Cannabis to Carbon Footprints -The University of Reading Public Lecture Series 2008-2009 – University of Reading
01 October 2008Cannabis, biomimetics and your carbon footprint are just three of the fascinating topics to be showcased in the forthcoming University of Reading 2008-2009 Public Lecture Series.
The absorbing and popular series – which sees University of Reading experts share their knowledge with the public in a series of free evening lectures – will cover diverse and varied topics in an accessible and interesting way.
On 14 October Dr Ben Whalley, from the School of Chemistry, Food Biosciences & Pharmacy, begins the series by examining Cannabis - drug of abuse or medicinal use? Information advocating cannabis medicinal use or highlighting its abuse can be confusing: is the drug useful or is it dangerous?
Dr Whalley said: "At the University of Reading we are investigating the therapeutic potential of individual cannabinoids as anti-epileptic medicines. This lecture will discuss some of the science behind the mixed messages about the effects of cannabis."
Professor John Harris, from the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences discusses the Ageing Brain on 4 November. As we get older, the obvious external changes to our bodies are accompanied by more subtle changes to our brains. We become slower at reacting to things, and it becomes more difficult to do two things at once.
Professor Harris said: "We know that people with Parkinson's disease may have problems with concentration which can cause problems with their walking. Can anything be done about this? Can research suggest ways to reduce the negative effects of ageing on our brains?"
On 25 November Dr Richard Bonser from the School of Construction Management and Engineering continues this enthralling series by explaining Biomimetics: using nature's secrets in design. Biomimetics is a young branch of science that seeks to develop new technologies by mimicking materials and mechanisms found in plants and animals.
Dr Bonser said: "Biomimetics is impacting on a wide range of industries, including textiles, construction and aerospace. The University of Reading has been at the forefront of biomimetics since 1992. In this lecture, the advantages of the approach will be discussed and an overview given of exciting new commercialised technologies derived from natural systems."
The beginning of the new year will see Professor Jon Gibbins from the School of Biological Sciences discuss Cardiovascular and metabolic disease – a 21st century problem, on 13 January.
Professor Gibbons said: "Cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes are being responsible for around one third of deaths each year in this country. With such high incidence, exacerbated by an ageing population, this lecture will ask how can medical science help?"
In the penultimate lecture of the series on 3 February, Professor Colin S Gray from the School of Politics and International Relations ask will it be Another Bloody Century?
Will tomorrow be very much like today, only more so? Or, are there likely to be historical breakpoints that signal radical change?
Professor Gray said: "It is not possible to accurately predict the future although all our policies, public and personal, and the investments they require, have to rest on our best guesses. How much of the 19th century was plainly visible from 1809? How much of the 20th from 1909? Why are we likely to have superior foresight to our predecessors?"
The series ends on 24 February with Cleaning up your carbon footprint given by Dr David Shipworth from the School of Construction Management & Engineering.
Carbon footprints, carbon offsetting, zero carbon homes - our language and lives are rapidly becoming carbonated.
Dr Shipworth said: "There is now a broad degree of scientific consensus that we need to cut our carbon emissions by around 80% by 2050 if we are to avoid significant economic, social and environmental harm .This lecture has some fun looking at how our carbon emissions are calculated and why 'carbon calculators' produce such different results."
"As one of the major providers of education in the Thames Valley, we are very keen to hold these kinds of public lectures," said Carol Derham, organiser of the Public Lecture Series. "The lectures are given by researchers eminent in their field and in a manner that is easily understood by all. They offer a unique opportunity to learn about the cutting-edge research, teaching and people that make the University a world-class institute.
"The lectures are always incredibly popular with all sorts of different people, and always lead to some lively debate afterwards."
All of the University Public Lectures start at 8pm and will be held in the Palmer Building on the University's Whiteknights campus. Lectures are free to attend and no ticket is required.
For further information, please contact Carol Derham in the University's Communications Office on 0118 378 8004 or email c.a.derham@reading.ac.uk
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