Not an easy topic for first thing on a Saturday morning, Deadly Divisions probably had a tough crowd but put on a great show of explaining the stark effects of social deprivation on health and longevity. The speakers hammer home the theories that not only do people suffer from more health problems when in economically challenging settings, but the health and well-being of whole societies appears to be skewed by the level of inequality between the top and bottom earners.
Feeding the 9 Billion took the form of a panel discussion, exploring the challenges and solutions surrounding feeding a growing world population using finite land and resources. We get a Scottish perspective on food production and consider the technical and ethical questions behind our future food supply.
The Victorian Science Spectacular was really just what it said in the tin! Delivered by scientists kitted out in dapper 19th Century fashions, the presenting team wove together two hours of tall tales with showcases of groundbreaking ‘new’ discoveries including the shockingly complex cinematograph. The talks were topped off with a thrilling show of chemical mischief, as we investigated the effects of various gases on a flame, and were treated to a selection of carefully constructed flashes and bangs!
The Story of the Continents with Iain Stewart was a laid-back stroll through the concept behind, and teaser clips of, Iain’s new TV series in which he explains the geology of our continents and investigates the geological processes which have formed them over deep-time. Iain is haphazard but unfailingly adorable in his presenting style, bringing his mischievous subtle injections of humour in to some of my favourite topics.
The End of the World Party rolled out before us like the apocalyptic rave it was intended to emulate: housed in a tunnel underneath Aberdeen city centre, accessed through ominous poly tunnels. Invitees were asked to don hazards suits and fashion suitable protection against deadly viruses, nuclear fallout and all of the other possible nasties which we may face over the evening. A heady mix of playdough modelling, experimental noise music and tinted lab goggles coalesced in to a suitably surreal night, proving scientists really do know how to party. (At least if the world were about to end…)
