Manipulating Matter

Nanomotors and molecular machines lie at the heart of every significant biological process. Over billions of years of evolution Nature has chosen this solution for performing complex tasks. In contrast to biology, none of mankind’s technologies exploit controlled molecular-level motion.
Recently, molecular machines & motors have been built which respond to external stimuli, inducing motion of the tiniest components imaginable. Dave will describe building artificial structures that control & exploit molecular level motion in order to effect other nanostructures & ultimately the outside world.

Shortly after the discovery of radioactivity it was thought to have health benefits, yet now it is considered harmful. Electricity production from nuclear fission can be safely managed providing that we are able to identify and trace radioactive waste products. Louise will discuss myths surrounding radioactivity and show how the fluorescence of uranium can be used to help clean up nuclear wastes in the environment.

We all know that no matter the taste or flavour of the beer…too much can lead to you feeling pretty dreadful the morning after! Hangovers are the price that we pay for our love of beer…but what is a hangover, why do they make us feel the way they do and is there a way to stop them?
Come and discover what it is that gives beers, from mass produced lagers to homebrewed ales, such a huge potential range of tastes and flavours. Whether it’s the specific ingredients that are used or slight variations in preparation, small changes give big results and Chemistry can explain why!