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T H U R S D A Y

Each era adulterates its cutting-edge sciences. In the late 19th century, it was Darwin’s theory of evolution; in the first half of this century, it was Freudian psychology. Today we have DNA, and genetics is being dumbed-down so it can be used to explain all of today’s hot-button issues. Sociology and law professor Dr. Dorothy Nelkin, co-author with Susan Lindee of The DNA Mystique, lectures on how biological determinism is treated in the media and how the public image of genetics affects public and private policy-making. At 6 p.m. at the Department of Agriculture’s Jefferson Auditorium, 14th & Independence Ave. SW. $12. For reservations call (202) 357-3030. (JL)