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Sleep is a pretty important thing. We simply cannot live without it. So what can we do when our surroundings make it harder to get enough? Meanwhile, in Africa,you'll hear about a little bit of history of disease followed by modern day repercussions.
The role of natural and electrical light exposure on sleep
Dr Nayantara Santhi
(Research Fellow)
Our sleep-wake cycle is determined by biology, environmental factors, particularly natural and electrical light exposure, and social constraints. In the far northern and southern latitudes, seasonal changes dictate differences in day length, which determines overall light exposure and therefore sleep schedules. This effect is compounded by changes from Standard time to Daylight Savings time, which is a matter of intense debate all over the world today. In my talk I will explore, how our sleep is affected by these factors, highlighting the effects of switching permanently in DST, a proposal now
The politics of disease – from molecules to colonies
Michael Clarke-Whittet
(PHD Student)
African sleeping sickness in humans is caused by a single-celled organism transferred by the bite of an insect, much like malaria. Unlike malaria, however, death is a certainty if untreated. Humans evolved in Africa, our oldest ancestors found their homes there, and we developed social structures that protected us from diseases like African sleeping sickness.
Some people found different ways to live and structure their societies – such as in the Middle East and Europe. When Europeans returned, as colonists and adventurists, they catalysed huge shifts that had unforeseen consequences.
Some people found different ways to live and structure their societies – such as in the Middle East and Europe. When Europeans returned, as colonists and adventurists, they catalysed huge shifts that had unforeseen consequences.
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