SRAP-IEAP was again sponsor of the international festival Pint of Science in 2018. Five of our members presented science talks, one in Canberra and four in Sydney, between Monday 14th and Wednesday 16th of May. All the details are in the image below.
The details of the speakers and their talks are:
— Ana Monserrat-Martinez (EMBL Australia – UNSW)
Title: What if antibiotics cannot be used anymore? A new Swiss army knife to fight superbugs (BODY)
Abstract: Since the discovery of penicillin in the early 20th century, followed by the emergence of other novel antibiotics, mortality rates in developed countries due to infectious diseases have decreased. However, not even a hundred years later, the therapeutic alternatives to treat infections have dropped. Resistant bacteria (also called superbugs) have appeared after decades of misusing antibiotics. The increase of the number of resistant species together with scarce new molecules discovered to fight them back is threatening public health worldwide. If we don’t jump into action, we may face soon the (scary) possibility of a future without effective antibiotics.
— Eva Fernandez Fernandez (University of Technology Sydney)
Title: From the Great Barrier Reef to Antarctica; studying the ocean to understand climate (EARTH).
Abstract: Through scientific trips to the Great Barrier Reef and Antarctica, we will discover that the tiny cells of plankton that live in the ocean have an important effect on climate.
— Francisco Sanchez-Bayo (School of Life & Environmental Sciences | The University of Sydney)
Title: Causes of biodiversity declines in bees, birds and bats. (EARTH)
Abstract: Entomologists, ornithologists and zoologists are alarmed at the recent declines in bees, birds and bats species over the world. Proposed causes include climate change, habitat destruction, human persecution and agricultural pesticides. I’ll give an overview of these possible drivers with specific examples of recent species declines and extinctions.
— Nekane Reta (UNISA Sydney)
Title: Nanotechnology in everyday life (TECH)
Abstract: From clothing to sport gear, nanotechnology plays an important role in the manufacture of numerous products that we employ in our everyday life. The aim of this presentation is to give an overview of how these Nanotechnologies impacts in our life.
Nekane Reta in Pint of Science 2018.
— Teresa Gonzalez de Chavez Capilla (Institute for Applied Ecology de la University of Canberra)
Title: Arsenolipids: the hidden chemistry in your seafood
Abstract: Arsenolipids are arsenic compounds present in seaweed, fish and crustaceans. They have been found to be toxic to humans but what does it happen to them when ingested in food? Do they survive the gut? My research shows what happens with arsenolipids when ingested in a food matrix (i.e. krill oil) and how are they biotransformed in liver cells to other arsenic compounds, together with the consequences of the process.
In addition, our member Ángel López-Sánchez (local coordinator for Pint of Science 2018) also participated as MC in the events for “ATOMS” in Sydney on May 14th and 15th.
Ángel López-Sánchez (middle) and the rest of team “Atoms Sydney” for Pint of Science 2018.