Sydney Science Forum Archive
| 2009 Sydney Science Forum | ||
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Science is Golden | Australia's favourite science 'guy,' Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, kicks off the 2009 Sydney Science Forum with his latest swag of super science stories. If you like your science dished up with a big serving of humour, then don't miss this opportunity to see Dr Karl live at the University of Sydney. Presented by Dr Karl Kruszelnicki |
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Out of Sight: The Science of Invisibility |
Invisibility has always been the stuff of science fiction - until now. Thanks to physics, researchers are a step closer to perfecting a real invisibility cloak, capable of hiding people and objects from plain view. But what secret ingredients do scientists need in order to make this fantasy a reality? Disappear into the exciting world of optical science and metamaterials with internationally renowned physicist, Professor Sir John Pendry of Imperial College, London. This online video is courtesy of SlowTV. Presented by Professor Sir John Pendry |
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Music and the Cosmos | This special event, celebrating the 2009 International Year of Astronomy, featured Radio National's Robyn Williams as MC, a Sydney Conservatorium of Music Brass Ensemble performing select movements from Holst's 'The Planets', and Sydney astronomers Professor Bryan Gaensler, Professor Tim Bedding and Professor Geraint Lewis. This audio recording is courtesy of ABC Radio National's Science Show. Presented by Sydney astronomers and the SCM brass ensemble |
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Saving your skin: the science of reconstructive burns surgery |
This fascinating lecture explored the the amazing technologies being pioneered to assist in the body's ability to heal itself and generate new skin and tissue. Leading burns specialist and reconstructive surgeon Professor Peter Maitz discussed the challenges in burns treatment, and Professor Tony Weiss examined the science behind the amazing self-assembling elastic tissues being engineered by his team in the quest to improve the quality of life for burns victims. Presented by Professor Peter Maitz & Professor Tony Weiss |
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Perception, Illusion and Reality: what do illusions tell us about mind and nature? |
What can illusions tell us about the way we perceive reality? About the way our brain processes black and white? In this highly visual presentation, Professor Bart Anderson presented a variety of striking visual illusions that revealed some of the processes responsible for transforming our sensory input into visual experience. Presented by Professor Bart Anderson |
| 2008 Sydney Science Forum | ||
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Solutions for the Future: Sustainability through Clever Chemistry | How can we produce the goods and supply the energy to power our modern lifestyle, in an environmentally sustainable way? Professor Thomas Maschmeyer from the University of Sydney's School of Chemistry explores the latest chemical technologies and how they are driving the revolution in the way we generate power. Presented by Professor Thomas Maschmeyer |
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Dark Horizons: The Future of Deep Sea Exploration |
It is remarkable that in the beginning of the 21st century only 5% of the deep sea has been explored. Marine scientists Professor Maria Byrne and Dr Adele Pile have been exploring the waters off Northern Australia and discovering fascinating creatures in the ocean depths. Hear all about their discoveries and how they are using their research to predict how we can expect the oceans to change with impending climate change. Presented by Professor Maria Byrne & Dr Adele Pile |
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Please Explain |
Dr Karl is at it again! Come along on another thoroughly entertaining exploration of the world around us. Do diamonds really last forever? Is a yawn a silent scream for air? Do you have to be dying to have a near-death experience? Dr Karl answers all these questions and more. Presented by Dr Karl Kruszelnicki |
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Zebra Societies & Conservation: Different Types for Different Stripes |
Come along on a fascinating journey across the African landscape, as visiting professor Dan Rubenstein of Princeton University shares with us his research on zebra societies and their conservation. In this talk he examines the ability of different zebra societies to withstand human-induced environmental change, and shows how working with people to reduce their impact on the landscape can foster environmentally friendly economic development. Presented by Professor Dan Rubenstein |
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Magnets in the Sky: A New Window on the Universe | One of the more remarkable discoveries made by 20th century astronomers was that stars, planets and galaxies are all magnetic. These cosmic magnetic fields play a vital role in controlling how stars and galaxies form, age and evolve. Award-winning astronomer and former Young Australian of the Year, Professor Bryan Gaensler, will explore the role magnets play in the Universe's evolution, and how they have maintained their strength over billions of years of cosmic time. Presented by Professor Bryan Gaensler |
| 2007 Sydney Science Forum | ||
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Obesity: A Weighty Problem | Obesity is increasing at an alarming rate among Australians, with around seven million now overweight or obese. Sadly, the issue remains one of Australia's most neglected. A University of Sydney research team is tackling the issue head on. Hear about their groundbreaking research into which diets work, and why, and how studies into the eating habits of insects might help humans stay on top of their own consumption patterns. Presented by Professor Jennie Brand-Miller, Professor Ian Caterson & Professor Steve Simpson |
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Genetically Modified Organisms: Is GM the Future? | Although Australians are generally optimistic about science and technology, most are still confused about the idea and technologies behind genetically modified organisms (GMO). Some say No to genetic engineering, while others believe GMOs are the answer to eliminating problems such as world hunger. So what are GMOs? Should we be worried about them? What are the benefits and risks? Presented by Professor Chris Leaver |
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It Ain't Necessarily So... Bro |
Is the Daddy Long Legs really the most venomous spider in the world? Do ostriches really bury their heads in the sand? Will a frog willingly sit in a pot of gently warming water until it has boiled to death? Dr Karl has all the answers! Be dazzled by the king of popular science, as Dr Karl separates fact from fiction, and dishes the dirt on how cool science can be! Presented by Dr Karl Kruszelnicki |
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The Psychology behind Ostracism: From the Real World to the Lab | Ostracism typically has damaging psychological, behavioural, and physiological consequences, but this phenomenon has only recently been the focus of empirical investigation. Join psychology expert Dr Lisa Zadro, as she takes us on a fascinating journey from ostracism in the real world to ostracism induced in the lab, and reveals new research that has identified several strategies that may ameliorate the aversive effects of being excluded and ignored. Presented by Dr Lia Zadro |