2:13 p.m., April 27, 2009----The University of Delaware Science Café continues on Wednesday, April 29, with a program by Murray Johnston, professor of chemistry and biochemistry at UD, on "Breathing the Air in Delaware. "

The free public discussion will be held from 4:30-6 p.m. at Home Grown Café and Gourmet, 126 East Main St., Newark. The Delaware NSF EPSCoR program will sponsor food, and the restaurant will offer happy hour beverage specials.

According to program organizer Tom Powers, an assistant professor of philosophy and director of the Science, Ethics and Policy Program at the University of Delaware, the Science Café is designed to provide faculty with an opportunity to help build public understanding of science and engineering.

Science Cafés began in the United Kingdom as an informal way for scientists to discuss their work with the public. At least 35 cafés now exist in the U.S., including one in Arlington, Va., sponsored by the National Science Foundation.

Additional UD presentations are scheduled in May:

* May 6 -- Janine Sherrier, associate professor of plant and soil sciences, “Life in the Underground: How Simple Soil Bacteria Protect Our Environment.”

* May 13 -- Nicole Donofrio, assistant professor of plant and soil sciences, and Dr. Michael Dobres, founder and owner of NovaFlora, Inc. in West Grove, Pa., “Genetics in Your Garden.”

For details and updated information, see the Science, Ethics and Public Policy Program Web site.

Article by Katie Ginder-Vogel