The 1938 Long Island-New England Hurricane, perhaps the only "Big One" in the northeastern U.S. in the 20th Century, devastated six northeast states. Studies of historic hurricanes in 1815, 1821, 1893 and 1938 show a similarity in damage patterns. This knowledge now allows us to predict damage patterns in future northern hurricanes. Renowned hurricane expert Nick Coch will explain why Northeast hurricanes are meteorologically different and far more dangerous, category-by-category, than southern hurricanes. He will discuss how alterations of the shoreline, development practices and a rising sea level have resulted in a major erosion of Long Island's beaches and dunes, while ocean temperatures continue to rise, allowing more intense hurricanes to move into northern latitudes. The "Big One" in the Northeast is almost due, statistically. Will Long Island be ready?

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder currently affecting an estimated 4.5 million Americans. The cause of Alzheimer's disease is thought to involve the formation of "plaques" - tiny aggregates of a naturally occurring, but misfolded or misshapen protein - in the brain. Dr. Lisa Miller will discuss her work using synchrotron infrared and X-ray microscopes to image the protein structure in the Alzheimer's-affected brain tissue, providing a better understanding of how the disease occurs and potential ways of preventing it in the future. Dr. Miller will also briefly discuss her work using X-ray and infrared imaging to study diseases such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.

The deep sea is the largest habitat on Earth. It is characterized by perpetual darkness, a constant temperature just slightly above freezing, and crushing ambient pressures. The natural history of animals living in what must be one of the most difficult environments on Earth is truly fascinating. For example, the lack of sunlight in this realm prevents production of organic matter via photosynthesis, so deep-sea species must rely on the intermittent and unpredictable arrival of food from the sunlit surface waters. Dr. Morrissey will summarize our current knowledge of the biology of deep-sea organisms, from those that dwell within the water column thousands of feet below to those that make their living at the very bottom of the abyss.