Health/Science calendar

MONDAY, NOV. 17

Prescription for Survival: A Doctor's Journey to End Nuclear Madness The Countway Library presents a lecture by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Bernard Lown, about the subject of his new book. In 1981, brimming with anxiety about the escalating nuclear confrontation with Soviet Union, Lown founded International Physicians with cardiologist Evgeni Chazov. They recruited more than 150,000 doctors worldwide to join their movement. Lown, during a routine medical exam, persuaded King Hussein of Jordan to join the antinuclear cause and there were frank face-to-face conversations with Mikhail Gorbachev. At 4:30 p.m., at 10 Shattuck St. E-mail or call 617-432-4807.

TUESDAY, NOV. 18

Boston Environmental History Seminar: The Massachusetts Historical Society presents Jennifer Light, of Northwestern University, and her paper, "A Science of the City: Clementsian Ecology in Urban Theory and Practice." The session will open with remarks from the essayist, after which the discussion is opened to the floor. After each session, the Society serves a light buffet supper. At 5:15 p.m., at 1154 Boylston St. Call 617-646-0518.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 19

Science Policy and the Obama Administration, Advice to a New President Marc Kastner, Donner professor of physics and Dean of MIT's School of Science, will lead a discussion on science's vital role in determining America's economic viability. With the current financial crisis and national debt, America can't afford to sideline science. At 6 p.m., at 7 Cambridge Center, Cambridge. E-mail starrforum@mit.edu

THURSDAY, NOV. 20

The Truth About Black Holes Dan Evans, of Harvard University and MIT, lectures followed by a viewing through telescopes if weather permits. Too often black holes are seen as cannibalistic bullies when in fact they are crucial to the formation and evolution of the universe. Evans will discuss using the X-ray eyes of the Chandra X-ray Observatory to detect and study the properties of supermassive black holes in "active" galaxies. Evans will also present Chandra's latest discovery - the "Death Star Galaxy." At 7:30 p.m., at 60 Garden St. Go to http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/events/mon.html.

Navigating the Rocky Road of Adolescence Dr. Michael Jellinek (left), president of Newton-Wellesley Hospital and chief of child psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital, will discuss how research indicates that adolescents do best when they maintain strong connections to their families. Yet how do parents stay connected with teens who are often moody and sometimes defiant? The lecture will review the basics of adolescent development and explore the meanings behind adolescent mood swings and attitude shifts; discuss the challenges of parenting a teen with special needs; identify warning signs; and discuss strategies for maintaining important connections. At 7 p.m., at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, 2014 Washington St. Call 617-243-6000.

Events may be sent to healthscience@globe.com.