We are delighted to once again bring together the National Science Week program for Victoria in 2019, and warmly invite everyone interested in being a part of our state-wide celebration of all things Science to come along to our information and networking session at the Royal Society of Victoria.
As editor in chief of a science magazine for six years, I’m not sure how I missed the gene therapy revolution. Yes, we did the odd news report on gene therapy, but mostly we were blinded by the deluge of CRISPR publications – a cheap, precise new technique of gene editing that was transforming the ability to genetically modify plants, insects, animals and maybe one day humans. As it turns out this happened in China last November .But it wasn’t just me who missed the gene therapy revolution. It seems most people I speak to about it – including many medical people – hadn’t noticed. The most dramatic example has biblical dimensions. In 2017, the New England Journal of Medicine published the results of a gene therapy trial for children born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). These kids normally develop paralysis and die by the age of two. Instead most were sitting and rolling; some were walking and talking. Is this just a fringe thing? Big Pharma doesn’t think so. Novartis recently paid $US 8.7 billion to purchase – AveXis, the start-up company behind the SMA trial. In this talk, allow me to guide you through the gene therapy revolution and how it is set to disrupt the way medicine is delivered.
Write a short essay on ‘Not-so-smart technology’ and you could win a fantastic set of prizes, including publication in Australia’s top science magazines, a $500 UNSW Bookshop voucher, a subscription to the Australian…
With engineers, anything is possible! To celebrate Engineers Australia’s 100th birthday, we are encouraging Australians to think about how engineering has helped them in all parts of their lives. So,…
Consciousness remains one of the biggest mysteries of the human brain. Our perception of what exists as well as our thoughts, feelings, imaginings and dreams has attempted to be understood by philosophers through conceptual analysis and thought experiments. Neuroscientists have sought to describe it as a biological process of neuronal activity captured by measurable tests of brain activity. Increasingly, philosophers and neuroscientists are joining forces, but consensus is elusive. Do we experience consciousness only while we are awake? Do other animals experience consciousness? Does it fade after brain damage? Are intelligent computers conscious? Is consciousness a process? What is it for? We have invited a neuroscientist and philosopher to share their research and perspectives on consciousness and to provide some guidance on these questions.
The Yarra Ranges community is invited to an afternoon focused on skills, employment and technology as part of Education Week at the Box Hill Institute and Yarra Ranges Tech School.This event will showcase Yarra Ranges Tech School's facilities, technology and programs through workshops and an open house. The learning spaces and technology labs will be accessible for direct interaction by attendees during the tour.Ahead of the tour there will be a panel of key industry representatives who will provide an outline of their industry, the skills being sought and share experiences of their own journeys in the area of STEM, robots and automation.
Write a poem about THE MOON: it could be about travelling to the Moon; some human history or culture that includes our understanding of the Moon; what the Moon has taught…
For centuries artists from many cultures have been inspired by the Moon, the most prominent feature of our night sky. The exhibition includes historical works created when the Moon could only be viewed from afar, works from the era of the 1960s space race, and more contemporary responses informed by the imagery and scientific knowledge acquired through space exploration.
In celebration of our 50th birthday and the Moon landing on 21 July 1969 (Australian Time) we are running a competition to win a small piece of the Moon! Open…
The Radio Amateurs of the Tablelands Radio & Electronics Club, in Far North Queensland are commemorating the 50th year since the Lunar Landing, by operating a special event call sign…
Come and take part in a range of hands on science experiments and explore the world of STEM. For children ages 5-12.
Bring a jar of soil from home and learn how to manage the soil pH levels in your organic garden. You will have the opportunity to test your soil and…
