Talk, film tackle viruses

The Coolidge Corner Theatre’s next installment of the Science on Screen series presents science writer Carl Zimmer at 7 p.m. Dec. 12 talking about viruses before a screening of “12 Monkeys,’’ Terry Gilliam’s film imagining a world devastated by disease. The 1995 film stars Bruce Willis, Brad Pitt, and Madeline Stowe. Zimmer, author of 11 books, including “A Planet of Viruses’’ and “Parasite Rex,’’ will examine the history of virus outbreaks and cutting-edge research on previously unknown viruses that might yet infect us. Tickets are $9.75; $7.75 for students, seniors, and Museum of Science members; and free for Coolidge members. For details, call 617-734-2500 or visit www.coolidge.org. - Andreae Downs