'Sunday Scientist' explores plant science Sept. 18

Assistant professor David Holding analyzing corn kernels.
Assistant professor David Holding analyzing corn kernels.

The NU State Museum's Sunday with a Scientist program will explore plant science, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., Sept. 18 at Morrill Hall. The event, "Feeding the World in the 21st Century," will feature researchers from the UNL Center for Plant Science Innovation.

Plant Science Innovation presenters include Ed Cahoon, Tom Clemente, Gilles Basset and David Holding.

The researchers will provide hands-on activities to help explain the important role of plant science in addressing the world’s food demands. Plants are a critical part of human and livestock nutrition. Today’s crop varieties and growing technologies are not sufficient to meet our future needs, as the global population is expected to reach more than 10 billion by 2050.

Visitors will explore the different methods scientists use to find solutions to this problem, such as improving plant quality and crop yield. They will also learn the basics of how scientists develop genetically modified crops and the steps required to move them safely from the laboratory to the marketplace.

Sunday with a Scientist is a series of presentations that highlight the work of State Museum scientists and those from other UNL departments and institutions while educating children and families on a variety of topics related to science and natural history. Presenters share scientific information in a fun and informal way through demonstrations, activities, or by conducting their science on site.

Upcoming Sunday with a Scientist Topics: Oct. 16 — Fossils; Nov. 20 — Viruses; Dec. 18 — Minerals.

— Dana Ludvik, NU State Museum

More details at: http://go.unl.edu/ect