David Crouse, a professor in the Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy at UNMC, is the guest speaker. He says issues related to radiation and radiation exposure have always been in the public eye. Crouse says there's a great deal of knowledge about radiation and its effects, but since radiation can't be seen, tasted or heard, the public is fearful of it.
Crouse says there is good cause to fear some things to do with radiation. But he says the phobia that has been generated by everything from cartoons to movies, has misled the public about the realities of radiation exposure.
"That's what I am going to try and clarify. I will give some facts about it, try and underline what some of the fantasies are that people think about radiation that are not correct, and how that leads to phobias. At the same time, I will try to give some appropriate cautions with respect to radiation."
The Omaha Science Cafe takes place from 7 to 8 tonight at the Slowdown. There is no charge to attend and the first 50 people will receive complimentary pizza.
Details are available online at unmc.edu/sciencecafe.