Science Café Las Vegas, supported by the ºÚÁÏÍø College of Sciences, is an organization geared towards bringing fascinating science discussions to the public of Southern Nevada.
We invite scientists to give short (~10-15 minute) presentations to the public at our fantastic venue, McMullan's Irish Pub, and then have roundtable discussions about anything you could possibly wish to know.
Science Café Las Vegas is on the first Wednesday of every month from 6:30-8 p.m.
Come on down to the pub for lively science discussion, delicious brews, fantastic food, and a great time! Family friendly (under age 21 allowed).
Next Science Cafe - June 4th, 2025
Richard M. Oxborough, Ph.D., Biology Instructor, College of Southern Nevada & University of Nevada, Las Vegas - PARAVEC Lab
"Monitoring Chagas disease vectors (kissing bugs): building a citizen science network with iNaturalist across Nevada and the Southwest"
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 6 to 7 million people globally, primarily in Latin America, are infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite transmitted by kissing bugs that causes Chagas disease. In the United States, while kissing bugs rarely enter homes and Chagas disease transmission is uncommon, a recent case in Arizona highlights the potential for local transmission. iNaturalist, a widely used citizen science platform, enables individuals to document and share wildlife observations. We leveraged this platform to engage citizens who recently encountered kissing bugs, asking them to mail specimens for analysis of species range, parasite infection, blood-meal sources, and genetic diversity.
Venue
McMullan's Irish Pub
4650 W. Tropicana Ave. #110
Las Vegas, NV 89103
702-247-7000