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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260708T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260708T120000
DTSTAMP:20260710T085034Z
CREATED:20260615T144327Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260710T085034Z
UID:81707-1783506600-1783512000@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Before Penicillin: Treating Infections in the 'Olden Days'
DESCRIPTION:Few would argue that the discovery of penicillin\, and the antibiotics revolution that followed\, was one of the most far-reaching breakthroughs of twentieth-century medical science. But infection treatment itself has a much longer pedigree\, stretching back hundreds or even thousands of years. And it’s that story – of mysterious moulds and improbable potions (some of which even worked!) – that Mike Trevethick of Thanet u3a will be sharing with us this month. It’s a tale of daring over dogma – and some lucky breaks along the way – so why not join us for this fascinating trawl through the history books. \nTo view the recording\, click here… “Before Penicillin”\n(recordings are for personal/private use only – please do not share this link) \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/before-penicillin-treating-infections-in-the-olden-days/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Medieval-medicine-image-for-website.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260610T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260610T120000
DTSTAMP:20260620T111323Z
CREATED:20260518T113639Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260620T111323Z
UID:73857-1781087400-1781092800@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:'Forever' Chemicals
DESCRIPTION:‘Forever’ Chemicals\, otherwise known as PFAs\, are a large group of synthetic organic compounds that have been around – literally – since the 1930s\, when they were discovered\, quite by accident\, to be useful raw materials in the manufacture of plastics. Today\, the problem of plastic pollution is a familiar one\, but the PFAs themselves pose an even more insidious environmental threat: not only are they almost indestructible\, but they’ve been found in the air we breathe\, the water we drink\, the soil we grow crops on\, and even inside living organisms – including us! In this thought-provoking talk\, David McLellan from Torridge u3a will describe the history\, the chemistry\, the risks we face\, and what – if anything – we can now do about it. \nTo view the recording\, click here… “Forever Chemicals”\n(recordings are for personal/private use only – please do not share this link) \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch  \n 
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/forever-chemicals/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Forever-chemicals-image-for-website.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260513T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260513T120000
DTSTAMP:20260514T133232Z
CREATED:20260420T135229Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T133232Z
UID:65766-1778668200-1778673600@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Rosalind Franklin: The Triumph and the Tragedy
DESCRIPTION:In 1953\, the scientific world was abuzz with the discovery of the structure of DNA by James Watson & Francis Crick\, but back then\, few were aware that it was only made possible by the painstaking work of another\, equally brilliant scientist who\, as a woman in what was still largely a man’s world\, had long struggled to be taken seriously. She would go on to make ground-breaking discoveries in the study of viruses\, until\, in 1958\, she was tragically cut down in her prime by cancer. She was just 37. Had she lived\, who knows what else she might have accomplished\, but her moving story – told here by Barry Zussman (Torridge u3a) – would become her greatest legacy\, and an inspiration for women in science everywhere. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Rosalind Franklin: The Triumph & The Tragedy’\n(recordings are for personal/private use only – please do not share this link) \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/rosalind-franklin-the-triumph-and-the-tragedy/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Franklin-photograph-51-hi-res-image.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260408T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260408T120000
DTSTAMP:20260411T103510Z
CREATED:20260317T100726Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260411T103510Z
UID:57784-1775644200-1775649600@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
DESCRIPTION:Over the next decade\, AI is set to transform healthcare by introducing machines with human-like intelligence that operate with greater speed and cost-efficiency than traditional methods. This technological shift spans from wearable hardware\, such as AI-powered hearing-aids and spectacles\, to core functions like diagnosing medical conditions\, discovering new drugs\, and tailoring personalised treatment plans. Beyond patient care\, AI will streamline NHS administration and enhance public health screening initiatives\, supported by significant financial backing such as the government’s £10bn AI Investment Programme commitment through 2028/29. In this wide-ranging presentation\, Ian Hawker (East Suffolk u3a) will explore just some of these exciting opportunities. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare’\n(recordings are for personal/private use only – please do not share this link)
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/artificial-intelligence-in-healthcare/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AI-Healthcare-image-for-website.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260311T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260311T120000
DTSTAMP:20260215T122127Z
CREATED:20260215T122127Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T122127Z
UID:50542-1773225000-1773230400@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:The Man Who Caught a Million Criminals: The Invention of DNA Fingerprinting
DESCRIPTION:This month\, we welcome guest speaker Dr Ian Goodall\, to talk to us about the invention of DNA fingerprinting\, and the British scientist who pioneered the technique\, back in the 1980’s. It was first used to solve a notorious double murder/rape case in Leicestershire\, where the culprit’s devious attempts to avoid detection were thwarted by the new technology\, and he’s still in jail today. Ian will also take a look at other high-profile investigations where DNA fingerprinting played a vital part\, such as the OJ Simpson trial\, the fate of Russia’s last royal family\, and – closer to home – the celebrated ‘King in the car-park’ mystery. It should be fascinating\, so why not join us! \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/the-man-who-caught-a-million-criminals-the-invention-of-dna-fingerprinting/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/DNA-fingerprinting-image-for-website.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260211T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260211T120000
DTSTAMP:20260212T141842Z
CREATED:20260116T145300Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260212T141842Z
UID:42158-1770805800-1770811200@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Mysteries of Memory
DESCRIPTION:Memory: What and where is it\, how does it work\, what can we do to improve it\, and why is it sometimes so tantalisingly elusive? In this intriguing\, interactive presentation\, Sue Foy (Chester u3a) will reveal the answers. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Mysteries of Memory’\n(recordings are for personal/private use only – please do not share this link) \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/mysteries-of-memory/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Mysteries-of-Memory-2-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260114T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260114T120000
DTSTAMP:20260121T103155Z
CREATED:20251222T112929Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T103155Z
UID:35358-1768386600-1768392000@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Was there a Big Bang?
DESCRIPTION:In 1929\, Edwin Hubble established a correlation between galactic redshift and distance. For nearly a century\, the prevailing scientific consensus has attributed this redshift to cosmic expansion\, forming the foundation of the Big Bang theory. However\, recent data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has introduced observations that challenge standard cosmological models. In this presentation\, David Youll (Basingstoke u3a) reviews the historical dominance of the Big Bang theory\, examines the anomalies identified by the JWST\, and explores whether a “Tired Light” model offers a more accurate framework for these new findings. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Was there a Big Bang?’\n(recordings are for personal/private use only – please do not share this link) \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/was-there-a-big-bang/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Davids-cosmology-talk-image-for-website-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251210T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251210T120000
DTSTAMP:20251217T110456Z
CREATED:20251117T112049Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251217T110456Z
UID:23782-1765362600-1765368000@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:The Ig Nobel Prizes: 2025 edition
DESCRIPTION:For over a century\, the ultimate recognition of ground-breaking scientific research has been the award of a Nobel Prize. But there’s another series of annual awards\, less prestigious but no less cherished\, which honour\, not the greatest achievements in science\, but the funniest. They’re called the ‘Ig’ Nobel Prizes\, and\, since their launch in 1991\, they’ve provided a humorous insight into the quirky side of scientific research. In this light-hearted presentation\, Barry Zussman\, from Torridge u3a\, will spill the beans (and much else besides!) on the wackiest prize-winners of 2025. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Ig Nobel Prizes (2025)’ \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/the-ig-nobel-prizes-2025-edition/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Ig-Nobel-Prizes-u3aComms-image-for-website-2025-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251112T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251112T120000
DTSTAMP:20251123T125357Z
CREATED:20251025T152413Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251123T125357Z
UID:17071-1762943400-1762948800@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Tackling the Challenge of Antibiotic Resistance\, One Step at a Time
DESCRIPTION:Armed with a deeper understanding of the drivers of antibiotic resistance\, covered at last month’s meeting*\, Beryl Oppenheim (York u3a) will now explore the challenges faced in preventing it or minimising its impact\, including the roles played by societal factors\, human & medical behaviour\, and economic & political factors. Advances in rapid diagnostic testing for infectious disease and antibiotic resistance could provide a unique opportunity\, however\, these may face similar barriers to those encountered in the development of novel antimicrobials.  All of which means that\, despite all the other pressing challenges facing our world today\, this is one that we really cannot afford to ignore. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Antibiotic Resistance (part 2)’\n(recordings are for personal/private use only – please do not share this link) \n*if you missed Part 1\, you can catch up by watching this recording:  Antibiotic Resistance (Part 1) \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/tackling-the-challenge-of-antibiotic-resistance-one-step-at-a-time/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Superbugs-image-for-Nov-25.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251008T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251008T120000
DTSTAMP:20251025T150359Z
CREATED:20250912T090120Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251025T150359Z
UID:10071-1759919400-1759924800@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Understanding Antibiotic Resistance: Background\, bugs\, biomes and biofilms
DESCRIPTION:While most people are aware of the huge concerns about antibiotic resistance\, there are often misunderstandings regarding what it means and how it works. In this talk – the first of two on this important topic – Beryl Oppenheim (York u3a) will explain the background to the problem\, before delving a little deeper into the science behind antibiotic resistance: how and why it occurs\, the genetic basis for the development of resistance\, where it happens – both in nature and the human body – and what this all means in terms of risks to individuals and vulnerable populations. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Understanding Antibiotic Resistance (part 1)’\n(the recording is for personal/private use only – please do not share this link) \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/understanding-antibiotic-resistance-background-bugs-biomes-and-biofilms/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Superbugs-image-for-Oct-25.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250910T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250910T120000
DTSTAMP:20250912T131551Z
CREATED:20250811T112235Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250912T131551Z
UID:9902-1757500200-1757505600@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Wonders of Evolution
DESCRIPTION:When\, exactly 200 years ago in 1825\, the young Charles Darwin arrived in Edinburgh to train to be a doctor\, little could he have imagined that\, just six years later\, he’d be setting out on the epic voyage that would not only make him famous\, but also change our understanding of the natural world forever. In this illustrated talk\, Barry Zussman (Torridge u3a) will begin with an overview of how Darwin arrived at the theory of evolution by natural selection\, followed by some fascinating examples of evolution in action\, and in particular\, the ingenious ways that certain insects have evolved to outwit their enemies\, and some amazing plants that have evolved to outwit them. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Wonders of Evolution’\n(the recording is for personal/private use only – please do not share this link) \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/wonders-of-evolution/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Beetles.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250709T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250709T120000
DTSTAMP:20250727T091544Z
CREATED:20250616T112637Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250727T091544Z
UID:9488-1752057000-1752062400@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:The History of Timekeeping: From Stonehenge to Strontium
DESCRIPTION:Ever since the advent of agriculture\, our ancestors needed a way to measure the passing of time; not just the time of day but\, more importantly\, the time of year as well. Nowadays\, we’re surrounded by gadgets which do this for us\, but back then they had to work it all out for themselves. In this talk\, John Cosier\, of Bognor Regis u3a\, will take a look back at the development of calendars and clocks\, from the primitive to the hi-tech\, and along the way he’ll also explain the origins of the seven-day week\, the 24-hour day\, the 60-minute hour\, and the 60-second minute. I’m sure you’ll want to make ‘time’ for this fascinating story! \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘The History of Timekeeping’\n(the recording is for personal/private use only – please do not share this link) \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/the-history-of-timekeeping-from-stonehenge-to-strontium/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Origins-of-Timekeeping-high-res.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250611T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250611T120000
DTSTAMP:20250615T095929Z
CREATED:20250522T142613Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250615T095929Z
UID:9269-1749637800-1749643200@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Schrodinger's Paradox\, Intelligent Design and the Origin of Life
DESCRIPTION:This month’s talk\, by Claudio Elgueta of Abingdon U3A\, is based on a famous lecture from 1943\, given by the great Erwin Schrodinger in Dublin\, where he’d fled from Nazi Germany. Entitled ‘What is Life?’\, Schrodinger approached this profound question from a physicist’s standpoint\, beginning with the paradox arising from the Second Law of Thermodynamics\, specifically\, how is it that life creates order in the world\, when disorder – or entropy\, as it’s known – should (if the Law is correct) be the result of every physical interaction in nature? After addressing this paradox\, Claudio will then review the various science-based theories of the origins of life\, and also the pseudo-scientific ‘theory’ of Intelligent Design\, a creationist belief founded on the flawed concept of ‘irreducible complexity’\, famously destroyed in a Pennsylvania court-room in 2005. Rather\, as Claudio will explain\, it is Richard Dawkins’ concept of ‘Climbing Mount Improbable’ which – although we can’t yet be sure of all the details – provides the most robust\, evidence-based theory of how complex life evolved naturally from simple molecules. \nTo view the recording\, click here…‘Schrodingers Paradox & the Origin of Life’ \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/schrodingers-paradox-intelligent-design-and-the-origin-of-life/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Hydrothermal-vent-image-for-Jun-25.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250514T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250514T120000
DTSTAMP:20250604T182504Z
CREATED:20250412T114202Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250604T182504Z
UID:8976-1747218600-1747224000@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:The Environmental Impact of the Textile Industry
DESCRIPTION:‘Fast Fashion Fuelling Global Waste Crisis\, UN Chief Warns’ was the shocking headline of a recent report from the UN. But that’s only part of the story\, because the clothing industry is damaging to people and places all down the line\, from the production of the raw materials (both natural and synthetic)\, through the various stages of garment manufacture\, packaging\, distribution and marketing\, how we as consumers care for them\, and finally\, how we dispose of those we no longer want. In this thought-provoking presentation\, Helen Howard (Canterbury u3a) will introduce us to some of the main issues that we should all be concerned about. \nTo view the recording\, click here…‘Environmental impact of textiles’ \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/the-environmental-impact-of-the-textile-industry/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Textile-waste-image-for-May-25.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250409T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250409T120000
DTSTAMP:20250501T141140Z
CREATED:20250316T115701Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250501T141140Z
UID:8728-1744194600-1744200000@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:'In the Arms of Morpheus': The Science of Sleep
DESCRIPTION:When we think about what’s really essential for human survival\, it’s air\, food and water that immediately spring to mind. But there’s a fourth one\, something else we also can’t do without\, and that’s sleep. In this wide-ranging presentation\, David Tordoff of Wrekin & Wolverhampton u3a’s will talk about the history of sleep\, what it is and why we need it\, the amounts and stages of sleep\, and also some associated aspects\, such as dreaming\, yawning\, snoring\, and even sleeping in space. So no chance of dozing off during this talk! \nTo view the recording\, click here…‘The Science of Sleep’ (please note: owing to technical issues\, the slides which accompany this talk are only available separately): ‘The Science of Sleep – slideshow’ \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/in-the-arms-of-morpheus-the-science-of-sleep-2/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/The-Science-of-Sleep-image-for-Apr-25.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250312T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250312T120000
DTSTAMP:20250316T104141Z
CREATED:20250217T113652Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250316T104141Z
UID:8538-1741775400-1741780800@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Mini-trams: The Transport Solution You've Never Heard of!
DESCRIPTION:If you were living in Sheffield fifty years ago\, you’ll be familiar with this image. It’s an artists’ impression of how the city’s revolutionary new driverless mini-tram monorail system would look when it’s finished. But\, like so many other ambitious UK infrastructure projects\, funding concerns meant that it never got beyond the drawing-board\, and in 1975\, the Ministry of Transport finally pulled the plug. At our March meeting\, Sam Dauncey will share this story and others about the mini-tram concept and the engineering behind it\, then Neill Allan will tell us about their modern incarnation\, and how AI is helping to make mini-trams a reality. \nTo view the recording\, click here…‘Mini-trams’ \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch \n 
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/mini-trams-the-transport-solution-youve-never-heard-of/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Sheffield-mini-tram-1970s-artists-impression.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250212T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250212T120000
DTSTAMP:20250226T114609Z
CREATED:20250120T123818Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250226T114609Z
UID:8292-1739356200-1739361600@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Human Personality: Nature or Nurture?
DESCRIPTION:Have you ever thought about whether you got your amazing intelligence from your parents? Or maybe you’ve been wondering whether that grumpy old git in your local u3a group got his irritating habits from a difficult childhood? In other words\, to what extent are our personalities shaped by our genes\, or by our upbringing? This ‘Nature’ versus ‘Nurture’ question has perplexed – and divided – the experts for well over a century\, but in more recent times the application of novel molecular biological techniques has been providing new insights into this age-old debate. In this fascinating talk\, John Warr of Winchester u3a will summarise the past and present work in this contentious area. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Human Personality: Nature or Nurture?’ \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/human-personality-nature-or-nurture/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Nature-vs-Nurture-image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250108T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250108T120000
DTSTAMP:20250113T094048Z
CREATED:20241221T105849Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250113T094048Z
UID:8036-1736332200-1736337600@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Weird Geology
DESCRIPTION:Geology\, so they say\, is as old as the hills\, but it’s a very broad field\, and the planet we call home is blessed with some very odd geological quirks. So why not join us for a grand tour of some of these amazing wonders of nature – from ‘fairy chimneys’ (above) to ice towers\, blue lava to the ‘eye’ of the Sahara\, and many more besides – in the company of expert guide Mary Garbett (Risborough & District u3a)\, who also leads the IGO Geology Group\, and will shortly be launching a parallel group right here\, on u3a Communities. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Weird Geology’ \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, or the new Geology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/weird-geology/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Cappadocia-Fairy-Chimneys.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241211T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241211T120000
DTSTAMP:20241224T110341Z
CREATED:20241118T121257Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241224T110341Z
UID:7833-1733913000-1733918400@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:The Ig Nobel Prizes 2024
DESCRIPTION:For over a century\, the ultimate recognition of ground-breaking scientific research has been the award of a Nobel Prize. But there’s another series of annual awards\, less prestigious but no less cherished\, which honour\, not the greatest achievements in science\, but the funniest. They’re called the ‘Ig’ Nobel Prizes\, and\, since their launch in 1991\, they’ve provided a humorous insight into the quirky side of scientific research. In this light-hearted presentation\, Barry Zussman\, of Torridge u3a\, will reveal the most outlandish prize-winners of 2024. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Ig Nobel Prizes (2024)’ \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/the-ig-nobel-prizes-2024/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Ig-Nobel-Prizes-13-Dec-23-image-final.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241113T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241113T120000
DTSTAMP:20241123T145244Z
CREATED:20241016T090546Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241123T145244Z
UID:6683-1731493800-1731499200@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Chemistry Through the Looking-Glass: the curious world of mirror-image molecules
DESCRIPTION:It was around 150 years ago that Lewis Carroll published ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’\, his fantastical tale of a strange world where everything is reversed\, as if in a mirror. Back then\, the idea that such a world could actually exist – at least at the molecular level – was still in its infancy. Today\, stereochemistry – to give it its proper name – is not just a scientific curiosity\, but a vital consideration in the safety and effectiveness of modern medicines. That’s because carbon\, the element that all life on Earth depends upon\, has the unique ability to form pairs of compounds with identical chemical compositions\, but mirror-image 3D structures. In this entertaining talk\, Carol Barrett from Cardiff u3a will be our Alice\, looking first at symmetry and patterns in the natural world\, before focussing on the looking-glass world of carbon chemistry\, and finishing with its impact on pharmaceutical research. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Chemistry through the Looking-glass’ \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/chemistry-through-the-looking-glass-the-curious-world-of-mirror-image-molecules/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Tweedledum-Tweedledee-colour-tinted.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241009T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241009T120000
DTSTAMP:20241106T113142Z
CREATED:20240918T105506Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241106T113142Z
UID:6142-1728469800-1728475200@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Liver Transplantation
DESCRIPTION:Our speaker this month\, Michael Wright\, convenor of the High Wycombe u3a Science group\, was placed on the liver transplant waiting list in 2022.  This talk is based on what he has learnt.  It is about the processes that surround a transplant from diagnosis to life afterwards.  It includes some basics about the liver and its diseases\, the history of transplants\, and where and how many are carried out in the UK.  Note: This talk does not include pictures of the surgery being carried out. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Liver Transplantation’ \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/liver-transplantation/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Human-liver-image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240911T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240911T120000
DTSTAMP:20240923T131239Z
CREATED:20240805T104140Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240923T131239Z
UID:5601-1726050600-1726056000@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Exoplanets: other Solar-systems\, and the Search for Earth-like Planets
DESCRIPTION:Over 7000 extra-Solar planets have already been located\, in ca. 5000 planetary systems\, thanks to space science missions designed and launched to detect and characterise them.  The ultimate prize would be the discovery of another life-bearing Earth-like planet elsewhere in our Universe\, but the search will be extremely challenging. In this fascinating talk\, Robin Clegg (Swindon u3a) will describe what astronomers have learnt so far about exoplanets\, and in particular\, how the James Webb Space Telescope is making it possible\, for the first time\, to analyse their atmospheres\, a key pointer to the possible presence of life down below. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Exoplanets’ \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/exoplanets-other-solar-systems-and-the-search-for-earth-like-planets/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Trappist-1-Solar-systems-plus-JWST-v2.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240710T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240710T120000
DTSTAMP:20240725T130119Z
CREATED:20240617T094355Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240725T130119Z
UID:5088-1720607400-1720612800@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:The 'One Health' Concept
DESCRIPTION:The ‘One Health’ concept\, a global initiative developed over the last 20 years\, involving a wide range of scientific disciplines and approaches\, seeks to integrate human and veterinary medicine\, food\, wildlife\, and environmental considerations to solve both long-standing and emerging global health issues. In this talk\, Diane Newell\, from Test Villages u3a\, will explain the concept\, with particular reference to Covid-19\, avian flu\, and AMR (antibiotic microbial resistance). \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘The “One Health” Concept’ \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/the-one-health-concept/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/One-Health-Jul24.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240612T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240612T120000
DTSTAMP:20240618T130933Z
CREATED:20240528T092818Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240618T130933Z
UID:4877-1718188200-1718193600@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Polypharmacy and the Elderly
DESCRIPTION:Around 90% of over-65’s take prescribed medication (often several)\, and\, for at least some of these patients\, the combination remains appropriate\, year in\, year out. However\, this cannot be assumed\, and\, as a result\, ‘deprescribing’ (the reduction or cessation of inappropriate medication) may need to be implemented by a healthcare professional after a medication review. \nTo date\, however\, there’s been very little research into the opinions of older patients themselves (and their informal caregivers) towards deprescribing\, and prescription medication more broadly. That was until a team from Oxford University\, led by DPhil researcher Rebecca Garnett\, set up a series of studies to obtain feedback from this age-group specifically. The first of these\, a ‘survey of attitudes’\, was promoted among u3a members early last year\, and many of us were more than happy to take part (see link: Oxford University ‘attitudes to deprescribing’ project). \nNow\, a year on\, we’re delighted to welcome Rebecca herself to this special meeting\, to bring us up-to-date on the progress of her studies – the methodology\, how the data was collected\, and an overview of the results so far. She’ll also be inviting members to take part in her final survey project\, focussing exclusively on blood pressure medication\, if that’s applicable to you (see link: Oxford University ‘blood pressure medication’ survey). \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Polypharmacy in the Elderly’ \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/polypharmacy-and-the-elderly/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Polypharmacy-Jun24-web-image-1-caption-added.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240508T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240508T120000
DTSTAMP:20240509T132914Z
CREATED:20240415T140026Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240509T132914Z
UID:4457-1715164200-1715169600@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Unravelling the Three-Dimensional Structure of Proteins
DESCRIPTION:These large\, complex molecules are involved in almost every function of living cells\, yet\, until very recently\, their spatial configurations – the key to their versatility – had been resolved for just a handful of the many thousands found in the human body. But today\, thanks to advances in AI\, reliable structural predictions that could take years to formulate using traditional methods\, can now be generated literally at the push of a button. In this fascinating talk\, David McLellan\, of Torridge u3a\, will review the background\, rapid evolution\, and potential benefits of this major scientific breakthrough. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Unravelling the 3D Structure of Proteins’ \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/unravelling-the-three-dimensional-structure-of-proteins/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Protein-structure-image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240410T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240410T120000
DTSTAMP:20240425T092442Z
CREATED:20240320T094015Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240425T092442Z
UID:4279-1712745000-1712750400@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Leaps of Faith: The bizarre history of self-experimentation
DESCRIPTION:Think about self-experimentation\, and it probably conjures up an image like this… Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic yarn of the mad doctor and his evil alter ego. But just occasionally\, truth really can be stranger than fiction. In fact\, there are many historical – and some surprisingly recent – examples of ordinary\, respectable scientists who have chosen to take the ultimate gamble of putting their own lives on the line\, for the common good. And it’s their extraordinary real-life stories that Barry Zussman\, of Torridge u3a\, will be sharing with you today. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Leaps of Faith: Self-experimentation’ \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/leaps-of-faith-the-bizarre-history-of-self-experimentation/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Jekyll-Hyde-for-website.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240313T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240313T120000
DTSTAMP:20240316T150911Z
CREATED:20240115T122406Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240316T150911Z
UID:3562-1710325800-1710331200@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:My Adventures in DNA Testing... and what I found out!
DESCRIPTION:Ever thought of getting your DNA tested (or maybe your pet’s)? How do you go about it? What can you learn? What do you need to consider before going ahead with it? And what might the consequences be? Sue Foy\, from Chester u3a\, will share with us her own experiences of this much-vaunted\, but double-edged\, leap into the unknown. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘My Adventures in DNA Testing’ \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/in-the-arms-of-morpheus-the-science-of-sleep/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Home-DNA-testing-Mar24.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240214T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240214T120000
DTSTAMP:20240309T105225Z
CREATED:20240206T111153Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240309T105225Z
UID:3707-1707906600-1707912000@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Human Colonisation of Space: The past\, present and future
DESCRIPTION:Once only the stuff of science-fiction\, recent advances in technology – and our concerns about the long-term habitability of Planet Earth – have made the colonisation of space not just realistic\, but maybe even essential. In this thought-provoking talk\, Leigh Edwards from Exeter u3a will look at the challenges humanity faces in travelling and living beyond the confines of our home planet. He’ll cover the options for establishing colonies beyond the Earth\, and the possibility and challenges of creating sustainable Earth-independent societies. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Human Colonisation of Space’ \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch \n 
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/human-colonisation-of-space-the-past-present-and-future/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Colonisation-of-space-14-Feb-24-image.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240110T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240110T120000
DTSTAMP:20240111T122451Z
CREATED:20231122T151210Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240111T122451Z
UID:3208-1704882600-1704888000@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Hydroelectric\, Tidal and Wave Power
DESCRIPTION:by Ian Hawker (East Suffolk u3a). Hydroelectric\, tidal\, and wave power are all forms of renewable energy that harness the power of moving water to generate electricity. Hydroelectric systems extract the kinetic energy of water flowing downhill (rivers and waterfalls)\, tidal power is generated from the to-and-fro movement of the tides\, and wave power is generated from the up-and-down movement of ocean waves. However\, whereas about 6% of global energy generation is hydroelectric\, the combined total of tidal and wave power is less than 1%. What is the reason for this disparity\, and how can it be addressed? \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Hydroelectric\, Tidal & Wave Power’ video \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/hydroelectric-tidal-and-wave-power/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Water-power-10-Jan-24-image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20231213T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20231213T120000
DTSTAMP:20240108T145401Z
CREATED:20231126T120741Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240108T145401Z
UID:3215-1702463400-1702468800@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:The Ig Nobel Prizes 2023
DESCRIPTION:For over a century\, the ultimate recognition of ground-breaking scientific research has been the award of a Nobel Prize. But there’s another series of annual awards\, less prestigious but no less cherished\, which honour\, not the greatest achievements in science\, but the funniest. They’re called the ‘Ig’ Nobel Prizes\, and\, since their launch in 1991\, they’ve provided a humorous insight into the quirky side of scientific research. In this light-hearted presentation\, Barry Zussman\, of Torridge u3a\, takes a look at this year’s prize-winners. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Ig Nobel Prizes’ video \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/the-ig-nobel-prizes-2023/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Ig-Nobel-Prizes-13-Dec-23-image-final.png
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR