PINT OF SCIENCE
FESTIVAL
22-24 MAY 2023
Pint of Science 2018
Join us from 15th-17th May at FabCafe Bangkok and on the 19th May at FabCafe X TCDC for four great events exploring the intriguing world of science!
We have events in both Thai and English.
Entrance is FREE so why not join us for some exciting entertainment!
Tuesday 15th May
Infection!
We are not alone, and they are coming after us! We live in a bacterial world, but all may not be what it seems. How do doctors and scientists diagnose and combat devastating illnesses caused by these microscopic organisms? This evening will take you around the world of disease, from what may be lurking in your drinks to how we look at the blueprint of an organism.
Survival of Leptospira and Burkholderia pseudomallei in common drinks
Dr Vanaporn Wuthiekanun (Department of Microbiology, MORU)
Fancy a soda? A human pathogen known as Leptospira spp. can survive only for a short period in common commercial drinks (such as soda, beer and energy drinks) while another, Burkholderia pseudomallei, can survive longer. Both pathogens survive in cold drinks longer at 4°C than at 37°C. What does this mean for your favourite drink?
Signatures of Selection
Professor Olivo Miotto (Centre for Genomics and Global Health, MORU)
We see evidence of genetic selection in everyday life: it has produced Chihuahuas and Dalmatians, lengthened the neck of giraffes, developed fast-growing chickens and beautiful orchids, amongst other things. Here, we dig into the mechanisms underlying selection, explore the evidence that humans themselves are subject to selection, and understand how we can use our knowledge about selection in the fight against disease.
Resistance to antibiotics: slowing down to win the race
Dr Thomas Althaus (Economic & Translational Research Group, MORU)
Resistance to antibiotics is meant to become the first cause of mortality in the next decades, before cancer or cardio-vascular diseases. Where does this global threat come from, who are the main actors, and what realistic options do he have left?
Wednesday 16th May
Microwaves and Microbes
From physics to biology, we explore a universe of exciting research right from the very beginning with the Big Bang, to some of the universe's more deadliest inhabitants (and why we want to avoid infection), and finally finishing with why would we want an infection...
Why is the sky dark at night?
Dr. Rob Knoops
(Particle Physics Research Laboratory, Chulalongkorn University)
Recent observations of the Cosmic Microwave Background allow researchers to learn about the universe at its earliest stages, the ‘bang’ in the big bang, and how the universe became like it is today
Bacterial morphology: why bacteria care how they look?
Suparat Giengkam (Department of Microbiology, MORU)
Scrub typhus is a life-threatening human disease transmitted by a tiny mite. This bacterial infection is found in Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia but relatively little is known about it. The shape of the bacterium is extremely important and can affect its survival; different shapes can help it to eat, divide, attach, move or differentiate, the bacteria can benefit from adopting an appropriate shape.
Controlled Human Malaria Infection studies
Professor Nick Day (Director, MORU)
Is it ethical to deliberately infect someone with malaria? Professor Nick Day reveals why it might be necessary for the research and development of vaccines and drugs for malaria
Thursday 17th May
Our World
From synthetic biology and bioengineering novel enzymes, to the complex shapes and structures found in nature, to the bizarre predatory worm invading Thailand which harbors something even more deadly...Welcome to our complex world!
Turning Passion in Enzymes into Innovations
Professor Pimchai Chaiyen
(Mahidol University & Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology)
Welcome to the world of “Enzyme Engineering” and synthetic biology. Modifying enzymes can open up a world of innovation; from fundamental research to novel inventions and applications that benefit society and industry. Join us to discover how a small enzyme can mean big business.
Invasive species, New Guinea Flatworm and Its Potential Role of Eosinophilic Meningoencephalitis in Thailand
Dr Kittipong Chaisiri (Department of Helminthology, Mahidol University)
The invasive New Guinea flatworm (Platydermus manokwari) is recently reported for the first time in Thailand. With its bizarre biology and capacity to harbour infective stage larvae of lungworm (Angiostrongylus), a nematode causing eosinophilic meningoencephalitis in humans, this flatworm potentially plays an important role in epidemiology of the disease in Thailand.
มนุษย์ !
Hidden Messages behind Beautiful Biological Structures
Dr Puey Ounjai
(Center of Nanoimaging & Department of Biology, Mahidol University)
Have you ever wondered how things happen in nature? Why do sperm move the way they do or what is the secret mechanism behind virus infection? In this talk, we will explore the power of multiscale imaging and the secret messages hidden inside the images.
Thursday 17th May
มนุษย์ !
Join us for a tour of Humans! We'll be exploring the historical locations of early Thai cultures, discussing one of the most important infections in the world, and discovering what 'data-sharing' really means. Held at FabCafe X TCDC.
Sea-level Changes and Its Problematics on Studying Dvaravati Culture
ระดับทะเลที่เปลี่ยนไป กับปัญหาในการศึกษาวัฒนธรรมทวารวดี
Dr Trongjai Hutangkura
(Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre)
Major cities of the Dvaravati culture (6th – 10th centuries) had been believed to be port towns on the Lower Central Plain of Thailand. However, a number of recent studies show that the palaeo-shoreline that reached these cities belong to the early phase of the Holocene Maximum Transgression, around 7000 years earlier. Therefore, how do we find the approximate locations of the palaeo-shoreline relating to the Dvaravati?
HIV/AIDS: Myths vs Evidence
โรคเอขไอวี/เอดส์: ความเชื่อ กับ หลักฐานทางวิทยาศาสตร์
Dr Rapheephan Maude (Department of Epidemiology, MORU)
There are many myths about HIV/AIDS. This talk will explore and dispel some common myths regarding HIV prevention and treatment using evidence from new scientific developments. Current and future trends in HIV research will be discussed.
What we know and what we should know about research and fieldwork
Ravikanya Praphasavat (MORU)
Details to follow.
