Neighborhood Science is Back!

After a long COVID hiatus, Neighborhood Science is returning to a library near you! At Neighborhood Science, previous SUTS speakers will present at different library branches in the Austin area. Below are the dates and descriptions for this spring’s talks at the Howson Branch and Twin Oaks Branch libraries.

Howson Branch Library, 2500 Exposition Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

Tuesday, April 26th 6:00-7:00pm CDT: Whitney Behr – “Plant identification for everybody”

What is that plant that just popped up in your backyard? How do you find out? We will learn how to be plant detectives and figure out the name of any plant with the help of books, pictures, and asking the botanist friends you didn’t know you had. 

Twin Oaks Branch Library, 1800 S 5th St, Austin, TX 78704

Thursday, May 19th 6:30-7:30pm CDT: Carly Scott – “Coral Bleaching: An On-Again-Off-Again Relationship“

You’ve probably seen photos of completely white – or bleached – coral reefs. This bleaching happens as sea temperatures rise and can be deadly for corals. However, coral bleaching is really the “break-up” between the coral animal and tiny algae partners that live within their cells. Who are these partners? What causes this relationship breakdown? Why are some corals more resistant to warming seas than others? 

Through this talk, we’ll explore the relationship between corals and their algae and how scientists assess which reefs are most at risk.