u3a Science Network
The u3a Science Network hosts regular talks online via Zoom and is facilitated by Dr Mike Trevethick.
Upcoming Talks: 26 February, 3 March and 25 March
Nanophotonic Devices for Healthcare Applications - Professor Steven Johnson on 26 February at 11am BOOK HERE
The Lifecycle of a Laser: From Prototype to Making Stars on Earth - Central Laser Facility on 3 March at 10 am BOOK HERE
Lung Disease in Advancing Age: Identifying new treatments - Professor Andrew Fisher and Dr Lee Borthwick on 25 March at 11am BOOK HERE
Biochemical tests are an essential and substantial activity in the NHS with an estimated 500 million tests performed every year in the UK alone. The demand for such tests is increasing rapidly and cannot be met by current technologies in the near future. Moreover, there is increasing drive to increase the speed and accessibility of biochemical testing by transferring diagnostic services from centralised, hospital laboratories to the point-of-care e.g. at the bedside, GP surgery or even in the home.
Meeting these challenges requires the invention of new diagnostic technology capable of detecting multiple disease biomarkers in a sample, at very low concentrations, that is simple, quick to use, and economic. Recent progress towards a novel photonic biosensor, fabricated using the same technology developed for the semiconductor industry, and which has the potential to meet all of these requirements will be discussed.
While this technology has been developed to address healthcare challenges facing the UK, similar technologies could also play a significant role in the lives of people all over the world. However, there are countless examples where science and technology fail to respond effectively to the most pressing problems faced in low and middle income countries (LMICs). This raises an important question: How do scientists design and build technologies that respond to the specific challenges facing people in LMICs to bring shared benefits and not greater global inequality? The second part of the talk, will review work within remote communities in the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu with whom we have been collaborating to develop appropriate analytical technologies to protect against diseases caused by drinking contaminated water.
Steve Johnson is Professor of Physics in the School of Physics, Engineering and Technology at the University of York where he also leads the Biomedical Technologies research theme within the York Biomedical Research Institute. While his early research career explored the development of solid state, nanoelectronic devices, he is today better known for his interdisciplinary research into novel technologies that integrate solid state devices e.g. electronic and photonic devices with biological components. He has a particular interest in the translation of these technologies for applications in healthcare, particularly medical diagnostics and co-founded a spin-out company, Phorest Diagnostics, to commercialise his research. He recently established the York Equitable Technology Lab which brings scientists and engineers together with social scientists, civil society and public, private and third-sector organisations to explore new approaches to innovation that embed equity in technology development.
The Lifecycle of a Laser: From Prototype to Making Stars on Earth - Central Laser Facility on 3 March at 10 am BOOK HERE
Since its first successful demonstration in 1960, the laser has evolved from a scientific curiosity into one of the most transformative technologies of the modern era. Today, lasers are used in nearly every sector of industry and research, revolutionising fields ranging from healthcare to information technology. Whether it's enabling groundbreaking cancer treatments, driving the development of cutting-edge supercomputers, or pushing the boundaries of telecommunications, lasers continue to demonstrate their remarkable versatility and potential. Beyond their practical applications, lasers are proving to be vital tools in exploring the fundamental nature of our universe, allowing scientists to probe extreme conditions that were once thought to be beyond our reach.
At the forefront of these efforts is the UK’s Central Laser Facility (CLF)—a world-leading research centre dedicated to designing, constructing, and operating some of the most advanced laser systems ever built. These systems enable scientists to tackle some of the most pressing questions in science and technology, from advancing clean energy solutions to understanding the fundamental forces governing matter and energy.
In this talk, we will, explore the fundamental principles that underpin lasers. We'll take a brief journey through the history of laser development, highlighting key breakthroughs that have shaped the field. We will explore the remarkable engineering challenges involved in scaling up laser systems, transforming them from compact laboratory devices into large-scale facilities capable of recreating the extreme conditions found at the cores of stars—right here on Earth.
Lung Disease in Advancing Age: Identifying new treatments - Professor Andrew Fisher and Dr Lee Borthwick on 25 March at 11am BOOK HERE
Respiratory (Lung) Disease is a major cause of premature death in the UK and rates are higher than in many other European countries. Respiratory infections caused by viruses such as influenza and previously COVID-19 and by bacteria leading to pneumonia are more serious and can be life-threatening in older people. In addition, persistent and progressive lung conditions (called Chronic Respiratory Disease) increase in incidence with advancing age with conditions such as emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis and bronchiectasis all contributing to a heavy burden of illness as well as premature deaths.
New treatments are urgently needed to tackle chronic respiratory diseases but historically major breakthroughs in treatment have been limited.
This talk will explain how we can use lung transplantation as a treatment for very severe lung disease in some people to help identify new treatments for chronic respiratory disease.
More upcoming talks include:
Mass Extinctions - Causes and Consequences by Peter Webb (New Mills, High Peak u3a) on 22 May at 9.30am
Tickets to all online events will be available for booking 4-6 weeks before the event is due to take place, via the u3a online events webpage.