SCI to explore the Science of Kissing at special pre-Valentine's Day event

For Immediate Release — Wednesday, January 11, 2012

DES MOINES, IA: The Science Center of Iowa (SCI) will host Sheril Kirshenbaum, biologist, science journalist and author of Science of Kissing: What Our Lips Are Telling Us, for a special pre-Valentine’s Day event on Saturday, February 11. The Science of Kissing is a special presentation of Café Scientifique, a monthly event series hosted by SCI that engages Central Iowa's adult learning community in contemporary science.

The Science of Kissing is everything you always wanted to know about kissing but haven't asked, couldn't find out or didn't realize you should understand. Kirshenbaum’s presentation will draw upon science, history, popular culture and more to answer questions such as: When did humans begin to kiss? Why is kissing integral to some cultures and alien to others? How do our brains respond to this show of affection? What can animals teach us about its origins?

“The Science of Kissing is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day,” said Sara Kobilka, SCI’s Guided Learning Manager. “Whether it’s date night or girl’s night out, there’s plenty to learn about this tantalizing topic.”

“I’m excited to be coming to the Science Center of Iowa to talk about the Science of Kissing,” said Kirshenbaum. “It's a story that explores the chemistry, neuroscience and history behind a universal human behavior that we can all relate to."

The Science of Kissing event is for adults ages 21 and older only. It will include a cocktail reception with music prior to the presentation. Limited tickets are available for a three-course Dinner Under the Stars in SCI’s Star Theater for an additional cost. The evening will conclude with a question and answer session and book signing with Kirshenbaum.

Ticket Information

Tickets for the Science of Kissing presentation are $15 and include a pre-event cocktail reception
with music and cash bar.

Tickets to Dinner Under the Stars are $60 per person and include a three-course meal catered by Proof in SCI’s Star Theater, pre-event cocktail reception and one ticket to the presentation. Dinner reservations can be made by calling the SCI Sales Office at (515) 274-6868 ext. 222.

A limited number of VIP tables are also available for the presentation. These tables are $200 and include eight front row seats for the presentation, two bottles of wine, a cheese platter, four parking passes and the opportunity to be first in line for post-event book signing. VIP tables can be booked by calling the SCI Sales Office at (515) 274-6868 ext. 222.

The Science of Kissing book by Sheril Kirshenbaum can be pre-ordered for $18 or purchased at the event for $20.

For more information on the Science of Kissing event visit www.sciowa.org/scienceofkissing or call (515) 274-6868 ext. 222.

Interviews with Sheril Kirshenbaum are available for members of media. Email emilee.richardson@sciowa.org to inquire and make arrangements.

Café Scientifique is sponsored by Pioneer Hi-Bred International. For more information on Café Scientifique visit www.sciowa.org/cafesci.

Additional Programming

The Science Center of Iowa will also offer a “Girls in Science” workshop with Kirshenbaum on February 11 for girls in grades 7-11. Participants will hear Kirshenbaum speak about her career in biology as well as have the chance to ask questions about her experience in the field of science and opportunities that exist for women in that industry. The presentation is free but RSVPs are required. RSVP to sara.kobilka@sciowa.org or call (515) 274-6868 ext. 234.

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SCI to explore the Science of Kissing at special pre-Valentine's Day event

About the Science Center of Iowa & Blank IMAX Dome Theater

The Science Center of Iowa is a 110,000-sq. ft facility devoted to lifelong learning, featuring dynamic experience platforms and daily interactive demonstrations with SCI staff for visitors to explore and experiment. By placing the power of learning in the hands of the visitor, the programmatic emphasis is not on "what" to learn, but "how" to learn. SCI also features the 175-seat John Deere Adventure Theater for live performances, the 50-foot domed Star Theater for planetarium shows and the 216-seat Blank IMAX Dome Theater for engaging films. SCI’s Iowa Learning Center cultivates ties to formal education through educational resources for educators and students, the NAEYC-accredited SCI Preschool, as well as a statewide outreach program.