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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
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20231108T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20231108T120000
DTSTAMP:20231109T112902Z
CREATED:20231014T133907Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231109T112902Z
UID:2107-1699439400-1699444800@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Out of Africa: The recent emergence of homo sapiens from East Africa\, and the complex story of the hominids that preceded us
DESCRIPTION:In this fascinating talk\, Robin Clegg of Swindon u3a will present a broad-brush overview of the human story over the last million years\, including how successive migrations were influenced by climatic factors\, and the surprising revelation that Homo sapiens were interbreeding with Neanderthals and Denisovans not all that long ago. He’ll also explain how recent developments in genetic research and DNA ‘detective’ technologies have greatly aided our better understanding of human evolution and our emergence as a global species. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Out of Africa’ video \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/out-of-africa-the-recent-emergence-of-homo-sapiens-from-east-africa-and-the-complex-story-of-the-hominids-that-preceded-us/
CATEGORIES:Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Out-of-Africa-08-Nov-23-image-for-website.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20231011T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20231011T120000
DTSTAMP:20231109T114047Z
CREATED:20230917T095023Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231109T114047Z
UID:1309-1697020200-1697025600@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Secrets of the Human Brain
DESCRIPTION:Some years ago\, the celebrated American physicist and science writer Michio Kaku famously remarked that “The human brain has 100 billion neurons\, each connected to 10\,000 other neurons… sitting on your shoulders is the most complicated object in the known universe.”  Well\, in this interactive talk\, retired university lecturer and researcher Dr Bob Pullen (Prudhoe & District u3a) will share with us some of the most interesting\, and often amazing facts about the brain\, and how it works.  But that’s not all – he’ll also get us\, the audience\, to test how left or right-handed we are\, and he’ll show us how our brains can sometimes be fooled into seeing things that aren’t actually there.  He’ll even explain how men’s and women’s brains really are different (as if we didn’t suspect that already)! \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Secrets of the Human Brain’ video \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch \n 
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/secrets-of-the-human-brain/
CATEGORIES:Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ST-meeting-11-Oct-23-image-for-webpage.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230913T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230913T113000
DTSTAMP:20231109T114530Z
CREATED:20230901T181807Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231109T114530Z
UID:956-1694601000-1694604600@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Heartburn and its Treatment – the Science and the History
DESCRIPTION:by Mike Trevethick (Thanet u3a)\n\n\n\nEver since the Greek physician Diocles of Carystos (c. 350 BC) first described a ‘melancholic gassy illness’\, characterised by ‘sour eruptions’ and ‘watery spitting’\, the medical profession has been seeking cures for acid indigestion\, otherwise known as heartburn\, reflux\, or GERD. \n\n\n\nBut what exactly causes the acidity\, what treatments (ancient and modern) have been tried out\, and how do the effective ones actually work? In this fascinating talk\, Mike will lead us through this historical and scientific journey\, including some lucky discoveries which would ultimately give us one of our most successful drugs for treating this unpleasant condition. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Heartburn’ video \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch \n 
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/heartburn-and-its-treatment-the-science-and-the-history/
CATEGORIES:Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/heartburn.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230808T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230808T160000
DTSTAMP:20231113T145535Z
CREATED:20230902T074407Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231113T145535Z
UID:985-1691506800-1691510400@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Robot Factories in Space?
DESCRIPTION:The technologies needed are already coming together. Funded by NASA and led by Spacex and Axiomspace\, the big corporations are investing huge amounts on research\, and literally hundreds of small robotics startups are using AI to design and create future factories in space. 
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/robot-factories-in-space/
CATEGORIES:Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/factories-banner.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230712T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230712T113000
DTSTAMP:20231109T115134Z
CREATED:20230902T074440Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231109T115134Z
UID:1005-1689157800-1689161400@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:mRNA: One-hit Wonder or the Ultimate Magic Bullet?
DESCRIPTION:by Peter Colley (Lytham St Annes u3a)\n\n\n\nMessenger RNA (mRNA) was pivotal to the rapid development and rollout of the Covid vaccine\, which has now\, thankfully\, brought the pandemic to an end. But the mRNA story may be only just beginning. mRNA technology also has great potential in the treatment of other medical conditions\, including many types of cancer\, which are difficult to treat using current methods. In this talk\, Peter explained what mRNA is\, how it works\, and the status of some of the many research projects currently ongoing\, that could transform our lives. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Messenger RNA’ video \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch \n 
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/mrna-one-hit-wonder-or-the-ultimate-magic-bullet/
CATEGORIES:Science and Technology Meeting
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230614T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230614T120000
DTSTAMP:20231109T115509Z
CREATED:20231016T135448Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231109T115509Z
UID:2178-1686738600-1686744000@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Glass
DESCRIPTION:Glass is one of the oldest materials used by man\, and also one of the most attractive modern materials used by artists. Glass is variously chosen for its transparency\, strength\, resistance to chemical attack\, ability to be shaped in many different ways\, and much more besides. In this talk\, Peter Goodhew\, a retired materials scientist from Chester u3a\, describes some of the history of\, and the science behind\, this fascinating material\, illustrated with some fine examples of decorative glassware from his wife’s collection. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Glass’ video \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch \n 
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/glass/
CATEGORIES:Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Glass-talk-image-Jun23.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230510T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230510T120000
DTSTAMP:20231109T115845Z
CREATED:20231016T141316Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231109T115845Z
UID:2182-1683714600-1683720000@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:An Introduction to Quasars
DESCRIPTION:by David Youll (Basingstoke u3a). After a long career in IT\, David now spends his spare time doing research to broaden his interest in galaxies and quasars (he has a PhD in Astronomy from Imperial College). His latest project has been aided in no small part by the huge body of observational data gathered by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey\, embracing millions of galaxies and over 700\,000 quasars. As we’ll hear today\, quasars are truly fascinating objects with many unusual and unique characteristics\, but David also hopes this presentation will demonstrate what can be achieved by amateur astronomers in their own homes using publicly available data. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Quasars’ video  \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch \n 
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/an-introduction-to-quasars/
CATEGORIES:Science and Technology Meeting
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230412T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230412T120000
DTSTAMP:20231111T104903Z
CREATED:20231017T085549Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231111T104903Z
UID:2197-1681295400-1681300800@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Mycorrhizal fungi: The Hidden Networks beneath our Feet
DESCRIPTION:by Emily Magkourilou (University of Sheffield). If you’ve been watching David Attenborough’s BBC series ‘Wild Isles’\, you’ll already know that our woodlands are home to largely unseen\, but amazingly complex underground networks of fungal threads\, which associate themselves with tree roots in a symbiotic relationship that benefits both. And it’s even been suggested that trees can use this mycorrhizal network to send messages to each other\, in a co-operative arrangement colloquially dubbed ‘the wood-wide web’. But does the evidence actually support it? Emily\, our speaker today\, is currently researching the functionality of fungal networks for her PhD in Soil Ecology\, so she’s ideally placed to reveal what’s really going on right under our feet. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Mycorrhizal Fungi’ video \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/mycorrhizal-fungi-the-hidden-networks-beneath-our-feet/
CATEGORIES:Science and Technology Meeting
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230308T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230308T120000
DTSTAMP:20231111T105540Z
CREATED:20231017T091005Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231111T105540Z
UID:2200-1678271400-1678276800@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Fusion Energy: Could the long wait soon be over?
DESCRIPTION:by Leigh Edwards (Exeter u3a). As the Earth’s ultimate energy source\, nuclear fusion – the process that powers the Sun – has long been touted as the ‘Holy Grail’ of humanity’s endless quest for a technology that can provide cheap\, emissions-free energy for everyone. It’s been promised for over seventy years now\, but the old joke – that fusion energy is thirty years away… and always will be – still seems as true as ever! But maybe not for too much longer. With research efforts intensifying\, and spending by governments\, international collaborations\, and private companies now higher than ever\, there is renewed optimism that power from fusion may finally be within reach. In this presentation\, Leigh will discuss the current state of fusion research\, and the progress now being made. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Energy from Fusion’ video \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/fusion-energy-could-the-long-wait-soon-be-over/
CATEGORIES:Science and Technology Meeting
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230215T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230215T153000
DTSTAMP:20231109T120925Z
CREATED:20231017T092520Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231109T120925Z
UID:2208-1676469600-1676475000@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:The Rise of EVs... and the Fall of ICEs
DESCRIPTION:by Dr Mike Hodges (Kingsbridge u3a). Of the 1.6 million new cars registered in the UK last year\, around 17% were EVs\, a record high\, up from 12% the year before. There are now more than half-a-million of them on our roads\, but this still leaves at least thirty million ICEs (internal combustion engine cars)\, all of which will eventually need to be replaced if we are to meet our long-term zero-emission targets. With the cut-off date of 2030 for new ICE sales now less than eight years away\, time is short\, but further progress towards full transition is still being hindered by those familiar EV concerns – cost\, range\, and lack of charging infrastructure. In this talk\, Mike will consider the technical\, economic and social factors which will determine whether and how these barriers can be overcome. \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/the-rise-of-evs-and-the-fall-of-ices/
CATEGORIES:Science and Technology Meeting
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230208T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230208T120000
DTSTAMP:20231109T122210Z
CREATED:20231017T093329Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231109T122210Z
UID:2211-1675852200-1675857600@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Energy Storage
DESCRIPTION:by Ian Hawker (East Suffolk u3a). The intermittent and unpredictable nature of wind and solar has long been used to justify our continued reliance on fossil fuels to generate our electricity\, which needs to be accessible 24/7\, at the flick of a switch. The limitless ‘green’ energy potentially available from renewable sources has so far been constrained by the difficulties of storing that energy cheaply\, efficiently\, and on a large enough scale. No wonder\, then\, that the world currently has amassed only around 0.2% of the storage capacity it would need to replace fossil fuels entirely. But all that may be about to change. In this talk\, we’ll hear about some of the exciting new\, cost-effective storage technologies now being developed\, which may at long last enable us to ditch coal\, oil and gas forever. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Energy Storage’ video  \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch \n 
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/energy-storage/
CATEGORIES:Science and Technology Meeting
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230111T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230111T120000
DTSTAMP:20231109T121831Z
CREATED:20231017T094800Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231109T121831Z
UID:2215-1673433000-1673438400@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Sir Humphry Davy: His Life\, Letters and Notebooks
DESCRIPTION:by Dr Andrew Lacey (Lancaster University). Best-remembered today for his invention of the miners’ safety lamp\, Davy had many other claims to fame\, including the isolation of no fewer than seven new chemical elements\, and his research into the therapeutic use of gases – he was the first to inhale nitrous oxide (laughing gas). But science was only a part of his life – he also wrote poetry\, philosophical dialogues\, and accounts of his travels. When he died\, in 1829\, he left behind a large number of letters and notebooks\, most of which had remained unpublished ever since. That was until Dr Lacey\, a Senior Research Associate at Lancaster University\, collated all the letters into a four-volume anthology\, which was published in 2020 by OUP. \nNow he’s taking on an even bigger challenge\, the ‘Davy Notebooks Project’ – to digitise all of the 70+ notebooks – a mammoth task for which he’s been recruiting an army of transcribers from\, among other places\, the U3A. In this talk\, he’ll explore the key periods in Davy’s life\, illuminated by selected passages from those letters and notebooks. Maybe some of you might like to take part in his project. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Sir Humphry Davy’ video \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch \n 
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/sir-humphry-davy-his-life-letters-and-notebooks/
CATEGORIES:Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ST-meeting-11-Jan-23-image-for-webpage.png
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END:VCALENDAR