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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
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
END:VEVENT
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
END:VEVENT
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
END:VEVENT
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
END:VEVENT
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/mRNA-600.png
END:VEVENT
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
END:VEVENT
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ST-meeting-10-May-23-image-for-webpage.png
END:VEVENT
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ST-meeting-12-Apr-23-image-for-webpage.png
END:VEVENT
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ST-meeting-08-Mar-23-image-for-webpage.jpg
END:VEVENT
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ST-Bonus-meeting-image-15-Feb.png
END:VEVENT
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Energy-storage-meeting-Feb23-banner.png
END:VEVENT
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20221214T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20221214T120000
DTSTAMP:20250729T062739Z
CREATED:20231017T101343Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250729T062739Z
UID:2220-1671013800-1671019200@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:The IBM Toyshop
DESCRIPTION:Ever since Charles Babbage began work on his first mechanical calculating machine 200 years ago\, in 1822\, the prospect of rapid\, automated data processing has been a key driver of technological progress. But it wasn’t until WW2\, and in particular the urgency of cracking enemy codes\, that electronic\, rather than mechanical solutions became feasible. And\, in the years that followed\, one company in particular – IBM – would become synonymous with this quest. The computer age was born\, and\, along the way\, countless other applications and innovations have followed at breakneck speed. In this fascinating talk\, retired IBM senior software engineer Tom Holloway\, of Headington u3a\, will share his reminiscences of an eventful career with the pioneering multinational technology corporation. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘The IBM Toyshop’ video \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch \n 
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/the-ibm-toyshop/
CATEGORIES:Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Charlie-Chaplin-IBM-PC.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20221109T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20221109T120000
DTSTAMP:20231109T123218Z
CREATED:20231017T103953Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231109T123218Z
UID:2226-1667989800-1667995200@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:'ELISA': It's all in the name!
DESCRIPTION:When a health professional takes a sample of blood or urine\, have you ever wondered what happens to it when it’s sent off to the lab for analysis? What are they looking for\, how do they detect it\, and – most challenging of all – how do they measure accurately how much of it there is\, when the quantities present are often vanishingly small? That’s where ‘ELISA’ comes in. Former analytical biochemist Carol Barrett\, of Cardiff u3a\, will reveal the secrets of the amazing science behind the acronym. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘ELISA’ video \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch \n 
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/elisa-its-all-in-the-name/
CATEGORIES:Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ELISA-image-Nov22.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20221012T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20221012T120000
DTSTAMP:20231109T123556Z
CREATED:20231025T141511Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231109T123556Z
UID:2366-1665570600-1665576000@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:'Get Rid of that Stink!' - How Bazalgette Cleaned up London
DESCRIPTION:by Mike Trevethick (Thanet u3a). In 19th century London\, everybody’s sewage\, as well as the city’s commercial waste\, was simply dumped into the river Thames. As a result\, deadly diseases such as cholera were rife\, and the river stank. Eventually\, by the 1850’s\, Parliament had had enough\, so they appointed the engineer Joseph Bazalgette to find a way to clean it up. The brand-new sewage system he designed and built was revolutionary for its time\, but did it really cure the problem? \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘The Great Stink of London’ video  \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch \n 
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/get-rid-of-that-stink-how-bazalgette-cleaned-up-london/
CATEGORIES:Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Get-rid-of-that-stink-image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220914T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220914T120000
DTSTAMP:20231109T135741Z
CREATED:20231028T131726Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231109T135741Z
UID:2453-1663151400-1663156800@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Whatever Happened to Influenza?
DESCRIPTION:As this year’s seasonal flu vaccination campaign gets under way\, you may be wondering what all the fuss is about.  After all\, the dire warnings of rampant winter flu outbreaks issued at this time last year\, and the year before\, never actually materialised.  Could it be that our fixation on the Covid pandemic actually did us a favour?  Former clinical virologist Dr Jane Sellwood\, of Reading u3a\, will explain why influenza continues to surprise us\, and still remains a significant public health challenge. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Influenza’ video  \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch \n 
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/whatever-happened-to-influenza/
CATEGORIES:Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Influenza-meeting-banner-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220729T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220729T163000
DTSTAMP:20231112T141821Z
CREATED:20231112T141821Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231112T141821Z
UID:3041-1659106800-1659112200@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:The Lunar Society
DESCRIPTION:Britain\, as we know\, was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution\, and nowhere played a bigger part in this great leap forward than the West Midlands. And it was here\, in the second half of the 18th century\, that an extraordinarily talented group of men – some famous\, others now forgotten – came together to pool their collective genius and produce many of the ideas and innovations on which this nation’s emerging intellectual and commercial pre-eminence was founded. Once a month\, at the time of the full moon\, they met in Birmingham to share their visions for the future. They called themselves ‘The Lunar Society’\, and in this talk\, Barry Zussman (Torridge u3a) tells their fascinating story. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Lunar Society’ video \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/the-lunar-society-2/
CATEGORIES:History Meeting,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Lunar-society-Jul22.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220713T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220713T120000
DTSTAMP:20231109T142228Z
CREATED:20231109T142228Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231109T142228Z
UID:2785-1657708200-1657713600@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:A Whiff of Disease: Using Dogs to Sniff Out Medical Conditions
DESCRIPTION:Ever since the dog was first domesticated\, thousands of years ago\, our ancestors exploited its acute sense of smell for tracking and hunting.  More recently\, we’ve enlisted them as crime-busters\, by teaching them to locate drugs & explosives.  And now\, man’s best friend can be trained to detect our diseases – like cancer\, diabetes\, epilepsy\, malaria\, even Covid-19 – earlier than conventional screening techniques\, and often before we even know we’re ill… incredible but true!  In this talk\, David McLellan (Torridge u3a) will be exploring dogs’ extraordinary sense of smell\, and considering its medical diagnostic potential. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Whiff of Disease’ video  \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/a-whiff-of-disease-using-dogs-to-sniff-out-medical-conditions/
CATEGORIES:Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Whiff-of-disease-image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220629T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220629T120000
DTSTAMP:20231109T143900Z
CREATED:20231109T143812Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231109T143900Z
UID:2790-1656498600-1656504000@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Genetically-engineered Food
DESCRIPTION:Back in the 1990s\, a new phrase entered our vocabulary – ‘Frankenstein Food’ – the emotive term given by the media to products\, made from genetically-modified plants & animals\, which would soon be appearing on our supermarket shelves.  The public were horrified\, pressure groups were formed\, people took to the streets to protest\, and some went as far as to invade research establishments to destroy the GM crops that were being tested there.  Governments cowered\, and many (including the EU) passed new laws which have effectively prevented GM products from entering the human food-chain ever since. \nBut all that may be about to change.  A new generation of genetically-engineered plants and animals is just around the corner\, created using a revolutionary new technique which\, say the experts\, can overcome all the shortcomings of previous approaches.  In this talk\, Barry Zussman (Torridge U3A) will explain how this scientific breakthrough could potentially solve the global food crisis\, especially given the adverse effects of climate change on traditional agriculture. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Genetically-engineered Food’ video \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/genetically-engineered-food/
CATEGORIES:Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/GE-food-image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220511T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220511T120000
DTSTAMP:20231109T151909Z
CREATED:20231109T150947Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231109T151909Z
UID:2793-1652265000-1652270400@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Forty Years of S&T Milestones - with a Few Smiles along the Way!
DESCRIPTION:Leigh Edwards (Exeter u3a\, and former National u3a Science Subject Advisor) looks back at some of the truly amazing discoveries\, inventions\, and achievements in science and technology over the past 40 years\, and also a few speculations about the future\, in the light of the latest developments. And along the way\, he’ll share some of his own humorous observations on this amazing period of scientific innovation. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘S&T – the Last Forty Years’ video \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/forty-years-of-st-milestones/
CATEGORIES:Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Forty-years-of-ST-image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220413T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220413T120000
DTSTAMP:20231111T120450Z
CREATED:20231111T120300Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231111T120450Z
UID:2919-1649845800-1649851200@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Suck it and See - Memoirs of a Path-Lab Girl
DESCRIPTION:Mary B Lyons (Yateley u3a) shares with us some of her fascinating reminiscences of working in a pathology lab in the 1960’s – not just blood and guts\, but also Amazonian toads\, three witches\, and some extraordinary ‘health and safety’ horrors! So prepare to be amazed\, amused\, and entertained… all in the best possible taste! \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Suck it and See’ video \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/suck-it-and-see-memoirs-of-a-path-lab-girl/
CATEGORIES:Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Marys-talk-image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220309T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220309T120000
DTSTAMP:20231111T121700Z
CREATED:20231111T121700Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231111T121700Z
UID:2924-1646821800-1646827200@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Eureka! The Unlikely History of some of our Greatest Inventions
DESCRIPTION:The legendary tales of Archimedes and his bath\, and Newton’s encounter with the apple\, may only be fictional\, but there have been plenty of less well-known ‘Eureka’ moments like these which certainly did happen. In this talk\, Barry Zussman\, of Torridge U3A\, will reveal the surprising stories behind some of the important discoveries and inventions which owe their existence to unexpected twists of fate\, and the innovators who had the genius to exploit them. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Eureka!’ video \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/eureka-the-unlikely-history-of-some-of-our-greatest-inventions/
CATEGORIES:Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ST-meeting-9th-March-image-for-webpage.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220228T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220228T160000
DTSTAMP:20231112T142346Z
CREATED:20231012T095933Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231112T142346Z
UID:1923-1646060400-1646064000@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Change in the science and practice of pharmacy - 1920 to 2020
DESCRIPTION:Apprenticeship to Masters Degree (and beyond) as illustrated by a family’s story \nIn the late 1920’s a farmers daughter from Hertfordshire qualified as a pharmacist\, after a three year apprenticeship and an academic years study\, and later\, in 1933 opened her own pharmacy. In the early 60’s first her son and then her daughter joined the profession\, although the route was more academically demanding. Now her granddaughter is a Professor of Pharmacy\, teaching students on the Master course needed to Register. Miall James of U3A Witham describes the journey.
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/change-in-the-science-and-practice-of-pharmacy-1920-to-2020/
CATEGORIES:History Meeting,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pharmacy900.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220209T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220209T120000
DTSTAMP:20231111T142721Z
CREATED:20231111T142721Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231111T142721Z
UID:2928-1644402600-1644408000@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Zoonoses - Past\, Present and Future
DESCRIPTION:Zoonoses are infectious diseases\, caused by viruses\, bacteria or other pathogens\, that are transmitted from animals (livestock\, pets and wildlife) to man either directly or through vectors or food. In this talk\, Diane Newell\, from Test Villages u3a\, will explain that\, of the 1400+ infectious diseases known in man in 2001\, over 60% were zoonotic. Covid 19 is the most recent\, but many\, such as plague\, flu and malaria are old and well known. However\, over 75% of new and emerging diseases are zoonotic. The control of such disease emergence is essential if we are to prevent future pandemics\, but progress is hampered by man’s encroachment on wild life habitats\, global travel and food production\, and the loss of biodiversity. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Zoonoses’ video \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/zoonoses-past-present-and-future/
CATEGORIES:Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Zoonoses-image.png
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR