Didsbury SciBar – Science in a Bar

Didsbury SciBar - Science In A Bar

Didsbury SciBar is a bunch of people with a passing interest in science meeting since 2008 on the 3rd Monday of the month at The Albert Club, Old Lansdowne Road, West Didsbury. The speaker varies each month. Entry is FREE and new members are always welcome. The SciBar is run by volunteers who have the clout to get top researchers to come and give an informal chat on what they do. It's not a lecture, its a short talk between the speaker and the audience, then an interactive discussion usually follows until the questions are exhausted. Come along and banish those Monday blues, have a chat and a drink and, weather permitting, a bowl on the green.

19th April – The behaviour, biology, ecology, and conservation of Pelagic thresher sharks in the Philippines – Dr. Simon Oliver

This is a continuation of Simon’s original talk in November 2020. Pelagic sharks are poorly understood because of limitations inherent in studying them in situ. Knowledge that pelagic thresher sharks (Alopias pelagicus) regularly visit specific locations in the Philippines presented an unique opportunity to study new aspects of their behaviour and biology, and promote their Read more about 19th April – The behaviour, biology, ecology, and conservation of Pelagic thresher sharks in the Philippines – Dr. Simon Oliver[…]

15th March – Splice up your life! RNA Splicing in Health and Disease – Prof Raymond O’Keefe

RNA splicing is an essential process in all human cells. RNA splicing takes bits of information from our genes and combines them together to make many different proteins required for correct organismal development and function. The RNA splicing process can be likened to a film editor splicing together the frames of a film; the frames Read more about 15th March – Splice up your life! RNA Splicing in Health and Disease – Prof Raymond O’Keefe[…]

15th February – Synaesthesia And The Psychology Of The Senses – Dr Clare Jonas

Did you know that some people see music as they listen to it, taste the words they speak, or feel it on their own body when someone else is touched? These people are synaesthetes, and I’m one of them! I’ve spent ten years researching not only synaesthesia, but how all of us link together the Read more about 15th February – Synaesthesia And The Psychology Of The Senses – Dr Clare Jonas[…]

18th January – Psychedelic Medicine: past, present and future – Prof Jo Neill

RESCHEDULED DATE – 18th JAN 2021 Prof Jo Neill will discuss psychedelic medicine. She will focus on psilocybin (the active component of magic mushrooms). Together we will explore the history of its use, the drug laws that impede research at all levels, how and why this research was stopped, and recent re-emergence of this work. Read more about 18th January – Psychedelic Medicine: past, present and future – Prof Jo Neill[…]

21st December – Personalised Medicine: putting the bling in medications – Dr Doug Steinke

It is not a fashion show, but how medicines are being tailored to certain people depending on genetics and other characteristics making mediations safer and patient centered. Dr Doug Steinke, Senior Lecturer in Pharmacoepidemiology from University of Manchester joins us at SciBar to present on this topic. Doug is a Senior Lecturer in Pharmacoepidemiology with Read more about 21st December – Personalised Medicine: putting the bling in medications – Dr Doug Steinke[…]

16th November- The behaviour, biology, ecology, and conservation of Pelagic thresher sharks in the Philippines – Dr. Simon Oliver

Pelagic sharks are poorly understood because of limitations inherent in studying them in situ. Knowledge that pelagic thresher sharks (Alopias pelagicus) regularly visit specific locations in the Philippines presented an unique opportunity to study new aspects of their behaviour and biology, and promote their conservation in the region. Post-mortem examinations were conducted on 11 dead Read more about 16th November- The behaviour, biology, ecology, and conservation of Pelagic thresher sharks in the Philippines – Dr. Simon Oliver[…]

19th October – Science and the Fire Service – Dr Sarah Bergin

When we think about the role of the fire service, our first thought is probably “putting out fires”, but what about all those other emergencies that we encounter in life? For example; You’re held up on the motorway due to a tanker spill You accidently break a thermometer in your rental house and mercury is Read more about 19th October – Science and the Fire Service – Dr Sarah Bergin[…]

21st September – Atomic Anthropocene: Nuclear Culture from Bananas to Bombs – Dr Becky Alexis-Martin

In this talk Dr Becky Alexis-Martin explores how nuclear science and culture have merged since 1945 – from the Pip-Boys of Fallout gamers to the Kataribe tales of Hiroshima survivors. Becky will present a pit-stop tour of international research into nuclear spaces and places, from the Doomsday Stones of Los Alamos to Ramsar – the Read more about 21st September – Atomic Anthropocene: Nuclear Culture from Bananas to Bombs – Dr Becky Alexis-Martin[…]

20th July – Cosmological and Biological Evolution – Andrew Planet

Evolution has become a byword ever since its inception into the scientific paradigm after Charles Darwin informed us of the concept through his phrase “descent with modification” when in 1859 he published On the Origin of Species. That entails biological evolution through natural selection on our home planet. All life on Earth, the Earth itself Read more about 20th July – Cosmological and Biological Evolution – Andrew Planet[…]

15th June – Alzheimer’s Disease – What goes wrong in the brain? – Dr Michael Harte

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a physical disease that affects the brain. It is named after Alois Alzheimer, the doctor who first described it in 1906. AD is a chronic neurodegenerative (loss of brain cells) disease that usually starts slowly and gradually worsens over time. With current treatments for AD only providing temporary symptomatic benefits, disease Read more about 15th June – Alzheimer’s Disease – What goes wrong in the brain? – Dr Michael Harte[…]

18th May – Did The Universe Really Start With A Big Bang? – Kieran Finn

WHY ARE WE HERE? This question has been argued about by people in pubs throughout history. But now, thanks to cutting-edge telescopes, we can start to address it in a rigorous, scientific way. In this talk Kieran Finn from the University of Manchester will discuss the Big Bang Theory, which is the leading scientific theory Read more about 18th May – Did The Universe Really Start With A Big Bang? – Kieran Finn[…]

20th April – How Do You Observe 1.33 Billion Km3 of Ocean? – Dr Matt Donnelly

This question will be asked by Dr Matt Donnelly, Lead Data Scientist, UK Argo Programme. The oceans play a key role in the climate and provide a habitat for a wide range of marine life, but with an average depth of 3.7km and a surface area of 360 million km2, how on earth do you collect the Read more about 20th April – How Do You Observe 1.33 Billion Km3 of Ocean? – Dr Matt Donnelly[…]

16th March – Upgrading Technically Challenging Grass Clippings for Power Generation through Additives Addition – Mubashra Latif

Approximately one third of the world`s population still lacks access to electricity due to the unavailability of fossil fuels locally, the rise in their costs on the international market and the lack of a suitable infrastructure. The utilisation of small-scale biomass downdraft gasification CHP units which are relatively cheap and portable seems a viable option Read more about 16th March – Upgrading Technically Challenging Grass Clippings for Power Generation through Additives Addition – Mubashra Latif[…]

17th February – Is It A Crime To Love Contrails? – Dr Vladimir Jankovic

What happens when contrails – airplane condensation trails – appear in the works of art? What happens when artists paint or photograph contrails and how does this act affect the status of contrails as environmental phenomena? Do contrails count as aesthetic phenomena in the same way as ‘other’ clouds? Can we enjoy the sight of Read more about 17th February – Is It A Crime To Love Contrails? – Dr Vladimir Jankovic[…]

20th January – Weaponising the Immune System in the Battle Against Cancer – Prof Richard Edmondson & Caitlin Waddell

It’s often talked about as the “battle against cancer” but how does the body actually fight back against this disease and more importantly how can we help it do better. At last we understand at least part of this process and so, as we engage in major clinical trials of immunotherapy in Greater Manchester and Read more about 20th January – Weaponising the Immune System in the Battle Against Cancer – Prof Richard Edmondson & Caitlin Waddell[…]

16th December – The behaviour, biology, ecology, and conservation of Pelagic thresher sharks in the Philippines – Dr. Simon Oliver

Pelagic sharks are poorly understood because of limitations inherent in studying them in situ. Knowledge that pelagic thresher sharks (Alopias pelagicus) regularly visit specific locations in the Philippines presented an unique opportunity to study new aspects of their behaviour and biology, and promote their conservation in the region. Post-mortem examinations were conducted on 11 dead Read more about 16th December – The behaviour, biology, ecology, and conservation of Pelagic thresher sharks in the Philippines – Dr. Simon Oliver[…]

18th November – Now You’re Talking – Prof. Trevor Cox

Talking and singing comes naturally to most of us so it is easy to overlook how truly remarkable the voice is. Mixing biology, physics and psychology, Trevor will explore the workings of the voice looking at accents and different singing styles. The human voice has always been in flux, but over the last hundred years Read more about 18th November – Now You’re Talking – Prof. Trevor Cox[…]

21st October – The Changing Arctic And It’s Global Consequences – Prof. Terry Callaghan

The Arctic is changing very quickly because of climate change and globalisation. Increasingly, the two aspects are linked and changes in the Arctic’s environment are accelerating. Climate warming in the Arctic is twice as fast as the global average rate and its consequences are having profound impacts on the frozen parts of the Arctic, its Read more about 21st October – The Changing Arctic And It’s Global Consequences – Prof. Terry Callaghan[…]

16th September – Discovering New Ways to Tackle Dementia – Prof. David Brough

Our immune system protects us against infection and promotes repair. However, during disease our immune system can also turn against us and make disease worse. This is true in Alzheimer’s disease. My lab at the University of Manchester aims to understand damaging immune responses and how we can block them during disease. Ultimately the research Read more about 16th September – Discovering New Ways to Tackle Dementia – Prof. David Brough[…]

15th July – Building Brains – Prof. Steven Furber

Understanding the brain remains as one of the great frontiers of science – how does this organ upon which we all so critically depend perform its function as an information processing system? The SpiNNaker (Spiking Neural Network Architecture) platform has been developed to support real-time modelling of large-scale brain subsystems with the objective of accelerating Read more about 15th July – Building Brains – Prof. Steven Furber[…]

17th June – Our Changing Rivers and the Menace of Microplastics – Professor Jamie Woodward

Professor Jamie Woodward, Professor of Physical Geography and Head of the Department of Geography at The University of Manchester, will tell us about research in the Department of Geography at the University of Manchester which has shone a light on a new contamination issue in UK rivers. Microplastics are present in all the rivers of Read more about 17th June – Our Changing Rivers and the Menace of Microplastics – Professor Jamie Woodward[…]

20th May – Mass Spectrometry: History and Applications – Dr Mike Morris

Mass spectrometry is an analytical technique that has a long history in Manchester. This talk will discuss some of the background of the technique and how it evolved into a commercial business in the North West. Some applications of the technology that potentially affect our daily lives will also be discussed. Dr Morris received his Read more about 20th May – Mass Spectrometry: History and Applications – Dr Mike Morris[…]

15th April – Plastic Fantastic: Production of artificial antibodies to reduce the use of animals in research – Dr Marloes Peeters

It is estimated that on an annual basis, over 100 million animals are used in research across the world. A significant amount of these animal experiments involve the generation of antibodies, which are used in sensors for medical applications, in the food industry, for environmental monitoring, etc. In this talk, Dr Marloes Peeters from Newcastle Read more about 15th April – Plastic Fantastic: Production of artificial antibodies to reduce the use of animals in research – Dr Marloes Peeters[…]

18th March 2019 – Production of Heat and Electricity from Biomass Fuels – Mubashra Latif

Mubashra Latif is studying for her PhD at the University of Chester within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, where she is investigating alternative feedstocks to turn into energy. We’re delighted to welcome her to our Didsbury Scibar event to present on this topic. Synopsis: 1) History of Electricity Production. 2) Technologies for Electricity Read more about 18th March 2019 – Production of Heat and Electricity from Biomass Fuels – Mubashra Latif[…]

18th February 2019 – Lab Coats in Hollywood: Scientists’ Impact on Cinema, Cinema’s Influence on Science – David A. Kirby

We are now in a golden age for science in popular culture. Academy Award nominated films such as The Martian and Arrival, and television ratings titans like The Big Bang Theory have proven that science–based popular cultural products can be both critically acclaimed and financially successful. But the scientific community has long standing concerns about Read more about 18th February 2019 – Lab Coats in Hollywood: Scientists’ Impact on Cinema, Cinema’s Influence on Science – David A. Kirby[…]

21st January 2019 – SETI – Prof. Michael Garrett

Prof. Michael Garrett University of Manchester, Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics Details to follow… Monday 21st January. 18:30 start. FREE admission. The Albert Club, Old Lansdowne Road, West Didsbury, Manchester M20 2PA

17th December 2018 – The 100,000 Genomes Project – Angela Douglas MBE

Angela Douglas MBE is Scientific Director of Cheshire and Merseyside Genetics Service and Clinical Program Director for NW Coast Genomic Medicine Centre, delivering the 100,000 Genome Project, has led the profession nationally as President of the British Society for Genetic Medicine (BSGM) and as Scientific Director for NHS E (NW). Angela is a Member of Read more about 17th December 2018 – The 100,000 Genomes Project – Angela Douglas MBE[…]

19th November 2018 – Experiments with Space Rocks – Dr Rhian Jones

Rocks from space, called meteorites, come from asteroids, the Moon, and Mars. I will talk about the scientific value of meteorites, from studies of the formation of the Solar System to volcanic activity on other planets. Dr Rhian Jones, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester will present this topic. Monday 19th November. Read more about 19th November 2018 – Experiments with Space Rocks – Dr Rhian Jones[…]

15th October 2018 – What is the 4th Industrial Revolution and the IoT? – Martin Lorimer

What is the 4th Industrial Revolution and what are the roles of digital twins and the Internet of Things (IoT)? Questions both during and after the talk will be welcome. Martin Lorimer, Head of Innovation at Siemens Energy will present this topic. Monday 15th October. 18:30 start. FREE admission. The Albert Club, Old Lansdowne Road, West Didsbury, Manchester M20 Read more about 15th October 2018 – What is the 4th Industrial Revolution and the IoT? – Martin Lorimer[…]

17th September 2018 – Is There Life on Mars, or Anywhere Else But Earth? – Professor Matthew Cobb

We have all looked out at the night sky and wondered if there is life out there. The sheer scale of the Universe and the billions of exo-planets suggests that there must be. In this thought-provoking lecture, Professor Matthew Cobb explores both the evidence and above all our pre-conceptions that lead us to think that Read more about 17th September 2018 – Is There Life on Mars, or Anywhere Else But Earth? – Professor Matthew Cobb[…]

20th August 2018 – Thunderstorms – Clive Saunders

Thunderstorms are fascinating to most people – with wonderful lightning displays. “I was a PhD student in the Physics department at UMIST when a new research group into atmospheric electricity was just starting. I worked in the new cold room simulating thunderstorm conditions – the important ingredients for electric charge separation are ice crystals and Read more about 20th August 2018 – Thunderstorms – Clive Saunders[…]

16th July 2018 – Engineering Bio-Fuels of the Future – Nigel Scrutton

Biofuels were once heralded as fuels of the future. But growing biomass for fuel consumes agricultural land and requires energy dependent processing – it fails to deliver. Water borne algae were considered a superior alternative but have failed to deliver commercially attractive solutions. New opportunities are now emerging from the new science of Synthetic Biology Read more about 16th July 2018 – Engineering Bio-Fuels of the Future – Nigel Scrutton[…]

21st May 2018 – Filling Up On Sunshine – Dr Andrew Thomas

Solar energy has the potential to easily meet global human energy demand and would mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and the issues surrounding finite fossil fuel reserves. However, despite intensive research efforts, competitively priced and stable solar energy is still a “research problem”. This talk will cover some of the issues that affect solar generation and Read more about 21st May 2018 – Filling Up On Sunshine – Dr Andrew Thomas[…]

23rd April 2018 – Of Flies and Men: How tiny insects changed the world of Biology – Professor Andreas Prokop and Mr Sanjai Patel

‘Of flies and men: How tiny insects changed the world of biology’. Speakers: Andreas Prokop, Professor for Cellular & Developmental Neurobiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester and Mr Sanjai Patel, Fly Facility manager. Ten researchers have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine & Physiology for discoveries made in tiny fruit flies. We Read more about 23rd April 2018 – Of Flies and Men: How tiny insects changed the world of Biology – Professor Andreas Prokop and Mr Sanjai Patel[…]

19th March 2018 – A Story of Radioactivity: A Glowing Tale – Dr Louise Natrajan

We are pleased to announce that on 19th March we have Dr Louise Natrajan from University of Manchester’s School of Chemistry coming to speak to us. ‘A Story of Radioactivity: A Glowing Tale’ Shortly after the discovery of radioactivity it was thought to have health benefits, yet now it is considered harmful. Electricity production from Read more about 19th March 2018 – A Story of Radioactivity: A Glowing Tale – Dr Louise Natrajan[…]

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