#scienceandtechnologymeeting — Public Fediverse posts

Rosalind Franklin: The Triumph and the Tragedy

🗓️ Start: Wed 13 May 2026 10:30 am
⏳ End: Wed 13 May 2026 12:00 pm

In 1953, the scientific world was abuzz with the discovery of the structure of DNA by James Watson & Francis Crick, but back then, few were aware that it was only made possible by the painstaking work of another, equally brilliant scientist who, as a woman in what was still largely a man’s world, had long struggled to be taken seriously. She would go on to make ground-breaking discoveries in the study of viruses, until, in 1958, she was tragically cut down in her prime by cancer. She was just 37. Had she lived, who knows what else she might have accomplished, but her moving story – told here by Barry Zussman (Torridge u3a) – would become her greatest legacy, and an inspiration for women in science everywhere.

To view the recording, click here… ‘Rosalind Franklin: The Triumph & The Tragedy’
(recordings are for personal/private use only – please do not share this link)

To contact us about the Science & Technology group, click here… Get in touch

https://u3acommunities.org/event/rosalind-franklin-the-triumph-and-the-tragedy/

Rosalind Franklin: The Triumph and the Tragedy

🗓️ Start: Wed 13 May 2026 10:30 am
⏳ End: Wed 13 May 2026 12:00 pm

In 1953, the scientific world was abuzz with the discovery of the structure of DNA by James Watson & Francis Crick, but back then, few were aware that it was only made possible by the painstaking work of another, equally brilliant scientist who, as a woman in what was still largely a man’s world, had long struggled to be taken seriously. She would go on to make ground-breaking discoveries in the study of viruses, until, in 1958, she was tragically cut down in her prime by cancer. She was just 37. Had she lived, who knows what else she might have accomplished, but her moving story – told here by Barry Zussman (Torridge u3a) – would become her greatest legacy, and an inspiration for women in science everywhere.

To view the recording, click here… ‘Rosalind Franklin: The Triumph & The Tragedy’
(recordings are for personal/private use only – please do not share this link)

To contact us about the Science & Technology group, click here… Get in touch

https://u3acommunities.org/event/rosalind-franklin-the-triumph-and-the-tragedy/

Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

🗓️ Start: Wed 8 Apr 2026 10:30 am
⏳ End: Wed 8 Apr 2026 12:00 pm

Over the next decade, AI is set to transform healthcare by introducing machines with human-like intelligence that operate with greater speed and cost-efficiency than traditional methods. This technological shift spans from wearable hardware, such as AI-powered hearing-aids and spectacles, to core functions like diagnosing medical conditions, discovering new drugs, and tailoring personalised treatment plans. Beyond patient care, AI will streamline NHS administration and enhance public health screening initiatives, supported by significant financial backing such as the government’s £10bn AI Investment Programme commitment through 2028/29. In this wide-ranging presentation, Ian Hawker (East Suffolk u3a) will explore just some of these exciting opportunities.

To view the recording, click here… ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare’
(recordings are for personal/private use only – please do not share this link)

https://u3acommunities.org/event/artificial-intelligence-in-healthcare/

The Man Who Caught a Million Criminals: The Invention of DNA Fingerprinting

🗓️ Start: Wed 11 Mar 2026 10:30 am
⏳ End: Wed 11 Mar 2026 12:00 pm

This month, we welcome guest speaker Dr Ian Goodall, to talk to us about the invention of DNA fingerprinting, and the British scientist who pioneered the technique, back in the 1980’s. It was first used to solve a notorious double murder/rape case in Leicestershire, where the culprit’s devious attempts to avoid detection were thwarted by the new technology, and he’s still in jail today. Ian will also take a look at other high-profile investigations where DNA fingerprinting played a vital part, such as the OJ Simpson trial, the fate of Russia’s last royal family, and – closer to home – the celebrated ‘King in the car-park’ mystery. It should be fascinating, so why not join us!

To contact us about the Science & Technology group, click here… Get in touch

https://u3acommunities.org/event/the-man-who-caught-a-million-criminals-the-invention-of-dna-fingerprinting/