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2006
Engineered from nature
Feb 6th
Peter Forbes, editor of Poetry Review
Biomimetics is the application of ideas from nature to engineering and is a relatively new science. Although it looks promising, because evolution by natural selection is extremely effective, at present it is still in its early stages, and critics would claim that the only successes have been the Anglepoise lamp and Velcro. However Peter Forbes, who has written a book on the topic, surveys the whole field and comes up with other successes and promising avenues of research as well as conveying something of the excitement of a new area of science.
Deja vue
Mar 6th
Chris Moulin
Many of us will have experienced Déjà vu – the uncanny feeling of already having seen something that is happening for the first time. What is going on? Is it evidence of a previous existence, a paranormal connection, crossed wires in the brain or a breakdown of memory? And what is the role of memory in Déjà Vu, since there is often no evidence of a previous similar experience?
Visions of the deep
May 8th
Prof Ron Douglas
Prof. Douglas, from the City University, researches the creatures of the deep, often in remote parts of the world. In particular he looks at the bioluminescence produced by 80% of the animals living there. This is their means of communication, ‘searchlights’ for prey capture, means of confusing predators and camouflage.
Lost for words
May 22nd
Dan Everett
The Piraha people of the Amazon basin are unusual because their language has a very small vocabulary and they appear to have no myths, number or colours. They have no words for abstract concepts so that speakers cannot talk about things beyond their direct experience. As such they are a puzzle for both anthropologists and linguists. How does their language affect their thinking? How do they explain the world they live in?
The evolution of cooperation
July 10th
Prof. Andrew Colman, Leicester University
Robert May, ex-President of the Royal Society, began his presidential address in 2005 by saying ‘ The most important unanswered question in evolutionary biology and more generally in the social sciences, is how co-operative behaviour evolved and can be maintained in human and other animal groups and societies’. The problem of the balance between self interest and co-operative behaviour stretches from the evolution of alarm calls in birds and animals, through public health crises like MMR, to the overfishing of herring in the North Sea. Why should selfish genes cooperate with unrelated genes?
What is a Gene?
Sep 25th
Dr. Yan Wong, Leeds University
The received wisdom is that genes are like beads on a string, and that the beads determine specific characteristics of a plant or animal. That view is now hotly contested and is seen as grossly old-fashioned by many geneticists. Research around the Human Genome Project has shown that genes can move within the DNA molecule, be split, turned on and off by molecular switches and regulated by RNA. Some researchers are suggesting that the word ‘gene’ is redundant. We seem to be entering a ‘post-genomic’ age where the gene will no longer be so dominant in our understanding of biological inheritance. Where does this leave subjects like genetic engineering and medical genetics?
Chemical and Biological Warfare – Do Scientists Need a Code of Conduct?
Oct 30th
Prof. Alastair Hay
Since 9/11 the threat to the public from Chemical and Biological Warfare has been high on the news agenda. However in science the agenda has been different. What should scientists be allowed to research? What should they be allowed to publish? How should research be conducted, and to what purpose? Establishing a Code of Conduct in this area has become a major international concern, and whether the code should be voluntary or mandatory is a key question. Indeed, should emerging areas of chemical and biological research be licensed – and if so, by whom?
Freud's Wizard
Nov 13th
Brenda Maddox
No scientist becomes famous until their ideas are popularised, and this was certainly true of Freud. Jones was not only Freud’s biographer, but his friend, supporter, publicist and the person who persuaded the British government to accept Freud as a refugee from the Nazis in 1938. He also dissuaded Freud from talking publicly about his belief in telepathy and his respect for Lamarkism.
The Forensic use of Bioinformation
Dec 11th
Dr. Carole McCartney
Using bioinformation for forensic purposes, such as DNA sampling and fingerprinting, is now considered a routine part of the crime-solving process. The UK’s National DNA Database is the largest forensic DNA database in the world. Forensic use of bioinformation has the potential to raise a number of ethical, social and legal issues. The Nuffield council on Bioethics is holding a consultation on this subject and Carole McCartney, who lectures on law at Leeds University, is the project manager
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