Scientists flock to Seattle for annual conference

[Gabbal]

The oceans, cloning, disappearing languages and mad cows are among the topics at the world's largest general-science meeting, which begins in Seattle Thursday.

 

More than 5,000 scientists and educators are expected for the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, which runs through Monday at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center.

 

"Scientists are specialists, but they're also interested in scientific knowledge more generally. We have this wonderful cafeteria of science with the meeting and they love it," said Dr. Alan Leshner, CEO of the association and executive publisher of its journal, Science.

 

The association has 272 affiliated organizations in 130 countries. Its theme for this year's meeting is "Science at the Leading Edge."

 

The conference includes a variety of free events for the public, including lectures, workshops and a town-hall meeting on oceans.

 

A marine-science pavilion, including films of recent ocean expeditions, also is open to the public.

 

"We're trying to evolve the relationship between science and society," Leshner said. "We have an obligation to have a true dialogue with the public."

 

Weekend educational activities, called "Family Science Days," will feature everything from ice cream made from liquid nitrogen, to exhibits on space, to demonstrations on electricity and molecules.

 

The meeting's lectures also are open to the public each evening at the Sheraton Hotel. Lecture topics will include global warming, childhood HIV infection, black holes and time warps.