Release

Bionic Humans, Androids Subject of UAlbany Lecture
Perkowitz to Speak on Sept. 27 at UAlbany Library�s Fall Science Colloquia

Contact: Michael Parker (518) 437-4980

ALBANY, N.Y. (September 16, 2004) -- Scientist and writer Sidney Perkowitz, Ph.D. will discuss his most recent book, Digital People: From Bionic Humans to Androids (2004) on Monday, September 27, at 4 p.m. in the Standish Room, New Library, UAlbany�s uptown campus. The talk is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served at a book signing after the event.

As scientists draw on nanotechnology, molecular biology, artificial intelligence, and materials science, they are learning how to create beings that move, think, and even look like people. In his book, Digital People, Perkowitz examines some of the achievements of contemporary science and asks what these achievements mean-now and into the future-for the human race.

Perkowitz is a professor of physics at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He current work involves experimental condensed matter physics. Perkowitz has written pop-science books about the history of light (Empire of Light, 1998) and foam (Universal Foam, 2001). Digital People: From Bionic Humans to Androids provides a superb historical overview of artificial beings, both real and imaginary.

�We are very proud to welcome Sidney Perkowitz as our first speaker this year for our Science Colloquia,� said Gregg Sapp, head of the Science Library. �Dr. Perkowitz�s book has been enthusiastically reviewed in the New York Times Review of Books and elsewhere. Digital People addresses issues we all need to consider about these new technologies. I hope the extended campus community comes to this talk. It promises to be fascinating.�

The Science Colloquia are held every semester. Albany�s University Libraries are ranked as one of the top 100 research libraries in the United States by the Association of Research Libraries. The Libraries serve the University�s community, the citizens of New York State, and scholars and researchers from around the world. For up-to-date information about the University�s Libraries, see the Website: http://library.albany.edu.