For seven years, the Noble Foundation's Public Lectures in Science series has provided southern Oklahoma with insights into science and its impact on our everyday lives.

As the series continues to grow, the 2008-2009 Public Lectures takes on a new name and will be hosted at a new venue. The series now will be called Explorations in Science, and each presentation will take place at 7 p.m. at the Ardmore Convention Center.

"While we have a new name and location, Explorations in Science remains dedicated to providing a relevant, compelling and entertaining look into today's current scientific advancements and trends," said Marilyn Roossinck, Professor at the Noble Foundation and series organizer. "This year, Explorations will offer a look at everything from prehistoric dinosaurs to cutting-edge nano technology, from the awesome natural power of hurricanes to a little old-fashioned gardening. It's going to be a great season with something for everyone."

The series opens on Thursday, Sept. 25, with the presentation Dinosaurs of Oklahoma by Rich Cifelli, Professor of Paleontology at the University of Oklahoma. Cifelli will look at the many dinosaurs found in the Sooner State and offer possible explanations for their disappearances.

The fall portion of the season continues with Kevin Goebbert's presentation, Storms of Fury: Atlantic Hurricanes and their U.S. Impact. Goebbert, of the University of Oklahoma's Meteorology Department, provides insight into one of nature's most powerful events just in time for the end of the 2008 hurricane season. Goebbert will speak on Thursday, Nov. 6.

After a holiday break, Explorations in Science will kick off its spring season with a look at home gardening. With the increase in food costs and more awareness about the benefits of homegrown food, many people are turning back to home gardening. Even experienced gardeners will learn a trick or two from Roossinck, who will provide tips on how to grow plants that are healthy and environmentally friendly. Roossinck's presentation will be offered on Thursday, Feb. 19, just in time for the 2009 gardening season.

The Explorations series will wrap up with Nanoscience: Evolution and Revolution, a presentation by Mike Santos and Matt Johnson of the Center for Semiconductor Physics in Nanostructures. While "micro" may be small, "nano" is even smaller. Many people have heard of nanotechnology, but on Thursday, April 2, Santos and Johnson explain just what this new science can do and how it is changing medicine, computers and many other aspects of everyday life.

For additional information about Explorations in Science, contact the Noble Foundation at 580.224.6600.

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News Release Issued: September 11, 2008

For media inquiries concerning the Noble Foundation, please contact J. Adam Calaway, Director of Public Relations, at 580.224.6209 or by email at jacalaway@noble.org.

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc. (www.noble.org), headquartered in Ardmore, Okla., is a nonprofit organization conducting agricultural, forage improvement and plant biology research; assisting farmers and ranchers through educational and consultative agricultural programs; and providing grants to nonprofit charitable, educational and health organizations.