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Science is everywhere, in everything we use, and everything we see. But how can we possibly monitor the importance of atoms and molecules if we can’t see them? Tonight we have two talks from leading researchers doing just that, looking at how things work at the microscopic level and showing how even the tiniest of entities can be incredibly important in life. We will go on a journey through the building of microscopic robots (nanobots) through to how a thin skin of atoms may be saving your life. Bigger isn't always better, but size really does matter.
Molecular Machines 2.0 – why self assembly is the ultimate DIY
Dr Niklaas Buurma
(Lecturer, Physical Organic Chemistry, Cardiff University)
I will talk about molecular machines and the way in which these will build themselves from individual components using directed self assembly. How can we instruct molecules where to go? What does information look like on the molecular scale? What do DNA and the instructions of flat pack furniture have in common?
Why are some atoms more important than others?
Professor Philip Davies
(Professor, Physical Chemistry, Cardiff University)
Our best estimate is that the lives of half the world’s population depend upon a thin skin of atoms surrounding tiny lumps of iron. In this talk I will discuss what’s so special about these atoms and how we can study them?
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