*** Informal meet-ups in the ‘Boro offer a chance to chat with leading local scientists and discuss topics such as “the human spark,” chocolate, picky eaters and more ***

NASHVILLE, Tennessee — January 5, 2010 — Is chocolate really addictive? How much sleep is too much? How do they know that one particular Rembrandt painting is a fake? Why are some people such picky eaters? These questions and more are just a handful of the inquiries Nashville Public Television invites you to discuss with its new NPT ScienceNOW meet-ups in Murfreesboro, informal monthly gatherings and conversations led by a leading local specialist about current science topics. The gatherings are free and open to everyone, and will take place in two casual settings:  The main branch of the Linebaugh Library, from noon to 1:00 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month, and Five Senses Restaurant, at 6:00 p.m., the 3rd Monday of each month.

The main branch of the Linebaugh Library is located at 105 W. Vine St. in Murfreesboro, (615) 893-4131. The Five Senses Restaurant is located at 1602 West Northfield Boulevard in Murfreesboro, (615) 867-4155.

“It’s a terrific opportunity to bring NPT outreach to my hometown,” says NPT outreach coordinator Kathy Edson. “We hope this will create a buzz about science and get people excited. I love to be engaged in the community and this partnership with MTSU, Linebaugh Library and Five Senses will highlight the exciting impact NPT and our partners make in the Murfreesboro community.”

January’s topic, to be facilitated by Dr. Jon Kaas, Distinguished Centennial Professor of Psychology, Associate Professor of Cell Biology, Vanderbilt University, is “The Human Spark.” The conversation on January 5 at the Linebaugh Library and January 18 at the Five Senses Restaurant will focus on the those abilities that make us uniquely human, and will be based on the three-part series, The Human Spark, airing on NPT Wednesdays, January 6-20 at 7:00 p.m.  Subsequent salons will often be enhanced with clips from NPT’s popular PBS show, NOVA ScienceNOW.

“It’s about exchanging points of views and appreciating differences,” adds Edson.  “It’s about learning and sharing science for all, in a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere for adults.”

Following “The Human Spark,” scheduled topics in future months will include “Chocolate” (February),” “Flu Pandemic” (March), “Bioethics (April) and “The Tenth Planet” (May). Topics and dates are subject to change.

About Nashville Public Television
Nashville Public Television is available free and over the air to nearly 2.2 million people throughout the Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky viewing area, and is watched by more than 600,000 households every week. NPT provides, through the power of traditional television and interactive telecommunications, high quality educational, cultural and civic experiences that address issues and concerns of the people of the Nashville region, and which thereby help improve the lives of those we serve.