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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
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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
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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
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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
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220119T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220119T120000
DTSTAMP:20231111T144142Z
CREATED:20231111T144142Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231111T144142Z
UID:2932-1642588200-1642593600@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Cracking Cholera - a Victorian Detective Story
DESCRIPTION:Mike Trevethick\, of Thanet U3A\, tells the fascinating story of Dr John Snow\, the pioneering London physician who in 1854\, faced with yet another of the recurring cholera epidemics which had blighted the city for so long\, finally discovered the source of this terrible disease\, and how to prevent it. In doing so\, his meticulous approach to data collection and analysis would become the founding principle of epidemiological investigations ever since. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Cracking Cholera’ video \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/cracking-cholera-a-victorian-detective-story/
CATEGORIES:Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ST-meeting-12th-Jan-image.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20211110T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20211110T120000
DTSTAMP:20231112T105137Z
CREATED:20231112T105137Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231112T105137Z
UID:2964-1636540200-1636545600@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Body Clocks and Circadian Rhythms
DESCRIPTION:In the modern world\, we often feel that our daily lives are governed by the relentless ticking of a thousand clocks\, all clamouring for their share of our precious time. But there’s another clock – an internal\, biological one – which we never hear\, but is nonetheless vital for keeping us alive\, and in good health. This ‘body-clock’\, finely tuned to the 24-hour cycle of day and night\, determines when we sleep and when we wake\, when we eat\, and much more besides. \nScientists now believe that these ‘circadian rhythms’ are not unique to mankind\, but are shared with many\, and possibly all living organisms\, given that the day-night cycle has been ever-present during the evolution of life on Earth. In this presentation\, David Tordoff\, of Wolverhampton U3A\, discusses body clocks in plants\, insects and birds\, before moving on to look in detail at our own body clock\, and how circadian rhythms affect so many facets of our daily lives. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Body Clocks’ video \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/body-clocks-and-circadian-rhythms/
CATEGORIES:Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ST-meeting-10th-Nov-image-for-webpage.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20210908T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20210908T120000
DTSTAMP:20231112T110314Z
CREATED:20231112T110314Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231112T110314Z
UID:2967-1631097000-1631102400@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Artificial Intelligence
DESCRIPTION:It was back in 1950 that the great Alan Turing published his ground-breaking analysis of the principles of AI\, embodied in what became known as the ‘Turing Test’ – could a machine ever be able\, consistently\, to fool skilled interlocutors into believing that they were conversing with a real human being? Today\, the challenges faced by AI researchers are vastly more complex\, but the basic goal is still much the same – to create machines that can emulate the power of the human mind\, or even surpass it. In this presentation\, Leigh Edwards\, of Exeter U3A\, discusses the technologies behind the various different types of AI (termed ‘Narrow’\, ‘General’\, and ‘Super’)\, the progress that has been made so far\, and the potential risks and benefits to the human race. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘AI’ video \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/artificial-intelligence/
CATEGORIES:Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ST-meeting-8th-Sept-image-for-webpage.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20210804T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20210804T120000
DTSTAMP:20231112T111426Z
CREATED:20231112T111426Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231112T111426Z
UID:2971-1628073000-1628078400@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:The Virology of Covid-19: Looking behind the Headlines
DESCRIPTION:Why are viruses so successful at replicating themselves\, how do their hosts react to infection\, and how do they evolve to outwit our best efforts to combat them? Never have these questions been so crucial as they are right now. Our two speakers – Dr Jane Sellwood\, of Reading U3A\, a former Consultant Clinical Virologist at the Royal Berkshire Hospital who has also worked for the Health Protection Agency\, and Dr David McLellan\, of Torridge U3A\, a retired university lecturer in Biomedical Science – cast their expert eyes over what’s really going on behind the lurid headlines. Jane’s talk delves into the life-cycle of viruses in general\, and Covid-19 in particular\, then David focuses on some of the variants that have emerged\, and how they’ve influenced the progress of the pandemic\, with regard to both transmission and the effectiveness of the vaccines. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Virology of Covid-19’ video \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/the-virology-of-covid-19-looking-behind-the-headlines/
CATEGORIES:Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Image-for-04-Aug-webpage-v2.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20210714T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20210714T120000
DTSTAMP:20231112T112812Z
CREATED:20231112T112812Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231112T112812Z
UID:2975-1626258600-1626264000@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:The Victorian Information Super-Highway
DESCRIPTION:Mention the information super-highway\, and we automatically think of the internet. But actually\, messages were already being sent back and forth around the world\, by wire\, as long ago as the Victorian era\, thanks to Samuel Morse’s electric telegraph\, and the vast network of undersea cables laid down by the British\, to connect our far-flung colonies. It was called\, appropriately\, the ‘All Red Line’ (red being the cartographers’ code for the British Empire). \nIn this talk\, Mario Greening of Cardiff U3A presents a brief history of communications technology\, which culminated in the planning\, financing\, and construction of the cable network by British entrepreneurs and engineers. He also reveals the little-known story of ‘Room 40’ at the Admiralty\, where\, during WW1\, code-breakers intercepted messages sent by the Germans on their network\, while protecting the security of our own. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Victorian Information Super-highway’ video \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/the-victorian-information-super-highway/
CATEGORIES:Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Information-super-highway-image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20210609T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20210609T120000
DTSTAMP:20231112T114104Z
CREATED:20231112T114104Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231112T114104Z
UID:2980-1623234600-1623240000@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:The Scale of the Universe
DESCRIPTION:We’ve all heard of planets\, stars\, and galaxies\, but their relative sizes\, and especially the vast distances between them\, can be difficult for us non-astronomers to grasp. In this talk\, David Youll (Basingstoke & Old Basing U3A) takes us on an incredible journey\, from our own planetary home\, right out to the most distant galaxies\, so that we can really appreciate the scale of the Universe\, its structure\, and the relationships of its constituent parts. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Scale of the Universe’ video \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/the-scale-of-the-universe/
CATEGORIES:Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Scale-of-the-Universe-image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20210512T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20210512T120000
DTSTAMP:20231112T123638Z
CREATED:20231112T123638Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231112T123638Z
UID:2986-1620815400-1620820800@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:"Benford's Law" and "Using Viruses to Cure Cancer"
DESCRIPTION:Benford’s Law (by Max Beran\, Didcot & District U3A)\nTake any large set of numerical data\, like those on the financial pages of the newspapers. The digits themselves may appear to be entirely random\, but are they really? You’ll be amazed by what Benford’s Law tells us about the hidden patterns within these numbers\, how it can help with data verification\, and even how it thwarted Donald Trump’s bid to overturn the US election results! \nUsing Viruses to Cure Cancer (by David McLellan\, Torridge U3A)\nAfter the traumas of the pandemic\, another virus story is perhaps the last thing you’d want to hear about. But wait: the same technologies that gave us the vaccine may soon deliver something even more far-reaching – a cure for cancer. Oncolytic viruses\, which have a natural ability to target cancer cells more avidly than healthy cells\, can now be genetically engineered to attack only these cells\, opening up exciting new possibilities for safer and more effective treatments. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Benfords Law’ & ‘Oncolytic Viruses’ video \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/benfords-law-and-using-viruses-to-cure-cancer/
CATEGORIES:Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/May21-image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20210414T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20210414T120000
DTSTAMP:20231112T135033Z
CREATED:20231112T135033Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231112T135033Z
UID:3008-1618396200-1618401600@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Understanding the Human Perception of Colour
DESCRIPTION:Leigh Edwards (Exeter u3a) explains how our eyes and brain perceive and interpret the colours of light and pigments in the world around us\, and just how easily we can be fooled by them. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Colour Perception’ video \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/understanding-the-human-perception-of-colour/
CATEGORIES:Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Perception-of-colour-image.png
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