Science News | Edinburgh International Science Festival

London Strives for a Drug-Free Olympics

A new laboratory, hailed as the most high-tech in the history of the Olympic Games, has been unveiled in Essex. It will be used to combat the use of prohibited drugs by athletes in the upcoming Olympics in London. Professor David Cowen, the Games' chief drug scientist assures, "We are going to be fast, sensitive and efficient, and we are going to be right."

By Josephine Power on Fri 20 January 2012

2011: A Big Year for Science

In 2011 the world of science verged on a discovery, hailed as important as Einstein’s theory of relativity, Newton’s laws of gravity and indeed the moon landing! 2012 looks like a promising year but before we move forward let’s take a quick back look at the big science stories of the year gone by.

By Josephine Power on Mon 09 January 2012

Online Video Rewind 2011

Earlier this week YouTube announced its most watched videos of the year. As you might expect it’s largely made up of funny pets, amusing babies and bizarre musical performances, however there are also some science, nature, and technology related videos clocking up the clicks!

By Josephine Power on Thu 22 December 2011

Crochet + Geometry = A Winning Idea?

An Unusual Book Wins The Euler Book Prize 2012.

For years mathematicians have struggled to effectively reproduce hyperbolic shapes to simply explain and visually demonstrate the fundamentals of the subject matter. Many believed it was impossible to model such structures materially. In1997 however, a Latvian math professor, Diana Taimina, had a crafty idea. She took two very separate interests of hers and combined them in an unlikely collaboration.

By Josephine Power on Thu 15 December 2011

Extinct - but for how long??

Since the nineties scientists have been exploring the idea of cloning this iconic ice-age creature. They found that in theory it was plausible but the reality threw up some major difficulties. The core obstacle was that they could not find a specimen of mammoth DNA sufficiently preserved and intact to have a viable chance of producing a successful clone. Last August however, they did!

By Josephine Power on Wed 07 December 2011

Abu Dhabi Science Festival: A Triumphant Partnership

The anticipated audience was around 60,000, but in excess of 100,000 attended! On the 26 November, the inaugural Abu Dhabi Science Festival closed its doors after nine fun-filled days of science. The success of the festival was unprecedented and at Edinburgh International Science Festival we can say with pleasure and pride that its triumph, was in no small way, down to our contribution.

By Josephine Power on Mon 05 December 2011

Scientists Call - Lend us Your Ear!

It’s common knowledge that dolphins communicate with each other but did you know that killer whales and pilot whales also belong to the dolphin species and that they too converse! As part of an exciting study of the sounds these fascinating mammals make, scientists at St Andrews are seeking the public’s assistance to categorise them.

By Josephine Power on Wed 30 November 2011

The Story So Far...

We’re now over halfway through the Abu Dhabi Science Festival, which will run at ADNEC until Saturday evening. The programme has proven to be immensely popular so far, with many shows fully booked every night with families looking for a taste of this new event for the Emirates.

By Sian Bevan on Fri 25 November 2011

Update from Abu Dhabi Science Festival

Having opened its doors on Friday, Abu Dhabi Science Festival is now in full swing. Nine days of science-related events, hands-on workshops, demonstrations and interactive exhibitions are underway. It is the first large-scale community engagement event in Abu Dhabi and the response so far has been overwhelmingly positive.

By Josephine Power on Tue 22 November 2011

Waiting for the Ribbon’s Cut

Abu Dhabi Science Festival, the first of its kind in the area, is on the brink of opening its (beautifully polished) doors to the public. Based at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, this festival aims to showcase innovative approaches to science communication through interactive shows and workshops. And, we’re proud to say, Edinburgh International Science Festival has a sizable part to play.

By Sian Bevan on Fri 18 November 2011

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