The gum ‘chicle’ from the South American chicozapote tree is the traditional base for chewing gum. In Mexico sustainable production of the gum is helping to protect rainforest and supports local communities.
Prof Sir Ian Wilmut, Prof Siddharthan Chandran and Dr Tilo Kunath
Can the latest major breakthroughs in stem cell science be used to treat diseases like Parkinson’s Disease? Can we develop safe treatments now? What does the science say?
Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys
Techniques for DNA-based identification emerged completely by accident from our research in the 1980s on gene evolution. Professor Jeffreys will discuss the story of DNA fingerprinting.
Gillian Tett, Donald MacKenzie and Terri Duhon
Does science have a role in financial innovation, or is finance based on smoke and mirrors and the best we can do is appeal to magicians and their crystal balls.
Prof. Roland Paxton
From the background of a poor Banffshire farm-boy born 300 year ago, James Ferguson mastered mechanics and astronomy, with little or no knowledge of mathematics, to publish in 1756.
Prof John Houghton
What is the role of science in humanity’s response to the ecological crisis? John Houghton discusses one of the major issues facing us today and what role faith has to play in it.
From anteaters to zebras… Come along and see our exotic animal X-ray records and ask our Zoo vets any questions about animals’ insides!
Marcus du Sautoy
From prime numbers to the lottery, from lemmings to bending balls like Beckham, Mathematician and TV presenter, Marcus du Sautoy, provides an entertaining and, perhaps, unexpected approach to how mathematics can be used to predict the future.
Meet the RBGE botanists working on plant conservation in Nepal – hear about their amazing expeditions and learn more about this key area of biodiversity.
Professor James Ironside
Should we donate our brains for research after we die? And if so, what kind of research is permissible? Join us for an in-depth discussion of these and other questions about brain donation.