Science Snippets continue to liven up lunch hour
In today’s talk, leading scientists will share their inspiring research covering fascinating topics from astrophysics to the role of sexual selection in human evolution and protecting the Earth's atmosphere.
Dr Sasha Wilson, a geochemist specialised in environmental mineralogy, will discuss the development of a bioreactor that can destroy asbestos and trap carbon dioxide from the Earth's atmosphere.
“The mineral waste from some mines naturally traps the greenhouse gas CO2 from Earth's atmosphere,” Dr Wilson said.
“This process naturally destroys a potentially hazardous mineral, fibrous chrysotile, while producing environmentally benign minerals that trap and store CO2, thus killing two pollutants with one stone.”
Dr Wilson, together with Monash students and collaborators at the University of Queensland and the University of British Columbia, are investigating geochemical and microbiological strategies to accelerate this natural process so it can be developed as a technology for CO2 sequestration.
Research by Dr Bob Wong, from the School of Biological Sciences, focuses on the evolution of animal mating and behaviour, and how investment in sex influences reproductive strategies and diversity.
Dr Wong will discuss his recently published research into the controversial idea that female preferences may have influenced the evolution of the human penis. He will explain how penis size together with body shape and height affects a man's attractiveness to women.
“Female mate choice is a potent evolutionary force responsible for some of the most spectacular traits and behaviours found in nature – from the elaborate plumes of the bird-of-paradise to sexual cannibalism in praying mantis,” Dr Wong said.
Dr Yuri Levin, from the School of Physics, will talk on supermassive black holes that live in centres of galaxies.
“Our own Galaxy, the Milky Way, has one that weighs four million times as much as the Sun. I will talk about the stars that orbit around this black hole, and show some insightful movies,” Dr Levin said.
Monash staff and students are encouraged to attend the free lecture. Refreshments are provided. No booking required.
The informal lunch-hour talks are hosted by the Faculty of Science throughout the semester from 12-1pm, and are held in Building 25, lecture theatre S4 at Clayton campus.
The Science Snippet series will return in semester 2, with dates and guest speakers to be announced.
To find out more, visit the Science Snippets website.