"Defining Life and Death" Explored in "Science Matters," a New
Speakers Program at the California Science Center


LOS ANGELES, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 01/05/06 -- "Science Matters," a
new speakers program that explores current science issues at the
forefront of public concern, will present "Defining Life and Death" on
January 21, 2006, from 1:30-3:30 pm in the Loker Conference Center at
the California Science Center. Distinguished panelists will discuss
fundamental questions regarding the state of medical science and
practice in today's hospitals and the roles of patients, family and
physicians regarding end-of-life issues. Admission is free.


Panelists include Dr. Neil Wenger, Professor of General Internal
Medicine and Health Services Research at the University of California,
Los Angeles and Chair of the UCLA Medical Center Ethics Committee; Dr.
Jay Wolfson, Professor of Public Health and Medicine, Associate Vice
President at the University of South Florida Professor of Law Health
at Stetson College of Law, and Professor of Medicine at Florida State
University, who served as Terri Schiavo's special court-appointed
guardian reporting to the Governor of Florida and the courts on her
neurological capacities; and Reverend Cecil Murray, Tanzy Chair of
Christian Ethics and Senior Fellow at the Center for Religion and
Civic Culture, University of Southern California and Pastor Emeritus,
First African Methodist Episcopal Church. Geoffrey Cowan, Dean of the
Annenberg School of Communications at the University of Southern
California, will serve as moderator.


Prior to the speakers' program, the public is invited to participate
in a round-table seminar exploring the definition of life through
Plato's "Phaedo," a moving account of Socrates' final conversations
about the meaning of life and death with friends, on the day of his
execution. Participants should read "Phaedo" before attending the
seminar. Following the speakers' program, seminar participants will
regroup for a facilitated follow-up discussion. The round-table
seminar will take place from 10 - 11:30 am and will be limited to 60
participants.


A special exhibit developed by the Dallas Museum of Art entitled
"After Life" complements the panel discussion and seminar by exploring
perceptions of death and dying among diverse world cultures through
art. The exhibit will be featured at the Science Center from January
through April 2006.


"Science Matters" programs are held annually in the fall, winter and
spring at the Science Center. The debut program, held last September,
examined the pros and cons of stem cell research. The final program in
the 2005-2006 series will focus on:


Cloning - April 15, 2006


For $30,000 you can clone your cat, and soon you will be able to clone
your dog. Scientists and ethicists explain the current science of
cloning and what's possible in the near future. In this light, policy
makers, scientists and ethicists discuss the responsibilities,
obligations, and implications associated with reproductive cloning.


For up-to-date information on participants or to make a reservation,
please visit: http://goto.californiasciencecenter.org/sciencematters.


The California Science Center and IMAX Theater are located in historic
Exposition Park just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway at 700 State
Drive, Los Angeles. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on
Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission to the exhibits
is free. For recorded information, including IMAX show times, call
323.SCIENCE (323.724-3623). IMAX ticket prices range from $4.75 to
$8.00. For advance ticket purchases, group rates, or to make free
reservations for any visiting group of 15 or more (required), call
213.744-2019. Parking is available in the guest lot at Figueroa and
39th Street at $6 per car, $10 for buses or oversized vehicles. Both
the Science Center and IMAX Theater are wheelchair accessible. For
further information, please visit our website at
www.californiasciencecenter.org.