Schedule By Day
Day 1 - Friday 09-04-2009 Day 2 - Saturday 09-05-2009 Day 3 - Sunday 09-06-2009 Day 4 - Monday 09-07-2009
2009 DRAGON*CON SCIENCE TRACK SCHEDULE
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| Friday 09-04-2009 | Return to top | ||
| 1:00pm – 2:00pm Bacteriophages – Using Viruses to Cure Disease by Jessica Parilla202 (Hilton) |
For 90 years, viruses have been used to treat bacterial diseases. Due to increases in antibiotic resistant bacteria, are bacteriophages our only hope? | |
| 2:30pm – 3:30pm Luck, Amazing Coincidences and Other Charm(ing) Delusions by Dr. Martin Bridgstock, Kylie Sturgess,202 (Hilton) |
An examination of popular, funny and infuriating mythconceptions, plus the resources to challenge them – from moon madness to “the Mozart Effect”. | |
| 4:00pm – 5:00pm Autism and Vaccination – The Rumored Connection by Dr. John Cmar (moderator),202 (Hilton) |
The latest issues regarding this controversy, how it started, and a primer for talking with someone who believes that the two are related. | |
| 5:30pm – 6:30pm Antimatter Bombs – Even More Fun Than Nukes! by Stephen D. Howe, Ph.D202 (Hilton) |
How far off was Angels & Demons? Is an antimatter bomb in our future? How many bucks do you need for the really big bangs? What else is it good for? | |
| 7:00pm – 8:00pm Iceworld Hoth, errr…I mean Earth! by Richard Jakiel202 (Hilton) |
In addition to various ice ages, Earth has completely frozen over several times. Causes and links to the current global warming debate are examined. – Watch the powerpoint presetation while you listen. | |
| 8:30pm – 9:30pm The Large Hadron Collider and Armageddon? Don't Panic! by Prof. Matt Lowery202 (Hilton) |
The LHC is not going to destroy the Earth. Trust us! We're scientists! Discover why there is no cause for alarm and learn some cool physics, too. – See what Dr. Howe is talking about – watch the powerpoint presentation. | |
| 10:00pm – 11:00pm Cryonics – 2009 Update by The Atlanta Transhumanist Society202 (Hilton) |
Live fast, die young (or old), leave behind a good–looking liquid nitrogen suspended corpsicle, and (maybe) get revived at some point in the future! | |
| Saturday 09-05-2009 | Return to top | ||
| 10:00am – 11:00am Dragon*Con Parade by everyone who wants to be seenthe streets of Atlanta |
Parade's going on right now; no sense in scheduling a guest to speak to an empty room. | |
| 11:30am – 12:30pm Who Wants to be a SUPER VILLAIN?? by Richard (Hawk) Alstatt, Dictator Barbie (2008 winner), /Bob Burden (“Mysterymen” creator)/, the Rev. Ivan Stang and/or Rev. Susie the Floozie (both from the Church of the SubGenius)A601/A602 (Marriott) |
Lots of wanna–be's talk the talk; can you walk the walk? Then prove it. Who wants to be a Super Villain? You do. Because being Bad feels so Good. | |
| 11:30am – 12:30pm Citizen Science by Pamela Gay, Ph.D202 (Hilton) |
Science wouldn't be where it is today without the contributions of everyday people like you. Learn how to take part in all of the fun. – It's as though you're there live when you watch the powerpoint slides while you listen. | |
| 1:00am – 2:00pm The DARPA Initiative – “OOPS! We Accidentally Invented the Internet!” by John E. Bradford, Ph.D & A.C. Charania202 (Hilton) |
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is a cutting–edge Department of Defense research wing. Learn how they put your tax dollars to work! | |
| 2:30pm – 3:30pm Intelligent, Tool Using Dinosaurs? There's Almost No Way to Know for Sure. by Stephen D. Howe, Ph.D202 (Hilton) |
Too much time has elapsed; an entire civilization could have existed and we wouldn't find any evidence of it. At least, not on Earth… – Don't you think this is a panel you have to SEE to believe? | |
| 4:00pm – 5:00pm Evil Geniuses for a Better Tomorrow: 7th Annual Recruiting Session & Bake Sale by Richard (Hawk) Altstatt (moderator),Crystal Ballroom (Hilton) |
Professional Evil Geniuses discuss plausible methods of taking over the world for fun and profit while avoiding common mistakes made by film & tv villains. | |
| 4:00pm – 5:00pm The Universe in Your Pocket: How Cosmological Science Became Earth Technology – Part I by William T. (Tom) Bridgman, Ph.D202 (Hilton) |
Some historical peeks at how astronomy contributed to fundamental physics and technology. | |
| 5:30pm – 6:30pm BSG: The Last Half Hour, or “They REALLY frakked the daggit!!” by Track Director, jonnyX (moderator),Crystal Ballroom (Hilton) |
Did you have…issues…with the BSG series finale? You're not alone. Suspension of disbelief wasn't the only thing they blew at the end. Come vent. | |
| 5:30pm – 6:30pm The Universe in Your Pocket: How Cosmological Science Became Earth Technology – Part II by William T. (Tom) Bridgman, Ph.D202 (Hilton) |
Some historical peeks at how astronomy contributed to fundamental physics and technology. | |
| 7:00pm – 8:00pm Synesthesia – Fours are Red, Sevens are Green, and Green Tastes Funny by Jason Schneiderman, Ph.D,202 (Hilton) |
In some people, the senses are cross-connected; colors trigger specific tastes, for instance. This provides interesting advantages and disadvantages. | |
| 8:30pm – 9:30pm The Revenge of Strange and Unusual Research by Jason Schneiderman, Ph.D202 (Hilton) |
Come for a laugh and maybe learn a thing or two as we once again explore the weird realms of published scientific research. | |
| 10:00pm – 11:00pm The Science and Fine Art of Makin' Booze, Now with 37% More Booze! by James P. Kinney III &202 (Hilton) |
A quiet little low-key affair with limited seating, so get there early. | |
| Sunday 09-6-2009 | Return to top | ||
| 10:00am – 11:00am The Science of Battlestar Galactica by Kevin R. Grazier, Ph.DA601/A602 (Marriott) |
BSG's Official Science Guy examines the real–world plausability and associated implications of much of the technology used throughout the series. | |
| 10:00am – 11:00am The Hydrogen Myth by Stephen Fleming202 (Hilton) |
What's not to love about hydrogen as a fuel? Lots! Come hear why hydrogen isn't likely to solve any energy problems, no matter how much it's hyped. | |
| 11:30am – 12:30pm (NEW PANEL!!) Stealth Science and Skeptical Thought, aka How to Teach Critical Thinking Skills by Blowing Stuff Up by Adam Savage, Dr. Phil Plait,Centennial Ballroom I & II (Hyatt) |
As skepticism becomes more mainstream, Adam Savage and fellow panelists discuss the non–traditional ways they promote science and skeptical thinking. | |
| 11:30am - 12:30pm Radioactive Zombies! What Happens When You Mix Radiation With Brain Eating? by Patrick Mason, Ph.D & Lance Schlenker202 (Hilton) |
BRAAAAAAINS!!! Radioactively fueled zombies have appeared in a variety of media. What dangers would they pose to human survivors ? Besides the obvious? | |
| 1:00am – 2:00pm How Much Longer Does Homo Sapiens Have? by Seth Shostak, Ph.D202 (Hilton) |
Sentient hominids have been strutting the planet for 200,000 years –– but is the end nigh? And how can we forestall armageddon? | |
| 2:30pm – 3:30pm Influenza, Swine Flu and You by Dr. John Cmar (moderator),202 (Hilton) |
An update on the myths and the realities of these (un)popular diseases. | |
| 4:00pm – 5:00pm Darwin s Bulldogs – Teachers on the Front Line by C. Kevin Barrett, Ph.D, Eugenie C. Scott, Kylie Sturgess, Prof. Matt Lowry202 (Hilton) |
Educators talk about pseudo–science in the classroom, declining science standards nationwide, and the critical importance of reversing those trends. | |
| 5:30pm – 6:30pm Quantum Encryption: Is it the perfect encryption technique? by Stephen Granade, Ph.D & Steve Roberts202 (Hilton) |
Encryption has long been an arms race; every new cipher leads to better code–breaking tools. Have we finally reached the end of that arms race? | |
| 7:00pm – 8:00pm Death is Only The Beginning: Decomposition and Estimating Time Since Death by C. Kevin Barrett, Ph.D202 (Hilton) |
What happens after they close the coffin lid? A discussion of the decomposition process and how it is used to estimate post–mortem intervals. | |
| 8:30pm – 9:30pm Medical Device Development: Thrills, Excitement, and Crazy Research! by Malik Qaiser202 (Hilton) |
Everything you always wanted to know about medical device development but were afraid to ask! Current research! Crazy accidents! Drama! Lawsuits! | |
| 8:30pm – 9:30pm 2nd ANNUAL MAD SCIENTISTS' BALL – Set Up entertainment byARCATTACK, One–Eyed Doll,Regency VI & VII (Hyatt) |
It takes work getting those Tesla Coils ready to sing! | |
| 10:00pm – wee morning hours 2nd ANNUAL MAD SCIENTISTS' BALL entertainment byARCATTACK, One–Eyed Doll,Regency VI & VII (Hyatt) |
Plot death & destruction while dancing your butts off to thundering techno–mayhem! SubGenii welcome, labcoats encouraged, all other clothing optional. | |
| Monday 09-07-2009 | Return to top | ||
| 10:00am – 11:00am Darwinian Dating: What Sexual Selection has to Say About Your Ideal Mate by C. Kevin Barrett, Ph.D202 (Hilton) |
Anthropologist Christopher Barrett discusses the biological basis of beauty and mate selection among humans. | |
| 11:30am – 12:30pm The Gender–Gap in Science – Myths and Realities by Dr. Ginger Campbell & Kylie Sturgess202 (Hilton) |
A look at current research on why boys and girls get into (and out of!) science and mathematics, and what can change things for the better. | |
| 1:00pm – 2:00pm The Atlanta Transhumanist Society – Better Living Through Technology! by members of the Atlanta Transhumanist Society202 (Hilton) |
Local futurists who meet monthly (over dinner) to discuss the directed evolution and transformation of the human race via emerging technologies. | |
| 2:30pm – 3:30pm Holy War – The Discovery Institute's Assault on Neuroscience by Dr. Ginger Campbell202 (Hilton) |
This fundamentalist think–tank has moved beyond attempts to slip creationism into public education and is now attacking modern brain research. | |
| 4:00pm – 5:00pm Earth: The First Two Billion Years by Richard Jakiel202 (Hilton) |
The formation of the Earth and Moon, the era of massive bombardment, the evolution of continents, atmosphere and oceans, and the beginnings of life. | |
Space Track 2010 Schedule
Science Track 2010 Schedule
Space Track 2009 Schedule
Science Track 2009 Schedule
Space Track 2008 Schedule
Science Track 2008 Schedule
Space Room 2007 Schedule
Science Room 2007 Schedule
Space & Science 2006 Schedule
Space & Science 2005 Schedule
Space & Science 2004 Schedule
Space & Science 2003 Schedule