The AAAS meeting is held each year as an opportunity for scientists to gather and present new findings in science, technology, and engineering. The theme of this year’s meeting was “Our Planet and Its Life—Origins and Futures.” It consisted of talks, panel discussions, and seminars given by some of the most respected scientists and engineers in the world.
The conference included a talk on global climate change by Al Gore, the announcement that there could be billions of planets in our galaxy that are capable of supporting life, and a call for scientists to search for new types of life on Earth. The meeting also included discussions of the social development of primates and the positive psychological effects of writing songs and poetry on the human brain.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is the largest science organization in the world. It is dedicated to improving and developing science around the world. In addition to its annual meeting, the AAAS publishes Science magazine and many scientific newsletters and books. The AAAS runs programs all over the world to increase understanding of science.
Related Links
- Map of Illinois
Map of Illinois from the University of Texas. Find Chicago in the northeast corner.
(Source: University of Texas, 2002) - AAAS Annual Meeting
Official site of the American Association for the Advancement of Science announces its annual meeting.
(Source: AAAS, February, 2009) - At AAAS, Al Gore Urges Scientists To Get Involved in Climate Change Debate
Story covers Gore’s speech to the scientists at the AAAS conference. He called on them to get more involved in the climate change debate.
(Source: Scientific American, February 14, 2009) - Alien Life May Exist Among Us
Scientist Paul Davies announced at the AAAS conference that Earth may hold types of life that we know nothing about, including life-forms that live in arsenic.
(Source: BBC, February 16, 2009)