Have I Got Snooze for You - Interview

From the struggle to get up on a Monday morning to coping with jet-lag, the body has to carefully balance our need to be alert or to be at rest. Peter Oliver has worked in genetics research for 15 years and is interested in the way the genes and the environment influence sleep, particularly in human disease.

Have I Got Snooze for You

From the struggle to get up on a Monday morning to coping with jet-lag, the body has to carefully balance our need to be alert or to be at rest. Peter Oliver has worked in genetics research for 15 years and is interested in the way the genes and the environment influence sleep, particularly in human disease.

The Dark Universe

What is the universe made of? Atoms only make up a small proportion of what we think is out there, so cosmologists are trying to explain what the ‘missing’ 95% might be, and find ways to investigate its behaviour. Dr Jo Dunkley brings us up to speed on the latest research.

The Dark Universe - Interview

What is the universe made of? Atoms only make up a small proportion of what we think is out there, so cosmologists are trying to explain what the ‘missing’ 95% might be, and find ways to investigate its behaviour. Dr Jo Dunkley brings us up to speed on the latest research.An interview with Dy Jo Dunkley, astrophysics lecturer at Oxford University after a talk on The Dark Universe, at Science Oxford.

The Origin of Life

Life has existed on Earth for more than 3 billion years. Whilst we understand huge amounts about the life on our planet, the question of how life began in the first place is still unanswered. Professor Nigel Mason explores some of the possible explanations for one of the greatest mysteries in science.

Me and My Microbes

The human body is teeming with life. There are ten times more bacteria in our body than human cells – and despite having a bad press, our body’s bugs actually help to keep us ticking over. Professor Mike Wilson introduces us to our ‘friendly bacteria’, and explains why it’s so important to understand the life in our insides.

Exploring the Universe

To mark the 50th anniversary of the first manned spaceflight, Science Oxford Live invited Dr Marek Kukula from the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, to explore what astronomers have learnt since then. Be prepared for exploding stars, a moon where liquid methane rains from orange clouds, and a monstrous black hole at the centre of our Galaxy!

The Age of the Laser

Half a century since they were invented, lasers are now used in millions of appliances worldwide. But scientists also use them to solve the biggest problems in modern science. Dr Kate Lancaster has already amazed viewers on BBC4 with the Beauty of Diagrams, and she will describe the incredible things that lasers can do.

Proud Horses and Jealous Dogs

Do animals have emotions? The vast majority of pet owners are very confident that they do, and yet scientists can often be sceptical. Dr Paul Morris, psychologist at the University of Portsmouth, is coming along to discuss his research into animal emotions and the science behind this complicated issue.

This event took place at Science Oxford Live on 17th February 2011.

Wildlife Crime – The Threat to our Environment

Thames Valley Police Wildlife Crime Officer, PC Simon Towers, is joining us to discuss the problem of wildlife crime. With the help of some real exhibits and case studies, Simon will explore the impact that wildlife crime has on our environment, and how we combat it both practically and with forensic science.

This event took place at Science Oxford Live on the 10th February 2011

PechaKucha Night

Devised in Tokyo in February 2003, PechaKucha Night is an event for young designers to meet, network, and show their work in public. 20 images x 20 seconds is a format that makes presentations concise, and keeps things moving at a rapid pace.

In Oxford’s first PK night come and see some of the rising stars in the local creative industries in a fascinating fast paced evening! Devised and shared by Klein Dytham architecture.
More Information:

Featured Speakers:
Georgina Ferry – Dorothy Hodgkin
Anthony Hardwicke – Researchers in Residence – www.researchersinresidence.ac.uk
Sami Mughal – Talking about Science
Clinton Montague – Roller Coasters – http://coasternerd.com/
Ian Griffin – Scale and Time – http://www.ian-griffin.com/
James King – Synthetic Biology

YouTube:
The individual presentations are available on the Science Oxford YouTube Channel.

This event took place on the 3rd of February 2011 at Science Oxford Live.

Biodiversity – So What?

It has become increasingly clear that different species of plants and animals need to have a wide variety of genes to maintain a healthy environment. Taking examples from nature ranging from cheetahs to Charles II, Dr Samantha Decombel, plant geneticist and Director of PlayDNA Ltd., will consider the implications of loss of genetic diversity and why it really does matter.

This event took place on the 27th January 2011 at Science Oxford Live.

More details on events can be found at www.scienceoxfordlive.com

The Big Personality Test

The 5 personality traits that impact on our lives

What is personality? How much of an impact does it have on our lives? Dr Jason Rentfrow will present results from the BBC Big Personality Test, which is based on the ‘Big Five’ personality traits, and reveals associations between personality and important life domains.

Further Information
Dr Jason Rentfrow is a Lecturer in Social and Developmental Psychology at the University of Cambridge with research interests in psychological characteristics and person-environment interactions. Jason has been working in collaboration with the BBC as part of its ‘Lab UK’ series of online experiments.
http://www.sdp.cam.ac.uk/contacts/staff/profiles/jrentfrow.html
https://www.bbc.co.uk/labuk/experiments/personality/

This event took place on the 11th November 2010 at Science Oxford Live.

More details on events can be found at www.scienceoxfordlive.com

Science Oxford Live's Greatest Hits: Sex

Explore the Truth about Sex

In 2009 Dr Petra Boynton told us what she has learnt in a career as a Sex researcher, educator and agony aunt. Is it possible for science to study the intensely private world of human sexual behaviour? Is it even desirable? Together we will explore some of the controversies surrounding this sensitive area of science.

Further Information
http://www.drpetra.co.uk/blog/about-me/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/oct/05/sex-us-american-attitudes-survey

This event took place on the 7th October 2010 at Science Oxford Live.

More details on events can be found at www.scienceoxfordlive.com

Science Oxford Live's Greatest Hits: The Brain

Discover the secrets of the brain

Science Oxford Live welcomes back Professor Colin Blakemore. Don’t miss this chance to hear one of the world’s leading neuroscientists give an insight into what we know – and what we don’t know – about one of the biggest mysteries in modern science.

Further Information
http://www.dpag.ox.ac.uk/academic_staff/colin_blakemore/


This event took place on the 30th September 2010 at Science Oxford Live.

More details on events can be found at www.scienceoxfordlive.com

The Me in Memory

Our memories are crucial to who we are, but the way that they are created and stored remains a total mystery to most of us. Dr Carinne Piekema will explore what we know about memory, how we think it works, and what happens to our personalities when it starts to go wrong.

This event took place on the 29th July 2010 at Science Oxford Live.

More details on events can be found at www.scienceoxfordlive.com

Working at the Edge

Dr Domenico di Ceglie is one of the world’s leading specialists in dealing with young people whose gender identities have developed in unusual ways. He describes his work, and explains how we can help people who don’t fit easily into society’s usual “Female” and “Male” categories.

This event took place on the 15th July 2010 at Science Oxford Live.

More details on events can be found at www.scienceoxfordlive.com

An evening with environmentalist and writer Jonathon Porritt

Helping us to explore the latest environmental issues will be Jonathon Porritt, the noted environmentalist, who will provoke what we are sure will be a lively and stimulating discussion.

This event took place on the 8th June 2010 at Science Oxford Live.

More details on events can be found at www.scienceoxfordlive.com

The Art of Noise

What is sound? How can we make sounds louder and quieter, and how do musical instruments work? Join science guru Bryson Gore as he explains how humans might be the best musical instrument of them all!

Bryson will explore the mysteries of music as he asks how sounds are made, how they travel, and why some things sound different to others. Prepare to be amazed!

For more information about Bryson visit www.omniscience.info

This event took place on the 3rd June 2010 at Science Oxford Live.

More details on events can be found at www.scienceoxfordlive.com

The Art of Noise was presented by Dr Bryson Gore from OmniScience. For more information about Bryson and OmniScience, please see www.omniscience.info

The Fire Show

Science Oxford Live will answer all your burning questions about fire. Find out what burns and why, and be amazed as we produce a swirling pillar of flame right here in the building. Not to be missed!

This event took place on the 2nd June 2010 at Science Oxford Live.

More details on events can be found at www.scienceoxfordlive.com

The Fire Show was presented by Richard Ellam. For more information about Richard and his shows, please see www.lminteractive.co.uk

Earth's Changing Climate

Using the Geological Past to Predict the Future

Science Oxford is delighted to welcome Prof Gideon Henderson from Oxford University. He will explain how we can use what we know about the Earth’s climate over the last million years to help us predict temperatures, rainfall, and sea-level in the future.

This event took place on the 24th May 2010 at Science Oxford Live.

More details on events can be found at www.scienceoxfordlive.com

Fun, Frolics and Serious Science in the Indonesian Rainforest

Join us as we look into the darkest depths of the rainforest to explore the fascinating lives of two jungle apes – the orangutan and the gibbon. Ape researchers, Dr Susan Cheyne and Klara Wanelik, will be filling us in on these mysterious creatures, as well as discussing what it’s really like to work in the jungle.

Further Information

Dr Susan Cheyne and Klara Wanelik are involved with the Orangutan Tropical Peatland Research Project.

The Orangutan Tropical Peatland Research Project works to protect one of the most important areas of tropical rainforest in Borneo – the Sabangau Forest in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. We monitor the distribution, population status, behaviour and ecology of the forest’s flagship ape species – the orangutan and agile gibbon – carry out biodiversity and forestry research, provide scientific feedback to conservation managers, and work with our local partners to implement successful conservation programmes. Our research and volunteer program has been running since 2001 and is a focus for local conservation efforts, providing much-needed employment and financial benefits for the local community and replacing illegal logging as the main activity and source of income in the northern Sabangau Forest.
www.orangutantrop.com

This event took place on the 15th April 2010 at Science Oxford Live.

More details on events can be found at www.scienceoxfordlive.com

Starstuff and Supergiants

Local author Keith Mansfield will be at Science Oxford Live to talk about “Johnny Mackintosh: Star Blaze”, the sequel to “Johnny Mackintosh and the Spirit of London”. He will explore how he brings together science and fiction, weaving the science of time travel, cloning, supernovas and alien life into his stories for anyone between the ages of 10 and 100!

This event took place on the 16th March 2010 at Science Oxford Live.

More details on events can be found at www.scienceoxfordlive.com

Oxfordshire Science Festival
This event is part of the Oxfordshire Science Festival 2010. For more information visit the website.

Caudwell Xtreme Everest: Science on the Edge

In May 2007, a group of scientists went to the summit of Mount Everest to study the effects of high altitude on the human body, with the ultimate aim of increasing our understanding of critically ill patients. The expedition’s Medical Officer, Dr Denny Levett, will be joining us to discuss the project, their findings, and the challenges encountered at 29,000 feet.

This event took place on the 11th March 2010 at Science Oxford Live.

More details on events can be found at www.scienceoxfordlive.com

Oxfordshire Science Festival

This event is part of the Oxfordshire Science Festival 2010. For more information visit the website.

The Bloodhound Engineering Adventure

Bloodhound is one of the most exciting British Engineering projects in decades. Aiming to design and build a car capable of travelling at 1000mph, the science involved is truly breathtaking. Come along to discover how the car works and the main engineering challenges to be overcome.

This event took place on the 10th March 2010 at Science Oxford Live.

More details on events can be found at www.scienceoxfordlive.com

Oxfordshire Science Festival

This event is part of the Oxfordshire Science Festival 2010. For more information visit the website.

The Human Barcode

An exploration of evolution and our genetic makeup

How much do we now know about the human genome? What can genes tell us about how we, and other species, evolved? How much of our DNA actually does something, and how much is just non-functional ‘junk’? Join Professor Chris Ponting as he discusses how evolution has shaped our genes, and what we know about our own genetic makeup.

Further Information
Professor Chris Ponting was trained in particle physics before being entranced by the analysis of DNA, genes and genomes. He was a major participant in the international project that sequenced the human genome, and then performed similar roles in projects that sequenced the genomes of the lab mouse, rat, dog, opossum, chicken, and platypus genomes. Once in a while, he has unearthed a nugget of information that tells us something new about human disease. This, in itself, will not immediately help those suffering from health problems. Instead, once this information is published, it provides someone else with a missing piece in their own research puzzle which – when complete – leads to improved diagnoses, drugs or therapy. His most recent research focuses on several human diseases, including learning disability, asthma, obesity, Alzheimer’s and muscular dystrophy.

This event took place on the 11th February 2010 at Science Oxford Live.

More details on events can be found at www.scienceoxfordlive.com

Autopsy: The Ultimate Surgical Operation

Ever wondered about the last surgery people may have?

Autopsies remain the best way of finding out why someone died, but it’s not always the way it’s shown on TV. In this interactive event, you’ll have a chance to watch a virtual autopsy and talk to the people who perform the procedure. Come and find out how autopsies help doctors understand more about disease and provide information that benefits future generations.
Supported by The Royal College of Pathologists

This event took place on the 21st January 2010 at Science Oxford Live.

More details on events can be found at www.scienceoxfordlive.com

Rhythms of Life

All you need to know about your biological clock

Professor Russell Foster explains how our internal body clock controls all aspects of our physiology and behaviour – from our sleep patterns, to our blood pressure, and even our physical strength. But what happens if we ignore our natural rhythms, and what are the effects of our increasingly 24/7 society? Come along to find out all you need to know about your biological clock.

This event took place on the 14th January 2010 at Science Oxford Live.

More details on events can be found at www.scienceoxfordlive.com

Witness to Extinction

How we failed to save the Yangtze River Dolphin

The tragic recognition of the extinction of Yangtze River Dolphin in 2007 made headline news around the world. Join Dr Samuel Turvey as he tells the story of the plight of these unique and beautiful creatures from his perspective as a conservation biologist deeply involved in the struggle to save them.

This event took place on the 10th December 2009 at Science Oxford Live.

More details on events can be found at www.scienceoxfordlive.com

What on Earth Evolved?

The complete story of life on Earth as seen through the lens of 100 species that changed the world

From slime moulds, to chickens, to bananas – which are the most successful species to have evolved in the wild, and what has thrived as a result of man’s interference? Join author Christopher Lloyd, as he tells the story of life on Earth as seen through the lens of 100 species that changed the world.

Christopher Lloyd is author of the ‘What on Earth?’ series. ‘What on Earth Evolved? 100 Species that Changed the World’ is the second in a series of three ‘What on Earth?’ books. The first was called ‘What on Earth Happened? The Complete Story of the Planet, Life and People from the Big Bang to the Present Day’.

This event took place on the 3rd December 2009 at Science Oxford Live.

More details on events can be found at www.scienceoxfordlive.com

The Snow Leopard

Everything you want to know about snow leopard

The snow leopard features prominently in the 2008 Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition, on display at Science Oxford Live this winter. We are delighted to welcome Dr Philip Riordan, who will discuss his snow leopard research, and shed some light on these magnificent and elusive animals.

This event took place on the 26th November 2009 at Science Oxford Live.

More details on events can be found at www.scienceoxfordlive.com

Curing Cancer?

Find out about the local people solving a global problem

Across Oxfordshire people are working on better treatments for Cancer. Joining us on the Science Oxford Live Sofa will be Martin Christlieb from the Gray Institute for Radiation Oncology and Biology, to examine the work that's being done, and whether a cure for cancer is a realistic possibility.

This event took place on the 29th October 2009 at Science Oxford Live.

More details on events can be found at www.scienceoxfordlive.com

Halloween Show

Come on a journey with Lizzy as she overcomes her fear of the dark. Are you scared of the dark? Lizzy’s fear of the dark means she doesn’t like winter much. She is afraid of what she hears, what she smells, and what she feels sweeping around her legs. In this show Lizzy confronts her fears by learning all about the senses and fear.

This event took place on the 28th October 2009 at Science Oxford Live.

More details on events can be found at www.scienceoxfordlive.com

The Worst Ideas In Science

When science goes wrong!

Scientific history is littered with ideas that were rejected at first, only to be accepted many years later. Meanwhile, other mainstream theories later turned out to have been so much gobbledygook.
From N-rays to atoms, Michael Conterio will examine what happens when scientists get it wrong!

This event took place on the 22nd October 2009 at Science Oxford Live.

More details on events can be found at www.scienceoxfordlive.com

Seeing Science with Neutrons

Discover how one amazing machine helps us understand everything from spider silk to jet planes. It's been called a 21st century wonderland and it’s one of the most extraordinary machines ever built. Last year, the ISIS Neutron Source near Didcot doubled in size, allowing even more amazing science to be done there.

Join ISIS scientists on a journey through some of the incredible discoveries from the last few years, and explore what they might find next...

This event took place on the 8th October 2009 at Science Oxford Live.

More details on events can be found at www.scienceoxfordlive.com

The Deep Sea Oasis

In recent years scientists have been amazed by “islands” of life on the ocean floor, where deep-sea species thrive around volcanic vents. Dr Jon Copley will examine why they are important, and the unexpected spin-offs from exploring the half of our planet covered by water more than two miles deep.

Jon Copley is a marine ecologist, trying to understand the patterns of life in island-like habitats beneath the waves. He works at the University of Southampton, in the National Oceanography Centre. Much of his research is focused on exploring newly-discovered “islands” of life on the ocean floor, where colonies of deep-sea species thrive around chemical sources of energy such as volcanic vents.

This event took place on the 1st October 2009 at Science Oxford Live.

More details on events can be found at www.scienceoxfordlive.com

Life in the Universe

The search for life in the Universe is one of the greatest quests in astronomy. Professor Barrie Jones outlines how we search for extraterrestrial life, discusses the best places to look for evidence of life both within, and outside of, our Solar System, and explores scientific speculations about what technologically intelligent aliens might look like.

This event took place on the 3rd September 2009 at Science Oxford Live.

More details on events can be found at www.scienceoxfordlive.com

Science As A Path To World Domination

Do you worry how you're going to help defeat superman? Do you fear being captured by the X-men? Then come to this session where Dr. Fear T. Shadow will guide you through the science behind the superheroes.

This event took place on the 10th July 2009 at Science Oxford Live.

More details on events can be found at www.scienceoxfordlive.com

A Guide To The Galaxies

Join Dr Carolin Crawford on an illustrated journey through the beguiling and beautiful universe of galaxies. Learn about the stars, gas and dust that make up our own Milky Way, and the supermassive black hole lurking at its core.

Event took place 28th July 2009 at Science Oxford Live. More details at www.scienceoxfordlive.com

How Hormones Shape Your Life

Professor Stephen Franks of the Society for Endocrinology discusses the latest research on how sex hormones shape our development and our lives.

Event took place 13th May 2009 at Science Oxford Live. More details at www.scienceoxfordlive.com

Genetics Gets Personal

Tom Finnegan, from the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, will explore some of the issues surrounding personal genome sequencing.

Event took place 23rd April 2009 at Science Oxford Live. More details at www.scienceoxfordlive.com

Why The One You Fancy Never Fancies You

Richard Robinson, author of the popular science book "Why the One You Fancy Never Fancies You", explains the tricks our desperate minds pull when trying to cope with love. Richard discusses the science of love, and explains the processes involved in our passions to help us understand the emotional roller-coaster of love!

Event took place 14th May 2009 at Science Oxford Live. More details at www.scienceoxfordlive.com