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NASA: For the benefit of all?
How has NASA changed under the Trump administration and what future exists for it in an increasingly uncertain world? Will NASA serve the public imagination for much longer or are its days numbered? Having just resigned, after only 6 months, from his position at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center at the end of November, Dr Graeme Eddolls will highlight the recent attacks on NASA and wider science, offering an insider perspective of what it was like to operate as a…
Find out more »Why do I need therapy? I have artificial intelligence
When things are hard, who do you turn to? While answers vary, only in the last few years has a common response become artificial intelligence (AI). With recent developments in generative-AI chatbots (such as ChatGPT), more people are seeking support and companionship from digital services without a human in the loop. These technologies can reach individuals in contexts where waiting lists for professional therapists are long - or where no therapist is available at all. However, how do we know…
Find out more »Are we failing our athletes? Subtle blows, not so subtle blows, and lasting damage
What is the current state of play of various sports related to concussion and sub-concussive impacts? Michael Leavitt will explore the repeated failings at the highest level of sport managing concussion. He will also discuss the nuance regarding youth concussion. In addition, we can explore sub concussive impacts, why they are important to understand, what the current research shows and where the direction of travel is. About the speaker: Michael currently serves as the Programme Leader for Physiotherapy and a…
Find out more »Michael Marshall – Using data to counter quackery and alternative medicine
As skeptics, it's easy for us to warn people about the harms of alternative medicine at an individual level, but what can we do when quackery is being pushed by authorities, or when the problem is to widespread for a one-on-one approach? From NHS homeopathy to midwifery alt-med, via quack charities and dubious overseas cancer clinics, professional skeptical investigator Michael Marshall will explain how a dogged approach to analysing publicly-available data can help us understand what we're up against, and…
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