It's 2009 and science and technology are ushering in a new era of population-based DNA research, requiring massive biological databases. Are we ready for all that this entails? This is the first of four forums hosted by a unique collaboration of scientists, health providers and local spiritual leaders on the subject of biobanks- repositories for blood and DNA- and the ethical, spiritual, and civil implications for society, particularly in Michigan. The goal is to spark a dialogue among members of the Ann Arbor community regarding the implications of biobank development.

The Library is extremely pleased to host well-known NASA Astronomer and author Sten Odenwald to discuss what NASA is up to in the 21st century as well as the impediments to its success. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about astronomy, from an award-winning expert. Sten Odenwald is an active NASA educator and author whose media contributions include The Washington Post, Sky and Telescope and National Public Radio. Odenwald has also worked with teachers around the country to develop classroom materials based on his work at NASA.

Over the past quarter century, a new field of study called archeoastronomy has developed, investigating astronomical alignments that may have been incorporated or utilized in prehistoric times by ancient people. Years of field research at petroform sites may prove that some of the most unique and oldest archeoastronomy sites in North America - possibly as old as the pyramids in Egypt - are located in southeastern Wisconsin.

UM physicist and astronomer Timothy McKay presents a brief overview of some of the current ideas and theories in the field of astronomy. He will also talk about the GalaxyZoo project, which uses volunteer amateurs to contribute to galaxy structure research. This will be followed by a Q & A session, where Professor McKay will answer everything you ever wanted to know about astronomy, based on audience questions - so please don't be afraid to ask!Timothy McKay is the Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Physics in the University of Michigan Physics Department.

Acclaimed author Timothy Ferris made a special appearance at this key event of Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads 2009. The theme of 2009's Reads program is The Universe: Yours To Discover, and Mr. Ferris' book, "Seeing In The Dark: How Amateur Astronomers Are Discovering The Wonders Of The Universe," has been chosen as the focus of the program. Mr. Ferris discussed his book, as well as his thoughts on astronomy and the universe around us. Timothy Ferris has received the American Institute of Physics prize and a Guggenheim Fellowship.

Local elementary school teacher Robin Frisch-Gleason was selected to join a team of educators and scientists to travel to Antarctica last fall as part of the ARISE (Research Immersion for Science Educators) program to study Antarctica's role in global climate change. She led a room-packed discussion at the Library last July, before she began this expedition.Robin returns to AADL to discuss her experience in Antarctica, including images and a discussion of ANDRILL, a program that gives a tremendous amount of information about how the climate of Antarctica has been changing over time.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jonathan Weiner will make a special appearance at Washtenaw Community College (4800 Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor Township) as part of the 2006 Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads. He will discuss his book, "The Beak of the Finch: A Story of Evolution in Our Time," which was chosen as the focus of this year's Reads program. It is an examination of the groundbreaking scientific research of scientists Peter and Rosemary Grant, who spent years studying Darwin's finches in the Galapagos Islands and resulted in new ways to look at evolution.

Take a photographic journey through Antarctica when Robin Frisch-Gleason shares stories and images of her geological field work on the frozen continent. She will also discuss the natural history of this spectacular land and her upcoming trip to study Antarctica's role in global climate change. Robin was recently selected to join a team of educators and scientists to return to Antarctica as part of the ARISE (Research Immersion for Science Educators) program. She will be on "the ice" from early October through early December doing a geophysical study of the Ross Sea area and working on cores drilled below the sea ice.The goals of the Research Immersion for Science Educators program are to raise public awareness about Antarctic scientific drilling and to integrate polar geoscience content into a range of learning environments.

In 1905, trained in physics and mathematics, Albert Einstein took an office job because he could not find a teaching position. That year, he published three papers detailing revolutionary theories related to space and time, quantum mechanics, and the existence of atoms. The ideas would rock the foundations of science. Join Dr. Zurbuchen as he, through a fascinating audio-visual presentation, carries us back to 1905, when Einstein changed the scientific world forever.Prof. Zurbuchen has a PhD in Astrophysics from the University of Bern, Switzerland.

The Galapagos Islands are the habitat for some of the world's most unusual animals and plants, many found nowhere else. Will Weber, owner of Journeys International, will lead us on a tour of this unique area. Joan and Will Weber of Ann Arbor founded Journeys International in 1978 while they were UM graduate students.