Tag Archives: Technology

Cosmology is at a tipping point – we may be on the verge of discovering new physics

Andreea Font is a Reader in Theoretical Astrophysics, Liverpool John Moores University.

“I am a theoretical cosmologist and my interests are in the formation and evolution of galaxies, in particular in the formation of our own galaxy, the Milky Way. To this aim, I build computer simulations that follow the evolution of Milky Way-type galaxies since their birth until the present time.
I am particularly interested in making detailed comparisons between cosmological simulations of the Milky Way and the most up-to-date observational data in our Galaxy, for example, the data obtained from the Gaia satellite. Examples of my recent work include modelling of stellar haloes of Milky Way-type galaxies and of satellite dwarf galaxies orbiting these systems.
I also have an interest in deciphering the nature of dark matter and, to this aim, I develop models that help us distinguish between various possible dark matter particle candidates using cosmological simulations.”

Seti: how we’re searching for alien life at previously unexplored frequencies

Owen Johnson
“I am an Irish astrophysicist, currently enrolled as a PhD researcher at Trinity College Dublin , jointly supported by UC Berkeley under the supervision of Prof. Evan Keane and Dr. Vishal Gajjar . My research is based on transient astronomical objects using everything from pulsars as gravitational probes to searching large data sets for signs of ET.
I completed my undergraduate degree in Physics with Astronomy and Space Science at University College Dublin (UCD) in 2022. During this time I worked as a research assistant at UC Berkeley. Working primarily using LOw Frequency ARrays (LOFAR) searching for technosignatures, pulsars and FRBs.”

In a future with more ‘mind reading,’ thanks to neurotech, we may need to rethink freedom of thought

Parker Crutchfield is Professor of Medical Ethics, Humanities, and Law, Western Michigan University. He completed his Ph.D. in philosophy at Arizona State University, working in applied ethics, epistemology and the philosophy of science. As Professor in the Department of Medical Ethics, Humanities and law at WMed, Dr. Crutchfield conducts research in medical ethics.

Vital Signs: another world is possible

‘Vital Signs: another world is possible’ is Science Gallery London’s new, free exhibition and events programme. It brings together artists, designers and researchers to explore how the health of the natural world is intimately connected to our own health and wellbeing from the waterways and atmosphere to the ocean floor. Revealing unique perspectives on our surrounding environments through multimedia installations, research collaborations and A Living Library, Vital Signs reinforces that humans are fundamentally a part of nature rather than apart from it.

CSM MA Arts and Science 2024 Show

The MA Art and Science at University of Arts, London is a pioneering course that explores the creative relationships at the intersection of art and science in their broadest forms, examined through an evolving interdisciplinary practice. The MA Art and Science Post-Graduate final show took place on 25th-30th June 2024. Subjects explored include, among other things, biodiversity, ecology and environments; feminism, body transformation and cyberpunk art; cosmologies; biosonification; explorations of identity and extensions of self; interspecies communication; fashion and installation art.

Quantum leap: how we discovered a new way to create a hologram

Hugo Defienne is a Lecturer and Marie Curie Fellow, School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Glasgow.

“I am a lecturer at the University of Glasgow, working with the Xtreme Light research group. I am an experienced researcher in the fields of quantum optics, optical imaging and coplex optical media. My research aims to harness quantum properties of light to develop new applications in imaging, communication and information processing.
I started my career by a PhD in the Kastler-Brossel laboratory in France (2012-2015) during which I pioneered the use of quantum optical states in scattering and complex media. I then extended my research scope to quantum imaging as a postdoc at Princeton University in the USA (2016-2018). There, I initiated a new research direction by merging quantum imaging with structured illumination approaches. In 2019, I was awarded a Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowship (MSCA) and took up a post-doctoral researcher post at the University of Glasgow (UK) to develop quantum communication approaches with single-photon sensitive cameras. In the same year, I secured a position as a lecturer in physics there.”

Babies and animals can’t tell us if they have consciousness – but philosophers and scientists are starting to find answers

Henry Taylor is Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy, University of Birmingham.

“I’m interested in philosophy of cognitive science, philosophy of mind, metaphysics, and robotics. I have worked on perception, consciousness, attention, peripheral vision, the development of scientific concepts, scientific taxonomy, and robotics. Most of my research involves drawing together work from natural science and philosophy.”

Quantum dots are part of a revolution in engineering atoms in useful ways – Nobel Prize for chemistry recognizes the power of nanotechnology

Andrew Maynard is a scientist, author, Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions, and Director of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. His most recent books include Films from the Future: The Technology and Morality of Sci-Fi Movies, and Future Rising: A Journey from the Past to the Edge of Tomorrow.
Dr. Maynard is an elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, serves as co-chair of the Institute for the Advancement of Nutrition and Food Science (IAFNS) Board of Trustees, is a member of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research President’s Research Council, has served on a number of National Academies of Sciences committees, and has testified before congressional committees on several occasions. Trained as a physicist, his work cuts across disciplinary boundaries as it focuses on the ethical and socially responsible development and use of new technologies.