Aaron Freeman is a renaissance man: a comedian, science enthusiast, and neuroscience instructor. For years he has combined his skills as a comedian with his passion for teaching the world about science. At C2ST Speakeasy he will talk about comedy as a tool for teaching, and how educators can learn a thing or two from comics. C2ST’s own “Comedian-In-Residence” will wax comic about his sci-curious observations on his three favorite subjects. Continue reading “C2ST Speakeasy: “Sex, Science and Jokes” with Aaron Freeman”

It is well-known that there is strong relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and health outcomes. What is behind this association and why does it matter? In this talk, Dr. Tallman will speak about the links between SES and health outcomes and how psychological stress may be a key factor in understanding the SES gradient in health.

Continue reading “C2ST Speakeasy: “Why Being Poor Can Also Make You Sick” with Dr. Paula Skye Tallman”

The human body is inhabited with trillions of microorganisms, many of which live in the gastrointestinal tract. These microorganisms in the gut are referred to as the gut microbiota and recent research findings indicate that they play a major role in the development of obesity and cardiovascular disease. Continue reading “C2ST Speakeasy: “Diet, Gut Bacteria, and Metabolic Disease: Strategies to Promote Healthy Microbial Communities” with Dr. Kristina Martinez”

In the robotics community, there is considerable interest in mobile robots that can climb and perch on a wide variety of building surfaces. Both climbing and perching robots can be useful for sensor placement and long-term surveillance. The key is the design of controllable attachment mechanisms that can easily turn the adhesion on and off to allow the robot to move on the surface. Continue reading “C2ST Speakeasy: “Bio-Inspired Climbing Robots” with Dr. Matthew Spenko”

The use and abuse of substances that change the way we feel is a human tendency documented throughout history. This tendency was often explained from viewpoints of spirituality, will-power and morality. Modern science is reshaping this dialogue, bringing the neurobiology of emotion, judgement and reward to this conversation. Continue reading “C2ST Speakeasy “The Neuroscience of Addiction” with Dr. Celeste Napier”