New Mexico PBS Science Café explores the Nano Revolution, Saturday, May 31 from 10 am. to noon at the NM PBS studio, 1130 University Blvd. NE. Admission is free, but a reservation is required. RSVP to Rose Poston, rposton@newmexicopbs.org  or call 505-277-2396.

Researchers across the country have been working with nanoparticles in medicine for the past two decades and future uses in fighting cardio vascular disease and administering vaccines is promising, but no need is greater than the fight against cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2013 nearly 1.7 million Americans will get cancer and over half will die of the disease. It is the second most common cause of death in this country after heart disease.

Traditional chemotherapy can “nuke” the body with toxic chemicals that not only kill cancer cells but also harm healthy tissue. The need for targeted chemotherapy that minimizes side effects has brought together a collaborative partnership of Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) and the University of New Mexico. As a result, the groundbreaking development of a hybrid nanoparticle called a “protocell” is currently outperforming existing nonparticle-based drug delivery by a million-fold.

Come to the May New Mexico PBS Science Café and watch a segment of New Mexico PBS CONNECT, and join in a discussion with Chris Lino, SNL, to learn how the collaboration between Sandia and UNM Cancer Center are making revolutionary steps toward treating cancer with nano medicine.

Seats are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

New Mexico PBS Science Cafés are presented with support from Sandia National Labs/Lockheed Martin.

For updates on the New Mexico PBS Science Cafés, and local and national science, nature and technology programs, visit the online community web portal -- Science Central.

New Mexico PBS hosts a Science Café 12 or more times a year, at various locations. The concept is to show clips from an episode of NOVA, NOVA scienceNOW, the Online NewsHour Science Reports, Nature, Frontline or a comparable program, with an expert on that topic on hand to answer questions, and have an open discussion with the audience. Take part - or listen to the discussion swirling around you. It’s fun, it’s casual, it’s laid back. The estimated number of attendees range from 50-80 people per café.