Big Questions For The Future - podcast cover

Big Questions For The Future

Oxford University•podcasts.ox.ac.uk
Education
This series looks at the Oxford Martin School's academics and how their research is making a difference to our global future. The series will be of interest to people who are concerned about the future for the planet, how civilisation will adapt to emerging problems and issues such as climate change, over population, increased urbanisation of populations and the creation of vaccines to fight against future pandemics. The Oxford Martin School academics explain their various research topics in an accessible and thoughtful way and try to find practical solutions to these issues.
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Episodes

What will buildings of the future look like?

There's a lot that we can learn from the past, using modern materials and approaches, that will improve the design and functionality of new buildings. Professor Steve Rayner comments on the fact that it is the mundane technologies, such as light bulbs and air conditioners, that have been shaping building design.

Aug 20, 2012•3 min

What will be the pros and cons of city life in the future?

As populations increasingly migrate to city centres there are many factors that improve lifestyle - less pollution, fewer road accidents, easier access to medical care. But city infrastructure could do with a rethink says Professor Steve Rayner.

Aug 20, 2012•2 min

How can we deal with the challenge of 'data overload'?

We are reaching a point where computers can no longer cope with the quantity of data collected from cosmological simulations - a problem that will grow, not only in cosmology. Pedro Ferreira and his team are working towards a solution to the problems of data overload.

Aug 20, 2012•1 min

Why do we need 'citizen science'?

Harnessing the general public to help analyse complex data sets is not only helping scientists with galaxy classification. Pedro Ferreira explains how First World War ship's logs are providing invaluable information to climate scientists and social historians.

Aug 20, 2012•2 min

How can nanotechnology address medical problems?

Microscopes with nanometer resolution can test the mechanical properties of cells. Nanoscale 'scaffolds' that mimic the cellular matrix of cells in the body can help regenerate tissue, improve healing mechanisms, and even train the immune system. Sonia Contera describes her work in nanotechnology.

Aug 20, 2012•3 min

What are the primary healthcare issues in resource deprived areas?

The healthcare needs of teenagers in India are the focus of a new study by the George Centre for Healthcare Innovation. By looking at healthcare problems, access to healthcare and the factors that might be associated with future chronic disease, the Centre hopes to determine ways in which to improve global adolescent healthcare.

Aug 20, 2012•3 min

Why is biodiversity so important for humanity?

The biological diversity of life on earth provides all that is essential to the planet as we know it. But there are pressures on that biodiversity, including changing land use and global warming.

Aug 20, 2012•2 min

How serious is our exposure to dangerous infections?

The world has become a safer place because of vaccines but does our increasing connectivity mean the world is getting riskier in terms of our exposure to serious infections? By Professor Adrian Hill, Co-Director, Institute for Vaccine Design.

Aug 20, 2012•1 min

Can we create vaccines fast enough for a future pandemic?

An exploration of how to get from vaccine development to vaccine delivery in time to deal with a health scare such as a fast-moving global pandemic. By Professor Adrian Hill, Co-Director, Institute for Vaccine Design.

Aug 20, 2012•2 min

How can stem cells help in the treatment of cancer?

One of the flipsides of ageing is cancer, characterised by cells that do not age. What can stem cell research learn from cancer cells to help prevent the degenerative illnesses associated with ageing?

Aug 20, 2012•3 min
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