Featured
The study of novel and emergent ideas that could drive revolutionary changes in society is the focus of the Potomac Institute's Center for Revolutionary Scientific Thought (CReST). In addition to studies and products, CReST hosts seminars and conferences to foster bold ideas in science and technology.
The seminar series kicked off in April with David Brin - scientist, futurist, and author - speaking on "The Future Golden Age." While he said that humans often hold back due to a crisis of confidence, Brin believes technology and science can help solve a majority of life's hard problems.
The seminar executive summary and transcript is available in PDF form below, and more information about CReST, its products, and the seminars it sponsors, is available on the CReST page.
Studying infectious diseases and their causes, sources and spread can help build models to predict their spread, especially when factoring in ongoing climate change challenges.
Potomac Institute Board of Regents member Dr. Rita Colwell spoke about “Climate Change and Human Health: Prospects for the Future.” Using cholera as an exemplar infectious disease, she considers the impact on human health in a world undergoing climate change. Cholera, which is caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholera, is found in many environments throughout the world, which leads to epidemics in areas with poverty, poor sanitation, and unsafe drinking water.
In an effort to understand these epidemics, Dr. Colwell’s research group has made use of satellite imagery and modeling to predict the spread of infectious disease, finding correlations between outbreaks of cholera and chlorophyll on the sea surface, air temperature, and rainfall. In analyzing the evolution of Vibrio cholera, Dr. Collwell notes that the bacteria and other Vibrio human pathogens are extremely similar to bacteria isolated from thermal vents 2500 meters below sea level.
With these novel findings, Dr. Colwell evaluated the recent cholera epidemic in Haiti in January 2010. Even before the earthquake, the record high rainfall and the hot summer were perfect preliminary conditions for the spread of cholera. The earthquake, however, led to a change in river pH, which, in combination with the other conditions, resulted in explosive growth of the bacteria. The case study of cholera in Haiti is an example of the link between climate change and infectious disease. The rise of heavily populated areas coupled with increased flooding and hotter temperatures will result in refugee migration, which can escalate the spread of disease worldwide.
The modeling can also be used to project the spread of other infectious diseases, as seen with Dr. Colwell’s research into Yersinia pestis in Tbilsi, Georgia. Moreover, satellite imagery and modeling can enhance the surveillance and response mechanisms of global health organizations. These advancements, along with further investment in safe drinking water and sanitation, could greatly reduce the spread of disease worldwide.
Author Scott Laidig and book subject Gen. Al Gray will be at The National Museum of The Marine Corps, Quantico, Saturday, Sept. 7 from 12-2 to sign the first volume in the biography series on Gen. Gray. The book is available at the Museum book store, and it is also sold on Amazon.
A seminar featuring experts on terrorism studies, legal counsel, diplomacy and more challenges gathered Sept. 11 at the Potomac Institute of Policy Studies to discuss lessons learned on the 12th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Video from the webacast is available here, or look under the "Events" tab, and "Past Events."
The group looked at the political, social, economic, and strategic lessons for the security interests of the United States and its friends and allies. Potomac Institute CEO and Chairman Michael Swetnam gave opening remarks. The Keynote Speakers were Brig. Gen. Richard C. Gross, U.S. Army, Legal Counsel to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and H.E. Ambassador Al Maamoun Baba Lamine Keita, Embassy of the Republic of Mali.
Commentator was Prof. Nicholas Rostow, Former Legal Adviser, National Security Council; currently, Senior Director, Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University. Closing remarks were provided by Gen. (ret.) Alfred Gray, 29th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, Senior Fellow and Chairman of the Board of Regents, Potomac Institute; and Prof. Don Wallace, Jr., Chairman, International Law Institute. Moderator was Prof. Yonah Alexander, Director, Inter-University Center for Terrorism Studies, and Senior Fellow, Potomac Institute.
The event was co-sponsored by the Inter-University Center for Terrorism Studies; the International Center for Terrorism Studies, at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies; Inter-University Center for Legal Studies, at the International Law Institute; and the Center for National Security Law, University of Virginia School of Law.
Video from the Aug. 27 seminar on "The Terrorists-Prisoners Challenge: Lessons Learned and Future Outlook" is available for viewing. Visit our "Events" tab and select "Past Events" to be directed to the video.