Short talk given at BlackSTEAM focused on how black contributions to science, engineering, the arts and mathematics have inspired me as a young person, researcher and educator.
Eugenics aimed to improve human genetics through selective breeding. It originated in the late 19th century and influenced policies in the U.S. and elsewhere for decades. Eugenicists believed in the genetic superiority of certain races and forcibly sterilized those deemed "unfit." While discredited after WWII, eugenic ideas influenced fields like psychology and aspects of the modern human genome project continue to raise ethical debates.
This academic essay analyzes the potential use of eugenics to address overpopulation. It argues that eugenics could help control population growth through encouraging reproduction from people with desirable traits and discouraging it from people with disabilities or genetic diseases. However, eugenics is highly controversial as it involves governments determining who is fit to reproduce. While early 20th century eugenicists supported population control, the practice became discredited after its association with the Nazi regime and genocide. Proponents argue eugenics could help reduce problems like poverty and hunger, but many believe determining who is fit to breed violates human rights.
The document discusses some of the challenges in communicating science to non-scientists. It notes that the language of science can be difficult for non-experts to understand and provides examples of scientific terms that could be misunderstood. It also examines how science is portrayed in the media and discusses how this coverage can oversimplify scientific concepts and findings in ways that lead to misunderstandings.
The document discusses the history of evidence-based practices in maternity care, noting that while antenatal care expanded in the early 20th century, it was often not evidence-based and did not necessarily improve outcomes; it also outlines NCT's commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based information to parents and engaging staff in discussions around using evidence effectively.
Vaccines should be mandatory because not vaccinating children puts others at risk of preventable diseases and violates their right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. While some claim vaccines cause autism, numerous scientific studies have debunked this idea, including a 2012 Japanese study and a Polish study on the preservative thimerosal. Not requiring vaccination goes against American values of science, technology, and equality. Herd immunity is necessary to protect those who cannot receive vaccines.
The document summarizes a workshop held in Cardiff, Wales from September 17-19, 2011 on communities, culture, health and wellbeing. It discusses the Roseto Mystery case study from the 1950s which found that residents of Roseto, Pennsylvania had remarkably low rates of heart disease and other health issues, which was attributed to strong social connections within the close-knit immigrant community. The document also discusses how arts and health programs are gaining recognition for improving health outcomes and how arts can help address health inequalities.
The document provides background information on eugenics and discusses its implementation in Nazi Germany and the United States. It defines eugenics as efforts to improve the human population through controlled breeding. It describes how eugenics was used to try to create a master Nordic race in the US and eliminate those seen as undesirable, like minorities and disabled people. It also discusses how Nazi Germany took eugenics further by implementing forced sterilization and euthanasia programs to purify the Aryan race.
Eugenics aimed to improve human genetics through selective breeding. It originated in the late 19th century and influenced policies in the U.S. and elsewhere for decades. Eugenicists believed in the genetic superiority of certain races and forcibly sterilized those deemed "unfit." While discredited after WWII, eugenic ideas influenced fields like psychology and aspects of the modern human genome project continue to raise ethical debates.
This academic essay analyzes the potential use of eugenics to address overpopulation. It argues that eugenics could help control population growth through encouraging reproduction from people with desirable traits and discouraging it from people with disabilities or genetic diseases. However, eugenics is highly controversial as it involves governments determining who is fit to reproduce. While early 20th century eugenicists supported population control, the practice became discredited after its association with the Nazi regime and genocide. Proponents argue eugenics could help reduce problems like poverty and hunger, but many believe determining who is fit to breed violates human rights.
The document discusses some of the challenges in communicating science to non-scientists. It notes that the language of science can be difficult for non-experts to understand and provides examples of scientific terms that could be misunderstood. It also examines how science is portrayed in the media and discusses how this coverage can oversimplify scientific concepts and findings in ways that lead to misunderstandings.
The document discusses the history of evidence-based practices in maternity care, noting that while antenatal care expanded in the early 20th century, it was often not evidence-based and did not necessarily improve outcomes; it also outlines NCT's commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based information to parents and engaging staff in discussions around using evidence effectively.
Vaccines should be mandatory because not vaccinating children puts others at risk of preventable diseases and violates their right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. While some claim vaccines cause autism, numerous scientific studies have debunked this idea, including a 2012 Japanese study and a Polish study on the preservative thimerosal. Not requiring vaccination goes against American values of science, technology, and equality. Herd immunity is necessary to protect those who cannot receive vaccines.
The document summarizes a workshop held in Cardiff, Wales from September 17-19, 2011 on communities, culture, health and wellbeing. It discusses the Roseto Mystery case study from the 1950s which found that residents of Roseto, Pennsylvania had remarkably low rates of heart disease and other health issues, which was attributed to strong social connections within the close-knit immigrant community. The document also discusses how arts and health programs are gaining recognition for improving health outcomes and how arts can help address health inequalities.
The document provides background information on eugenics and discusses its implementation in Nazi Germany and the United States. It defines eugenics as efforts to improve the human population through controlled breeding. It describes how eugenics was used to try to create a master Nordic race in the US and eliminate those seen as undesirable, like minorities and disabled people. It also discusses how Nazi Germany took eugenics further by implementing forced sterilization and euthanasia programs to purify the Aryan race.
This document discusses different concepts related to improving the human species:
- Eugenics aims to improve human traits through selective breeding and reducing "undesirable" characteristics. Early supporters believed traits like illness could be bred out.
- Euthenics focuses on environmental improvements like education, sanitation and living conditions to enhance human well-being and functioning.
- Euphenics uses genetic engineering after birth to address genetic conditions and make phenotypic improvements, avoiding the negative connotations of eugenics. It aims to lessen the impact of genetic conditions over time.
The GMP initiators are Prof. Dr. Ernst Ulrich von Weizsäcker and Prof. Dr. Dr. Franz Josef Radermacher of the Club of Rome. In addition, many representatives from policy, business, media, and science support the plan, including Prof. Dr. Dr. Johan Galtung, an international scientist for peace; Prinz Al Hassan bin Talal, President of the Club of Rome; and Dr. Franz Alt, a TV journalist and bestselling author.
Eugenics is the practice of improving human hereditary traits through controlled breeding to increase desirable traits and reduce undesirable ones. It was popular in the early 20th century and involved practices like compulsory sterilization. However, eugenics fell out of favor after being associated with Nazi racial policies and human rights abuses. While some forms of eugenics continue today through practices like prenatal screening, the field remains controversial due to questions around what traits are desirable and the potential for coercion and loss of genetic diversity.
The document summarizes major scientific advancements in medicine throughout history. It discusses the discovery of anesthesia in the 1840s, which allowed for painless surgeries. It also discusses the discovery of antibiotics like penicillin in the 1920s, which revolutionized treatment of bacterial infections. Finally, it discusses the Human Genome Project starting in 1990, which mapped all human genes and will enable greater understanding and treatment of genetic diseases.
The document announces a day of events about HIV/AIDS including a poster display of student research, a patient panel with people living with HIV/AIDS and doctors, a film screening and discussion on treating HIV globally, a global health happy hour to connect with others interested in global health and support local AIDS work, and a benefit concert to support an AIDS house with music, snacks and donations.
The document discusses Kenyan Science Cafés, which are forums where scientists discuss and debate scientific issues with the public in an informal setting like a café. The events aim to make scientific research more accessible and empower non-scientists to engage with science. So far, 10 science cafés have been held in Kenya between 2008-2009 on topics like AIDS vaccines, malaria research, climate change, child mortality, male circumcision for HIV control, women's health issues, using maps for health information, men's health issues, cancer in Kenya, and medical ethics. More information on the science café concept can be found on listed websites.
"Celebrating National DNA Day at a Public Library: Reaching Out to the Community to Increase Awareness and Knowledge about the Human Genome and Genetics" Brooklyn Public Library's Human Genome Project Community Conversations Committee Powerpoint Presentation for ALA 2009 Virtual Poster Sessions.
15 Reasons Final Version v10 Web 8-25-09Lloyd Morgan
This document outlines 15 reasons for concern about potential risks of brain tumors from cellphone use, and provides background on the Interphone study. Some key points:
1) Independent studies have found a significant risk of brain tumors from cellphone use, while industry-funded studies have been less conclusive.
2) The Interphone study, a large industry-funded study of brain tumors, had design flaws that likely underestimated the risk, such as excluding young people and those too ill to participate.
3) Exposure limits for cellphones are based only on risks from heating effects, but thousands of studies show biological effects from non-thermal radiation levels as well.
4) The document urges applying the pre
This document provides a history of discoveries related to DNA from 1859 to 1950. Some of the key events and discoveries discussed include:
- In 1859, Charles Darwin published On the Origin of Species, introducing the theory of evolution by natural selection.
- In 1866, Gregor Mendel discovered the basic principles of genetics by studying inherited traits in pea plants and coined the terms "dominant" and "recessive".
- In 1869, Friedrich Miescher isolated a substance he called "nuclein" from white blood cells, which we now know as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
- In 1900, Mendel's work was rediscovered and his theories gained acceptance, laying the
This document outlines 15 reasons for concern about potential links between cellphone use and brain tumors. It summarizes studies that have found such links, independent of industry funding. It also describes flaws in the industry-funded Interphone study that likely underestimate the risk of brain tumors from cellphone use. These flaws include selection bias, insufficient latency time, unrealistic definitions of "regular" use, and exclusion of certain groups. The document urges considering independent research and implementing precautionary measures to reduce exposure to cellphone radiation.
Public health and Community medicine as a professional career; awareness & op...Dr. Shatanik Mondal
Public health and community medicine is an enormously diverse and dynamic field enthralling with so many sub-specialities. It has grown from infection prevention to chronic diseases, mental health, environmental health, bioterrorism, demography and many more. Public health is still at its infancy in India, but there is a huge potential in the next 10-15 years. MBBS students in India find it very difficult to digest community medicine as a subject in their curriculum in general till now. This presentation will show the importance of the subject and how they can think community medicine as their future career, all its job prospects and opportunities.
Brochure Medical Profiling and Online MedicineEuroBioForum
This document provides an overview and analysis of the ethics surrounding medical profiling and online medicine in the context of personalised healthcare. It discusses how developments in testing technologies and increasing access to health information online have the potential to transform healthcare by enabling more predictive, preventive and personalised approaches. However, it notes that the real impact of these technologies is still uncertain and that they raise significant ethical challenges regarding issues like medicalisation, responsibility for health, and implications for public health systems. The document aims to promote public understanding and discussion of these complex issues.
This document discusses how the public is constructed and represented in debates around stem cell research. It analyzes various research that engaged with public views on stem cell issues through interviews, focus groups, and other methods. However, it argues these complex public responses are often simplified by politicians, media, and others constructing "virtual publics" to fit their political aims. These virtual publics are mobilized differently depending on the event space, such as in parliament, the US president's addresses, media interviews, or online forums. The document examines examples of how the public is referenced in these political spaces to suggest support for or need to educate particular stances on stem cell issues.
This document summarizes key points from various sources on the topics of diversity in STEM fields, challenges faced by black and minority ethnic academics, and the importance of inclusion and dismantling covert racism. It notes that while 1 in 5 STEM students are from BAME backgrounds, BAME men are 28% less likely to work in STEM. It discusses the need to challenge subtle and covert racism in higher education. The document advocates for creating an empowering and inclusive environment that starts with the heart.
Becoming 'we' in the wake of the AnthropoceneErinma Ochu
Ten minute talk at Invisible Dust's Under Her Eye Climate Symposium focused on creative activism by artists and academics considering care as part of intellectual work.
Short talk given at the Use Environmental Data Responsibly conference in Glasgow. The talk focused on how citizens can make extraordinary contributions to environmental research science, through taking part in scientific research focused around sunflowers, the weather and breathing. It draws parallels to the value of storing and making public data about the environment, to artists who make work about the environment, and the way that we value those works of art. Weaving stories and images from the birth of the environmental movement and the civil rights movement, the final part of the talk focuses on how data and stories about the environment might be valued and shared in the same way that galleries care about and make art part of our national heritage.
Contemporary topics in wildlife and conservation 2018-19Erinma Ochu
This document discusses how to prepare contemporary scholars for science communication in the digital age. It defines science communication and outlines several models for communication, including the deficit, contextual, public engagement, and lay expertise models. It also defines digital scholarship and discusses the importance of storytelling for science communication. The document provides examples of key moments to share about one's interest in wildlife and conservation. It also lists several popular science communication platforms and resources for further learning.
Dream Life of Future Queer Media @ Queer Media FestivalErinma Ochu
This document discusses how desire and erotic longings can disrupt and subvert structures of domination, allowing for the possibility of agency and resistance. It references bell hooks' argument that being able to manipulate one's gaze in the face of domination opens up possibilities. It then asks what kind of future might be created if the intersection is nurtured as a medium.
This document discusses how to prepare contemporary scholars for global communication in the digital age. It defines digital scholarship as research and teaching enabled by or taking advantage of digital technologies. It defines science communication as using skills, media, and dialogue to increase awareness, enjoyment, interest, and understanding of science. The document discusses why communication is important and provides examples of digital tools to support writing. It also outlines different models of science communication, from one-way deficit models to two-way dialogue and public participation models. It concludes by providing further resources for science communication.
This document discusses how to prepare contemporary scholars for global communication in the digital age. It defines digital scholarship as research and teaching enabled by or taking advantage of digital technologies. Science communication is defined as using skills, media, and dialogue to increase public awareness, enjoyment, interest, and understanding of science. The document suggests communicating to locate key moments of interest in wildlife/conservation and sharing them, and discusses digital tools to support writing as well as models of science communication including deficit, contextual, public engagement, and acknowledging lay expertise.
Citizen science for community developmentErinma Ochu
Public Lecture given at National Museums Scotland as part of the CitSciEd crowdsourcing and citizen science event. The talk gives a whistlestop introduction to the different types of citizen science, drawing on examples from theory and practice before debating the political and ethical implications for scientific research and sustainable community development when the public get involved. References, resources and links are provided at the end.
This document discusses different concepts related to improving the human species:
- Eugenics aims to improve human traits through selective breeding and reducing "undesirable" characteristics. Early supporters believed traits like illness could be bred out.
- Euthenics focuses on environmental improvements like education, sanitation and living conditions to enhance human well-being and functioning.
- Euphenics uses genetic engineering after birth to address genetic conditions and make phenotypic improvements, avoiding the negative connotations of eugenics. It aims to lessen the impact of genetic conditions over time.
The GMP initiators are Prof. Dr. Ernst Ulrich von Weizsäcker and Prof. Dr. Dr. Franz Josef Radermacher of the Club of Rome. In addition, many representatives from policy, business, media, and science support the plan, including Prof. Dr. Dr. Johan Galtung, an international scientist for peace; Prinz Al Hassan bin Talal, President of the Club of Rome; and Dr. Franz Alt, a TV journalist and bestselling author.
Eugenics is the practice of improving human hereditary traits through controlled breeding to increase desirable traits and reduce undesirable ones. It was popular in the early 20th century and involved practices like compulsory sterilization. However, eugenics fell out of favor after being associated with Nazi racial policies and human rights abuses. While some forms of eugenics continue today through practices like prenatal screening, the field remains controversial due to questions around what traits are desirable and the potential for coercion and loss of genetic diversity.
The document summarizes major scientific advancements in medicine throughout history. It discusses the discovery of anesthesia in the 1840s, which allowed for painless surgeries. It also discusses the discovery of antibiotics like penicillin in the 1920s, which revolutionized treatment of bacterial infections. Finally, it discusses the Human Genome Project starting in 1990, which mapped all human genes and will enable greater understanding and treatment of genetic diseases.
The document announces a day of events about HIV/AIDS including a poster display of student research, a patient panel with people living with HIV/AIDS and doctors, a film screening and discussion on treating HIV globally, a global health happy hour to connect with others interested in global health and support local AIDS work, and a benefit concert to support an AIDS house with music, snacks and donations.
The document discusses Kenyan Science Cafés, which are forums where scientists discuss and debate scientific issues with the public in an informal setting like a café. The events aim to make scientific research more accessible and empower non-scientists to engage with science. So far, 10 science cafés have been held in Kenya between 2008-2009 on topics like AIDS vaccines, malaria research, climate change, child mortality, male circumcision for HIV control, women's health issues, using maps for health information, men's health issues, cancer in Kenya, and medical ethics. More information on the science café concept can be found on listed websites.
"Celebrating National DNA Day at a Public Library: Reaching Out to the Community to Increase Awareness and Knowledge about the Human Genome and Genetics" Brooklyn Public Library's Human Genome Project Community Conversations Committee Powerpoint Presentation for ALA 2009 Virtual Poster Sessions.
15 Reasons Final Version v10 Web 8-25-09Lloyd Morgan
This document outlines 15 reasons for concern about potential risks of brain tumors from cellphone use, and provides background on the Interphone study. Some key points:
1) Independent studies have found a significant risk of brain tumors from cellphone use, while industry-funded studies have been less conclusive.
2) The Interphone study, a large industry-funded study of brain tumors, had design flaws that likely underestimated the risk, such as excluding young people and those too ill to participate.
3) Exposure limits for cellphones are based only on risks from heating effects, but thousands of studies show biological effects from non-thermal radiation levels as well.
4) The document urges applying the pre
This document provides a history of discoveries related to DNA from 1859 to 1950. Some of the key events and discoveries discussed include:
- In 1859, Charles Darwin published On the Origin of Species, introducing the theory of evolution by natural selection.
- In 1866, Gregor Mendel discovered the basic principles of genetics by studying inherited traits in pea plants and coined the terms "dominant" and "recessive".
- In 1869, Friedrich Miescher isolated a substance he called "nuclein" from white blood cells, which we now know as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
- In 1900, Mendel's work was rediscovered and his theories gained acceptance, laying the
This document outlines 15 reasons for concern about potential links between cellphone use and brain tumors. It summarizes studies that have found such links, independent of industry funding. It also describes flaws in the industry-funded Interphone study that likely underestimate the risk of brain tumors from cellphone use. These flaws include selection bias, insufficient latency time, unrealistic definitions of "regular" use, and exclusion of certain groups. The document urges considering independent research and implementing precautionary measures to reduce exposure to cellphone radiation.
Public health and Community medicine as a professional career; awareness & op...Dr. Shatanik Mondal
Public health and community medicine is an enormously diverse and dynamic field enthralling with so many sub-specialities. It has grown from infection prevention to chronic diseases, mental health, environmental health, bioterrorism, demography and many more. Public health is still at its infancy in India, but there is a huge potential in the next 10-15 years. MBBS students in India find it very difficult to digest community medicine as a subject in their curriculum in general till now. This presentation will show the importance of the subject and how they can think community medicine as their future career, all its job prospects and opportunities.
Brochure Medical Profiling and Online MedicineEuroBioForum
This document provides an overview and analysis of the ethics surrounding medical profiling and online medicine in the context of personalised healthcare. It discusses how developments in testing technologies and increasing access to health information online have the potential to transform healthcare by enabling more predictive, preventive and personalised approaches. However, it notes that the real impact of these technologies is still uncertain and that they raise significant ethical challenges regarding issues like medicalisation, responsibility for health, and implications for public health systems. The document aims to promote public understanding and discussion of these complex issues.
This document discusses how the public is constructed and represented in debates around stem cell research. It analyzes various research that engaged with public views on stem cell issues through interviews, focus groups, and other methods. However, it argues these complex public responses are often simplified by politicians, media, and others constructing "virtual publics" to fit their political aims. These virtual publics are mobilized differently depending on the event space, such as in parliament, the US president's addresses, media interviews, or online forums. The document examines examples of how the public is referenced in these political spaces to suggest support for or need to educate particular stances on stem cell issues.
This document summarizes key points from various sources on the topics of diversity in STEM fields, challenges faced by black and minority ethnic academics, and the importance of inclusion and dismantling covert racism. It notes that while 1 in 5 STEM students are from BAME backgrounds, BAME men are 28% less likely to work in STEM. It discusses the need to challenge subtle and covert racism in higher education. The document advocates for creating an empowering and inclusive environment that starts with the heart.
Becoming 'we' in the wake of the AnthropoceneErinma Ochu
Ten minute talk at Invisible Dust's Under Her Eye Climate Symposium focused on creative activism by artists and academics considering care as part of intellectual work.
Short talk given at the Use Environmental Data Responsibly conference in Glasgow. The talk focused on how citizens can make extraordinary contributions to environmental research science, through taking part in scientific research focused around sunflowers, the weather and breathing. It draws parallels to the value of storing and making public data about the environment, to artists who make work about the environment, and the way that we value those works of art. Weaving stories and images from the birth of the environmental movement and the civil rights movement, the final part of the talk focuses on how data and stories about the environment might be valued and shared in the same way that galleries care about and make art part of our national heritage.
Contemporary topics in wildlife and conservation 2018-19Erinma Ochu
This document discusses how to prepare contemporary scholars for science communication in the digital age. It defines science communication and outlines several models for communication, including the deficit, contextual, public engagement, and lay expertise models. It also defines digital scholarship and discusses the importance of storytelling for science communication. The document provides examples of key moments to share about one's interest in wildlife and conservation. It also lists several popular science communication platforms and resources for further learning.
Dream Life of Future Queer Media @ Queer Media FestivalErinma Ochu
This document discusses how desire and erotic longings can disrupt and subvert structures of domination, allowing for the possibility of agency and resistance. It references bell hooks' argument that being able to manipulate one's gaze in the face of domination opens up possibilities. It then asks what kind of future might be created if the intersection is nurtured as a medium.
This document discusses how to prepare contemporary scholars for global communication in the digital age. It defines digital scholarship as research and teaching enabled by or taking advantage of digital technologies. It defines science communication as using skills, media, and dialogue to increase awareness, enjoyment, interest, and understanding of science. The document discusses why communication is important and provides examples of digital tools to support writing. It also outlines different models of science communication, from one-way deficit models to two-way dialogue and public participation models. It concludes by providing further resources for science communication.
This document discusses how to prepare contemporary scholars for global communication in the digital age. It defines digital scholarship as research and teaching enabled by or taking advantage of digital technologies. Science communication is defined as using skills, media, and dialogue to increase public awareness, enjoyment, interest, and understanding of science. The document suggests communicating to locate key moments of interest in wildlife/conservation and sharing them, and discusses digital tools to support writing as well as models of science communication including deficit, contextual, public engagement, and acknowledging lay expertise.
Citizen science for community developmentErinma Ochu
Public Lecture given at National Museums Scotland as part of the CitSciEd crowdsourcing and citizen science event. The talk gives a whistlestop introduction to the different types of citizen science, drawing on examples from theory and practice before debating the political and ethical implications for scientific research and sustainable community development when the public get involved. References, resources and links are provided at the end.
Circular Science: stories from the edge.
Whilst traditionally science evolved with industry, what happens when we evolve science with alternative stories and communities?
Short presentation for the Citizen Science Association Conference 2015
Erinma draws upon her experiences as a Wellcome Trust Engagement Fellow to discuss how connections can be made between research and the outside world. She encourages you to explore your 'hook' or starting point for public engagement.
Citizen-led perspectives: bridging the gapErinma Ochu
Talk to inform Austrian perspectives on bridging the gap between science and society presented at the Alpbach Forum 2014 working group session: http://bit.ly/1pEm00I
Featuring best practice principles and examples from UK citizen science projects
This document discusses the key elements of transmedia storytelling including story, multiple story forms, multiple media platforms, a unified storyworld, audience participation, game mechanics, social experience, and different levels of engagement. It also briefly touches on how music can be catchy through story, repetition of melodic phrases, and the use of hooks. Tools for transmedia storytelling and links to related resources are provided.
Citizen social science - solving social challengesErinma Ochu
This document discusses citizen science, which involves members of the public collaborating with scientists on research projects. It describes benefits like improved quality of life and decision making through increased knowledge. Examples include crowdsourcing to analyze patterns in nature, and engaging the public to learn about math concepts. Challenges discussed include ensuring data quality, funding, recognizing public contributions, and measuring social impact. Ethical considerations around collaboration, ownership, and reviewing projects are also outlined. References are provided on topics like levels of participation, working at the "edge" of knowledge, and everyday ethics in community-based research.
This document summarizes a citizen science project that engaged 3000 people from Greater Manchester to analyze number patterns in sunflowers. The project had people crowdsource data, provided educational resources on Turing and number patterns, and generated a media story about the results. It discusses lessons learned around building community partnerships and providing support and recognition to contributors. The project created opportunities for post-disciplinary research while expanding its reach and promoting learning.
One of six lighting show & tell presentations by artists, designers and creatives of further fields about a current project, experiment or source of inspiration at The Cornerhouse cinema. http://www.cornerhouse.org/creatives/creatives-events/show-tell-february-2014
Wellcome Trust Engagement Fellow, Erinma Ochu draws on her varied experience as writer, biomedical scientist and filmmaker and invites people to explore ‘the social life of archives’
Citizen led social innovation - Open University seminarErinma Ochu
In the face of global challenges, what is the role of citizen-led social innovations? How does academia need to change in order to support this approach?
Citizen science involves members of the public participating in scientific research projects in various ways. It can involve unpaid volunteers simply contributing data to projects, but may also allow for more extensive co-creation, where public groups participate in designing studies, methods, and analysis. Crowdsourcing utilizes the collective intelligence of large groups online to analyze large datasets or solve complex problems. Examples discussed include projects in neuroscience that use crowdsourcing to analyze brain images. The document outlines opportunities, challenges and definitions around different models of citizen science. It provides resources for those interested in learning more or getting involved in related projects and discussions.
Evidence of Jet Activity from the Secondary Black Hole in the OJ 287 Binary S...Sérgio Sacani
Wereport the study of a huge optical intraday flare on 2021 November 12 at 2 a.m. UT in the blazar OJ287. In the binary black hole model, it is associated with an impact of the secondary black hole on the accretion disk of the primary. Our multifrequency observing campaign was set up to search for such a signature of the impact based on a prediction made 8 yr earlier. The first I-band results of the flare have already been reported by Kishore et al. (2024). Here we combine these data with our monitoring in the R-band. There is a big change in the R–I spectral index by 1.0 ±0.1 between the normal background and the flare, suggesting a new component of radiation. The polarization variation during the rise of the flare suggests the same. The limits on the source size place it most reasonably in the jet of the secondary BH. We then ask why we have not seen this phenomenon before. We show that OJ287 was never before observed with sufficient sensitivity on the night when the flare should have happened according to the binary model. We also study the probability that this flare is just an oversized example of intraday variability using the Krakow data set of intense monitoring between 2015 and 2023. We find that the occurrence of a flare of this size and rapidity is unlikely. In machine-readable Tables 1 and 2, we give the full orbit-linked historical light curve of OJ287 as well as the dense monitoring sample of Krakow.
Microbial interaction
Microorganisms interacts with each other and can be physically associated with another organisms in a variety of ways.
One organism can be located on the surface of another organism as an ectobiont or located within another organism as endobiont.
Microbial interaction may be positive such as mutualism, proto-cooperation, commensalism or may be negative such as parasitism, predation or competition
Types of microbial interaction
Positive interaction: mutualism, proto-cooperation, commensalism
Negative interaction: Ammensalism (antagonism), parasitism, predation, competition
I. Mutualism:
It is defined as the relationship in which each organism in interaction gets benefits from association. It is an obligatory relationship in which mutualist and host are metabolically dependent on each other.
Mutualistic relationship is very specific where one member of association cannot be replaced by another species.
Mutualism require close physical contact between interacting organisms.
Relationship of mutualism allows organisms to exist in habitat that could not occupied by either species alone.
Mutualistic relationship between organisms allows them to act as a single organism.
Examples of mutualism:
i. Lichens:
Lichens are excellent example of mutualism.
They are the association of specific fungi and certain genus of algae. In lichen, fungal partner is called mycobiont and algal partner is called
II. Syntrophism:
It is an association in which the growth of one organism either depends on or improved by the substrate provided by another organism.
In syntrophism both organism in association gets benefits.
Compound A
Utilized by population 1
Compound B
Utilized by population 2
Compound C
utilized by both Population 1+2
Products
In this theoretical example of syntrophism, population 1 is able to utilize and metabolize compound A, forming compound B but cannot metabolize beyond compound B without co-operation of population 2. Population 2is unable to utilize compound A but it can metabolize compound B forming compound C. Then both population 1 and 2 are able to carry out metabolic reaction which leads to formation of end product that neither population could produce alone.
Examples of syntrophism:
i. Methanogenic ecosystem in sludge digester
Methane produced by methanogenic bacteria depends upon interspecies hydrogen transfer by other fermentative bacteria.
Anaerobic fermentative bacteria generate CO2 and H2 utilizing carbohydrates which is then utilized by methanogenic bacteria (Methanobacter) to produce methane.
ii. Lactobacillus arobinosus and Enterococcus faecalis:
In the minimal media, Lactobacillus arobinosus and Enterococcus faecalis are able to grow together but not alone.
The synergistic relationship between E. faecalis and L. arobinosus occurs in which E. faecalis require folic acid
Anti-Universe And Emergent Gravity and the Dark UniverseSérgio Sacani
Recent theoretical progress indicates that spacetime and gravity emerge together from the entanglement structure of an underlying microscopic theory. These ideas are best understood in Anti-de Sitter space, where they rely on the area law for entanglement entropy. The extension to de Sitter space requires taking into account the entropy and temperature associated with the cosmological horizon. Using insights from string theory, black hole physics and quantum information theory we argue that the positive dark energy leads to a thermal volume law contribution to the entropy that overtakes the area law precisely at the cosmological horizon. Due to the competition between area and volume law entanglement the microscopic de Sitter states do not thermalise at sub-Hubble scales: they exhibit memory effects in the form of an entropy displacement caused by matter. The emergent laws of gravity contain an additional ‘dark’ gravitational force describing the ‘elastic’ response due to the entropy displacement. We derive an estimate of the strength of this extra force in terms of the baryonic mass, Newton’s constant and the Hubble acceleration scale a0 = cH0, and provide evidence for the fact that this additional ‘dark gravity force’ explains the observed phenomena in galaxies and clusters currently attributed to dark matter.
Discovery of An Apparent Red, High-Velocity Type Ia Supernova at 𝐳 = 2.9 wi...Sérgio Sacani
We present the JWST discovery of SN 2023adsy, a transient object located in a host galaxy JADES-GS
+
53.13485
−
27.82088
with a host spectroscopic redshift of
2.903
±
0.007
. The transient was identified in deep James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)/NIRCam imaging from the JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey (JADES) program. Photometric and spectroscopic followup with NIRCam and NIRSpec, respectively, confirm the redshift and yield UV-NIR light-curve, NIR color, and spectroscopic information all consistent with a Type Ia classification. Despite its classification as a likely SN Ia, SN 2023adsy is both fairly red (
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∼
0.9
) despite a host galaxy with low-extinction and has a high Ca II velocity (
19
,
000
±
2
,
000
km/s) compared to the general population of SNe Ia. While these characteristics are consistent with some Ca-rich SNe Ia, particularly SN 2016hnk, SN 2023adsy is intrinsically brighter than the low-
�
Ca-rich population. Although such an object is too red for any low-
�
cosmological sample, we apply a fiducial standardization approach to SN 2023adsy and find that the SN 2023adsy luminosity distance measurement is in excellent agreement (
≲
1
�
) with
Λ
CDM. Therefore unlike low-
�
Ca-rich SNe Ia, SN 2023adsy is standardizable and gives no indication that SN Ia standardized luminosities change significantly with redshift. A larger sample of distant SNe Ia is required to determine if SN Ia population characteristics at high-
�
truly diverge from their low-
�
counterparts, and to confirm that standardized luminosities nevertheless remain constant with redshift.
Candidate young stellar objects in the S-cluster: Kinematic analysis of a sub...Sérgio Sacani
Context. The observation of several L-band emission sources in the S cluster has led to a rich discussion of their nature. However, a definitive answer to the classification of the dusty objects requires an explanation for the detection of compact Doppler-shifted Brγ emission. The ionized hydrogen in combination with the observation of mid-infrared L-band continuum emission suggests that most of these sources are embedded in a dusty envelope. These embedded sources are part of the S-cluster, and their relationship to the S-stars is still under debate. To date, the question of the origin of these two populations has been vague, although all explanations favor migration processes for the individual cluster members. Aims. This work revisits the S-cluster and its dusty members orbiting the supermassive black hole SgrA* on bound Keplerian orbits from a kinematic perspective. The aim is to explore the Keplerian parameters for patterns that might imply a nonrandom distribution of the sample. Additionally, various analytical aspects are considered to address the nature of the dusty sources. Methods. Based on the photometric analysis, we estimated the individual H−K and K−L colors for the source sample and compared the results to known cluster members. The classification revealed a noticeable contrast between the S-stars and the dusty sources. To fit the flux-density distribution, we utilized the radiative transfer code HYPERION and implemented a young stellar object Class I model. We obtained the position angle from the Keplerian fit results; additionally, we analyzed the distribution of the inclinations and the longitudes of the ascending node. Results. The colors of the dusty sources suggest a stellar nature consistent with the spectral energy distribution in the near and midinfrared domains. Furthermore, the evaporation timescales of dusty and gaseous clumps in the vicinity of SgrA* are much shorter ( 2yr) than the epochs covered by the observations (≈15yr). In addition to the strong evidence for the stellar classification of the D-sources, we also find a clear disk-like pattern following the arrangements of S-stars proposed in the literature. Furthermore, we find a global intrinsic inclination for all dusty sources of 60 ± 20◦, implying a common formation process. Conclusions. The pattern of the dusty sources manifested in the distribution of the position angles, inclinations, and longitudes of the ascending node strongly suggests two different scenarios: the main-sequence stars and the dusty stellar S-cluster sources share a common formation history or migrated with a similar formation channel in the vicinity of SgrA*. Alternatively, the gravitational influence of SgrA* in combination with a massive perturber, such as a putative intermediate mass black hole in the IRS 13 cluster, forces the dusty objects and S-stars to follow a particular orbital arrangement. Key words. stars: black holes– stars: formation– Galaxy: center– galaxies: star formation
Mending Clothing to Support Sustainable Fashion_CIMaR 2024.pdfSelcen Ozturkcan
Ozturkcan, S., Berndt, A., & Angelakis, A. (2024). Mending clothing to support sustainable fashion. Presented at the 31st Annual Conference by the Consortium for International Marketing Research (CIMaR), 10-13 Jun 2024, University of Gävle, Sweden.
Signatures of wave erosion in Titan’s coastsSérgio Sacani
The shorelines of Titan’s hydrocarbon seas trace flooded erosional landforms such as river valleys; however, it isunclear whether coastal erosion has subsequently altered these shorelines. Spacecraft observations and theo-retical models suggest that wind may cause waves to form on Titan’s seas, potentially driving coastal erosion,but the observational evidence of waves is indirect, and the processes affecting shoreline evolution on Titanremain unknown. No widely accepted framework exists for using shoreline morphology to quantitatively dis-cern coastal erosion mechanisms, even on Earth, where the dominant mechanisms are known. We combinelandscape evolution models with measurements of shoreline shape on Earth to characterize how differentcoastal erosion mechanisms affect shoreline morphology. Applying this framework to Titan, we find that theshorelines of Titan’s seas are most consistent with flooded landscapes that subsequently have been eroded bywaves, rather than a uniform erosional process or no coastal erosion, particularly if wave growth saturates atfetch lengths of tens of kilometers.
SDSS1335+0728: The awakening of a ∼ 106M⊙ black hole⋆Sérgio Sacani
Context. The early-type galaxy SDSS J133519.91+072807.4 (hereafter SDSS1335+0728), which had exhibited no prior optical variations during the preceding two decades, began showing significant nuclear variability in the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) alert stream from December 2019 (as ZTF19acnskyy). This variability behaviour, coupled with the host-galaxy properties, suggests that SDSS1335+0728 hosts a ∼ 106M⊙ black hole (BH) that is currently in the process of ‘turning on’. Aims. We present a multi-wavelength photometric analysis and spectroscopic follow-up performed with the aim of better understanding the origin of the nuclear variations detected in SDSS1335+0728. Methods. We used archival photometry (from WISE, 2MASS, SDSS, GALEX, eROSITA) and spectroscopic data (from SDSS and LAMOST) to study the state of SDSS1335+0728 prior to December 2019, and new observations from Swift, SOAR/Goodman, VLT/X-shooter, and Keck/LRIS taken after its turn-on to characterise its current state. We analysed the variability of SDSS1335+0728 in the X-ray/UV/optical/mid-infrared range, modelled its spectral energy distribution prior to and after December 2019, and studied the evolution of its UV/optical spectra. Results. From our multi-wavelength photometric analysis, we find that: (a) since 2021, the UV flux (from Swift/UVOT observations) is four times brighter than the flux reported by GALEX in 2004; (b) since June 2022, the mid-infrared flux has risen more than two times, and the W1−W2 WISE colour has become redder; and (c) since February 2024, the source has begun showing X-ray emission. From our spectroscopic follow-up, we see that (i) the narrow emission line ratios are now consistent with a more energetic ionising continuum; (ii) broad emission lines are not detected; and (iii) the [OIII] line increased its flux ∼ 3.6 years after the first ZTF alert, which implies a relatively compact narrow-line-emitting region. Conclusions. We conclude that the variations observed in SDSS1335+0728 could be either explained by a ∼ 106M⊙ AGN that is just turning on or by an exotic tidal disruption event (TDE). If the former is true, SDSS1335+0728 is one of the strongest cases of an AGNobserved in the process of activating. If the latter were found to be the case, it would correspond to the longest and faintest TDE ever observed (or another class of still unknown nuclear transient). Future observations of SDSS1335+0728 are crucial to further understand its behaviour. Key words. galaxies: active– accretion, accretion discs– galaxies: individual: SDSS J133519.91+072807.4
(June 12, 2024) Webinar: Development of PET theranostics targeting the molecu...Scintica Instrumentation
Targeting Hsp90 and its pathogen Orthologs with Tethered Inhibitors as a Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategy for cancer and infectious diseases with Dr. Timothy Haystead.
Describing and Interpreting an Immersive Learning Case with the Immersion Cub...Leonel Morgado
Current descriptions of immersive learning cases are often difficult or impossible to compare. This is due to a myriad of different options on what details to include, which aspects are relevant, and on the descriptive approaches employed. Also, these aspects often combine very specific details with more general guidelines or indicate intents and rationales without clarifying their implementation. In this paper we provide a method to describe immersive learning cases that is structured to enable comparisons, yet flexible enough to allow researchers and practitioners to decide which aspects to include. This method leverages a taxonomy that classifies educational aspects at three levels (uses, practices, and strategies) and then utilizes two frameworks, the Immersive Learning Brain and the Immersion Cube, to enable a structured description and interpretation of immersive learning cases. The method is then demonstrated on a published immersive learning case on training for wind turbine maintenance using virtual reality. Applying the method results in a structured artifact, the Immersive Learning Case Sheet, that tags the case with its proximal uses, practices, and strategies, and refines the free text case description to ensure that matching details are included. This contribution is thus a case description method in support of future comparative research of immersive learning cases. We then discuss how the resulting description and interpretation can be leveraged to change immersion learning cases, by enriching them (considering low-effort changes or additions) or innovating (exploring more challenging avenues of transformation). The method holds significant promise to support better-grounded research in immersive learning.
7. “This project can be commended for teaming up
public engagement, using popular accessible and
accessible platforms, with scientific discovery,
encouraging widespread interest in responding to a
critical threat of the devastation caused by
dementia…”
The Lancet (Medical Journal)
24. Sara Ahmad, Maya Angelou, Emmanuel Bajiiji, James Baldwin, Nancy
Barrett, Yael Bartana, Cilla Baynes, Antonio Benitez, Marc Boothe,
Sybille Bruun, Sophie Bruun, Felicity Callard, Maya Chowdhry,
Caroline Coates, Kimberle Crenshaw, Angela Davies, Kim Dambaek,
Aneez Esmail, Vicky Featherstone, Paul Freire, Karen Gabay, Tracy
Gentles, Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors and Opal Tometi, Stuart Hall,
bell hooks, Billie Holiday, Jackie Kay, Christopher Lebron, Celeste
Liddle, Brian Lobel, Audre Lorde, Bianca Manu, Nnena McKenzie,
John McGrath, Steve McQueen, Michaela Parnell, Else Ochu, Ellen
Ochu, Thomas Ochu, Imo Otoro, Mahboobeh Rajabi, Cindy Regalado,
Pussy Riot, Anita Shervington, Solange, Sara Wajid, Caroline Ward,
Michele Wallace, Hayley Walsh, Colette Williams and Malcolm X, to
name but a few.
Editor's Notes
This is a demo of the game just to show you how it works. Let’s give it a go.
Does it restart in the same place? The example is an example where the correct answer is FALSE – the music does not pick up exactly four seconds after it stops (instead it picks up 19 seconds after it stops).
And so to the results… how quickly did the public recognise a tune and which ones?
In terms of social outcomes the public engagement was recognised alongside the scientific findings in the medical journal, The Lancet.