Nanomaterials in Ecosystems: Should we worry?

Today is the second Tuesday of March which can mean only one thing: Periodic Tables!  Periodic Tables is a monthly event that brings interesting speakers "where curious adults can meet in a casual setting to discuss the latest science in plain English."  Periodic Tables is organized by our friends at the Museum of Life and Science.

When: March 9, 2010 | 7:00 P.M.

Where: Broad Street Café in Durham, NC

Who: Dr. Emily Bernhardt, Assistant Professor of Biology at Duke University and Program Leader at the Center for Environmental Implication of NanoTechnology

Nanotechnology has the enormous potential to change our society. New advances in medicine, energy production, environmental cleanup and better access to clean water are just a few of the many possibilities. According to the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, the number of products that use nanomaterials has increased almost 380% since 2006. But, is it the same special properties that make nanoscale materials so useful that also pose potential risks to humans and the environment?

Join Dr. Emily Bernhardt from the Center for the Environmental Implications of NanoTechnology to discuss the fate of nanomaterials in our environment and why you should care. 

Effort to Bring Google Fiber to Durham

Google recently announced that they will be rolling out high-speed and affordable Internet access in selected communities.  Durham is anxious to be one of those communities.  The center of the effort is HiFiber Durham.

Google is planning to build, and test ultra-high speed broadband networks in a small number of trial locations across the country. We'll deliver Internet speeds more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have access to today with 1 gigabit per second, fiber-to-the-home connections. We'll offer service at a competitive price to at least 50,000, and potentially up to 500,000 people.

You can sign up for their various announcements here:

Robot Rumble at NC Museum of Life and Science

The North Carolina Museum of Life and Science is hosting a fun event called the Robot Rumble on Saturday, March 20 from: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Are you ready to rumble? It’s the battle of the bots! Watch Carolina Combat Robots battle it out in robot hockey. See Insight Robotics new autonomous Lotus race car, and learn about its thrilling venture with Team Stellar to create a robot to land on the moon. Check out SuperDroid Robots to see the latest tactical surveillance robots for SWAT, military and law enforcement. Plus, see the InTouch Health RP-7(r) doctor robot from Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and discover how robots are changing how physicians interact with patients. Take part in a variety of hands-on activities, and so much more!
Cost: Most activities are free with Museum admission; pre-registration and additional fees may apply for workshops. Additional information is coming soon!

Ladies and Gents: We have a Date! MF:NC Is a Go!

Save the Date! Maker Faire:NC is Sunday, April 25!I'm overjoyed to announce that the Maker Faire:NC will be held on Sunday, April 25 at Loehmann’s Plaza on Hillandale Road in Durham, NC.

The address of the shopping center is 1821 Hillandale Rd, Durham NC 27705.

The MakerFaire:NC will be held in conjunction with the annual very-awesome, never-boring ShopBot Jamboree!  Come hang out with Team Shopbot and stay for Maker Faire:NC!

There is a Hampton Inn across the street from the event and a Red Roof Inn around the corner.

Hotel:Durham Courtyard by Marriott, 1815 Front Street, Durham, NC 27705,

Closest Airport:RDU International Airport, 2400 W. Terminal Blvd, Morrisville, NC 27623

In the coming few days I will be announcing more details about the schedule including dropoff/setup times for Makers, volunteer coordination meetings, etc.  Until then, spread the word for us, submit your projects, and GET MAKING!

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Cedric Chatterly to Speak at Center for Documentary Studies

Artist Cedric Chatterley will be presenting tonight at Durham's Center for Documentary Studies.  I met Cedric last year and had a delightful time talking with him about the beautiful cameras that he makes and the images he makes with them.  Cedric makes his large format cameras in conjunction with the artists he photographs.  A very meta piece of art.

Reciprocity
Cedric Chatterley makes photographs using film and he still prints in the darkroom. A few years ago, he started making cameras. The first cameras Chatterley built were made for him alone, an exercise in the imaginative and practical use of found objects and cast-off materials. He then became inspired to collaborate with friends and fellow artists—not only in creating images but also in constructing the instruments used to make them.

There is a reception and artist's talk tonight (1/28/2010) from 6pm-9pm.  Talk is at 7:00.