Life Force
It’s 150 years since Charles Darwin published his world-changing book that illuminated how environmental pressures can shape organisms. This summer season we explore some of these forces, both natural and man-made, and unpick the effects they can have.
We look at how colours influence our moods and how the changing seasons affect life on Earth. We’ll explore how we can modify ourselves as we ask whether computers are rewiring teenagers’ brains and delve into how human migration can be tracked through our genes. And finally we explore attempts to mimic natural forces by creating artificial evolution.
events
Rewired Teens?
6 May 2009, 19:00 - 20:45
Game consoles, Facebook, Google… Are teenagers’ computer and web habits changing the way their brains work? And is this a good or a bad thing? Come and discuss with Kenan Malik and other experts in the field.
Life: In Colour
4 June 2009, 19:00 - 20:45
The hues of the world around us are a big part of our lives. How do we perceive colours? And can they actually affect our mood? Find out about chromotherapy, daltonism, pigments and other colourful things.
Man Made
10 June 2009, 19:00 - 20:45
Dana does its unique take on Darwin year by looking at selective pressures created by humans rather than nature. Travelling from artificial evolution to synthetic biology, via cloning and human enhancement, we discuss the technological advances and ethics of man-made evolution.
Seasons of Life
11 June 2009, 19:00 - 20:45
What effect do the seasons have on our wellbeing? And how does the season of our birth affect our subsequent life chances? Find out more about how organisms have evolved to the ebb and flow of a natural world full of rhythm.