Are we moving from “The Age of Oil” to “The Age of Minerals”? A talk exploring how the necessity of making the transition to greener energy practices requires the use of minerals such as lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements as the source materials for new technologies. How in which case do we move towards…
How do we mitigate the consequences of extreme weather on human health? Climate change is widely regarded as the biggest health threat facing humanity, and yet are there still things we can do in relation to the health consequences of climate change, like lessening carbon emissions, to empower ourselves? As part of our World in…
It is now widely accepted that artificial light at night can have negative effects on human health, but what of its effects on wildlife? Did you know for example that artificial light leads to the death of billions of birds each year and that it is a major driver of the “insect apocalypse”, with studies…
Ready to be illuminated? After two centuries of study scientists now understand how photosynthesis produces food from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, and releases oxygen. In this lecture Bob Fosbury will show how light performs other important functions which enable life, including humans, to thrive. In particular he explores how NIR (near infrared) light is…
‘The commons’ traditionally have been natural or cultural resources accessible to all members of a society, including resources such as air, water, and land held ‘in common’ even when owned privately or publicly. This might seem an old idea, but new tools enable infrastructure such as housing, land, water, community facilities and broadband to be brought into…
Are we right to be afraid of wasps? For National Insect Week, an illustrated talk telling you everything you need to know about the nemesis of the summer picnic blanket! Wildlife journalist Dr Ben Aldiss explores why wasps sting; how you locate their alarm pheromone and how it works; the amazing abilities of wasps; the…