Lincoln (Neb.) - Oct. 2, 2000 - The stormy relationship between evolution and creationism is being addressed by four speakers in a lecture series, "Teaching Evolution: Aspects of the Controversy," at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
The second lecture in the series will be "Speculations on the Origin of Life: Why Isn't Nature Ambidextrous?" delivered by Timothy J. Gay, UNL professor of physics, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 11 in 117 Bessey Hall.
Just like sea shells and writing desks, many biological molecules, including DNA, are right- or left- "handed." But all naturally occurring DNA twists the same way - right-handed. Gay will address the importance of "handedness" in nature, with a concentration on biological aspects of handedness and what modern physics can tell us about the evolution of early life on earth.
Future lecturers, with topic and location, are: Michael Voorhies, curator of vertebrate paleontology in the University of Nebraska State Museum, "Gaps in the Fossil Record: Darwinism's Fatal Flaw," Oct. 25, 4:30 p.m., 117 Bessey Hall; and Raymond B. Hames, UNL professor of anthropology, "Human Evolution . . . So Far," Nov. 15, 4:30 p.m., 117 Bessey Hall. The series began Sept. 28 with an address by Edward J. Larson, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "Summer for the Gods: The Scopes Trial and America's Continuing Debate over Science and Religion."
The series is sponsored by the Center for Science, Mathematics and
Computer Education, Center for the Teaching and Study of Applied Ethics,
the College of Arts and Sciences, the Humanities Center, and the
Math/Science Education Initiative.
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For questions regarding these releases, contact:
tsimons1@unl.edu
(402) 472-8514, Fax: (402) 472-7825