson '81
Eastman Kodak LFM Professor, MIT

Most of us have come to take chronic overload for granted, but our research suggests that it may be much more toxic than we commonly believe -- that left unaddressed it may tip an organization into "fire fighting" -- a state in which so much time is spent fighting fires that the long term goals of the organization may be impossible to reach. This talk will explore the dynamics of firefighting, focusing particularly on why it can be so hard to do new things in old organizations, and will discuss the role of strategic leadership in "unsticking" overloaded organizations.

If you cannot get SmarTrans to work, RSVP to Lori Tsuruda at lori_tsuruda@alum.mit.edu
or 617-308-9795

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

The Future of Coal

Ernest Moniz
Professor of Physics and Cecil and Ida Green Distinguished Professor
Director, MIT Energy Initiative

The use of coal in energy production is a major factor world wide. MIT?s study, The Future of Coal ? Options for a Carbon Constrained World, examines how the world can continue to use coal in a way that mitigates, instead of worsens, the global warming crisis. Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) is the critical enabling technology to help reduce CO2 emissions significantly while also allowing coal to meet the world's pressing energy needs. An aggressive R&D effort in the near term will yield significant dividends down the road, and should be undertaken immediately to help meet this urgent scientific challenge.

If you cannot get SmarTrans to work, RSVP to Lori Tsuruda at lori_tsuruda@alum.mit.edu
or 617-308-9795.

Tuesday, March 4,
2008

Is Global Warming Affecting Hurricanes?

Kerry A. Emanuel '76
Professor of Atmospheric Sciences, EAPS MIT

Analysis of historical records of hurricane activity reveals large variability from one decade to the next. How much of this variability is random, how much can be said to be part of natural, regional or global climate fluctuations (such as El Nino), and how much is tied to man-made global climate change? These are important questions, as their answers bear on the pressing question of how hurricane activity might change over the next century. I will review the evidence that hurricane activity is closely linked to sea surface temperature and then examine the various environmental processes that cause sea surface temperature to change, focusing on the role of human-induced climate change.

If you cannot get SmarTrans to work, RSVP to Lori Tsuruda at lori_tsuruda@alum.mit.edu
or 617-308-9795.

Thursday,
May 1,
2008

The Consequences of Climate Change on Mortality in the US and India

Michael Greenstone
Professor of Economics, MIT

Climate change affects us all, but an often overlooked aspect is its impact on mortality rates. A rational climate policy requires estimates of the costs that it will impose. In this lecture, Michael Greenstone will examine estimates on the impact of climate change on mortality in the US and India. He will also present estimates of the costs of the adaptations that people will undertake to protect themselves against the health risks posed by climate change.

Register Online Now

If you cannot get SmarTrans to work, RSVP to Lori Tsuruda at lori_tsuruda@alum.mit.edu
or 617-308-9795.