Obesity Focus of Next Science Caf Program at Southern Miss

The University of Southern Mississippi's next Science Café @ Cook Library for the spring series will be Monday, Feb. 21 from 6-7:30 p.m. The topic will be obesity and the latest in weight research, with a presentation by Dr. Kathy Yadrick, professor and chair of the university's Department of Nutrition and Food Systems.

As Americans grapple with ever-increasing waistlines, scientific research examines the biology behind the compulsion to eat. What exactly makes some people weigh 350 pounds and others 150? Researchers have discovered a chemical in the brain proven to regulate body weight, but can pinpointing a “fat gene” signal the road to a remedy?

Held in the Starbucks coffee shop at Cook Library, The Science Café series offers those with minimal or no background in science the chance to meet and discuss scientific issues in layman's terms in a relaxed social setting. A member of the Southern Miss faculty shares his or her expertise at each session with a presentation and short NOVA video. Admission is free and open to the public.

For more information visit http://www.sciencecafes.org; or contact Tracy Englert at 601.266.6396 or e-mailtracy.englertFREEMississippi.