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Events
Date:
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Launch of Pendle Cafe
Scientifique
Monday
September 5th 2005
|
| Title: |
‘Send
in the Clones’
|
| Speaker: |
Dr H Hughes,
Manchester Met University
|
| Description: |
The
reproductive cloning of animals has resulted in much debate whilst the
potential for a full reproductive human clone arouses highly emotional
responses. This talk aims, in an accessible way, to introduce the Pendle
Cafe Scienifque members to the concept of human cloning and discuss some of
the issues both for and against the technology enabling the Cafe audience to
come to their own, rationally based, conclusion as to the benefits or
otherwise of full human reproductive cloning.
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Date:
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Monday October 3rd
2005 |
| Title: |
'Nuclear
Reprocessing'
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Speaker:
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Neil Stagg,
Sellafield |
| Description: |
It
will cover the nuclear fuel cycle which includes fuel manufacturing,
reprocessing and waste management and the challenges of decommissioning
redundant nuclear facilities on the Sellafield Site.
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Date:
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Monday November 7th 2005 |
| Title: |
'How
Chemistry (and other Sciences) can Assist a Forensic Investigation'
|
Speaker:
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Pete Weirden,
University of Central Lancashire |
| Description: |
An
illustrated talk to include examples of potential evidence-
fingerprints, hair, footprints, tool marks, DNA profiling and inks/dyes.
There will be an opportunity for questions/discussion and to examine some
evidence that could have come from a 'Crime Scene'
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Date:
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Monday December 5th 2005 |
| Title: |
tbc
|
Speaker:
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Dr Sonya Hill,
Head of Research, Chester Zoo |
| Description: |
Sonya
will be talking about the similarities and differences between personality
disorders in human and non human primates
|
Date:
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Monday January 9th 2006 |
| Title: |
'The songs of the stars'
|
Speaker:
|
Prof Don Kurtz of
the University of Central Lancashire |
| Description: |
The
ancient Greeks believed that the planets and stars were embedded in crystal
spheres that hummed as they spun around the heavens, making the "music of
the spheres". Pythagoras thought that the orbits of the planets had harmonic
relationships. Johannes Kepler was so enamoured of Pythagoras' ideas
that in the early 1600s he spent years trying to discover these
relationships among the periods of the planets in their orbits about the
sun, finally, disappointingly (for him), proving
otherwise.
For
nearly 400 years the Music of the Spheres languished, until in the 1970s -
first for the sun, then for the stars - we discovered its reality. The stars
sing: they ring like giant musical instruments as sound waves cause them to
vibrate, get hotter and cooler, brighter and dimmer, bigger and smaller and
change shape. These sound waves cannot get out of the star into the vacuum
of space, so we do not "hear" them directly but we can detect that they are
there, using astro-seismology - the seismology of the stars – to "look"
beneath their surfaces.
This
cafe will introduce the sound and physics of musical instruments and show
the seismology of some stars (including an amazing group of the strangest
stars in the sky discovered by Don Kurtz). Discover how some singing stars,
the Cepheids, helped Hubble discover the expansion of the Universe. Hear
about giant "diamonds" the size of the Earth. Come hear what the stars sound
like! Hear Bach as he would sound with the overtones of a Cepheid variable
(with a change of key, of course) and a new musical composition using the
stars themselves as the orchestral instruments (although you may still
prefer Mozart!).
|
Date:
|
Monday February 6th 2006 |
| Title: |
The
Hair and the Tortoise
|
Speaker:
|
Chris Hall and
Glennis McBain of Daresbury Research labs |
| Description: |
A
scientific detective story involving an interesting and controversial piece
of research that a Daresbury group was involved in a couple of years ago. A
tale of scientific technique, of methodology and how the results from
science are used and abused in our culture.
An
Australian professor took some data here at Daresbury which at first
suggested we might be able to diagnose breast cancer by looking at x-ray
diffraction images of a patient's hair. Did the professor break the basic
rules of good scientific practice to produce an article which was
subsequently published in Nature?
|
Date:
|
Monday March 6th 2006 |
| Title: |
The
UK response to the threat of climate change
|
Speaker:
|
Garth Ratcliffe
Principal
lecturer, Dept of Environmental and Geographical Sciences Manchester Met
University
|
| Description: |
What
are the causes and potential environmental impacts of climate change? What
remedial actions could be taken by the UK government? These involve energy
efficiency measures as well as the development of renewable energy. Is the
development of a low carbon economy an interim solution? What about
sustainable development and the ultimate solution – the hydrogen economy?
|
Date:
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Monday April 3rd |
| Title: |
TBC
|
Speaker:
|
TBC |
| Description: |
A speaker
from the Action for M.E. group will be helping us to understand this
debilitating disorder and looking at new developments in treatment |
Date:
|
Monday May 8th |
| Title: |
Isolate your own
DNA
|
Speaker:
|
TBC |
| Description: |
TICKET
ONLY (limited numbers) – a practical session at Nelson & Colne College (Reedyford
site). See Andrew or Phil for details or to reserve your place.
|
Date:
|
June
5th 2006 |
| Title: |
Unveiling Titan
|
Speaker:
|
Prof Ian Morrison
Jodrell
Bank (University of Manchester) |
| Description: |
What
scientific conclusions about Titan and the outer solar system have been
gleaned from the Cassini Huygens mission? This work is not yet complete so
this cafe will bring us right up to date with any new developments!
|
|
Date: |
Monday September 4th 2006 |
|
Title: |
Lasers in medicine |
|
Speaker: |
Caroline Sudworth, Research Director, Medical Laser Institute, Liverpool
University |
|
Description: |
Since a resurgence of
interest in the application of light to medical treatments in the 1970s, the
response to developing novel techniques to aid treatments and diagnoses for
a wide variety of diseases has shown great promise. The collaboration of
engineers, scientists and medics has allowed the advancement of technology
for the generation of patient needs driven medicine.
The research and
development undertaken at the Lasers for Life Medical Laser Institute is an
of a multidisciplinary approach to furthering the use of light technology
for medical applications. Caroline will introduce current applications of
light in the medical field and the role of the Medical Laser Institute. In
particular, she will discuss the development of light technologies for
optical biopsy, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Raman
spectroscopy for the diagnosis of cancers and pre-cancers and Alzheimer’s
disease. How
might these
techniques develop into possible future medical approaches?
Extending established
medical treatments such as photodynamic therapy (PDT) into novel research
areas for the potential treatments of auto-immune diseases such as
Rheumatoid Arthritis will also be presented. |
|
Date: |
TUESDAY October 3rd 2006 |
|
Title: |
Lightning and the X-rays generated |
|
Speaker: |
Clive Saunders, Manchester University |
|
Description: |
Thunderstorms have excited
mankind for centuries, although it is only in the last 100 years that
scientific theories of the processes of electrification have appeared. Work
in the Atmospheric Science Laboratory in Manchester, with simulations in
cloud chambers of thunderstorm conditions, has in the last year come up with
a viable mechanism. But, of course, the work is controversial. |
|
Date: |
Monday November 6th 2006 |
|
Title: |
Bats: conservation, caves, rabies and
other issues |
|
Speaker: |
John Altringham, University of Leeds |
|
Description: |
The UK has sixteen species
of bat; at least nine of which are found in the Dales. The talk will provide
an overview of the biology and ecology of bats in the Yorkshire Dales,
focusing on how bats use the landscape, in particular, Dales' caves. Despite
their small size (our bats typically weigh only 4-10g), they use a wide
range of roost sites in buildings, trees and caves and make surprisingly
long journeys in their search for food, shelter and mates. Bats also possess
some remarkable 'skills', including flight, echolocation and the ability to
hibernate. All UK bats are protected as declining species: we will discuss
the reasons underlying this decline, what is being done to halt it, and how
bat conservation sits alongside the demands of modern society. A rabies-like
Lissavirus has recently been discovered in one of our bat species. Is
the conservation of this bat at odds with public safety? |
|
Date: |
Monday December 4th 2006 |
|
Title: |
Nanotechnology |
|
Speaker: |
Andrew Wilson, Leeds University |
|
Description: |
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|
Date: |
Monday January 8th2007 |
|
Title: |
Molecular Archaeology |
|
Speaker: |
Ben Stern, University of Bradford |
|
Description: |
Molecular archaeology
covers the interpretation of information recovered at the molecular level.
Ben will focus on the extraction and analysis of organic residues usually
associated with ceramic pot shards. A number of recent case studies such as
finds of birch bark tar, bitumen, pistacia resin, fish and milk residues
will be used to illustrate how the faintest traces of molecular residues can
inform us about past technological processes, trade and diet. |
|
Date: |
Monday February 5th
2007 |
|
Title: |
Paul Langdale,
Lead Biomedical Scientist, Leeds General Hospital |
|
Speaker: |
MRSA
- a view from the laboratory bench |
|
Description: |
The clinical
microbiology laboratory is an important tool in controlling the spread of
MRSA in hospitals. Paul will look at the involvement of the laboratory in
learning more about how this multiply-resistant microbe has evolved and how
modern techniques can help control hospital-acquired infections. |
|
Date: |
Monday March 5th
2007 |
|
Title: |
to be confirmed -
possibly a talk about hybrid cars, fuel cells, etc. |
|
Speaker: |
|
|
Description: |
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|
Date: |
Monday April 2nd 2007 |
|
Title: |
Aero Engine
Manufacturing |
|
Speaker: |
Mark Turner, Rolls-Royce |
|
Description: |
Mark Turner of
Rolls-Royce will talk on the advanced manufacturing techniques used in
making the most up to date aero engines. |
|
Date: |
Monday May 14th 2007 |
|
Title: |
Police Accident Investigation |
|
Speaker: |
James Boothby, Senior Accident Investigator, Lancashire Constabulary |
|
Description: |
A discussion on the use of
accident investigation techniques for the reconstruction of road traffic
accident. PS Boothby has been an accident investigator since 1991 and has
investigated more than 500 fatal incidents which have occurred in the
Lancashire police area. Lancashire Police operate a unit of nine officers
who attend all fatal and serious injury incidents in the area as well as
being used for external enquiries and giving expert evidence at all levels
of the judicial system. The talk will centre on the role of a police
investigator using real life scenarios and give the audience an opportunity
to test their skills in reconstruction. |
|
Date: |
Monday June 4th 2007 |
|
Title: |
Ian Redfearn - local dentist, dental practice
adviser and Pendle cafe sci regular! |
|
Speaker: |
Bridging the gap between science and practice in
dentistry |
|
Description: |
What has been the impact
of science on the practice of dentistry; past, present and future? What is
tooth decay? What is that nasty tasting stuff you put in my mouth? What are
implants? Why do we still use silver fillings? Surely there is something
better than the needle? All this and much more. Don't worry, no live
demonstrations (unless volunteers come forward!) |
|
Date: |
Monday 3rd September |
|
Title: |
John Milne - the man who
mapped the shaking(?) earth |
|
Speaker: |
Paul Kabrna
(Craven & Pendle Geological Society) and mathematics teacher at Sir John Thursby
Community College, Burnley |
|
Description: |
The life and work of the great Lancashire
Victorian pioneer John Milne (1850-1913) is not particularly well known in
Britain. He became known affectionately as 'Earthquake Milne' or the 'Father
of Modern Seismology'. This talk will highlight early scientific
expeditions, his epic overland journey to Tokyo, via Siberia, Mongolia and
China; his major accomplishments during the 20 years in Japan; and finally
his legacy to the Isle of Wight where he established the first ever
seismological network of stations across the world. |
|
Date: |
Monday 1st
October |
|
Title: |
Is
there no chance for the climate without tackling aviation? |
|
Speaker: |
Alice Bows, Tyndall Centre, University of Manchester
|
|
Description: |
Dr. Bows
will talk about the need to urgently address the growing contribution of the
aviation sector to the UK's CO2 emissions. She will outline some
of the barriers to slowing down the rate of growth in CO2
emissions from the airline industry. |
|
Date: |
Monday 5th
November |
|
Title: |
The Aurora Borealis: nature’s light show |
|
Speaker: |
Jim Wild,
Lancaster University |
|
Description: |
For as long as people have walked the Earth, the
aurora borealis or “northern lights” have captivated those who saw them.
These ghostly lights in the night sky are one of nature’s most beautiful
spectacles, but what causes them and what do they tell us about our planet’s
intimate link with the Sun? Since the beginning of the space age 50 years
ago, we have learned a great deal about living within the atmosphere of our
nearest star and gained new insights into nature’s greatest light show. |
|
Date: |
Monday December 3rd |
|
Title: |
Wildlife
conservation in the Yorkshire Dales |
|
Speaker: |
Tim Thom, Chief Wildlife Conservation Officer of the
Yorkshire Dales National Park |
|
Description: |
Tim will be telling us
about the wildlife conservation work carried out in the Yorkshire Dales
throughout the year. |
|
Date: |
Monday January 7th 2008 |
|
Title: |
Hydrogen fuel cell cars |
|
Speaker: |
Ian Morrison, Salford
University |
|
Description: |
This talk will have a
particular emphasis on the problems of how to store hydrogen safely and
efficiently. |
|
Date: |
Monday February 4th |
|
Title: |
Medical Imaging |
|
Speaker: |
David
Royal |
|
Description: |
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|
Date: |
Monday
March 3rd |
|
Title: |
And What Have You Brought Along With You
Tonight? |
|
Speaker: |
Paul Langdale,
Chief Biomedical Scientist, Leeds Infirmary |
|
Description: |
Most of the world's
population are infected by one or more parasites. Some of these organisms
are microscopic, some surprisingly large, some are seemingly harmless and
others may prove fatal. This presentation will look at a few of these
parasites, their curious life cycles, and how their presence is detected in
the pathology laboratory. |
|
Date: |
Monday April 7th |
|
Title: |
Origins of Life |
|
Speaker: |
Gerhard
Zieboll |
|
Description: |
|
|
Date: |
Monday May 12th |
|
Title: |
Galaxies and dark matter |
|
Speaker: |
Phil James,
Liverpool John Moores University |
|
Description: |
In present-day astronomy,
the main processes occurring in stars are known in remarkable detail, and on
the largest scales it is claimed that we are in an era of `precision
cosmology', with the principal numbers that describe the content and the
expansion of the Universe being known to within a few per cent. However,
the nature of galaxies, the systems of millions or billions of stars that
comprise the building-blocks of the large-scale Universe, remains mysterious
on many levels, in terms of their formation processes, what comprises the
dominant material inside them, and indeed why they exist at all. This talk
will focus on both the recent advances and the remaining uncertainties in
our understanding of galaxies. |
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